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A family road trip is always an adventure. And sometimes the drive is more memorable than the actual destination, for either the right or wrong reasons.
Which is why the journey should begin long before you leave the driveway, with planning, preparation and proper packing.
So, using the spacious Mahindra XUV700 that offers plenty of load-lugging capacity in its five-seat configuration, here’s a run-down of how to pack for a long weekend family road trip.
Write a checklist
Before you even grab the keys to unlock the car, get the family together and make a plan for the road trip.
Check out where you’re going, how long it will take to get there, and search the route for fuel stations, rest areas, interesting places to stop along the way, and any potential delays and deviations by road works.
Also, check the weather report and average temperatures for the specific time of year, as there is no use packing unnecessary items.
Then, write a checklist of essential items for each person and, if the kids are old enough, make sure they are responsible for their own luggage.
Check the Spare
Days before you intend to depart, check the condition and pressure of the spare tyre.
There would be nothing worse than getting a flat tyre and not having a spare in good enough condition to continue the journey.
It’s a two-minute job that could save you hours on the road.
If the spare needs to be replaced, or re-inflated to the correct pressure, then make sure this is rectified before you leave.
While you’re at it, check the condition and pressure of all four regular tyres too. Inflating them to the recommended pressure on the tyre placard will not only reduce the risk of getting a flat tyre on your journey but also improves fuel economy and the vehicle’s handling.
And do a quick check of the oil level, coolant and washer bottle fluid too.
Tools
At the same time, check that all the necessary tools to change a flat are fitted with the car, such as the jack, wheel brace, and tow hook.
At a minimum, we’d also recommend carrying a torch, portable compressor and jumper leads or battery starter too. And make sure the batteries are fully charged for each.
If there’s space, these can be housed with the spare tyre or together in a small plastic container.
First aid
It pays to also have at least a basic first aid kit with you on any family road trip.
You can buy pre-packaged bundles from the supermarket or specialist camping stores, with essential items like Band-Aids, pain relief tablets, bandages, and treatments for bites and burns.
But don’t forget any specific medications, as well as sunscreen, insect repellent and electrolyte tablets or powders in case of dehydration.
Luggage
When packing your luggage for a weekend getaway, know what you need for the conditions and environment at the destination, and for any activities or events you may be attending.
If you’re heading to the beach, make sure you pack swimming gear and towels. If you’re heading to the bush, then pack sturdy walking shoes and protective clothing.
If you’re staying at a motel, it’s unlikely you’ll need any bedding and blankets. But you may do if it’s a cabin or Airbnb. If you’re unsure, check with the proprietor before you leave.
Organise a smaller bag with basics like a spare shirt for everyone and a couple of towels, which can all be easily accessed if or when needed.
In any case, only pack what you might need, which will make loading the car easier as well lighter.
This will not only reduce fuel consumption, but also ensures the boot isn’t packed to the roof and restricts rearward vision, plus makes items or bags easier to access when you need them.
Food and water
Everyone needs sustenance on a long drive, so pack enough snacks and drinks for the whole family to go the distance.
If you want to save money or avoid greasy truck-stop food, pre-make a picnic lunch and plan a stop somewhere along the way. A small Esky with frozen ice bricks will keep everything fresh and cool.
Also, pre-portion snacks like nuts and fruits in reusable plastic bags or containers. And take bin bags, wet wipes and hand sanitiser with you.
Entertainment
Everyone also needs more than just the scenery to keep them entertained along the way on a long-distance road trip.
Organise a playlist with a selection of everyone’s favourite songs or find a suitable audio book or podcast series that the whole family enjoys.
Alternatively, make sure portable devices are fully charged before departing and take charging cables or spare batteries to keep them topped up.
How to pack
Now, after all the cases are packed, comes time to load it all into the boot properly.
This is like a game of Tetris, where everything has its right place depending on size, weight and how frequently it might need to be accessed.
Load the largest and heaviest bags in first. This will optimise weight distribution and the centre of gravity of the vehicle to provide the safest handling.
From there, load lighter and smaller bags on top or in between to secure them all together tightly, ensuring they don’t move around when cornering or braking.
And secure any tools like the compressor and jumper leads in a place that’s easy to reach.
Once this is done, pack the Esky, water and snacks at the back of the boot and find a secure place for your smaller bag of spare clothes and towels so they are easily accessible when you stop.