How to Make Long Car Trips More Enjoyable

My father was in the military and since as long as I can remember, my family traveled long distances in relatively short times. With my grandparents living at least 1,000 miles away at every point in my childhood, and with my mother an avid anti-flyer "unless it is absolutely necessary", there were plenty of long road trips in my youth. Lucky for me, we developed a system that made these excruciatingly long times in the car less hellish. Here are a few tips for parents and non-parents alike to make a long trip more enjoyable.

Be sure to pack a cooler

As if being stuck in a car for long periods of time doesn't make you feel nasty enough, combining road food with an extended sitting session can make you feel even more ill. Before your trip, take a stop to your local health food store and stock up on goodies that will leave you feeling refreshed and light, not weighed down and greasy like so many fast food restaurants can make you feel. Sometimes when you and your children are cranky, a fruit or protein bar can raise your blood sugar and keep you energized enough to keep from ripping each other's heads off on those cross-country treks. A cooler can be especially helpful when driving through a large city at rush hour and you're unable to stop at a restaurant because you're sandwiched between a thousand other cars full of people trying to get home. You will also be sure to save money, which can help make up for the large amount you're spending on gas.

Get accurate directions

As obvious as it may seem, clear, understandable directions can be a lifesaver on a road trip. Getting lost can cost you not only your time, but your sanity as well. Avoiding a few "I told you so"s can keep your morale high, leaving you less willing to give up and turn the car around. Check with a few different maps and websites such as Mapquest.com to ensure you're taking the easiest, most headache-free route.

Stop at rest stops