Keeping Entertained in the Car: Avoiding Long Journey Blues
Long car journeys are a pain in the neck for many families. Once you have negotiated the best deal with a car dealer such as Evans Halshaw, then arranged the best deal on subsequent car insurance, the actual act of driving the car with kids in the back seat can be a whole new challenge. However, with these top tips, you’ll be able to avoid the pressure traditionally associated with long car journeys.
Firstly, be sure to plan your route properly. Getting lost is always a possibility on long trips, and it’ll only add extra grumbles from all quarters. Before you set off, agree on your route in order to stop the possibility of bickering in the car. An up-to-date map or satnav system as a back-up is always highly recommended. Whether you are driving a brand new Nissan Micra or a 10 year old used Vauxhall Corsa it is important to check your oil and water levels, tyre pressure and other important vehicle checks before setting off.
Snacks and treats are a staple of long car journeys. While carrying your own food should never replace breaks every two hours for toilet breaks, fresh air and stretching your legs, unnecessary costs can be avoided with a cool bag. Pre-cut fruit in Tupperware boxes, hummus with pitta bread and breadsticks, as well as mini sausages can all stave off hunger and keep everyone happy, and shouldn’t make a mess. Popcorn, crisps and cereal bars are all great as treats, too, while chocolate and sweets can avoid bigger grumbles.
Youngsters can also be distracted by technology or more regular forms of entertainment. It’s always worth buying magazines for teenagers or playing interactive car travel games like I-Spy for younger ones. However, a portable games console, video player or MP3 player should help most people keep entertained. Luckily, you can often have all three of these features in the latest phones available on the market now, so don’t worry too much – boredom is often something avoided by younger people and their embrace of the latest gadgets.
Obviously, it’s important that you avoid getting stressed, too. As the leader of the family, you need to keep a level head, as otherwise your anxiety will spread and only serve to make things more stressful!
This post is brought to you by Evans Halshaw
