5 Road-Trip Tips From The Backseat
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

5 Road-Trip Tips From The Backseat

18
5 Road-Trip Tips From The Backseat
AK On the Go

Even though summer is quickly coming to a close for many, it doesn't mean there isn't time for one more spectacular adventure. Road tripping is an amazing experience to do with friends or family. Driving the country is amazing — even though road rage is real anywhere — and having shotgun is just as good, especially when you get to control the way you get wherever you're going. But...what about the dreaded backseat? That place with little legroom, no say in where you stop, or *gasp* no control over the music!? Have no fear, tips are here! As someone who spent a huge portion of their childhood sandwiched between two older siblings in the backseat on trips up and down the East Coast, I've learned a few things about backseat survival. Here are my 5 tips to survive the trip:

1. Music

If you're doing this with friends, see if you all can make a system where you each get a turn to control the Aux cord, or CDs, or whatever music device you're using. Or look at the amount of time you're planning to drive, and build a playlist together. Make it a mix of everyone's taste, and don't be afraid to add in a few songs you don't already know by heart.

If you're traveling with family, invest in earphones, and bring at least one spare pair. as far as music players go, this leads me to my second tip...

2. Power Supply

No matter what your various equipment runs on, bring extra. You do not want to be stuck in the middle of a thunderstorm in the middle of Virginia at 10pm when your GPS suddenly dies (true story). It doesn't matter if you are the navigator, bring an extra battery pack just to be safe. Even if the GPS is hooked up to the car, bring a spare. You never know when you'll need it.

On a less dire note, also bring spares for your phone or music player. Especially with the advent of Pokemon Go, you'll want to keep your electronics charged so you can catch 'em all away from home!

3. Books

Long trips are nothing if not boring and tedious. Bring a book with you. Even if you don't normally read, pick up something that looks interesting and give it a try. When there's no computer in front of you, and no to-do list on your mind, you'll be amazed at how the imagination can take flight in a good book.

4. Caffeine

Caffeine is the true love of 90's babies, and honestly every other generation that has to drive anywhere. There are some rules you need to remember for road trips though, because dehydration headaches are exactly like mega hangovers... minus smelling like alcohol. Alternate energy drinks with water or Gatorade, a one to one ratio is a good idea, one to two is better. Also, moderate all drinking if you don't want to stop every hour or so. This applies both to front seat and backseat people, everything is good in moderation, but the amount that counts differs person to person. For example: my roommate can drink all the tea and coffee she wants, whereas I can bang back a case of monster without blinking, but if we try to switch we both die.

5. Enjoy

Take in the sights, the world is huge and there's so much to see! Buy a couple of crappy, disposable cameras and take blurry pictures of the highway scenery! I'm telling you, doing that at night, out the window of a moving car with no flash can create some magnificent shots. There is so much cool stuff to see as you drive by it, don't let the world just rush by.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

48689
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

30966
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

954797
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

179805
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments