Are you going on a long car trip? One big question you probably have is, “How Frequently Should You Take Breaks When Driving Long Distances?” It’s essential to stop and rest, especially if you have kids with you.
We’ve been road-tripping for many years. We even drove across the country twice, so we are used to long car rides and taking MANY breaks along the way.
So, let’s discuss when and why you should take breaks on your journey.
How Frequently Should You Take Breaks When Driving Long Distances?
Driving is surprisingly tiring, so you must be aware of your ability to stay alert and take regular breaks. You’ll want to avoid driving when feeling tired and, ideally, avoid driving at night. The last thing you want is to fall asleep at the wheel with your kids in the back seats.
As a general rule, it’s recommended to take a 15-minute break every two hours to:
- stretch your legs,
- get some fresh air and
- help you stay awake.
But, when you add kids in the car, it’s a bit more complicated than that. One of the essential things to consider when planning a long road trip with kids is the KIDS.
Yes, the kids.
Now you may wonder, “How long should you drive per day?” and “How often should you stop on a road trip?“
How Often Should You Stop on a Road Trip With Kids?
The distance traveled per day depends on various factors, but mainly:
- Overall vacation time
- Age of children and their behavior in the car
- Things to do along the way
People have done it. They drove an average of 800-1000 km per day multiple days in a row, without stopping for an extended period stopping only for quick bathroom breaks and to stretch their legs.
But now that you’re traveling with your kids, it’s also important to consider them in the itinerary planning. All kids are different, but most kids will hate being stuck in a car for a long period of time.
Quick bathroom breaks and a quick stop to stretch your legs are rarely enough to keep the kids happy during a family road trip.
Also, the view from the back of the car stuck in a car seat isn’t the same as in the front of the car and the big window. Kids will rarely take advantage of the view from the car.
The distance traveled per day will depend on:
- what you are comfortable driving,
- how well your kids are doing in the car (plan lots of car games),
- the time you have for the road trip, and
- what there is to see.
You want your kids to enjoy the trip as much as you do.
So, in addition to the 15-minute break every two hours rule, you should add a fun and longer stop at least once a day where your kids can burn off some energy. Our family favorites are:
- Stopping at a playground
- Finding a beach, a lake, or a splash pad to cool off in the summertime
- Do a short walk or hike
The GoWhee app is a great app to have when road-tripping with kids. It will help you find fun, kid-friendly road stops.
Also, let the kids out of the car to stretch their legs when we fill out the car at a gas station.
Here is a traveling schedule that worked pretty well for us:
- 6h30AM: Wake up (the kids’ normal time) and pack the car
- 7h00AM: Breakfast
- 7h30AM: Check out and ready to hit the road
- Drive. Drive. Drive. With a few gas and restroom stops and one longer fun stop
- 3:30PM-4:30PM: Arrive at the hotel. Do a small activity. Enjoy the hotel for the rest of the night.
How Long is Too Long for a Road Trip with Kids?
It’s recommended not to drive for longer than eight hours per day (and to take breaks of at least 15 minutes every 2 hours). But 8 hours is a long time for kids.
The longest we did on our last long road trip was 7h30 of driving time, and it was LONG for the kids. I would not recommend doing much more than that.
Final Thoughts: How often should you stop when driving long distances?
Taking breaks during a long car trip is very important. It keeps the driver fresh and everyone safe. If you’re traveling with kids, you’ll need to stop more often.
Remember, it’s not just about how far you can drive in one go. It’s about making the trip fun and safe for everyone.
- Plan your stops,
- let the kids play, and
- enjoy the journey.
If you’re wondering how often you should stop on a road trip, always listen to your body and passengers.
Safe travels!
Emilie is the founder of Love Life Abroad. She helps moms plan epic road trips and outdoor adventures with their families. Because who said adventuring had to stop once we have kids? She’s based in the Canadian Rockies and shares her love for the region as well as other unique places in Canada & USA. She works with tourism boards and outdoor brands to inspire families to experience new unique destinations and outdoor activities.