Do you remember when Oprah and her BFF Gayle embarked on an 11-day summer road trip across America? The queen of talk’s cross-country adventure served as a reminder to many of us about the challenges associated with being crammed in a limited space for an extended amount of time with more than just ourselves.
Even the people we claim to love with our heart and soul can get under our skin during a long car ride. To avoid taking a turn into vacation purgatory this summer, it’s critical to be well prepared. Remember, when you’re cruising along the highway, one wrong turn can lead to major road bumps in the relationship department, so stay focused and apply these tips to ensure smooth sailing:
Entertainment: Whether you are embarking on a two-hour car ride to grandma’s house or you’re undertaking a 20-hour trip to Mickey’s pad in Orlando, you’ll want to load up on a variety of entertainment options. If you are traveling with kids, pack plenty of DVDs, CDs and handheld video games. Or, you could insist on traveling unplugged and simply play I Spy, 20 Questions and License Plate Bingo.
Food: Hungry, crabby passengers can turn the family van into a torture chamber. Food is often the highlight of a long car ride, especially if you’ve been trapped in the same seat for hours on end. Don’t leave home without a cooler filled with your favorite portable snacks, such as cut-up fruits and veggies, chips, pretzels, crackers, as well as juice, soda and water. Also, don’t forget to bring along a few garbage bags for all of the trash.
Safety: Nothing will put the brakes on a summer road trip faster than car trouble. Prior to hitting the highway on an extended holiday, get a complete inspection of your vehicle. Be sure to get the oil changed and have the brake and transmission fluids checked. Don’t forget to top off your windshield wiper fluid and check your tire pressure, as well as the coolant levels and battery.
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