The love for this type of vehicle does not stop growing in Spain and it is no longer just a matter of adventurers or retirees. Children are also protagonists of this new way of traveling and some important factors must be taken into account.
Traveling as a family aboard a camper or motorhome is a fun and different way to see the world and create unforgettable family memories . Discovering new places, landscapes and situations with “the house on your back” is something that stimulates the imagination and curiosity of young and old. In addition to the fact that the trip in a vehicle of this type is carried out more calmly due to the characteristics of these motorhomes, doing it with children can be an unforgettable experience for them.
In addition to the landscapes and environments that can be enjoyed, we must not forget how practical it is to have a whole series of comforts at hand, in our own vehicle, something that would not be possible in a traditional car. From the bathroom (if you have one) to a well-stocked fridge or simply a nice dining table where you can eat during stops. But since nothing is perfect, even in a camper or motorhome you have to comply with a series of rules and take other factors into account to make everything really enjoyable and fun.
CAR AND DRIVER Safety first
As tempting as it may seem to let the children enjoy themselves inside the living area, playing at a table or sleeping in one of the beds, we must not forget that the camper or motorhome is a vehicle and the rules must be followed. Children must always go in a Child Restraint System (CRS) appropriate to their age, size and weight and conveniently attached to a vehicle seat. Many campers and motorhomes do not have Isofix anchorages in the rear seats, so it is necessary to check that we have seat belts in these seats with which to fasten the CRS. Another important factor is to have all the objects (crockery, cutlery, bottles, toys, etc.) well stored and secured. In the event of an accident or with a simple braking, they can become a danger to children.
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Getting used to children little by little
The idea of traveling in a “house on wheels” is tempting for both the elderly and the youngest, but that may lead one to think that children are going to be more comfortable in a motorhome. Actually they will have to be seated and fastened in their CRS as in a “normal” car, so it would be convenient to get used to the little ones with shorter trips. The ideal would be to make weekend excursions to closer destinations so that they get used to it . This allows not only children to become familiar with this new way of traveling, but also parents to get used to this new way of traveling with their children.
Choose the start of the trip well
The fact that in a camper or motorhome we travel as “at home” can mislead us. It is important to choose the right time to start the trip and avoid rush hours or the hottest hours, so as not to get into endless traffic jams and the children have to spend even longer inside the vehicle. It is advisable to go out at the coolest times, such as first thing in the morning or at dusk. There are parents who think that a good solution is to travel at night so that the children sleep in their beds and this is a very serious mistake . First of all because it is not allowed while the camper or motorhome is moving and children must go in their CRS. Second, because it can be an extremely dangerous situation in the event of an accident.
Traveling in a motorhome makes some things much easier, but when you do it with children, you must also take into account that their patience has a limit, no matter how enthusiastic they are about the trip. We have to plan very well the stops to rest, eat and refuel, always taking into account the needs of the little ones. It is highly recommended to make a list of necessary things and tasks to do during the trip a few days in advance. The stops along the way can be more comfortable since we can take food and drinks inside our vehicle, but we also have to plan the space so that everything is in its place.
Games against boredom
Being seated and harnessed in a vehicle can be extremely boring and exhausting for a child. We must organize activities and games so that children can be entertained during the trip. A good idea is to have them choose a selection of toys they want to take for the whole vacation. You also have to have activities prepared during the stops, such as drawing or coloring or even board games. When the games and songs have finished, there is no choice but to turn to the tablet or smartphone, Although it may not be the ideal solution, it can be a moment of tranquility and silence for parents. In this case, an exception can be made with technology because, after all, they are going to enjoy a different vacation, getting to know new places and being much more in contact with nature.
