The ups and downs of a family road trip

A road trip with your family can be a wonderful bonding experience. But like any family adventure, it comes with both ups and downs. If you’ve got young or teenage boys, you’re in for an exciting, sometimes chaotic journey. We take a look at the benefits and potential pitfalls to keep in mind.

The Good Bits

Quality Bonding Time. With less screen time and fewer distractions, a road trip creates an opportunity to truly connect. Whether it’s chatting about life, reminiscing about past holidays, or teaching the kids about the world outside, this time can help strengthen your relationship.

Learning Opportunities. Road trips are packed with chances for learning. From navigating with maps (even digital ones) to discovering local history and culture at pit stops, these experiences can spark curiosity and expand your son’s horizons.

Independence. The long hours on the road can teach valuable life skills like patience, flexibility, and teamwork. Kids often have a chance to step up and contribute—whether that’s choosing music, helping with directions, or keeping track of the time.

The Bad Bits

Tired and Cranky Kids. Sitting in a car for hours on end can lead to restless and irritable kids. Boys often need frequent breaks to burn off energy. Be prepared for moments when “Are we there yet?” becomes the soundtrack of your journey.

Teenage Tension. With a mix of ages, there can be moments of sibling rivalry, especially when personal space becomes an issue. The challenge of keeping everyone happy can be exhausting, but it’s also an opportunity to teach problem-solving and compromise.

Limited Attention Span. While the scenery may be beautiful, boys in this age group can struggle to stay engaged with long drives. Games, audiobooks, or podcasts can help, but the constant search for entertainment may test your patience.

Checklist

Have clear directions. It sounds simple but having a clear idea of how to get where you’re going can help to avoid any stressful wrong turns and wasted time.

Ensure everyone in the car is comfortable (or rotate regularly if there is one seat that nobody wants). Kids’ doonas and pillows always help.

Have some healthy snacks on hand to avoid overloading on service station fast food.

Make sure the kids have some entertainment to turn to (audio books, screens, colouring books) when I spy runs its course.

Plan your stops. Stopping frequently with kids can be a life saver, even if it’s just a few minutes to hop out of the car, stretch the legs and get some fresh air.

Ultimately, a road trip with your kids can be an adventure full of laughs, learning, and plenty of shared memories. Just remember to manage expectations and enjoy the journey, no matter what road bumps come your way!

If you’re looking for some road trip inspiration, Tourism Australia has some suggestions when travelling from Australia’s major cities.  The best family road trips in Australia – Tourism Australia

Brought to you by Brighton Grammar School