GRANDVILLE, Mich.,––Spring break is coming up quickly and many families might be considering taking a trip. If you have little ones and a road trip is on the docket, it's time to start getting ready. Kids can make any sort of travel complicated, but a long road trip downright hectic if you're not prepared. We've got some tips that'll help you have a fun and safe road trip with your little ones, no matter where you're going. Check out our tips for traveling with a crew below and use them on your spring break road trip.

1. Inspect Your Car

Before anything else, you'll want to make sure your vehicle is in good shape to hit the road, because the last thing you want to deal with is being stuck on the side of the road with car troubles and impatient children. Things that should be inspected before you go include your oil level, tires, wiper fluid, and of course, your gas tank level. If you bring your car into RiverTown Honda for an oil change before your trip, we'll be sure to give your vehicle a thorough inspection to help you avoid any potential mishaps! Make sure to fill up your tank before you leave as well, or as you head out of town so you don't have to deal with finding a station in a potentially unfamiliar area.

2. Stock the Car with Necessary Emergency Items

Every individual and family is different, but there are some basic items you should always have in your car should you have to deal with car troubles on the road. Extra change or money, jumper cables, a tire pump, a flashlight, a blanket, extra cell phone charger, and a first aid kit are what we consider necessary items. Other items you might want to consider bringing include extra medication, hats or sunscreen, a trash can or trash bags, extra water bottles, and whatever else you need to keep your kids comfy, healthy, and safe.

3. Bring Snacks!

What would a road trip be without some good snacks? If you've ever run into someone who gets "hangry" or hungry and angry, like a toddler for instance, you'll understand why snacks are so important! You can either stop at a gas station before heading out of town, or stock up with what you have at home. Most times, you can bring along smarter, more healthy snacks that'll keep you full by using what you have at home, as opposed to buying sugar-filled junk food items at the gas station or convenience store. See our 7 on-the-go kids snacks to get some homemade snack ideas and get inspired to create your own! Don't forget to also bring plenty of beverages to stay hydrated, but be careful to ration these items, otherwise your driver will be stopping often for bathroom breaks.

4. Prepare Entertainment

If you're taking a trip with just adults you might be able to skip this step, but with children, this step is absolutely necessary. In many newer vehicles, especially family based ones like the 2018 Honda Odyssey, entertainment is plenty with the back seat screen for movies and shows, wifi, and the group playlist feature. In older vehicles, you might have to supply the entertainment yourself. Find fun material-free road games you can play together, bring along handheld game consoles, or make road-trip ready activity bags or kits with the ideas on our Road Trip Tips Pinterest board!

5. Keep Things Organized

If you're taking a short road trip or a long road trip, do your best to keep things organized as you go. This can help you easily access emergency items when needed, not worry about cleaning up a mess when you arrive, and help you get home in a vehicle that doesn't resemble a garbage can. Keep everyone's luggage or items in the same areas, offer items like a bag for garbage or recyclables and storage solutions for small items, and carry along supplies for any spills or messes that need immediate cleaning. This will also help you avoid turning back in your seat a million times because your little ones can't find what they need!

6. Plan Fun Stops to Break Up a Long Trip

Taking a longer trip with little ones? Make sure to plan some fun stops to break up the long periods of sitting. If you're a parent, you know it's no fun to be dealing with a temper tantrum or fussiness in the confines of a car or minivan. Of course, you'll need to stop for the bathroom and meals here and there, but some extra stops along the way can help diffuse the growing crankiness. Stopping at a rest stop and taking a quick walk or playing a game of tag, as long as the weather permits, might help to get out some of that pent up energy. You could also plan for a longer trip and make some educational stops like for tourist sights, museums, etc.


We hope these tips for traveling with a crew give you all the necessary tools for a stress-free road trip and memorable spring break vacation! If you need assistance in inspecting your vehicle or with an oil change before you leave town, stop by our Express Service Lane for routine maintenance services in 90 minutes or less. You can save big just by coming to RiverTown Honda, and even more by utilizing our service coupons.

Looking for a better, more equipped, family-based vehicle? We highly recommend stopping by with the little ones to check out the 2018 Honda Odyssey and the 2018 Honda Pilot. We'll help you find the right vehicle for your family's needs and your budget. Learn more about the RiverTown Honda experience online and why we're different from other dealerships!

GRANDVILLE, Mich. –– Spring break is one vacation where you can count on a good time with friends and family usually somewhere warm and sunny. Depending on where you go (see our previous blog for family destination ideas!) and who you're going with, much packing and preparation are in order. What are you going to wear? Who's going to take care of your pets while you're away? What kind of extras do you need to pack? Are you missing anything? What about your car?! If you're driving, it's arguably the most important item you need to prepare for a spring break trip, so you can have a worry free vacation. Don't stress, because at RiverTown Honda we've made preparing your car for a spring break trip easy with coupons and tips galore!

1. Get Your Oil Changed

One of the simplest tasks can help you keep your car running at optimal level and help extend its life. Going with conventional oil is great and will last 3,000-5,000 miles, while going with synthetic oil or a blend will extend the interval between oil changes. Synthetic is better for very hot or cold climates, towing vehicles, and turbocharged engines. You can find answers to all your oil change questions on our FAQ page!

2. Have Fluids Checked and Topped off

There are some very important fluids that keep your vehicle running its best that might not be top of mind but are good to have checked. Coolant, for instance, makes sure your vehicle doesn't overheat when it's running, which is especially important for long road trips where your engine will be hot. Brake fluid serves as a lubricant to movable parts and is important because it makes braking happen properly when it transfers force from the brake pedal to the wheel hub. Windshield washer fluid is another important fluid to have topped off because it allows you to see clearly the road ahead!

3. Get Your Battery Tested

4. Rotate and Check Your Tires

We can do ALL these things at RiverTown Honda and more! Make sure to take advantage and grab service coupons on our website to save big on preparing your car for a spring break trip. It's our goal to help you stay safe on the road wherever you go and provide you the best dealership experience of your life. We were given the President's Award for 2016 last year for our exemplary sales and service, and have been recognized for being the top Honda dealer in the midwest to complete recalls. But, more recently, we've been named the #1 Honda Dealer in Michigan (per AHM new retail sales 2017)

Give RiverTown Honda a call at (877) 236-9113, or visit us at 4260 Kenowa Ave. Grandville, MI 49418, one mile west of RiverTown Mall.

GRANDVILLE, Mich.,––Spring break is just around the corner for many of us in the West Michigan area, or at least it's a topic that's top of mind now. Grandville schools will be heading out for the week long break on April 5th, leaving you and your family plenty of time to plan a fun trip. We understand that it can be stressful to break out of the typical "spring break" mold and make it a fun vacation for the whole family. If you're looking to avoid the college party scene, we've got some ideas for you! Check out these 5 out of state spring break destinations that are simply perfect for families.

Outer Banks, North Carolina 

Otherwise known as OBX, is part of a long string of islands off the North Carolina coast. We recommend renting a condo or vacation home for the week and grabbing your family and some friends to go along. There you can fish, swim, boat, and relax on the water in the beautiful warm weather. There's also plenty of museums to attend if you're interested, and aero tours you can take to view the coast. The relaxed vibe makes it a great destination for families. It'll take about 15 hours to make the trip by car from Grandville.

Washington D.C. 

If you're searching for a beach spot where you can fully relax and pick up a nice tan, Washington D.C. isn't the spot. But if you're looking for an interesting and educational place with tons of activities to do within walking/local transport distance, this spring break spot is ideal. Many of the museums and sights are free and kid friendly, and the adults will enjoy the great selection of food available. You can definitely make this vacation into a road trip. It'll take about 10-12 hours, depending on your stops, coming from Grandville.

Maui, Hawaii 

Have a little one in your family that's simply obsessed with Moana? Cure their craving with a trip to Hawaii! Maui isn't just a name of a character in the movie, but is an island that's perfect for a family vacation. This island isn't as big, as crowded, or as quiet as some of the other islands. Plus, it offers great views, wildlife, history/culture, and this time of year is ideal for travel! Of course, you'll have to fly for this one, but you might be able to save a little if you drive to the Detroit airport for departure.

Keystone, Colorado

Sanibel and Captiva Islands, Florida