Shotgun stays awake – Road trip tip

by Gadling Staff on

Do you know why that seat over there is called “shotgun”? It’s because on old-west stage coaches, there was a guy beside the driver who was looking out for him… with a shotgun.

It’s okay to catch a nap if you’re in the back seat, but if you’re riding shotgun, you should be awake — to keep the driver alert and entertained; to watch for wannabe roadkill; and to help out with navigation and radio tuning.

Too tired for that? Find a rest stop and everyone can grab a refreshing snooze. Or turn the radio up really loud.

Use eRideshare.com – Road trip tip

by Gadling Staff on

By posting an ad on sites like Craigslist or eRideShare, you may find other travelers who would be happy to join you … and your friends … or whomever else … on your road trip.

Sharing a ride may give you the opportunity to meet new people and make new friends. It will also help out another traveler in need. Finally, it may even save you a decent amount of money, since they should chip in for gas.

Bring games – Road trip tip

by Gadling Staff on

Entertaining kids — or adults! — on a road trip is all about what’s in the bag. Bring along an eco-friendly grocery tote stuffed with some of your favorite items that aren’t heavy or messy. Some key items to pack include:

  • write on/wipe off boards with appropriate markers
  • an Etch-a-Sketch
  • a Rubik’s Cube
  • trivia cards
  • books and/or magazines with entertaining or funny questions or quizzes
  • a book of Mad Libs

New state, new map – Road trip tip

by Gadling Staff on

When road-tripping, pick up a fresh map every time you enter a new state.

In the United Sates, there are often welcome centers or rest stations that provide free state maps. When on the interstate, take the time to stretch your legs and pick up an official state map.

A state map from the state’s Department of Transportation provides information and details not normally found on your national atlas. State maps can offer facts about driving laws, attractions, and locations — as well as invaluable, detailed city maps (usually on the reverse side). State maps also serve as excellent (free) mementos of your trip.

So remember, new state, new map.

Skip the junk – Road trip tip

by Gadling Staff on

If you were driving to a friend’s house, would you bring a bag of chips to snack on along the way? Probably not. So why load up your car with bags of chips, cookies and sodas when going on a road trip?

The salt and sugar will play havoc with your stomach and leave you feeling tired, the last thing you want when driving long distances.

Instead, try bringing a few small pre-packaged snacks such as carrots, apples, granola bars and bottled water.

Feel better, enjoy your trip, skip the junk.