Play ‘Radio Station Roulette’ – Road trip tip

by Gadling Staff on

One game my friends and I developed during a few of our epic road trips is something we call “Radio Station Roulette.” Here’s how to play:

  1. Push the scan button on your car stereo.
  2. Wait until it stops on a station – the first to name the title and artist of the song playing on the station wins a point.
  3. Repeat as many times as you want. The person with the most points at the end is the ‘Music Master.’

This game is a great way to boost energy during your road trip (and it might even inspire a little fun competition among music-loving friends!)

Plan out Day One – International travel tip

by Gadling Staff on

When traveling across time zones, have an itinerary upon arrival: take a walk in the park, grab a coffee, and familiarize yourself with your temporary stomping grounds on Day One. Not only does this make the most of your time, it also combats jet lag and keeps your mind stimulated, allowing you to go to sleep at a regular hour.

Best way to start: go online and look at websites for your destination. Pick out a few low-key places you’d like to visit, and write down their addresses and entrance costs, if applicable. Keep this sheet with your other travel documents, and pull it out when you reach your destination.

Collect take-out menus when dining out – Souvenir tip

by Gadling Staff on

One of the best parts of traveling is the different types of food you get the chance to try.

When dining out, consider photographing the restaurant and your meal. If the meal was memorable, request a copy of the menu and make a note while it’s still fresh in your mind what you ate — to go with your corresponding picture. Upon your return home, your menus may help you seek out restaurants in your area that serve the same dishes… or even allow you to give them ideas for new ones.

Bonus: if you have friends visiting the same destination, you can share your menus with them and help them to have a wonderful meal. Consider giving them a travel debit card before they leave town, so they can enjoy dinner out on you.

Create an adventure storybook as a souvenir – Traveling with kids tip

by Gadling Staff on

A favorite stuffed toy can be an excellent way to create an inexpensive and creative souvenir for your child.

Everywhere you go with your child, be sure to take a picture of your child and the toy doing something fun (making faces, pretending to run away, etc.). Make sure you get a good view of the sight in the picture as well.

Then, when you get home, combine these images into a storybook and use your imagination to create a storyline. Don’t forget to include a ‘blooper’ page for pictures that did not make the ‘final cut’.

Use a junior navigator on road trips – Traveling with kids tip

by Gadling Staff on

The front passenger is always the navigator when I’m traveling with my family or a group. However, I discovered that you can turn your children into junior navigators while helping them learn geography at the same time. It helps eliminate them from asking, “Are we there yet?”

Just ask them to look for a specific landmark or road sign. It will keep them interested in the travel and less likely to be bored along the way, because they’re actively doing something. In short, it keeps their interest in traveling while having fun — and learning about the country!