The Final Stop! The Ultimate Road Trip Checklist for Van Families 

Spending time with the whole family is an amazing way to build connections and memories with the gang. What better way to do so than by hitting the road and exploring the Great Outdoors with the ones you love the most! However, any parent understands that doing any activity, especially travel and vacations, can turn what can be regarded as fairly simple into an event that requires meticulous planning.

Turning a trip into a success comes down to making sure that everything runs as smoothly as possible. A great way to ensure that your excursion, long or short, runs without any bumps in the road (other than when you go off the trail) is by keeping your equipment organized, checking regularly that your safety systems are functioning, and making sure that snacks are readily available (the last part may be the most important). If all of those mentioned previously are maintained, then it is safe to say that you and your happy campers are ready to handle any unexpected detours.

Right before you get all of your crew loaded into the van, slide the door shut, and hit the road, use the Good Van’s “essential road trip with the whole family checklist” to guarantee your family vehicle is ready to set sail for the adventures that are waiting for you and the family. 

1. The Pre-Trip Vehicle and Safety Inspection

Before everyone gets ahead of themselves and starts packing for the trip, it is crucial that you ensure the foundation of your vehicle is sound and fully prepared for the weight that comes with adding extra passengers, regardless of age, height, or weight.

• Verify Car Seats are secured: Double (or even triple) check that all car seats or boosters are securely mounted to your certified modular seating tracks. 

• Pressure tests: Test your tires and brakes for air pressure and a functioning, well-maintained set of brake pads. A family built carries consistent weight. Ensure tires are inflated to match your load capacity, and your brakes are responsive.

• Keep First Aid up to date: You are never too prepared when it comes to first aid. Get bandages beyond the standard ones. Make sure that the kit includes: Child-specific medications, rehydration packets, sting relief, and a reliable digital thermometer.

2. Zoning off the Interiors

When traveling with children, teens, or infants, keeping the interior organized is an important part of the trip and requires intentionality. Even though you are traveling in a van with limited space, everyone needs their own space. 

• Front Lounge Setup: During long travel breaks, move your swivel seat to face the rear passenger bench, creating a table area for quick roadside lunches without unpacking your entire camp.

• Quick and Accessible Snack Stations: Designate a low-storage bin or drawer in the galley for kid-friendly snacks. It is a safe way for kids to safely grab what they want without having to ask you to dig through the pantry or get out of your seat in a moving vehicle. 

• Device Charging Stations: Having a space in the second-row seating area with dedicated, active USB-C ports is great to ensure that entertainment devices stay charged during long stretches of empty highway. 

The Good Van’s “Good Take” 

The Good people at that Good Van understand that constructing your vehicle to fit snuggly around your family’s routine is the secret to a great family vacation. Making sure your van makes you and your family feel comfortable and relaxed is crucial to your experience on the road. Keeping your mind off fighting for space and storage in your van or basic safety logistics allows you and the rest of the family to travel in comfort and enjoy the real purpose of the road trip: exploring new places together. Come back to this list and run through your checks before getting the van packed up, ease your mind from worries while you drive, enjoy the company, and enjoy the road.

-Matthew Garcia