JOURNAL #21 - DRIVING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
"Driving Home for Christmas" is that popular Christmas song by Chris Rea that hopefully fills you with the joy of being with your loved ones and not the worry of a long drive and being stuck in traffic jams.
Driving in winter can present unique challenges due to factors like heavy rain, snow, ice, reduced visibility, and colder temperatures. The AA have great winter driving advice we’d recommend reading so instead our list includes items to help make the journey more enjoyable and ease the stress when the unexpected happens.
Mobile phone portable charging bank
Extra-long mobile phone/tablet charging cable that reaches to the back seat
Map book to help with alternative routes or good places to stop, plus it can be fun for children to help follow the route
Blankets to keep warm and cosy
Travel pillows
Sweets and mints
Snacks
Flask of hot drink
Picnic meal – saves money, you can stop somewhere interesting and if you have to take a detour you’re prepared
Bottles of water – including for the dog
Christmas playlist on your phone or depending on the age of your car a Christmas CD. I love listening to Christmas music but also find it a good threat for bickering teenagers that if they’re not quiet it will be played on repeat.
Travel games – there’s a few ideas below, otherwise it’s resorting to ‘I Spy’
Wet wipes – great for cleaning people and car spills
Rubbish bag – you can buy re-useable ones for your car
Warm clothes and sturdy footwear – not just for if you have a car breakdown, but so you can get out for a walk on a longer journey to break it up and get some fresh air
To print out for yourself, click on our Winter Road Trip Packing List.
When we travel on long car trips, we often pack the car the night before if possible (or have it all by the front door and do a practice run to make sure it fits). Then make sandwiches so we can get up and go, stopping for breakfast part way along our route makes it more of a journey.
If you’re driving with pets, keep their water bottle, bowl and warm blanket handy in case you need to get out unexpectedly. To keep dogs calm and happy, have them used to travelling in the car and make sure that it is set up to keep them safe. Plan in a stop(s) where you can get them out for a walk and toilet break. Tiring them out before you leave is also helpful if you can. Look at our previous journal on travelling with dogs and Dog Packing List for more information.
Remember, driving in winter demands extra attention and caution. It’s easy to get stressed when the journey is taking a lot longer and the passengers are getting restless. If you can stop, even for a quick 10 minutes and get out for some fresh air. Or try some of the car games below to divert attention. I got so desperate on a family trip years ago trying to find things outside the car to distract the children that I shouted, “oh look, road barriers”!
CAR GAMES
Movie Plot Description One person thinks of a movie. They then describe the plot of the movie in the worst way possible and the other passengers need to guess what movie they are talking about. Walks well with TV programmes too.
First One To Spot It Wins This simple game involves thinking of something that everyone is required to try and spot. An example might be a red BMW or a fast-food restaurant. The first one to spot whatever it is wins that round and the game starts again.
Top 5 Think of a topic such as movies, songs, or even desserts. Take turns to name your top 5 of whatever the category is!
Conversation Starters
What would you buy first if you won the lottery?
Where is the most beautiful place you’ve ever visited?
If you could travel back in time, what period would you most like to visit?
What three subjects would you most enjoy studying?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve spent the night?
What’s the craziest fact you know?
What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?