How many times do we start that long holiday journey determined to keep our cool, promising ourselves that nothing is going to wind us up? Not those speed demons that drive with their bumper inches from ours, itching to get passed at all costs, and if they can’t get passed, they’re going to do their best to make you drive faster. Not those road signs, ingeniously hidden by overgrown shrubbery, or covered in graffiti just where you need to read, and definitely not by the inevitable traffic jam, as everyone has the same idea of leaving early to “beat the traffic”.
Planning ahead has to be the key to a stress free journey. Firstly, plan the route. Note the key junctions, you don’t want to get lost and have to pretend you’re taking the “scenic” route. If you have satellite navigation all the better, key in the destination before you leave. Agree any places you want to take in along the route, this way you have something to look forward too, and to break up the journey.
Agree to share the driving, and don’t criticise your partner for driving to fast, to slow, or anything else. When it’s your turn you’re likely to be on the receiving end of whatever you gave out, so remember, if you can’t take it, don’t give it!
Plan your stops. You’ll feel more invigorated if you have something to eat and a break from driving. Choose somewhere you both like, so you can relax, stretch your legs and enjoy a meal and a drink. Don’t pick a burger restaurant if your partner doesn’t like them, it’s too long a journey for the “silent” treatment!
Take along the music you both enjoy, if one of you likes hard rock, and other likes boy/girl bands, play some of each. Better still; try to agree on something you both like. No deliberating talking over the others favourites! If the music is from the past, no asking “are they still going”.
Take a few provisions with you, snacks and drinks to keep you going until the next scheduled stop. A few of each other’s favourite treats will help the time to pass. You could take a few magazines or a newspaper to read, obviously not the person driving! An article from the newspaper may provide something interesting to discuss, it could be anything that interests you, from the latest world crisis, to the hot celebrity gossip. Attempt the crossword puzzle between you; two heads are better than one. Other car games are beneficial too, my favourite is the license plate pun game!
Always remember to take your sense of humour with you, and keep relaxed. When someone cuts you up, ignore it, there’s nothing to be gained by sounding the horn or shaking your fist. Everyone makes mistakes, how often do we complain when drivers don’t signal at a roundabout, and then we do the same. If you treat people with courtsey you will find, that in the most part, you will receive the same courtesy back.
