If you're a parent facing the prospect of cramped and cranky kids in over-packed cars this summer, read the tips below to ensure you and the kids have a stress free start to the holidays.Europcar’s Top Tips for Keeping the Kids Happy:
 Make sure small children are sitting high enough to see out of the window and that they are in suitable seating for their age. (Booster seats are available to purchase from selected airport locations)
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Keep the car well-ventilated or rent a car with air conditioning. This will make children more comfortable and can help avoid travel sickness.
Avoid heavy meals, particularly meals with a high fat content, before and during travel. Keep snacks and drinks plain and encourage children to sip water rather than gulp it.
Create a travel journal or make a map of where you are going to keep children interested in the journey and the landmarks they will see along the way.
Consider travelling overnight so children can sleep through the journey or time journeys to coincide with naps for younger children. Some families find an early morning start preferable. Allow the children to sleep for a few hours in the car and then stop for breakfast when they wake.
Allow for plenty of time for the journey and include frequent stops – this also gives mum and dad a chance to share the driving.
Rent a bigger vehicle so that everyone is comfortable if you are at risk of having too much luggage.
Avoid hand-held computer games if children are prone to car-sickness instead go for old favourites like I-Spy. Also, take an old favourite toy and something new that the children have never seen before to keep them interested for longer.
July 2008
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