Holiday Road Trip Preparation
We’ve all been in the situation where we have a long road trip ahead of us, and we’re not sure where to start to get ready. This situation becomes even worse in the event that we are taking our kids. It’s difficult to sit still for a long period of time in a car, and it’s even harder for kids than it is adults. If you’re like those of us who get carsick and need a break every few hours, road trips may sound like a nightmare. But there are a few things you and I can do to make our road trips more successful for all of us who are in the car.
Get The Car Ready
Nothing is worse than having a car break down in the middle of a road trip. Not only will we have to call a tow truck and have the car towed, but then we are also stuck moving our stuff from one place to another after we’ve worked so hard to pack the car perfectly. But this problem is easy to avoid if we prepare before we pull out of the driveway. A few days before the trip, it’s important to check out several things on the car that will be driven. A few of them are listed below.
- Get the oil changed
- Check tire pressure
- Have tires rotated
- Top off fluids
- Fill up gas
- Check windshield wipers and headlights
While we can’t predict every problem a car may have on a road trip, we can sure take care of a few common problems that happen to cars when they are on the road for a long time.
Pack Snacks And Drinks
Most of us like to have something to munch on and something to sip when we are taking long drives. Often, the process of drinking and eating may help to keep the driver of the car awake after a long day on the road. A great way to head off this problem is to pack a cooler of each passenger’s favorite drinks and bring a large bag of favorite snacks. While there are always gas stations and restaurants available to purchase goods, it will seriously slow down the trip if a stop has to be made every hour. Packing snacks is an even better idea if the road trip is through an area that lacks towns along the highway or freeway.
Prepare Entertainment
Anyone with kids knows how exhausting it can be to entertain them for twelve hours in a car. We can anticipate this problem by bringing entertainment along in the car. Bring movies, books and music players to give each passenger something to do. If the driver gets sleepy, listening to music or an audiobook is always a great way to keep the driver interested and alert. Bring movies and games that your kids love to play.
Make It Comfortable
An essential part of a good road trip is a favorite pillow and blanket. It is hard to get comfortable in a car, and bringing along favorite sleeping items makes it much easier. We’ve all curled up against the door at one point or another and wished we had a pillow every time we doze off and our heads hit the window. Bringing pillows and blankets guarantees that everyone is comfortable whenever they want to sleep. Kids are also more encouraged to fall asleep when they have familiar sleeping items nearby.
Plan The Route
Being lost is no fun, especially when you’ve been in the car for a long time. You and I have both been in situations where tempers have been flamed up because of too much time spent in the car. Make sure to map out any routes beforehand, and print off maps to help you get to your destination. We can all avoid arguing during our trips if we have picked a route before we leave and agree not to deter from it.
Have Fun
But ultimately, it’s up to us to relax and have a good time on a road trip. Part of driving in the car is the bonding experience you get when you are together in such close quarters. Even though it can be frustrating and exhausting, when we plan ahead we can anticipate and prevent many problems before they occur. By being prepared for a road trip, you and I can ensure that everyone has a good time and that things flow smoothly.