Family Road Trip!

by leigh
-
August 25, 2008

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Something about summer seems to scream "road trip with the kids." Maybe it's idyllic visions of miles of scenic roads, stunning sights and quality time together. Sadly, it can easily turn into torturous days crammed together, fighting and swearing to never try a road trip again. Here's some ways to make the journey psychologically survivable for everyone involved.

Light Snacks

One of the worst things about a road trip is the temptation to just nibble on something all the time (one of the effects of supreme boredom). Try choosing mostly healthy, light snacks so that if the urge to eat arises, at least it’s not just sugar and fat.

A bag of mini carrots is perfect for the cooler, just don’t leave them out in the heat because hot carrots are truly nasty.

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Drinks

There’s always a battle between keeping hydrated and drinking so much liquid you’re stopping at every single rest area along the way. Definitely keep plenty of liquid in the car, getting stranded without it would be terrible, but make it a little hard to get to.

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DVD/Video Player

In today’s world of high-tech devices, many cars have built-in DVD players. What? Not yours? How about a portable player – even an iPod will do the trick. Something with a good battery life (there’s no point if you’ll only get two hours of distraction out of it) and headphone plug-ins. Honestly, even if the point of the trip is family time, children get bored and whiny without something fun to do.

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All the Other Things

There are a thousand things you could take on your trip, but here are some of the necessities.

First-aid kit
Blankets and pillows (for napping or getting stranded)
Water
Spare tire & jack
Motor oil, coolant, windshield washer fluid (just in case)
Flashlight and batteries (you never need it until you don’t have it)

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Side Trips

Taking a few planned detours along the trip is fine, stopping to see every “Point of Geological Interest” on the road is simply irritating. Plan around everyone’s energy levels and try not to count on seeing anything after mid-afternoon when all day in the car has brought on lethargy.

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Arches National Park

Highway 191, Thompson, UT 84532

Containing a greater concentration of naturally occurring arches than anywhere else in the world, Arches National Park is both visually stunning and bizarre. Over 2,000 sandstone arches fill the park, including the Delicate Arch which appears on Utah vehicle license plates. While many arches can be seen from the road, the best way to experience the park is on foot, hiking from arch to arch along the miles of paths that wind through the area. For longer adventures, the park offers a 52-site campground as well as a large group camping site. Be cautious if visiting during the summer: Utah's desert heat can reach extreme temperatures with an ultra-dry environment that mandates plenty of water and rest. Located a short distance north of the town of Moab, the park is close to other natural sites like Dead Horse Point State Park and Canyonlands National Park.

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Discussions

: by mswen 05/31/2008 Reply

LOOK at all the stuff in the back of that car! If that doesn’t take me back to family vacations, I don’t know what does.

: by nicobrx 04/04/2008 Reply

I agree that “scream” and “road trip with the kids” belong together, but I’d change the word order.

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About The Author

leigh

Highland, Denver

My theory of life: insomnia and espresso are a winning combination. My mantra: Serenity now! Serenity now!

Family Road Trip!

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