You know the drill. The kids are bouncing off the walls, dying to get out and explore. You promised them a vacation filled with adventure. But now the dreaded travel day is here and you’re wondering how you’ll survive being cooped up for hours. Don’t sweat it! When you book your family’s trip with National Express Coaches, you get comfy seats, free wifi, power outlets to keep devices charged, and even onboard entertainment. Read on for pro tips to make your coach ride a breeze. We’ll cover planning games and snacks to keep the kiddos happy, scoring the best seats in the house, navigating family-friendly destinations, and more. By the time you reach your destination, the journey will be just as memorable as the vacation itself. So get ready to kick back, relax, and enjoy the ride. With National Express, you’ve got this, parents!
Planning Your Family Trip With National Express
Find the Right Route
With over 500 destinations to choose from, you’ll want to find a route that appeals to both kids and parents. Consider destinations like Legoland, Chessington World of Adventures, or Warwick Castle. The National Express website lets you filter routes by family-friendly destinations, so you can easily find a place the whole family will enjoy.
Once you’ve picked a fun destination, you can reserve your seats up to 12 weeks in advance on most services. Booking in advance means you’ll have the best choice of seats and can ensure your family sits together. It also allows you time to plan other details like packing entertainment and snacks to keep the little ones happy on the journey.
Don’t Forget Essentials
When traveling with kids, be sure to bring essential supplies to make the ride comfortable for everyone. Pack favorite toys, books, tablets, headphones, chargers, and any medications your child may need. And don’t forget snacks, especially for longer rides – having a variety of snacks and drinks on hand will prevent hunger-related meltdowns.
Wipes, hand sanitizer, and plastic bags also come in handy when traveling with children. And if it’s an overnight journey, don’t forget pillows, blankets, pajamas, and a favorite stuffed animal or security blanket to help your little ones sleep.
With the right planning and preparation, family travel can be a fun adventure for both kids and parents. By choosing a family-friendly destination, reserving seats in advance, and packing entertainment and essential supplies, your National Express journey is sure to create cherished memories. Now, all that’s left to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride!
Keeping Kids Entertained on Long National Express Journeys
Bring snacks
Kids get hungry, especially on long rides, so pack some of their favorite snacks to keep hunger at bay. Things like fruit snacks, granola bars, sandwiches, and juice boxes are great options. And don’t forget any treats to celebrate reaching your destination!
Entertainment essentials
Bring books, small toys, tablets, headphones, and chargers to keep little ones occupied. Coloring books, small Legos, action figures, and card games are all great portable entertainment. If your kids have their tablets, download some movies, TV shows, games, and audiobooks ahead of time for offline entertainment.
Get up and move around
On longer rides, it’s a good idea to get up, stretch your legs, and walk around. Most National Express coaches make stops every few hours, so take advantage of the opportunity to get fresh air and move around. Once back on the couch, do some simple stretches or have a little dance party to energetic music. Physical activity will boost mood and make the time pass more quickly.
Enjoy the journey
Help make the ride part of the adventure by playing I Spy, telling stories, reading books together, and engaging in conversation. Appreciate passing scenery and enjoy quality family bonding time. Before you know it, you’ll have reached your destination, so savor each moment of the journey.
Traveling with children requires extra planning and patience, but following these tips will help ensure a smooth ride with National Express. Now, off on your family adventure!
Top Family-Friendly Destinations Accessible by National Express
Legoland Windsor
If your kids can’t get enough of their Lego sets, they’ll love a trip to Legoland Windsor. Just a short ride from London, this theme park dedicated to the popular building blocks offers over 55 rides, attractions, and live shows perfect for children ages 3 to 12. While there, don’t miss Miniland – a miniature Lego replica of London’s skyline. The Lego Star Wars area and Lego Ninjago World are also must-sees for young fans of the franchises. With heaps of hands-on activities, Legoland is a paradise for budding young builders and architects.
Warwick Castle
Step back in time with a visit to Warwick Castle, a medieval fortress that’s seen over 1,100 years of history. About a 90-minute coach ride from London, the castle grounds feature jousting shows, trebuchet firings, and the Horrible Histories Maze. You can tour the lavish State Rooms and climb the ramparts for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The Castle Dungeon attraction provides a spooky glimpse into the darker side of medieval life. With so much rich history and family fun in one place, Warwick Castle is ideal for curious kids and adults alike.
Cadbury World
What child doesn’t love chocolate? Take a sweet adventure to Cadbury World, located just 2 hours north of London in Birmingham. This interactive tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Cadbury chocolates like Dairy Milk and Flakes are made. You’ll learn about the history of the company, see how cocoa beans are turned into creamy chocolate, and even sample some delicious treats along the way. With colorful exhibits, play areas, and chocolatey aromas wafting through the air, Cadbury World is a delectable day out for chocolate fans of all ages.
