Road Trips 101

I've always loved road trips. It probably stems from us being too poor to fly anywhere when I was young so we always drove to our vacation destinations. I have fond memories of 4 kids (and sometimes a dog) in a mini-van driving across country. I once slept through the entire width of Nebraska, I hear I didn't miss much, I felt so accomplished that day! And before the day of cell phones, getting separated from my dad's car and singing 'where oh where could my father be' into our walkie-talkie until a truck driver broke in to tell us to shut up! Fun times!

Any who, that's my trip down memory lane now on to the main event! Here are my Top Ten Tips for a Fantastic Road Trip:

10. If the drive is more then 6 hours cruise control is a must!
Piglet, my car, doesn't have cruise control. It's the one thing I lament about her. I know from experience, a 12 hour drive without it is killer on the Achilles tendons. By hour 10 I was about ready to cry! I don't know how my dad ever did it on our long road trips, although come to think of it he did have at least one relief driver.

9. Detours happen, Be flexible.
Growing up every summer we would drive from North Texas to Nauvoo, Illinois, a small community on the banks of the Mississippi River. We never took the same route twice. We had 3 main routes to choose from but with road construction, missed turns and sightseeing along the way we always got on a different route. I think we've criss-crossed Missouri in ways most people would never think of. As I make this drive as an adult, I still have yet to go the same way twice. Makes what could be a long drive through corn fields a little more interesting! That being said make sure your GPS is up to date so when you get lost you can find your way again!

8. Random signs make it fun for kids.
I'm not talking about signs on the side of the road. Although the alphabet game is a favorite to play! I'm talking hand made signs with smiley faces, random messages, or the letter 'P' (can you guess what that one was for- I'll give you a hint, we were caravaning and didn't have cell phones) to hold up in the windows as you pass other cars. We thought up some crazy signs! It brightened our long drive and hopefully put a smile on the faces of the drivers we passed.

7. Barefoot is best - so don't wear tennis shoes!
Yep, that's right, wear the easiest shoes to take on and off cause nobody wants to wear shoes all day in the car. I personally only wear shoes on a road trip when I must get out of the car. If your planning on getting out and doing activities that require more then flip flops along the way, hiking comes to mind, just make sure your other shoes (and socks) are packed for easy grabbing, to put on when needed.

6. Never underestimate the power of a good playlist (or audio book/lecture)
Talking is great but after a few hours most people need some relief, so before you go create a road trip playlist, download that book you've been meaning to read, in audible form, or if your like my dad, download those lectures on random thing you've wanted to learn. Let me tell you, there is nothing like a lecture on the science of music to put your passengers to sleep and give you some good quiet contemplation time. Don't forget to pack the car chargers!

5. Activities, Activities, Activities!
You can never have too many activities, especially if you have kids! Movies, books, travel games, coloring books/pencils (no crayons, they melt), sign making material, a good imagination to make up stories about the places you pass through, keeping yourself, your kids, and especially the driver entertained (and thus awake) is important!

4. Fuel is key - Eat good food and drink plenty of water!
Snacking on road trips often because mindless, boredom eating. Make sure to pack at least some healthy snacks so your body gets the proper energy it needs to stare at the never ending ribbon of road for hours at a time. And seriously get out of the car for lunch! Whether you have a picnic at a rest area or go to a sit down restaurant avoid the convenience of the fast food drive thru, or making sandwiches in the car (that gets messy)! The time out of the car will re-energize you for the next leg of the journey. Also remember to stay hydrated, and that means drinking water! Soda is great but has very little place on a road trip. May I also suggest bringing an insulated refillable water bottle, so your water stays cold and you don't have thousands of plastics water bottles from the gas station littering your floor boards.

3. Good sleep is mandatory - stay at a hotel.
I'm all for supporting local small businesses, except when it comes to where I sleep. If your unfamiliar with the motel options, go with the proven hotel chains. I have several horror stories from motels, one involving having to switch rooms 3 times, to get a room with working air, or working toilet (all important things) and ending up in a smoking room that made it hard to breathe and even harder to sleep (after housekeeping cleaned it for us). I've learned my lesson well, stay at a hotel chain you trust. It makes for less crankiness the next day :) Or if you have friends that live along the way see if you can visit and sleep in the guest room or on their comfy couch!

2. Get your car checked out and serviced before you go.
Nothing ruins a road trip like being stuck on the side of the road. Even if you do regular maintenance on your car, take it in for a quick check-up before you hit the open roads. And become familiar with your roadside assistance options, just in case. Some insurance companies offer free roadside assistance or there is always AAA (I've never used them, because my insurance covers roadside assistance, but people say their great!)

1. Get off the main Interstate!
Talk about boring drives! It may take longer but the scenery on the smaller highways and byways can be breath taking! In recent years I have become a huge advocate for taking the lesser traveled road, it makes all the difference!

Happy Travels!