My family has lived in Missouri since I was four years old. We’re originally from upstate New York and we’re the furthest west any of our immediate family has moved (with an exception to my cousin and her husband, who live in Hawaii). Every year since we moved, we have road tripped back to the East for Christmas. That’s a yearly 16-hour drive with my parents, brother, and – sometimes—our dog. For some people, this experience sounds like a living hell, which at times it can be. However, after 18 years of driving 16 hours with my family, I have a few tips that will make any long car ride more bearable.
1. Have a travel outfit.
You aren’t going to the Ritz (I’m assuming). Dress comfortably. A good go-to outfit during the winter months is tennis shoes, sweats, a short sleeve shirt and a hoodie. Layering is great because you can find an optimal comfort level which is key during a road trip.
2. Bring a full-sized pillow.
Because those wimpy neck pillows cannot hold up to the infamous head flop that occurs when you fall asleep sitting up. The optimal position for your pillow is to lean it against the back of the seat in front of you. This lets you lean against a solid surface so no head flopping occurs. Another position that works is putting the pillow on your lap. This results in more neck cramping, but you will have a decent nap with this technique.
3. Have a blanket on hand.
You won’t just need this for the napping that occurs during a road trip. Most cars driving across country are ice cold because whoever is driving at the time has to stay awake. It’s valid, but when you’re the one sitting in the back it can be unbelievably uncomfortable. A fuzzy fleece blanket will keep you content.
4. Bring a portable charging device.
There are a few options here. You can get a USB charging port that plugs into your car’s cigarette lighter or a portable charging stick. It’s always good to have a way to keep your phone fully charged, just in case of a breakdown or accident. Always be prepared.
5. Pack an epic collection of CDs.
Yes, CDs. All around the country, there are dead zones where you can only get one clear radio station and most of the time it’s not a great one. If you don’t have the right cords to hook your phone up to your car’s stereo, you might drive yourself crazy with the silence. Bring audio books from the library, your old Backstreet Boys collection, or maybe a rock opera to mix things up. Having something you like to listen to can really make the miles fly by.
6. Ration your liquid intake.
This one is quite simple. The less you drink, the fewer pit stops you have to make. The less you have to stop, the quicker you’ll get where you’re going. Science.
7. Bring your favorite snack.
Car rides result in boredom and boredom can result in a case of the munchies. Each person in the car should have something they like to munch on so they don’t have to make another pit stop just for a snack. Plus, if you get it before you leave on your trip you can get full size bags and it’ll last longer. My go-to is White Cheddar Popcorn.
8. Have a few unique group activities for the trip.
You remember when you were a kid and would play games like “I Spy with my Little Eye” or “I’m Going on a Trip”? Bring those back. Bring a book of MadLibs and go around the car, having each person fill in a blank. My brother has an app that tells you weird laws in each state and will read the ones for the state we’re in after we cross the state line. It keeps everyone in the car entertained and, again, makes the drive go a bit quicker.
9. Bring some personal activities.
Pack headphones for the music on your phone, a novel, a coloring book, Sudoku, or dig out that Game Boy that you haven’t played with in years. Anything you enjoy doing that doesn’t require much room or movement is key for a long car ride.
10. Learn some simple breathing exercises.
You love your family, you really do. But when you’re crammed in the same car as them for hours on end, they can make you want to pull your hair out. Throw your headphones in, close your eyes, and take a few breaths in and out of your nose. Going to your happy place for a few seconds and thinking about your final destination can be all you need during the claustrophobic car ride.
One bonus tip I have for you is to remember that you are making memories with your family. Some of my favorite memories from my childhood are from these car rides. After you graduate and move away from home, family road trips will be few and far between. Cherish the moments you do have in that cramped car with your family members; nothing really brings you closer.
