It's almost that time of the year again where you get to take a few days off to recharge those batteries with the people who matter most: your beloved family. If you can't wait to spend time with them but dread the journey itself, we can offer a few helpful hints to make things easier.
1. Ensure your car is in good working order
When was the last time your car had a service or an oil change? How are the tyres looking? Do the wipers work effectively? Does the air-conditioning need to be re-gassed? Don't wait until the last minute before sorting these all-important things out. What if something is seriously wrong that warrants a week or two in the workshop, and you've already booked and paid for accommodation? Rather get everything sorted at least a month before you have to travel.
Related: How to change a wheel
If you don't have a roadside assistance service, consider joining the AA (Automobile Association of SA) for peace of mind. The AA also offers an Armed Response Service.
"AA Armed Response is an app-based service that works with an active data signal with location services. You don’t need to own a vehicle to subscribe, our service is available to you whether you’re home, out shopping, in your car, or commuting.
"If you encounter a dangerous situation or feel unsafe, send a panic signal at the touch of a button. With a network of over 180 partners who will come to your aid, all you need to do is press the AA Armed Response button in the app.
"You can also use our Bluetooth panic button that compliments the App for quick access to activate a panic alert. The Bluetooth panic button works within a 30-metre radius of your smartphone. Mount the button on a keyring, bicycle, car, or even on clothes or backpacks to ensure easy access of the button no matter what the situation." - AA. (From R25 - R35)
2. Plan your route to avoid the main roads
South Africa is as vast as it is beautiful. There are other routes that don't involve the N1 and N2 that are way more pleasant to take than the route shown above. With a bit of planning ahead and Google Maps (or your app of choice), you can work out a scenic road trip that will be a lot more relaxing than dodging trucks and dealing with impatient drivers. It may take you slightly longer to get there, but it will be worth it.
3. Watch out for crime at busy service stations
Times are tough and criminals are more active than ever. Be cautious and don't allow yourself to be distracted. Whether it's a signal jammer or sketchy characters who mean you or your family harm, ensure that you take the appropriate steps to keep everyone safe. Make sure the doors are really locked when you leave your vehicle, know where your keys are, and keep your phone close by. Put electronics and valuables away from prying eyes. Don't allow kids into public bathrooms on their own; wait at the entrance if you can't go inside with them. The summer months are also known as kidnapping season - ensure you don't let your kids out of your sight.
Also ensure your spare set of car keys are somewhere safe - preferably not in the car, and with someone responsible.
4. Budget carefully
Petrol and diesel prices have skyrocketed and you don't want to be caught out of pocket. Ensure you have a ballpark figure of fuel costs before setting off. Read How to work out your car's fuel consumption here.
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5. Ensure that children don't get sunburnt while you travel
Not keen on niggly, crying children and toddlers? Invest in some removable sun shades for your car's windows that will protect little ones' skin from the hot sun. Even a wide-brimmed hat (use Mom's if needed) and sunscreen will help if you don't want to spend money on sun visors, but it's not an expensive item to purchase, some are less than R100. Search Takealot for sun shades here.
6. Let everyone make a playlist
Older kids are not going to be keen on listening to your 80s rock album on repeat, and you're probably not going to appreciate their taste in music either. Let everyone make a playlist before you travel and take turns to listen, or hit shuffle. Ensure kids bring along their headphones or earpods in order not to distract the driver if they prefer to play games on their phones or watch videos. Also, the driver should pair his phone to the Bluetooth system (if available) before the start of the journey.
7. Buy a portable USB hub so that everyone's devices stay charged up
Unless you want to hear "Mom, it's my turn to charge my phone!" every 20 minutes, investing in a multi-USB hub that plugs into your car's 12V power socket(s) or USB port, is going to save your sanity. Have a look on the Takealot website, here.
8. Don't overdo it with coffee and energy drinks
Getting enough sleep the previous night is imperative in order to stay focused and alert. If you do start to feel drowsy, the odd energy drink won't hurt, but too much caffeine may make you edgy and agitated and more likely to experience road rage or snap at your co-pilot. If you have faith in your partner's driving abilities, let them take the wheel while you take a power nap. Stopping to stretch your legs also helps.
Be careful of over-the-counter medications such as hay fever tablets or pain killers that might make you drowsy - rather avoid them altogether.
My personal go-to brain hack for staying alert involves not eating any carbs (this includes bread, sugar, sweets, chips, rice etc) because they make me super drowsy. I also enjoy the odd energy drink but no more than about two per day and nothing after 4 pm, unless I am driving after dark.
9. Keep everyone well-fed and hydrated
Strangely, when you road trip, most onboard problems (frustration, boredom, agitation, and irritation) can be solved with food! Pack each child their own individual lunchbox (including cloth for hands and faces) and spread a towel over the seats and floor beforehand to catch any crumbs and spills. Once you reach your destination, just shake out the towels, and voilà. The car is still in a semi-decent state. Click here for lunchbox sandwich ideas for adults and kids.
Limit sweet treats, sweet fizzy drinks, and junk food. Rather keep these 'emergency snacks' for when all hell breaks loose.
10. Ensure that every person on board is safely strapped in
The little ones may forget to fasten their seatbelts after they've come back from a comfort break at the restroom. Let everyone check and confirm that they are indeed wearing a seatbelt before driving off. Remember to stow things that can go flying and cause injuries if you should need to slam on the brakes hard.
Related: Top 10 tips for road-tripping with your dog
