Long rides in a car, whether it’s in summer or winter, spring, or autumn, with a sibling or without, there are quite a number of things you would require for a journey like this. In my list, dear readers, with an additional bonus, I have included tips to engage yourself when stuck between two age groups, because that’s the unfortunate situation I usually get sandwiched in. Enjoy!
1.Firstly, FOOD and DRINKS. If you’re travelling on a long weekend, for instance, Easter, pack food beforehand. It would be perfectly fine if you feasted on fast food the whole day, but that would lead to a lack of variety and wouldn’t be enjoyable, believe me. Also, I love bringing along food on road trips because it gives me a sense of adventure. Imagine the fun associated with planning and preparing the elaborate menu for the journey. Somehow, a simple cheese sandwich and boiled eggs taste heavenly while on a 5-hour drive.
2. Do a WEATHER check and pack the appropriate clothes. You would not want to get drenched in rain or freeze in 5 Degrees.
3. Finalize your REST AREAS at least half a week before the trip.
This is essential. It takes some serious research to decide what stops would have the facilities you would need, even more so when there are little, demanding kids like Em around (Sorry, Em☹. No one tell her I said that…). Anyway, when you’re in areas of high-altitude or in places with low connectivity (for example, we were driving on a mountain and the signal cut out for 2 hours), it’s extremely difficult to figure out where to stop with a non-working GPS. Besides, it’s not very helpful to be stranded in the middle of nowhere…who wants to get stuck on a mountain?
4. *ATTENTION. FOR THOSE WHO DO NOT WANT TO BE OVERRUN BY KIDS, OR PERISH OF BOREDOM WITHOUT HAVING ANYONE ELSE TO TALK TO*
REMEMBER, carry a BOOK, or a CAMERA, or HEADPHONES or anything that can keep you entertained throughout the longer stretches of road trips (You can’t exactly stare out the window for all eternity and be submerged in deep philosophical thoughts). Bring along something to distract your sibling/siblings from overwhelming you. For example, I brought my laptop and headphones along, just in case. Staring out of the windows does not help.
5. JUST ENJOY YOURSELF!
Most crucial for any trip you go on, HAVE IMMENSE FUN visiting new places. Get a map, unearth the history, look around and discover your likings.
Make it extremely clear to yourself that you shall not be badgered by little monkeys while trying to enjoy a trip, ESPECIALLY when you have no one your age around to associate with, and especially when you’re a teenager with a sibling like Em.
Trust me, I speak from experience. 🙁
And that’s the end of my list! I hope you found it helpful, do add any tips you would want to see in the comments!
Signing off…