Getting the whole family loaded and in the car for a holiday trip is an exciting occasion that takes a monumental effort. When you are on the road it’s easy to breathe a sigh of relief – until you remember something you forgot or hit traffic on the way to your destination.
Still, more anxiety comes when kids are riled up or keep asking “Are we there yet?” Here are five tips that will make your family road trip less stressful this holiday season, courtesy of your local orthopedics doctors in Atlanta.
Take These Steps for Stress-Free Holiday
Get Charged Up
Preparedness helps you handle the unexpected. Do you have extra batteries for the devices that entertain your kids on the road? Make sure you have the necessary chargers and cords as well. Keep an emergency phone auxiliary charger just in case your car battery dies and you still need your phone’s power for an emergency.
Plan Your Trip with the Kids in Mind
Pack your kids’ favorite road trip snacks. Stay away from messy snacks that would require a lot of cleanups. Keep water bottles close by for them. If you have an infant or toddlers, make sure that you have plenty of diapers as well. Include their favorite movies to play on the van’s video system or on a tablet. The right video can make the difference between hours of hysteria and a peaceful trip.
Don’t Forget the Pets
In some states, it’s illegal to have your pet in your lap while you drive. In all states, it’s distracting. There are a number of safe ways to transport your pets so that they are secured with a harness or prevented from coming into the front seat. Find out what works best for you and your dog so that you both get to your destination safely.
Watch the Weather
During the winter months, travel can become difficult or unsafe. Plan your travel days according to weather conditions. It bad weather threatens your travel plans, consider waiting a day or going a day early to avoid the worst of it. Use mobile weather apps with radar to give you an up-to-date forecast when you’re on the go.
Use Technology to Avoid Traffic
There are a lot of things drivers encounter on the road that they wish they would’ve seen coming. Traffic shouldn’t be one of them with the availability of phone apps that use GPS to identify slowdowns ahead. Google Maps will find the best route around traffic jams. Waze gives the added feature of letting you know about various incidents and road conditions through other users’ input. Stress-free family driving will help you arrive at your destination safely. AICA Orthopedics wishes you and your family a safe and joyous holiday season.
