WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2011
Road trips are about having fun and creating memories that can last a lifetime. If your taking a family road trip this summer, planning ahead can help make the journey a safe one and more enjoyable for everyone. A little effort before any road trip can make the difference between a great vacation full of fun and adventure and a disastrous nightmare.
1. Get a tune-up. Making sure that your vehicle is in good condition before you leave. Have a qualified mechanic check your battery, belts, air conditioner, fluids, and tires. It's a good idea to equip your car with some essentials that you may not normally store in your vehicle such as jumper cables, spare tire, jack, etc. Also make sure that your auto insurance and any other tags or inspections require are up to date.
2. Get a good night's rest. This is especially important if you are planning to leave very early in the morning. Make sure you get enough rest the night before so that you are awake and alert when it's time to get behind the wheel.
3. Plan your route in advance. Even if you have a GPS device, it's always a good idea to have a backup map and be familiar with the route you plan to take just in case. GPS devices fail, batteries can become weak, routes can change, or the maps can be incomplete.
4. Take frequent breaks. Most drivers just want to drive straight to their destination, but it will be safer and more enjoyable for the whole family to take a break every few hours. This gives everyone time to stretch their legs a little bit, maybe take a short walk, and use the restroom. You could plan your stops around landmarks or places of interest that may add to the experience.
5. Pack a cooler. Having snacks and drinks available should anyone get hungry or thirsty while riding in the car can make the trip more enjoyable. Avoid packing anything that's easy to spill or snacks that melt. You could even save a little money by packing a meal and stopping at a rest stop or park to eat along the way instead of eating at restaurant.
6. Is everyone strapped in? Make sure that everyone is wearing their seat belts at all times. Check to ensure that any car seats being used are properly installed and that the child stays in their seat at all times.
7. Take along things for the kids to do. If you are traveling with children, you will definately want to have multiple ways to keep them occupied. For infants, bringing along their favorite toy can do the trick. Young children may enjoy coloring books, games, or other toys. Today technology can be a parents best friend when it comes to road trips. DVD players for kids to watch movies, electronic games, or maybe a laptop for older kids are all great ways to keep them occupied. It's always best to have a variety of "tools" to keep little ones from getting bored.
8. Play road games. Sing-a-longs, twenty questions, the alphabet game, "who spots the most yellow cars", every family has their favorites, can be a great way to pass the time and make things fun for everyone.
9. Share the responsibilities on the road. Dad doesn’t always have to take the burden of driving the entire family to their destination. If possible, each family member should take turns in driving, to ease his pain and to help him enjoy the supposed to be relaxing trip too. If no one can drive properly at the moment, then it would be best to rest up a bit and take a short nap before continuing on your way.
10. Bring emergency supplies and a first aid kit. Emergencies and injuries can happen at any time. It's a good idea to equip your car with some essentials that you may not normally store in your vehicle such as jumper cables, spare tire, jack, blankets, flashlights, etc. You should have a kit that includes bandages of assorted sizes, antiseptic wipes and/or spray, gloves, gauze, tweezers, and other emergency medical items.
So before you leave for your next family road trip take some time to look over this list and consider other ways you can ensure your trip will be both fun and safe for your family. No matter what they may say ahead of time, your family will enjoy your adventure together. All it takes is just a little preparation.
By Matt Reynolds - Google+
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