Road trips are an American pastime and an exciting adventure ... for the first hour or so. Spending hours buckled into the seat of a car can wear on your nerves if you make the mistake of starting the trip without any plans to survive the ride. Surviving a long car ride is as easy as preparing beforehand.
Carpool. Don’t drive long distances alone. Make sure there is another driver in the car, for the sake of your safety and sanity, so you can switch off every few hours.
Don’t depend on the radio. Stations change from city to city, and as soon as you find one you like, you’ll be hit with a blast of static. Bring at least two dozen CDs or tapes so that you have plenty to choose from.
Check out books on CD from the public library from authors you know you like. You’ll be so engrossed in the story that the hours will fly by.
Bring a book of crossword puzzles. Passengers can read out the clues to the driver and they can work together to solve them.
Buy or rent a portable DVD player and bring a selection of five or more DVDs. If children are in the car, the portable DVD player can maintain their attention.
Pack a cooler of your favorite snacks and drinks. Hitting a long stretch of highway with no rest stops or restaurants is torture on an empty stomach. The same goes for a full bladder — make sure you use the restroom every time you stop.
Stick a map into the glove compartment for times when your GPS loses satellite reception.
Pack an emergency car kit and keep it in the trunk. At the minimum, your kit should include bottles of water, flares and a first-aid kit. Additional items could be jumper cables, ponchos and flashlights.
