Surviving Holiday Travel on Queensland Roads

How to Prevent Carsickness on Road Trips

Carsick kids are a classic holiday challenge. The inner ear struggles with movement, leading to nausea and dizziness.

If the front seat's not an option for your little ones, there are still ways to help:

• Tablets vs. natural fixes: Pharmacies stock travel sickness tablets, but they can make passengers groggy. Ginger or peppermint remedies work for some, though results vary.
• Snack smart: Avoid heavy meals before driving. Small, dry foods are less likely to upset tummies on the move.
• Think of the pets: Dogs and cats get carsick too. Give them time to digest before travel, pack dry treats for the trip, and pop down towels or a tarp just in case. In Queensland, pet restraints aren't mandatory unless in a ute tray, but they're safer for both you and your furry passenger.

Holiday Driving Safety: Improve Your Visibility

Holiday traffic can mean tired, distracted drivers all around you. Boosting your visibility is one of the easiest safety wins:

• Lights on: Even in the day, headlights make your car easier to spot.
• Sunnies at night? Yep. Polarised sunglasses can cut the glare from headlights and wet roads - making signs and lane markings clearer in the rain. If they're not polarised, though - don't bother!
• High beam etiquette: Remember to dip them within 200 metres of another car so you're not blinding the very people you need to be watching out for you.

These small changes can make a big difference when travelling Queensland highways during peak holiday times.

Packing Tips for Queensland Road Trips

Families don't pack light - and once the car's loaded with bags, scooters, eskies and boogie boards, things can get chaotic. A few simple tricks keep everyone safer and more comfortable:

• Heavy gear low & forward: Stow it near the floor, close to the front of the boot. That way, in an emergency stop, it won't become a projectile.
• Secure your load: Cargo barriers, bungee straps or tie-downs stop bags from shifting mid-drive.
• Roof pod caution: Great for space, but keep in mind they raise your centre of gravity and can affect handling - especially if you're planning to sneak off-road on your holiday.
• 4WD trips: If heading off-road, don't forget recovery gear and know how to use it! Motorama customers can join a 4x4xMORE Tag-Along tour to learn the basics.

Why Driver Reviver Stops Matter in Queensland

Research shows that accidents are most likely to occur in the last 50 kilometres before your destination. Fatigue sets in, focus drops, and drivers push through.

Queensland's Driver Reviver stations are the best excuse to grab a free cuppa, stretch your legs, and tackle the final stretch safely.

Pre-Trip Car Servicing in Brisbane

The best holiday trips start with a car that's ready for the drive. Before hitting the highway, book a service to check tyres, brakes, fluids, and lights.

At Motorama service centres in Moorooka, Browns Plains and Springwood, our expert technicians look after all makes and models, specialising in Holden, Toyota, Ford, Mitsubishi, Kia, Jeep, MG and Chery.