road trip planning – 100 Road Trips

If you have a furry friend, you want to take them everywhere with you, including on road trips. But how do you travel over long distances with a cat or dog (or both or several!) and have a great time? Here are the top questions to ask before you head out on your adventure.

1. Is your pet’s personality compatible with a road trip?

Maybe your pet loves to run around in open spaces, so an extended time in the car would make them anxious. Or your pet has a cool, calm personality and loves the tranquility of a long drive. Or they have a huge personality and would bounce around the car, distracting you from driving. Ideally, you want to acclimatize your pet with short car rides, but if you’ve just adopted them, there are a few things you can do to make the road trip more comfortable:

Get a pet carrier or crate, especially if your pet is small in size or young in age. Your pet should be able to stand, lie down, and turn comfortably, so you can secure the crate to the car seat. It should also have room enough for a few pet toys to keep them happy.
For larger pets, put a mesh divider or barrier between your front and back seats to keep them from rushing forward while you drive. For dogs particularly, you can buy a canine seatbelt to buckle them in during your journey.
Get your pet’s favorite toys and blankets in the car with you. Familiar objects can help them calm down during a road trip.

Remember that even a super well-behaved pet can get excited on a road trip and become a hazard while you drive. Secure them as best you can, then stop often to let them get some exercise.

2. Is your pet in good health?

If your pet has a preexisting health issue or is a senior, take extra precautions while you prepare for a road trip. Take them to the vet a few days before the trip to update their vaccinations, top up their medication, and get tips on how to keep them calm on your journey. Even with pets in great health, a routine checkup is great for peace of mind.

3. Does your pet have all their identifications?

This means their name on a collar, your contact details should they get lost, and possibly a GPS tracker on them as well. You may also need permits or vaccination certificates for certain destinations if you’re crossing state borders. Some parks may also need these details in case your pet gets off their leash or gets injured as you travel.

4. Are you ready for frequent stops?

Road trips with pets tend to go slower than you expect because of the rest stops. Your pet will need exercise and a chance to potty, so pace your journey to accommodate their needs. Choose pet-friendly stops and always have waste bags to pick up after them.

5. Do you have road trip-friendly bowls?

You need to keep your pet fed and hydrated during your road trip, but the food and water bowls at home might not be suitable for the journey. Find some spill-proof pet bowls and leak-proof bottles to avoid making a big mess in your car. Search online for “travel pet bowls” and “travel pet water dispensers” and see which ones best fit your furry friend.

6. Does your road trip vehicle have good climate control?

If you have to stop for supplies or grab some takeout in no-pet places, you’ll need to leave your pet in your car for some time. Remember, cats and dogs can easily overheat or get too cold, so your vehicle needs a well-functioning AC system in case you leave them unattended, however briefly. Crack your windows open, too, and consider leaving a note on your window indicating that your pet is safe and you’ll be right back.

7. How do you plan to keep your pets entertained on the road?

Unlike road trips with kids where you have lots of conversations and [road trip games] to play, pets will need a different kind of engagement. Look for interactive toys that dispense treats, and get a variety of their old favorites and new, fun toys to keep them occupied. Try to avoid squeaky or noisy toys because they can be really distracting when you’re driving. And go for larger toys that won’t roll under your car seats.

8. Have you confirmed that your accommodations and attractions are pet-friendly?

Imagine arriving at your destination only to discover your furry friend isn’t allowed. Read the reviews, look at pet policies, and call ahead to find out if your hotel, motel, parks, beaches, etc., welcome pets. Some places charge additional fees for pets, while others have strict rules about leashes. A little extra research can save you from huge inconveniences.

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1. Plan some age-appropriate, engaging activities

Younger kids who need car seats can get restless and bored quickly on a road trip. So, keep their toys and games within reach and engage them with conversation. Coloring books are also great for road trips, but keep the crayons and colored pencils in a Tupperware container to keep them neatly. Same with Play-Doh, Legos, and other types of toys with small parts–a plastic container for these items will be a lifesaver on a road trip.

For older kids, pack their favorite comic books, puzzles, dolls, action figures, and other favorites to keep them occupied. Try to break up their screen time with hands-on activities with fun road trip games like I Spy or trivia.

2. Pack enough healthy snacks and drinks

Don’t let your kids get hangry on your road trip. Otherwise, they’ll need more stops and distract you while you drive. Pack snacks like fruits, vegetables, trail mix, and finger foods in portioned containers, plus more than enough water and juice to keep them hydrated. Save the candy for extra-special treats.

3. Choose age-appropriate destinations and attractions

A road trip with kids under 12 will have lots of rest stops, not just for bathroom breaks but to just let them run around and explore. Children have shorter attention spans, so a long stretch of road will quickly get boring. Pace your journey accordingly in terms of distance, driving time, fuel consumption, and attractions. Plan to stop at parks, museums, amusement centers, zoos, aquariums, beaches, lakes, science centers, etc., depending on your kids’ age and interests.

4. Consider your safety from all angles

Child safety on a road trip means more than car seats and seatbelts. It’s about checking the weather conditions before you head out and making sure you and your kids are dressed appropriately. It also means having a fully stocked first aid kit and emergency contacts for clinics and hospitals along the way. Share your travel plans with your loved ones and check in with them regularly while you’re on the road. Drive defensively, even if your road trip vehicle has the latest safety features.

5. Be prepared for motion sickness

Extended road trips can trigger motion sickness in children, making them nauseated, dizzy, tired, or drowsy. It’s usually caused by a sensory mismatch, meaning your body registers motion but your eyes don’t. Winding roads or sudden stops and starts while you drive can feel uncomfortable for your children. You can reduce the chances of motion sickness for your kids by:

Using a booster seat to allow your child to see out the window and look at the horizon. Have some travel pillows on hand to make sitting more comfortable.

Avoiding heavy meals before and during the road trip. Light snacks can minimize the chances of vomiting from motion sickness.

Keeping the windows open to allow fresh air to flow through the vehicle. If not, keep the air conditioning in the vehicle cool and constant.

Avoiding screen time and encouraging your kids to look outside or play some active games.

Taking regular breaks every couple of hours to alleviate any motion sickness symptoms.

6. Celebrate milestones big and small

When you have kids on a road trip, your milestones go beyond reaching your destination. Reward your kids when they spot something interesting on the journey, finish their snacks, or put away their toys neatly. Appreciate them when they win their road trip games or look out for each other as they explore attractions. Recognize them when they take great photos during the trip or have a super fun singalong. This is what makes the road trip fun and keeps you motivated, especially during an extended journey.

Category Archives: road trip planning

How to Prepare for a Road Trip With Cats and Dogs