When half-term gets closer, so does the longing to get away from it all for a week, and discover a new place. It only takes 35 minutes to get from Folkstone to Calais when you travel with us, but there is still the journey to your destination to think of after. Follow our guide to keep your children entertained in the car, even on the longest journeys.
One of the easiest things you can do to keep your children happy and quiet in the car is to pop the latest kids movie on the tablet or laptop, and enjoy a peaceful couple of hours. But, if you also want to keep your children engaged with the scenes you're driving past (especially if you're driving in a different country), you can come up with some fun games that will keep the whole family entertained as well.
Story time
If your kids get travel sick reading in the car, there are lots of other story time activities to keep them entertained.
Obviously, a fantastic way to keep children happy is by setting them up with a library of books, but travel sickness and space in the car might make this difficult. Instead, there are other easier ways to have story time in the car.
Audiobooks
Audiobooks are brilliant, and a great way for you and your children to enjoy your favourite stories while on the move. You can download books, long or short depending on your child's attention span, which will keep them quiet and entertained for a couple of hours. Audiobooks are also a wonderful way to introduce your kids to literature if they're too young to read on their own.
Story games
If your children love reading stories, then get them to create their own! Start with a parent thinking of a sentence, then each member of the family continues the story one sentence at a time. It's a great way to use your imagination, and fun to see how silly the story can get!
Car games
Car games are great ways to let your competitive side out, and alleviate boredom..
If this gives you flashbacks to times in the car, desperately trying to guess your younger brother's increasingly more surreal Eye-Spy clues, then don't worry. There are many more car games that will make travelling not only fun, but quick too.
The alphabet game
This is great because it lends itself to a whole variety of different subjects. Start with A, and make your way down the alphabet trying to name as many counties, cities, football players, or chocolate bars as you can. Think it sounds easy? You wait until you're trying to think of a football player who begins with Q…
The number plate game
This one is really simple, and gets you to use your mind! Just pick any number plate you see, and come up with a sentence using the last three letters on the plate. The funnier, the better!
The packing game
Having a break to run around is great for your children (and you!) on a long journey..
Want to test your memory, and ability to pack? Start with the sentence ‘I am going on holiday to (wherever you are heading to) and I am bringing…' and then each member of the family comes up with something they'd bring, and remember what everyone else has said! How many items do you think you can remember?
Games you can bring with you
Obviously, there are lots of different board games that you can bring with you, from travel size Connect4 to Guess Who. But there are fun games that you can make yourself which will save money, and be perfectly tailored to your family and your trip.
Make your own map
Before you set off, make a map of your route that your child can have to follow along with, and note down exciting things they see. This helps keep them engaged with their new surroundings, and makes them feel like they are helping you on your journey.
Bingo cards
If they love to look out the window and shout out all the new and interesting things they see, then why not turn that cute habit into a fun bingo game? Make bingo cards of all the things they'll see outside. Each time they get a line, or full house, they get a little treat.
Outdoor games
We don't recommend playing outdoor games in the car, of course, but what we suggest is to plan-out your stops on your route, where you can stretch your legs and have a run around with a ball. Not only will it give you a break from driving, it will tire the children out too; and while they sleep, you can have control of the radio.
Have you been inspired to travel longer journeys with your little ones? For more to spend on car sweets and bingo treats, book your tickets with us early to get the best price.