Famous Last Travel Words
Tuesday, November 24th, 2009 | posted by: Kristen
“If you don’t sit down right this minute and keep your hands to yourselves, I’m going to ____________________________”
a. Give you an extra serving of brussel sprouts for Thanksgiving dinner.
b. Buy you a brand new video game… and a puppy.
c. pull the car over right this minute and…
Ok, that wasn’t a hard one. That edict has been cast over drivers’ shoulder’s ever since Eisenhower’s Interstate system made it possible to pack up the family and head home for the holidays, and this year, with more than 31 million drivers expected to buckle up, kids in tow for the holiday pilgrimage, there is little doubt that it will be reiterated. Again. And again.
But there is no sense in dreading the trip over the river and through the woods. With a little planning, the only disruption that will be worthy of your attention is who “wins” the last slice of pecan pie. Or sweet potato. Or pumpkin.
“It’s not my job to entertain you”
Oh, but it is. And in this day and age, there is plenty to do during a road trip. DVD players and game boys may not be something you want the kids to play all the time, but they were practically created for idle traveling hands.”Old Fashioned” games are a good distraction too. Whether it be “Punch bug” or “I Spy”, little ones learn about the world around them through observation and play. Remember, games don’t necessarily have to have rules; you can make them up as you go along. Try pulling out the atlas and naming capitals of states. You never know what might spark the curiosity of a geographer-in-training!
Audio books and podcasts are a personal favorite — books and magazines are a little quieter, but may induce car sickness–. A quick trip to the library can equal free entertainment for your passengers, for hours. Charles Dickens is fun for the entire family, and teenagers also benefit from learning about current events.
“Are we there yet?”
You may not have a GPS system, but there is still no excuse for getting lost. If you’re embarking on a trip that you’ve never made before, have the route mapped out and an alternate route as well. It may sound old school, but for safety’s sake, keep an updated atlas in your car.
Pack snacks. Packing your own healthy food is good for the waist and the wallet, and it also keeps you on schedule. Granola bars, dried fruit, even sandwiches travel well if you wrap them tight and bring a cooler.
“They’re all Yours!”
Yes, the brood in the car belongs to you and you wouldn’t have it any other way. If holiday traffic backs up, someone crosses their imaginary line in the backseat or you just can’t figure out what to do to calm the crying baby, try to remember your attitude of gratitude. After all, your creating memories for the entire family, memories that you will all be grateful for down the road.
