Car

Practicalities Getting There Car Diversions en Route 

Motorways

Motorway service stops in the UK now almost invariably offer changing facilities and increasingly offer play equipment and video/games arcades plus shops selling items likely to appeal to children. Like the food on offer, these are all designed to part parents and their money in exchange for items and services of rather dubious value. They also make it particularly difficult to cajole children back to the dubious attractions of sitting still in the car.

Overseas the basic facilities are getting better and while still expensive places to stop they are not usually quite in the British league when it comes to the value-for-money equation.

In France Relais Centres operate in July and August at motorway service stops to help keep children entertained with bouncy castles, clowns and they include baby changing facilities, sometimes offering free nappies. For more information see Auto Routes and SAPRR .

In Italy the larger Autogrills on the motorway network will have baby changing facilities and facilities for heating a bottle.

Alternatives

If you can you might (and you can't always conveniently) find it preferable to stop somewhere else. Ideally this should have running around space but less readymade entertainment. Also useful for this would be picnic equipment including a blanket to sit on, something like a ball, frisbee or kite to burn off energy, cups and more, are all useful for impromptu picnic stops.

If you don't fancy a picnic (or the weather is unsuitable) a guidebook [Reports Database] is a good way of finding somewhere less clearly designed to part parents from their money such as a pub with a family room.

If you would prefer to avoid the motorways in France you can request a free Bison Fute map (crafty bison) (0891) 244 123 (50p per minute). The guide advises on pretty and quiet routes through France. It can also be visited on the net at Bisonfute .

What to Avoid

Wherever you stop avoid consumption of any kind of food which can induce hyperactivity. Sugar is notorious for this, as are most brand products aimed at children because they contain additives and colourants have been found to trigger behavioural difficulties in close on half of children after consumption