Key Takeaways:
- Prioritise kid-friendly planning: Pick family-friendly stops, scenic locations, and rest spots for play.
- Pack essentials for comfort and convenience: Bring items that make travel with young kids smoother, from sleeping aids to snacks.
- Stay flexible: Have a loose itinerary but leave space for spontaneous breaks or quiet days.
- Plan for fun and organisation: Create an organised space in the motorhome and keep activities ready for happy kids and relaxed parents.
When we set off on a month-long motorhome trip across France with our three children under six, we learned a lot about keeping everyone happy on the road. Here are some of our top tips, from choosing the right destinations to packing essentials and finding ways to keep the kids entertained and comfortable along the way.
Planning Your Route and Destinations for Family-Friendly Fun
Travelling with young kids means you’ll want to choose locations that provide a mix of fun and relaxation while still making the journey enjoyable. For our trip across France, we kept things flexible with short driving days, frequent stops, and lots of outdoor activities for the kids.
1. Choose Family-Friendly Destinations with Lots of Activities
With three young kids, we knew our destinations had to offer something for everyone. We included beachside towns, rural countryside, and cultural sites with a family twist. The Loire Valley was perfect for this, with its enchanting castles and gardens that felt like they were straight from a fairytale. Other family-friendly highlights were the sandy beaches along the French Riviera and charming villages in Provence.
Pro Tip: Look for destinations with parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly nature spots. Finding a place with child-friendly amenities allows the kids to play and unwind, giving everyone a break from the road.
2. Keep Driving Days Short with Frequent Stops
Long drives can be tough for kids, so we aimed for short daily distances, planning stops every hour or two. This made the journey manageable and kept our children from feeling cooped up in the motorhome. When the kids needed a break, we pulled over for a quick play at a park, a scenic viewpoint, or even a roadside picnic.
We even found a few hidden gems this way, like a quaint French bakery near a vineyard where we enjoyed fresh pastries and let the kids stretch their legs. These short breaks were refreshing for us as well and let us enjoy local treats on the way.
Tip for Parents: Make use of local picnic spots and parks near your route. They’re usually free, and they give kids a chance to play outdoors, keeping them refreshed for the next part of the journey.
Packing Essentials for a Family Motorhome Trip
Packing for a month with three young kids can feel overwhelming, but it’s amazing how a few essentials can make the journey smoother. We learned to keep things simple, bringing only what was truly needed and easy to organise.
1. Organise Your Motorhome for Easy Access to Essentials
An organised space is key for a stress-free trip. In our motorhome, we designated specific spots for important items: one bin for toys and books, a drawer for snacks, and another area for travel essentials like wet wipes, nappies, and first-aid supplies. Having these items on hand saved us from constant searches and made the motorhome feel more like home.
To keep everything tidy, we used small bins and labelled bags for clothing, toiletries, and cooking items. This way, the kids even helped find what they needed – a huge help when you’re on the road!
2. Pack Kid-Friendly Essentials
To make sure the kids were comfortable, we packed their favourite blankets and soft pillows, which made bedtime in the motorhome cosy and familiar. We also included a small collection of books and a few of their favourite toys, which helped keep them entertained on rainy days or during quiet moments. Having comforting items from home made a big difference in keeping the kids happy and relaxed.
Here’s a quick look at our top essentials for a family motorhome trip:
| Item | Why It’s Essential |
|---|---|
| Travel blankets | Familiar blankets helped make bedtime easier and more comforting. |
| Easy-access snacks | Packed healthy, easy-to-grab snacks for quick stops and in-between meals. |
| Small travel toys | A few favourites kept the kids busy without cluttering up the motorhome. |
| Kid-friendly first-aid | Bandages, wet wipes, and antiseptic were lifesavers for on-the-go scrapes. |
| Outdoor games | Lightweight items like a frisbee and a small football kept the kids active. |
Keeping Kids Entertained: Fun Activities for Motorhome Travel
One of the biggest challenges on a family motorhome trip is keeping young kids entertained, especially on longer travel days or during rainy spells. For our month in France, we planned activities that kept our three kids under six engaged and happy, whether we were on the road or parked for the night.
1. Create a “Travel Fun Kit”
Before setting off, we put together a “Travel Fun Kit” filled with easy, engaging activities for the kids. It included colouring books, magnetic puzzles, and small toys they could play with in their seats. We kept it light and compact, but full of activities we could rotate throughout the trip to keep things fresh.
We also added some simple games like “I Spy” and car bingo cards that were fun for the road, plus a few surprise toys that we saved for when they needed an extra pick-me-up. These small, familiar toys helped keep them entertained and added some routine to our days.
Pro Tip: Save a few new or rarely-used toys for the trip. The novelty factor can be a lifesaver for long stretches or rest days when the kids need a bit more to stay busy.
2. Plan for Outdoor Play at Stops
We quickly discovered that outdoor play was essential to prevent cabin fever and keep everyone refreshed. When we stopped, we encouraged the kids to run, play, and explore to burn off energy. We packed a few lightweight outdoor toys like a small football and a frisbee, which became quick go-tos for playtime. These short play breaks made a huge difference when it was time to settle back into the motorhome.
On some days, we found local parks and playgrounds where the kids could play freely while we relaxed, which allowed us all to recharge. Adding in some outdoor time at every stop turned out to be key for a smooth, happy journey.
Tip for Parents: Look up nearby parks, playgrounds, and nature trails in advance or as you travel. These are often free, easily accessible, and provide great opportunities for family bonding and play.
Mealtime Tips and Keeping a Routine on the Road
Mealtime can be one of the trickiest parts of a family trip, especially with young children who may not always adjust easily to new places or schedules. Here are a few strategies we used to make mealtimes and routines more manageable.
1. Keep Meals Simple and Flexible
In a motorhome, you don’t have a full kitchen, so we focused on easy-to-prepare meals and snacks. Fresh fruits, cheese, bread, and sandwich supplies were our staples. We also planned simple one-pot meals like pasta and soups, which saved on cooking time and kept clean-up easy.
We kept a supply of healthy snacks that were easy for the kids to grab, like fruit pouches, rice cakes, and crackers. These were especially handy for on-the-go days or when hunger struck between meal times. Being flexible with meals allowed us to adapt to the day’s activities and helped avoid stress around food preparation.
Tip: Consider stocking up at local grocery stores every few days. This not only keeps fresh food on hand but also lets you explore local ingredients for fun, regional meals.
2. Stick to a Loose Routine for Mealtimes and Bedtime
With three kids under six, sticking to a consistent routine helped us keep the trip running smoothly. Each evening, we kept to a familiar bedtime routine to create a sense of normalcy in the motorhome. We brought along their favourite blankets, bedtime stories, and night lights to make it feel like home, which made settling down easier after busy days.
For mealtimes, we tried to keep a regular schedule to avoid crankiness and hunger. Although we were flexible with exact times, we found that keeping a loose routine helped keep everyone’s energy up and made the whole family feel more at ease on the road.
Pro Tip: Create a bedtime routine that mimics home as much as possible. Familiar items like a favourite stuffed animal, pyjamas, or a bedtime story can go a long way in helping kids adjust to new surroundings.
With a bit of planning, flexibility, and creativity, our family’s month-long motorhome trip became an experience to remember. From planning kid-friendly activities to setting up easy meal routines, each of these small strategies helped us keep our kids happy, which in turn made the trip more enjoyable for us as parents.
Safety and Practical Tips for Family Motorhome Travel
Ensuring everyone’s safety while keeping the trip enjoyable requires a bit of planning, especially with young children. During our month-long journey across France, we picked up a few practical tips that made travel safer and more manageable for our family.
1. Prioritise Safe Driving Practices
Longer days in the motorhome can be tiring, so we set a few ground rules for driving. My husband and I shared driving duties, and we aimed to cover most of our daily distance early in the day, when everyone was refreshed and roads were typically quieter. We avoided driving at night whenever possible, as the kids were usually asleep by then, and navigating in unfamiliar areas was much easier during daylight.
For navigation, we relied on a combination of free GPS apps like Google Maps and a paid app called TomTom GO for Campervans and Motorhomes. Since our motorhome is over 3.5 tonnes, the TomTom app allowed us to select routes specifically suited for larger vehicles, avoiding narrow roads or low bridges that wouldn’t accommodate our motorhome’s size.
Tip for Parents: If you have a larger motorhome, consider an app like TomTom GO, which offers route options tailored to your vehicle’s dimensions. This feature provides added peace of mind and helps avoid stressful detours.
2. Keep a Family First-Aid Kit Handy
With young kids, it’s inevitable that you’ll need a few first-aid supplies along the way. We kept a family-friendly first-aid kit with basics like bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relief medication suitable for kids, and travel sickness tablets. We also included essentials like hand sanitiser, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
This kit proved especially useful when we were exploring parks, beaches, and other outdoor spots, as it allowed us to quickly address any minor scrapes or discomfort without needing to search for supplies.
Pro Tip: Check your first-aid kit before you set off, and stock up on kid-safe items. A few basic supplies can save you from a lot of hassle and keep everyone comfortable and safe.
3. Set Up Safety Measures Inside the Motorhome
In the motorhome, we found it helpful to secure items that could move or fall during travel. Loose items were packed in bins, and heavier items were stored low to keep the weight balanced. We also kept essentials like snacks, water bottles, and baby wipes within easy reach of the kids’ seats, allowing them to grab what they needed without needing to move around.
For added peace of mind, we did a quick check each morning to ensure everything was secure before setting off. This small routine saved us from unexpected spills and kept our motorhome safe and organised.
Tip: Keep emergency contacts and roadside assistance numbers handy. Having these available can be a big relief in case of any vehicle trouble or health concerns.
4. Plan for Rest Days and Quiet Time
Travelling in a motorhome can be stimulating, and we realised that it’s important to include rest days and downtime. Every few days, we set aside time for a relaxed day at the campsite or a quiet evening in a scenic spot, giving everyone a break from structured activities and driving. On these days, we let the kids play freely while we enjoyed some much-needed downtime.
This balance between exploring and relaxing helped keep the trip enjoyable and prevented burnout for both the kids and us as parents. The downtime also gave us a chance to catch up on organisation, laundry, and restocking supplies.
Pro Tip: Schedule in a few slower-paced days to allow everyone to recharge. Sometimes, a day spent unwinding in a beautiful location can be the highlight of the trip.
Wrapping Up: A Rewarding Adventure for the Whole Family
Travelling in a motorhome as a family can be a unique and unforgettable experience. From keeping our kids entertained and organised to ensuring everyone’s safety, these practical strategies helped us make the most of our month in France. With a bit of planning, flexibility, and creativity, we turned our journey into a family adventure filled with wonderful memories.
FAQ: Family Motorhome Travel Tips
1. How can I keep my kids entertained on a long motorhome trip?
Pack a variety of activities, such as books, small toys, and travel games, and plan stops with playgrounds or scenic views to break up the journey. Outdoor play at each stop can also help burn off energy.
2. What essentials should I pack for young kids on a motorhome trip?
Bring comfort items like blankets and pillows, snacks, a travel first-aid kit, and a few favourite toys. Organising these items in easily accessible bins helps keep the motorhome tidy and functional.
3. How do I keep my motorhome organised with kids on board?
Assign a place for everything, and use small bins or bags for toys, snacks, and travel essentials. This helps avoid clutter and makes it easier to find what you need on the go.
4. What are some good meals for a motorhome trip with kids?
Simple, one-pot meals like pasta, soups, and sandwiches are ideal, as they’re quick to prepare and easy to clean up. Fresh fruits, bread, and cheese are also convenient and kid-friendly.
5. How can I ensure my family’s safety during a motorhome trip?
Prioritise safe driving practices, secure loose items in the motorhome, and keep a well-stocked first-aid kit on hand. Plan routes in advance and keep emergency contacts easily accessible.
6. Should I stick to a strict schedule while travelling in a motorhome with kids?
While it’s good to have a loose routine, flexibility is key. Plan around meal and bedtimes but allow room for spontaneity to make the trip enjoyable and stress-free.
7. What should I include in a travel first-aid kit for a motorhome trip?
Bandages, antiseptic wipes, kid-friendly pain relievers, sunscreen, insect repellent, and travel sickness tablets are useful essentials. This can help you handle minor incidents on the road.
8. How can I manage bedtime routines in a motorhome?
Stick to familiar bedtime rituals with items from home, like favourite blankets, bedtime stories, or night lights. This helps kids settle down and feel more at home in the motorhome.
9. How often should I plan rest days on a family motorhome trip?
Every few days, include a rest day to recharge and let the kids play. This balance prevents burnout and keeps everyone in good spirits for exploring new places.
10. Is it better to plan each destination in advance or be spontaneous?
A blend of both works well for family travel. Have a general itinerary but allow room for flexibility, which can lead to spontaneous discoveries and relaxed, family-friendly stops.
