Traveling by car: rules and tips
Traveling by car is a good option for the whole family to relax without ruining the family budget. In addition, you don't have to adapt to the transport schedule, it's very fun, because even on the way you can see a lot of interesting things. But you need to prepare well for such a trip, otherwise you can ruin your vacation. Here are some simple and useful tips.
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What to take with you on the road
The most important thing is getting ready for the trip. It is best to make a list in advance. Do not rely on your wonderful memory: in a hurry, something is always forgotten, and it may turn out that you take three mobile phones and not a single charge. Here are the things that every traveler needs, which are essential on the road:
- Documentation. These are passports, driving licenses, birth certificates of a child, documents for a car.
- Money and credit cards, as well as maps of the route and refueling along the route.
- Navigator and DVR.
- First aid kit for the motorist.
- Necessary equipment: phone, camera, laptop with mouse, tablet, as well as chargers for them.
- Seasonal clothing, blankets and travel pillows.
- A small supply of food and drinks.
- Everything a child may need: video player, toys, medicines.
Of course, this list will actually be broader. You need to do it in a few days in order to have time to prepare everything you need.
How to keep a child in the car
Children are fidgety, and the long journey can be tiresome for them. So that the kids are not capricious, it is worthwhile to figure out in advance what they can be occupied with on the road. The nature of the entertainment depends on the age and, of course, the characteristics of the child. The task of the parents is to find an interesting activity for the child and teach him how to entertain himself, then he will do it on his own.
Mobile phones and computers, which are so negatively viewed by many parents, can be good helpers on the road. However, you need to be careful when using them. So that the games do not harm the child's psyche, you first need to see for yourself what the baby will be doing. Audiobooks are also a good option. If the child is very young, it is better to choose simple children's plays and audio performances.
Toys are also worth taking on the road. There should not be a lot of them, it is better to give one or two toys at a time, otherwise the baby's attention will be scattered.
Children over three years old can be given books and coloring books. To prevent the child from painting the whole car, it is better to use colored pencils instead of pens and felt-tip pens.
There is one simple technique that teachers and psychologists use. It consists in the fact that in the car you need to constantly keep some kind of book or toy. The child is already used to her, and she will arouse much more interest in him.
Travel rules by car 
There are a few basic rules to follow when traveling by car. First of all, it is desirable that there are two drivers. Of course, they need to be experienced, as long-distance travel is not easy. The number of people in an ordinary passenger car should be no more than four, otherwise the ride will not be comfortable.
If you are going to travel abroad, you need to remember that not only excellent roads await the driver there. Each country has its own driving rules. Fines for many violations are serious, and it is unlikely that it will be possible to agree on the spot. In most developed countries, the civil service is very prestigious, they are afraid to lose it, so bribes are unacceptable there.
You need to take everything you need into the car interior: warm clothes or a blanket, mineral water, a light snack, children's toys. You also need to make sure that the child feels comfortable on the road. Prepare clothes that will not hinder your movements, as well as special socks. It's so nice to swing your feet in the car, and mom and dad will not be scolded for a dirty chair.
Useful things that can come in handy on the road
In addition to the required documents and things that you cannot do without during the trip, you may need a lot more. For example, some people prefer to cook themselves on the road. In this case, a cooler bag, a gas burner, dishes and means for washing it will come in handy.
When it comes to cosmetics and personal care products, the list can be endlessly long. You shouldn't take your entire arsenal with you. You are not driving forever, so a minimal set is enough: a toothbrush and paste, a shaving razor, wet wipes, soap, a few rolls of toilet paper. It is worth taking a roll of disposable bags: few people remember about them, although they are necessary on the road.
Women will additionally need moisturizing cream, some decorative cosmetics, a mirror, cotton swabs, hygiene products. You can also take a sunscreen, as it usually costs more on vacation.
Here are a few more things you might find useful while traveling:
- pocket flashlight;
- needle, thread, pins;
- wipes or towels that absorb moisture well;
- Swiss knife, corkscrew, camp boiler;
- travel iron.
As for clothes and shoes, it is better to take them to a minimum. An exception can be made only for a child, because babies often get dirty and tear their clothes. It is also better to forget about expensive jewelry - they have no place on a trip.
Travel tips by car
In addition, an experienced car enthusiast should be concerned about the safety of his trip. It is imperative that you first study the route, read reviews, mark several places that are best suited for an overnight stay along the route. On the way, keep in touch with loved ones, explain where you are at the moment.
Just in case, it is better to have some means of self-defense with you. For these purposes, a pepper spray or a simple aerosol is suitable, which can be used if necessary. Also, experienced tourists often take a searchlight or a good powerful lantern with them.
Finally, the condition of the vehicle is important. Before the trip, go through a service inspection, and during it, make sure that the fuel tank is always fully filled. It will not be superfluous to carry with you a can of gasoline. In addition, it is advisable to write out the phone numbers of service centers and evacuators in those areas along which the route passes.
So preparing for the trip is a very important stage. If everything is well foreseen, the trip will go well and leave only pleasant memories.