Traveling with kids and pets? Here's how to make the car ride more relaxing

Any father or mother who’s ever spent hours in the passenger seat handling entertainment, snacks, and crisis management knows how quickly the copilot’s seat can turn into a torture chair—neck stiffness included. And at some point, when patience runs out, the phrase slips out: «I only have two hands, too!» A completely stress-free car ride with kids in the back seat might be wishful thinking. But with the right preparation and simple strategies, you can significantly reduce stress on the road.

Planning Differently When You Have Children

Before you even set out, it’s worth stopping by the garage: Check your tires, brakes, oil level, and air conditioning before any long summer drives. After all, nothing ruins the mood faster than a breakdown in traffic at 30 degrees.

But even the best-maintained car is no guarantee of a peaceful vacation drive. That’s because the biggest challenges usually lie in the back seat. A common mistake before long drives with children happens even before getting in the car: Parents plan the trip as if they were adults—that is, as efficiently as possible, without wasting time, and with only brief stops to refuel. Children, however, couldn’t care less about that. If they suddenly feel the urge to stretch their legs or need to use the restroom, waiting is a pretty unpopular option. This makes realistic planning all the more important. Those who adjust their departure time to match sleep schedules have an advantage. That’s why many families set out early in the morning, use the little ones« nap time for longer stretches of driving, or prefer to drive at night. The main thing is that the children spend part of the trip sleeping, because that eliminates the »When are we finally going to get there?” questions.

It’s also crucial to set realistic milestones. Anyone who tries to drive across half of Europe in a single day with kids in tow is bound to create a bad atmosphere sooner or later. Experts recommend taking regular breaks, ideally about every two hours—and not just to use the restroom, but to give the kids a chance to let off some steam. Rest stops with a playground, a grassy area, or some space to run around are worth their weight in gold. By the way, diaper changes should also only be done during stops, not while driving in the back seat.

Play Your Strengths Strategically

In the car itself, clever strategy is key. Some parents shower their children with every available toy, snack, and distraction right from the start. But it’s just like playing Jassen: You have to play your trump cards strategically; otherwise, that brief burst of excitement will quickly give way to disappointment. So it’s better to start with the audiobook, then the puzzle book, and later perhaps a surprise bag with stickers, toy cars, or a sweet treat.

Classic games like «I Spy» and similar ones have also proven their worth, working reliably for decades. And if nothing else helps, you can play your trump card without feeling guilty: screen time. By the way, audiobooks have one advantage: since kids don’t have to constantly look down while listening, they often don’t get sick as easily. However, motion sickness can’t always be prevented entirely. That’s why it makes sense to pack a change of clothes, wet wipes, and a small emergency supply of plastic bags or sick bags in your luggage. Of course, don’t forget to pack snacks—after all, even many adults with rumbling stomachs can become unbearable to be around. Snacks that don’t stick or drip are a good choice. And, of course, drinks should be within easy reach.

Comfort Reduces Conflicts

Especially in the summer, the temperature inside the car can quickly become a real challenge. Good sun protection on the side windows prevents the sun from shining directly in your face for hours on end. Children should also never be left alone in the car, because vehicles heat up dramatically in a very short time when temperatures are high.

The principle is simple: The more comfortable the children feel, the more relaxed the trip will be. That’s why it’s worth having a well-organized interior. Water bottles, tablets, and toys should (and must!) be stowed away safely so that chaos doesn’t constantly ensue during the ride and nothing flies through the car during sudden braking maneuvers. A favorite blanket, stuffed animal, or pillow can also work wonders.

It also often helps to involve the kids in small decisions. Who gets to sit in the front seat and when? Where will we stop for a break? Which playlist should we play? Even just a little say in these matters can prevent a surprising number of arguments in such a cramped space. But of course: Perfect car rides with kids probably only happen in commercials. At some point, there’s bound to be whining, arguing, or crying. You can probably never completely prevent that.

Staying Safe on the Road with Animals

But it’s not just children who are sensitive to long car rides. For dogs (or cats), too, the trip is often stressful. It’s absolutely essential that animals be properly secured in the car—and they must be, because from a legal standpoint, they are considered cargo. Anyone who lets their dog roam around unsecured in the back seat or allows their cat to walk freely through the car risks not only fines but also dangerous situations. Transport crates, partition grilles, or special safety harnesses are recommended. For larger dogs in particular, sturdy crates in the trunk are considered a particularly safe solution. It’s a good idea to get pets used to their crate or harness before the trip; otherwise, even getting them into the car can be a challenge.

Just as with children, the same applies to pets: Regular breaks are a must. Dogs should be able to drink, move around, and relieve themselves regularly. You should stop briefly about every two hours. It’s also advisable to drive calmly, as sharp turns or constant acceleration can make many animals nervous or cause motion sickness.

Microchip and Rabies Vaccination

This is especially important in the summer: Animals should never be left alone in a car—the heat can be life-threatening for dogs and cats. Familiar items such as a favorite blanket, toys, or their usual food bowls can also be helpful. They give many animals a sense of being at home.

Anyone traveling abroad with pets should also find out about entry requirements well in advance. For trips within Europe, you generally need a pet passport, a microchip, and a valid rabies vaccination. And sometimes it’s worth asking yourself honestly: Does the pet really need to come along? Not every four-legged friend is an enthusiastic vacation traveler. For some dogs or cats, staying with neighbors, friends, or at a good boarding facility is much more relaxing than hours-long car rides, traffic jams, and unfamiliar vacation spots.

What should you do if you're in an accident abroad?

A traffic accident abroad often causes additional stress due to language barriers and uncertainty. This makes it all the more important to stay calm: Put on a safety vest, secure the accident scene, administer first aid, and call the police if anyone is injured or if there is a dispute. Good to know: The emergency number 112 works throughout Europe.

It’s helpful to keep a European accident report form and the international insurance card («Green Card,» which is usually white these days) in the glove compartment. It’s also important to take photos and record the names, license plate numbers, and insurance information of everyone involved. Never sign documents in foreign languages without careful consideration. Then contact your own insurance company or travel assistance provider as soon as possible.