We’ve all been on that stressful holiday road trip. You get lost, one of the headlights goes out, and the kids start crying because all the good flavors of jelly beans have been eaten. You smell something funny and you’re afraid it’s inside the car, the dog gets sick, and everyone looks at you like it’s your fault. You almost want to stay home rather than risk another holiday road trip. But we’re here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be like that!
Plan Ahead
Have your route mapped out, to begin with. If your route is one where there is often bad traffic, start checking the day or even a week ahead to see when the best time would be to go. Google Maps now has a feature that tells you how long the trip will take depending upon when you want to get somewhere or when you want to leave. Sometimes, changing when you leave by just a few minutes will save you lots of sitting in traffic. Then there are the apps. Waze is a good one that will keep you updated with alternate routes if you get stuck.
Know Your Rest Stops
How long can you go between rest stops? More importantly, how long will the little ones last between rest stops? Don’t wait until the kids have meltdowns before stopping. Let them know that there will be rest stops. And let them run around just a bit to work off some of that pent-up energy.
Get the Good Jelly Beans
Not everyone likes the licorice jelly beans as you do. So make sure whatever your kids’ favorite snacks are that you have some of those. Blueberry and Tangerine are pretty good flavors. Wait a minute. There’s also Apricot. You get what we’re saying! Apples are good and healthy snacks if your kids are used to eating fruit. On road trips, ordinary rules do not apply.
Have Cell Phone Chargers
This one is really important. Your cell phone can run down quickly if you don’t have a charger handy. And being stuck somewhere on the side of the road with no way to call a tow truck will ruin your holiday before you can say “licorice jelly beans.”
Make Sure You Have Important Contact Info Handy
Who would you call if your car broke down? Have those phone numbers in your phone. You may want to double check with an insurance company to see what’s covered and not covered, too.
Keep Your Car Properly Maintained
Before you head out for a holiday vacation, make sure your tires are inflated, your windshield wipers are in working order, and your car has been serviced. We can help with any special requests you may have. Maintenance for your car is priceless. And we want you to have a stress-free holiday season! Come in for a service before you leave on that holiday vacation. We are conveniently located at 801 S Lakeview Avenue, Unit G, Placentia, CA 92870. Please schedule an appointment with us for service.