My hubby and I have spent A LOT of time in the car the last while. Between our vacation to South Dakota, a funeral in Nevada, and another in Idaho, I think we’ve driven something like 40 hours in the past five weeks!
With all this driving I’ve realized there are a few things I need to manage long car trips. The two things I must have are the IPOD and gum, specifically Trident spearmint gum. Runners up would be snacks – not any particular kind, just something yummy to munch on – and occasionally Dramamine (Did I mention I get carsick riding passenger to the store?). I’m looking forward to sticking close to home this week – with no drives over 10 minutes!
What things are essential for you on a long drive? What’s the most time you’ve ever spent in the car?
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Dramamine is good, I get car sick, too. Audio books are a mainstay. The last two times we've driven to my dad's house in Massachusetts (a 3-4 hour trip depending on traffic) audio books have saved our sanity. We popped in Harry Potter and not one child asked, "Are we there yet?" Of course, I suppose the donuts helped, too.
That's my favorite gum, too! 🙂
On a long drive, I need a blanket because DH keeps the van FREEZING! I also need a book or my kindle. I happen to be one of those who can read in the car, but only in the passenger seat. I can't read in the back.
I need my iPod and a notepad/pen and phone!
The longest ride, I can't even remember, but I've been on a plane for over 36 hours.
We moved from WA state to Lexington. I'd say that was one long jaunt. Good selection of music is a must for us.
One time we drove to FL and we forgot all of our kiddie music so our toddler was stuck listening to Bob Marley for a good chunk of the trip. She now claims he's one of her favorites. (Smart girl.)
~ Wendy
Seriously, we need to learn to apparate.
Cathy – Haven't tried audio books or doughnuts yet, but they both sound great!
Jessica – I wish I could read in the car. If I could just figure out how to get over the car sickness.
Thirty-six hours on a plane? I would be crawling the walls.
Wendy – Yes, a move from WA state to Lexington is a LONG drive. I loved the thing about Bob Marley. 🙂
Donna – Okay, I'll admit I didn't know what apparate was. 🙂 Had to look it up. But now, I totally agree. Someone make that possible.
We always have to have Reisen's. (Not sure if I spelled that right …) And cinnamon bears. They are both a must. And plenty of water, though we ration it out between the kids so we don't have to stop for bathroom breaks every half hour. 😉
I hope you had fun! Not at the funeral, but on your vacation! 🙂
Long road trips are really hard, I think it is genetic my Mom hates them as well. To help get me from Point A to Point B I rely heavily on good conversation. Talking to my husband is easy my boys are a bit tricky with their one word answers. Jokes, riddles and story help immensely.
Sorry to hear you had so many funerals.
Chantele – Love the rationing water to cut down on bathroom breaks!
Pam – Good conversation is one plus of long trips. My boys are the same – the short word answers. But the second funeral we went to, we left the kids with a sitter, and so me and the hubby had lots of time to talk.
Road trip sounds fun, make sure to bring along a pad of paper for writing ideas:) Cool blog:)
I have to have music, of my own, piped through headphones for long trips. I used to be able to read in a car but those days are loooong gone (sad, indeed). Other than that, give me some good snacks and good conversation and I'm good!
Longest drive? Hmmm, without stops, from Atlanta to Dallas-Fort Worth Texas (would NOT recommend). With stops, from Atlanta to New Brunswick Canada (would recommend).
~Jen
Oh goodness, that is A LOT of time in the car, Stacy! Hopefully you can stay settled for a while now. For me, I have to have good music (and a DVD player for the kids). 🙂
Mark – A notebook is a great idea. I usually have a story idea or two on long road trips.
Jen – Wow! Atlanta to Texas is a long drive. I'd love to visit New Brunswick. I bet there's some great stops along the way.
Sarah – We overworked both DVD players. 🙂
I've spent six to eight hours in a car, but the worst is on planes for me. I once had a 14 hour flight from New York to Dubai, and it was SO DANG LONG. I think I would have died if I hadn't had books. And now that I have a Nook, with lots of books on one small device, I can't go on long trips without it!
Shallee – I don't really like flying (short or long), so I like to tune everything out by watching a movie on the plane. 🙂
Dramamine, definitely! I'm right there with you on the car sickness. 40 hours?!! That's CRAZY!
Peggy – Glad to know I'm not alone in the car sickness thing. 🙂
Your list sounds exactly perfect. Maybe throw in a water bottle.