TRAVEL TIPS FOR DRIVING TRIPS!
Nov 27 '00 (Updated Dec 03 '00)
I have driven coast to coast in Canada,not all on the same trip ,but covered the ground non the less . Traveling with kids is a challenge but these few things I learned by trial and error. This is traveling without spouse , three kids ( lucky , with three girls )
PLAN AHEAD:
This means to find out what interest each child, get what interest each and get enough of the item , book, toys or entertainment that will hold their interest for the whole trip. The way you get them to use this is to make a rule that they are to enjoy the scenery and things you point out ,and only use their things when there is nothing to do. ( do not be tempted to enforce this rule at any time, only appear to try ).
Get treats that does not include pop, juices or drinks in large quantities, get the smallest size v-8 juices. Drink and toilet stops should be allowed for, but you can't regulate the bladders to you. You drink as much liquid as you can on each stop, try to hold it.This will keep you in tune to how the trip will go.
You are in charge of gas , maps , trip logs , sign reading, radar traps, radio ( best have a classical music tape or cd , forget their favorites - hide and later find a " golden oldies soundtrack )Do not get any passenger to take over any of these responsibilities, it is unlawful to abandon them beside the road halfway through the trip.
If any of your kids are old enough to drive, hide their drivers license in the trunk, use only for emergencies. Get maps from you automobile club or association. Plan on 8-9 hours of driving , do not count stops, and plan your departure and arrival times.
Put one pillow, sleeping bag , and flannel blanket per person in place, make sure that the seat belt can be fastened for each person with the open sleeping bag and blanket spread to cover the seat space. Use pillows to separate each child, rotate the kids to the front seat one at a time at stops.
Start and stop at non peak driving hours whenever possible, early morning about sunrise through most cities. Stop at truck stops for meals, showers and rest. You can find out all about road conditions from truckers traveling from the opposite directions. Buy a travel coffee for them and ask questions about construction, dangerous sections of road or unusual conditions.
I did this in Ontario, the trucker warned me that outside Nipigon there was an older couple in a green Valiant that would be in the center lane and stop without turn lights and turn across traffic slowly no matter what was coming. They did this at any time of day ,returning home. Sure enough I was behind them in the afternoon , I slowed to give them space and they stopped and turned right in front of a car that swerved into the oncoming traffic, me, and just missed hitting them. I had enough room to pull near the shoulder and come to a stop safely.
Defensive driving is a must, have all machine guns mounted to hoo--ops, wrong manual. It is wise to attend a safe driving course or seminar on defensive driving, it's good for your insurance rates also.
Rethink your trip, if you can stay home do it , you may still be able to have your kids like you if you don't. If not, good luck.
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Epinions.com ID:
symbolologist
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Member: Jim
Location: Vulcan , Alberta, Canada.
Reviews written: 61
Trusted by: 10 members
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