Surprising as it may sound, not everybody loves a summer road trip. Yes, there is great fun to be had sitting in a car, cruising down the freeway with the sound system on and a sun in the sky up above. But, as much as the rock and roll cliché gives us it can all still not be enough for many people. A road trip is great fun if you are in the mood for it, but if even one passenger is not into the groove then all you will find is a sullen mood that spoils it for everyone. Essentially, the point is that when you wake up in the morning feeling like a road trip would be the most fun anyone could ever imagine, do not be so certain that everyone agrees. Gauge the mood first, before announcing your plan.
As long as everyone is up for it, a road trip can certainly be bunches of fun. Taking along your own entertainment is a start. This should include fun items for the kids, like new toys or handheld video games. It should also include music which is upbeat, but not intolerably so. A bit of Nirvana or Radiohead might be a little too heavy for most of the passengers, but at the same time a CD of Barney singing might be too annoying for the driver to be able to maintain concentration. Making a mix tape or CD for the car is a good idea, and this can get the kids involved. Get them to list some songs, get an older kid to compile the tape or CD, and allow everyone to have one veto when it comes to song choice. This will help avoid arguments.
Prior to any long road trip, it is also worth ensuring that the car is in good shape. It will not be going on a short trip to the grocery store. Its engine and all its other parts will be tested by a long drive, so make sure that there is nothing loose or perishing under the bonnet – belts, wires and connections all need to be present and correct. Fluid levels in the different reservoirs are also essential – wiper fluid, brake and transmission fluid and engine oil need to be at the optimum level before you set off. This may not be great fun in and of itself, but it does facilitate a great deal of fun later on.
An emergency kit is also a good thing. This is important on more than one level. Firstly, if you are going far from home and the car breaks down, you cannot rely on a friend to come out and tow you home. You will need to have maintenance items for problems you can fix, and the contact details of a good garage for those you cannot. You should have food and drink in case the unscheduled stop takes a while, and something to take the kids’ minds off the fact that the car is not moving. This is something that you obviously should not need, but preparing is always a good idea anyway.
On top of this, schedule some stops that the kids will definitely enjoy and plan the activities for these stops. And then you are off on your way – have a good time!
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