Traveling by car can be both the best and worst travel method.  Though traveling by plane or train may be a more time efficient option, it’s not always the most cost efficient – especially for multiple people.  As a mid-west family, traveling by car is pretty much our life. Whether it be to the nearest grocery store or to work, commuting for many people is the only option.  Here are some tips and tricks we’ve learned over our lifetimes on how to survive a road trip. These tips can make traveling long distances by car less overwhelming.

Check the Weather

I think one of the most basic things people forget about traveling by car is that the weather where you start and the weather at your destination can be vastly different.  For people who live in warmer climates, this might not be an issue. However, for us Midwesterners, it could be sunny and warm where we start, and a blizzard where we end up.  For this reason, do not forget to check the weather at your destination.

Gift yourself some time

In our experience, when you plan in ample time to make your journey, it can mitigate a lot of problems towards the end.  A lot of things can happen between the time you leave and the time you arrive. Weather, traffic jams, accidents, vehicle problems, or even incredible opportunities.  For instance, say you’re driving on highway 20 through Iowa and you see a sign that points to the Field of Dreams, you’re absolute favorite movie from your childhood, and you just have to stop.  If you don’t plan for these little side adventures, you’ll either end up late or having to pass them up.

BYOSaD

Hit up the dollar store prior to leaving and pick up a ton of cheap snacks and drinks.  Bringing your own snacks and drinks will not only probably be less expensive, but will also keep you from having to stop because you suddenly got a hankering for some chips.  If you’re traveling with a group, maybe play the Snack Roulette game. Pick an event that triggers the passing of snacks around the car. Maybe you’re traveling to Keystone, SD, to see Mount Rushmore (see our post on this HERE).  Everytime you see a Wall Drug billboard you pass your current snack to the next person.  It keeps everyone active and the snacks rotating.

Stop Often

Stopping every hour or two can be the difference in feeling cooped up and feeling refreshed.  You don’t even have to stop at a gas station. Pull over at a rest stop, city park, or even a random parking lot.  Take a few laps around the car, find somewhere to use the bathroom, and most importantly, do some stretches. Getting a leg cramp while driving is not fun.  You can also use this time to switch drivers (if applicable).

Entertainment

For those long road trips, especially if you are traveling with kids, make sure you have some things planned for entertainment. For example, you could play the game 20 questions. This is where a person thinks of something (such as an animal or object) and then others in the car get to ask twenty (yes or no) questions to try to guess what that person is thinking of. I Spy is another classic game that works well on road trips. Traveling Mom has a great post on more ideas for road trip games here.

A-Drivers

In our family, the A-Driver, or Assistant Driver, is the greatest and most important position in the vehicle.  They are the person responsible for the radio, the heating/cooling, defogging the windshield, taming the animalistic passengers, checking your blind spots, checking current and future weather, and navigating.  As the driver, you should be fully focused on driving. Having an amazing A-Driver is a life-changing event. I highly suggest every family or traveling crew have them.

How does your family survive a road trip? What are your favorite games and snacks for road trips? Leave a comment below to join the conversation!