What tips do you have for Christmas holiday driving?
If you’re one of the gazillion Aussie families that pack the car and set off for summer holidays once Christmas festivities are over, then you may appreciate these tips for stress-free holiday preparations.
Divide and conquer
Kids need to let off steam before being expected to sit quietly in a car for hours. One great trick we tried recently on the morning of our departure was to get one parent to take the kids to the local park, while the other concentrated on packing the car. The idea was that you run them ragged so they’ll have a nice long sleep on the journey. This tactic was so successful that we got uninterrupted, civilized conversation from Sydney to Newcastle.
What to pack
- Toys and activities are critical
However, it’s important not to release them all at once. You need to stagger them to sustain interest and get maximum mileage - Drinks and snacks are another essential.
That is, of course, unless you fancy unbuckling the kids to go into a crowded fast food place every time someone gets peckish. - Entertainment – for young and old
One thing I learned the hard way is that the All Time Favourite Nursery Rhymes CD can send grown-ups bonkers in a matter of minutes! Instead, try borrowing some audio books from your local library. Old classics like Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory might appeal to all ages.
Are we there yet?
It’s not only Homer and Marg that get this question. So you’ll need a few tricks up your sleeve. We’ve already discovered that I Spy can be difficult in remote areas, so perhaps you could try an Alphabet game, such as running through all the foods you can think of that start with A, B, C etc. It can be quite interesting to see what creative youngsters come up with!
What tips do you have for making your Christmas holiday drive less stressful?
Consider leaving the car at home and taking the train to your destination. Countrylink can get you most places in New South Wales as well as Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Rent a car when you get there. Certainly takes the stress out of traveling and keeps your family safe off the roads.
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Common road courtesy and good manners would reduce stress and make the roads safer for all concerned. ALL drivers must KEEP LEFT by default!
If a driver intentionally travels at less than the posted speed limit, they must STOP the behaviour of acting like a road vigilante and blocking the entire line of traffic behind by refusing to KEEP LEFT! It’s substantially more dangerous to stack up traffic behind you…. especially at highway speeds, as it reduces stopping distances, forces drivers to pass on the left and raises everyone’s stress level……. Older drivers in particular KEEP LEFT!
I want to say that all the tips are great idea. I used to do these things when I go traveling with my parents in the car:
1. Sing (better than turning on any music)
2. Listen to audio books and stories
3. Play some word games
Although most of time we sleep, they are all enjoying trips because there’re fun activities.