UK Summer Car Travel with Children: Snacks, Stops & Sanity Savers

  • Lily's Avatar
    Community Manager
    Hi everyone!

    I don’t know about you, but while I love summer, this heatwave has officially reached the it’s way too hot for the UK” level. I’m genuinely considering buying an AC, not for myself, but because I have a baby, and as clever as he is, I haven’t quite managed to teach him the “mind over matter” philosophy just yet.

    While I ponder the great AC debate, we’re heading to the seaside. That, plus the brilliant travel tips shared by @Santa and @Nick on the "Tips for travelling in Europe" topic inspired me to write this post.

    So here are a few tips for travelling with kids:

    ✅ Plan ahead
    If your destination is more than two hours away, consider taking a break. Kids have less endurance than adults. If you’ve got a toddler, stopping and letting run around for a bit allows them to burn off energy. For older children, it helps prevent the dreaded “are we there yet?” being asked 100 times, and also keeps them in a better mood.

    Many service stations now have green areas and kids' play zones — do a bit of research to find the best ones.


    🍎 Bring ALL the snacks
    No matter the length of the journey, snacks are lifesavers. Pack your favourites and your kids'. My husband and I usually go for nuts, “healthy” crisps, and fruit. And bananas have never let us down!

    Also, always bring with your own reusable water bottles, I refuse to pay 4 British pounds for a water bottle!

    🗑️ Bring a trash bag
    Simple but effective. It’ll help keep your car (and sanity) clean.

    🧸 Pack portable toys
    Think magnetic boards, mess-free markers, busy books, teddy bears, and comfort blankets. For older kids, try road games like “I Spy” to keep them engaged.

    🎵 Create a playlist
    Make a Spotify playlist with songs you and your kids enjoy. My son is currently obsessed with Azizam and Sapphire by Ed Sheeran — so they’re on repeat!

    🧼 Don’t forget antibacterial wipes
    Services are dirty, the car gets dirty, the kids get dirty. I don't leave the house without wipes.

    🧷 Pack potty gear and nappies
    Again, pretty self-explanatory.

    ⛑️ Take a first aid kit
    Always better to be safe than sorry.

    If you’d like more tips, check out our blog here.

    Please share your own tips in the comments, the more, the merrier!

    Last edited by Lily; 07-07-25 at 11:56.
    Lily
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  • 3 Replies

  • Drivingforfun's Avatar
    I can say that all of those tips become relevant again when traveling with a cantankerous elderly relative 🤭
  • Beelzebub's Avatar
    Please try not to offend cantankerous elderly forum members!
  • Lily's Avatar
    Community Manager
    @Drivingforfun and @Beelzebub I was having a dreadful Monday morning and the two of you made me laugh out loud with your comments. Thank you!!
    Last edited by Lily; 07-07-25 at 12:01.