Are you preparing for a road trip adventure? Whether you are a seasoned traveler of the roads or are getting ready to venture out on a long-haul drive for the first time, there are some tried and true or new-to-you things you should do to make the entire experience better than ever. Read on to learn more, and then get out there!
Embrace Quiet Moments
On any trip, there will be moments when you and the rest of your traveling team will want, and perhaps even need, a little peace and quiet. The perfect way to do this is by playing Solitaire on a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Spend some time alone and try to best yourself over and over again. It is the perfect retreat where you get to relax, be in the moment, and just play as much as you want without overthinking the process. Sometimes, that is the best respite for when life and road trips become too loud.
Have a Sing-a-Long
It does not matter what the ages of those in your vehicle happen to be. Whether anyone can carry a tune or not is not even consequential. What does matter is an interest in having fun along the way. Select some tunes from the latest pop era or a playlist from a Broadway show. Perhaps this will be the ideal time to introduce your kids to the music you listened to when you were a teenager or coming of age in college. Turn the music up a bit and encourage everyone to sing along together. Belting out songs, whether you know all the words or not, is a fun bonding experience that will bring smiles, laughs, and memories.
Credit: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-woman-vehicle-travel-8231016/
Learn About Geocaching
If you and your family and friends have not yet tried geocaching, you are in for a treat! The official website describes it as “the world’s largest treasure hunt.” Start your very own treasure hunt by familiarizing yourself with the website and then downloading the app to everyone’s smartphone. The idea behind geocaching is you use coordinates to search for a location or a location with hidden treasure. Participants get in on the fun in places all over the world, so you are sure to find a location on your road trip, too. Some essential items you will need include:
- Smartphone App
- Pen or Pencil
- Paper
- Small Trinkets
The idea is that you find the geocached location, collect the hidden treasure, and replace it with your own for the next person to find. Sometimes, you sign your name to a log, as well. Take pictures of your loot and be mindful of where you are wandering as some of the locations will take you off the beaten path.
Incorporate Movement Into Every Day
One thing is certain on a road trip, everyone will want and need to get up after sitting in the vehicle for too long. Make physical activity a part of every day on the road. Pack small items such as jump ropes, chalk for hopscotch, frisbees, and a ball or two. Whenever you stop for food or a bathroom break, add extra time for everyone to run around and stretch their legs. These can be nice, calm moments to create memories and give your kids attention when you have been so focused on the road ahead.
Listen to Something Together
Of course, everyone will probably bring their own device – from smartphones and tablets to laptops and built-in screens in the vehicle – there is never a moment where technology is not a part of today’s road trip. Change up how you do things by downloading a series of audiobooks from the library or listening to a podcast. This way, everyone will be focused on what they hear and can look outside without being drawn continuously toward a screen instead of what lies around them. There are plenty of family-friendly audiobooks and podcasts that will capture everyone’s interest and give you something new to talk about at dinner.
There is always time to prepare a bit more for any road trip. Try to make things somewhat easier by watching this short video for effortless road trip hacks you can incorporate into your next adventure.
When you take the time to ensure you are prepared and ready to have fun on your upcoming road trip, everyone will notice, and they will certainly be appreciative. Incorporate some of these easy ideas into each day, and you will bring both calm and happy smiles to everyone.
Feature photo: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-looking-at-the-map-3935702/