Flying is not a word commonly used in my household. Ever since I can remember we have only flown to our vacation spot once because we always drive. Thirteen hours in a car is a long drive, especially when you have three teenagers crammed in the backseat. With my years of experience, I have come up with a short list of tips to help anyone about to embark on a journey that starts and ends with a long drive with the family.
1. Always have a pair of headphones on hand.
I honestly don't know how I would survive a car ride without music. It's so easy to pop them in and turn on your favorite music and just relax.
2. Don't get worked up over the small things.
My brothers and I are very stubborn and hot-headed so this one is difficult. The best thing you can do when you're annoyed is just ignore it and go to your happy place. Maybe turn on that music!
3. Have snacks on hand.
Nothing is fun when you're hungry. We always have a bag full of snacks to make sure everyone is happy and full so there's no complaining.
4. Bring a blanket.
Some people may like it really cold in the car (my mom), so I learned early on that it is much easier to just bring a blanket and curl up than to argue about the temperature of the car.
5. "Foot deodorant!"
As I am writing this, my mom yelled this at me as a big tip. If you have brothers that have ever played sports, you know why this is huge. I love my brothers but they can really stink up an enclosed space.
6. Car chargers!
Have enough chargers to go around so that you can be occupied for any amount of time.
7. Just have fun!
You're going on vacation, a privilege that not everyone gets to experience. Appreciate the fact that you can get away for a while and don't get worked up. Just remember that the car ride is so worth it because you get to be in your own paradise.
