Summer is vacation time for many families. Traveling together for long periods of time in your car or van can be stressful and can distract from the intent of the vacation. Creative planning can avoid some of this problem.
Following are some tips to make this year’s trip more fun:
• Be sure your vehicle is running properly and the air conditioning is working well so that disappointing and time-consuming breakdowns can be avoided and a comfortable traveling atmosphere can be provided.
Also, take along such equipment as a first aid kit, flashlight and maps to avoid unwanted detours.
• When working out your vacation itinerary, include rest stops along the way. Plan to make each day’s destination a stop at mid-afternoon or early evening. Try swimming, exercising, sightseeing or otherwise relaxing to break up the tension of the day’s travel.
Prior to leaving home, have someone research areas of interest along the route. Point out historic landmarks and spots of scenic beauty. Travel websites on the Internet provide a wealth of interesting and useful information that can make the travel experience more pleasant.
• Let passengers switch seating arrangements periodically. This provides variety and can help reduce boredom. Passing scenery often changes from different points within the family vehicle.
If more than one traveler is a safe driver, rotating driving duties can help reduce tension and fatigue for everyone.
• Be creative in seeking diversion for each family member. Music is soothing and restful for some, but parents and adolescents often enjoy different kinds of music. Inexpensive tape players and headphones can provide listening stations for several individuals at once.
Books on tape, a great entertainment for small children as well as adults, provide a restful time and an enjoyable form of diversion that helps pass the time on a long drive.
Some vehicles such as vans are equipped with video cassette players so video movies can be watched, by those behind the driver, while driving down the highway.
• Games, riddles, and books can make the miles melt away. Family members can form teams to enjoy healthy competition while cruising down the interstate. Having a variety of activities available is one key to decreasing the stress of the trip.
• Don’t expect every minute of the trip to be free from tension and frustration. Instead learn to develop a sense of humor. Don’t use these trips to criticize one another or discuss controversial and unpleasant material that could lead to conflicts and hard feelings.
• Try to provide as much space and privacy on family trips as possible. Ending a long, crowded day in the car with a long, crowded evening in a small motel room should be avoided if possible.
Copyright c 1998 Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D.
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