Tips on making that long holiday drive simply fly by
Are we nearly there yet? How much further? Heading off on holiday with the kids shouldn’t be something you dread. They want to get there as much as you, they just need a bit more entertainment along the way.
Confused.com knows what it’s like to travel with restless youngsters. So we’ve come up with a few child-friendly gadgets to guarantee a smooth ride for a stress-free holiday.
The young ones
Books, CDs and cuddly toys will keep babies and toddlers occupied between sleeps, but sometimes you just need to have that extra item up your sleeve.
One such gadget is the Learn and Go Baby Driver (6-24 months). Turn the ignition key, spin the wheel or beep the horn and your little ones will love driving along with you. What’s more, they can learn the alphabet and their colours at the same time.
Another friendly face, who’ll make the journey easier for youngsters, is the brightly coloured Charlie Caterpillar. He helps children learn their ABC and once you’ve reached your destination, can be fastened onto the pram or pushchair with his Velcro straps.
Little angels
A car journey isn’t complete without a traditional game of “I spy”. But there are only so many red cars, newborn lambs, lamp posts or tractors you can spot. So where do you turn when the novelty wears off? In this technological day and age, you’re spoilt for choice.
The LeapFrog Leapster 2 is the first pre-school, handheld games console, which gives four to eight-year-olds a fun, safe and secure on-line learning experience.
Alternatively, turn game time into brain time with the V.Smile Cyber Pocket. The portable educational gaming system is perfect for five to nine year olds.
Teenage kicks
For moody teens, who don’t have their driver’s licence but secretly enjoy family holidays away, the PocketSurfer 2R will ensure they stay in communication.
Wave goodbye to wi-fi hotspots, this portable internet device runs on GPRS and can be used wherever there’s a mobile phone signal. It’s pricey, but comes with 30 hours a month free usage.
It means they can surf the net or keep in touch with friends via bebo, Facebook or msn. It may also come in handy if you’re slightly lost and need a map!
Family fun
Any gadget that can amuse all members of your family has got to be good. And Myvu video glasses, aimed at ages 10 and over, give children – and their parents – a hands free, large screen viewing experience, like having your very own Imax cinema!
Game on
Once the car’s kitted out as a child-friendly zone, make sure your car insurance covers any expensive gadgets (if they aren’t covered by your car policy, you may be able to upgrade your home insurance to cover them). And when you stop for the inevitable refreshments, try not to leave them visible. Keep thieves at bay by removing temptation.
When travelling anywhere on long journeys, it’s also important your car’s in good condition. If in doubt, make sure you have breakdown insurance. It could save a lot of time, money and temper tantrums!
