Travel Etiquette: The Perfect Holiday Road Trip

If your plans include traveling by car this holiday season, you’re not alone. Millions of people will be joining you on the highways for long drives to visit relatives and friends, with cars packed to the brim with kids, luggage and presents.

An enjoyable trip requires a good deal of thought and advance planning. Follow these tips to ensure your road trip is memorable for the right reasons.

Make a List

Be like Santa – make a list and check it twice. Start a checklist on your smartphone so you can add things as they come to mind. Organize by categories, such as presents, food and personal care. Location and climate will dictate how you pack your suitcase. Even basic items are easy to forget without a gentle reminder. Don’t overlook sunscreen, sunglasses, phone and iPad chargers, workout clothes, shoes, snacks and toiletries.

Car Maintenance

Take steps to get your vehicle ready. Doing so early allows time for any necessary repairs before your trip. In addition to regular maintenance, double check your tires and windshield wipers are in good shape for a long, winter haul. If you’re driving into freezing temperatures, be sure your vehicle is ready for colder weather.

Organize by Use

Pack so that things you will need access to most frequently are within easy reach. If you are stopping for the night along the way, keep a small bag packed with overnight essentials for everyone – toothbrushes, pajamas and that special stuffed animal – so when you arrive at your hotel, exhausted and ready for bed, you’re not fumbling around opening a variety of suitcases, trying to find your toothpaste.

Bring the Right Nutrition

A long drive is a stamina game. Do your best to have a good selection of healthy snacks that will give you the energy you need to stay alert on the road. Drinkable yogurts, easy to eat sandwiches, fresh fruits, popcorn, string cheese, multi-grain crackers, and energy bars are good choices. Do whatever is necessary to binge on gas station junk food. Be sure to pack plenty of water for everyone in the car.

Keep it Kid-Friendly

Minimize grumbling and backseat skirmishes by making sure kids have a few surprises. Put a goodie bag together for each child which includes some of their favorite snacks and a few surprises like a new book, a travel-version of a board game or other little treasures they can enjoy on the drive. Download a new movie for the kids to watch or treat them to a fun new game on their devices. A plastic laptop desk stocked with art supplies is a great way for younger kids to entertain themselves. Search your phone for ideas for road trip games for fun ideas to engage with each other as the miles go by.

Roll With It

Inevitably, there will be extra traffic on the roads, lines at gas pumps and the confusion of driving in a new place as you figure out where you’re going. Despite these potential frustrations, the goal is to stay relaxed and calm. Your attitude, good or bad, is contagious and will affect everyone in the car, so make an effort to remain composed in the face of little irritations.

Rest

There’s always a temptation to keep going a little further or get a few more miles in before stopping, whether it’s for a restroom break or for the night. But remember that when you take care of yourself along the way, you’ll arrive at your destination more refreshed and ready to jump into the festivities. Don’t exhaust yourself on the journey then spend a day or recovering from the trip.

Have a Good Time

A family road trip offers a chance to shift gears and enjoy new experiences together. Take advantage of this opportunity for an adventure. Don’t worry about getting there as fast as possible. Take time to stop, stretch your legs, see an attraction, have a picnic, throw a frisbee at a rest area and enjoy the ride.