I am the worst on a road trip. I’ll own it.
And I’m not really sure why in my mid-30s this is still a thing with me. Generally speaking, I’m a pretty easy going person. But put me in a car for a long ride, and I struggle to not be the most annoying person ever.
I feel for my husband.
We’re going to see my parents this weekend which means tonight we’ll be in the car for 3+ hours. It’s a straight drive down the Central Valley of California from Sacramento to Visalia. Sad to say, the route is basically flat farmland- not a scenic masterpiece by any stretch.
I can’t read or write in the car, so my distraction options are limited- No phone, magazine, or working for me. But I have learned a few tips that have made me go from unbearable to fairly decent in the car. And on a particularly good day, even a desirable travel partner.
Change In Perspective
I have an automatic recording that starts playing in my head the morning of a car trip. It loops a message of dread about the upcoming travel experience. However, when I reframe the message, the build up to the trip has a different feel.
Instead of being “stuck” in a car, I try to look at it as quality catch up time with my husband and/or step kids.
How often are you all together with no work or household chores nagging at you? Look at the time as an opportunity to talk about future plans, or even psychoanalyze someone (read: gossip).
From light conversations about the funny things that have happened over the past week, to deep dives into future aspirations, lots of big ideas have come from my “boring” car trips.
Reward Yourself
I see the halfway point on a car trip as a real reason to celebrate. I need something to look forward to during the first half of the trip. Then the second half kind of takes care of itself, because I remind myself I’m more than halfway there.
Lots of times this reward involves food, and I see nothing wrong with that.
If you’re watching your weight, or have a driver that doesn’t like to stop, pack a snack.
If you have the option to pull over, research an interesting place to eat instead of a standard fast food stop. Stopping at Starbucks? Why not try a drink you’ve never tried?
Podcasts
If I’m by myself, or the conversation with Hubby runs dry, there is nothing better than a good Podcast. Download a few to your phone before you leave so you don’t have to worry about running in and out coverage.
Here’s a few of my favs:
10% Happier with Dan Harris- This is great for those who want to learn more about mindfulness, mediation, and being happier. Dan Harris (you likely know him from ABC News) has a really different perspective. He has a questioning mind that leads to a ton of insights on living more peacefully while not losing your edge. He also has on awesome guests, ranging from the The Dalai Lama to Arianna Huffington.
The Skinny Confidential Him & Her Podcast- I love Lauryn Evarts’ blog, The Skinny Confidential. Just a few months ago she and her fiancé, Michael Bosstick, launched a podcast. They are hysterical together, but also offer great tips on business and relationships. You’ll learn something and crack up the whole time.
Heather Dubrow’s World- If you like her on The Real Housewives of Orange County, then you’ll love her podcast. She’s smart, confident, and super entertaining.
So these are just a few things that help me go from toddler-status on a road trip, to a fairly decent travel partner.
And when all else fails, I focus on the outcome of a long trip, which is generally that I end up at a wonderful place.
While Visalia, California might not be on the top 10 of anyone’s travel destinations, it’s my hometown and where my parents live, so I’m actually excited for the trip. After all, there is nothing like walking into my parents’ house and instantly feeling at home.
