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Lampooned Road Trips a Reality for Families
Jan 09 2008 by Courtney Messenbaugh
1/9/08
Tips to Avoid Becoming the Modern Griswolds
Never have I appreciated the Griswold family and their cross-country trek to Wally World more than I do now that I have a child. These days, taking a car trip longer than an hour with the whole family always proves to be very "National Lampoon's Vacation"-esque.
Don't get me wrong, I haven't ridden in a wood-paneled station wagon since 1980 or so, but vehicle aside, the rest of the scenario is spot-on. It's always a struggle to fit ourselves and our stuff into the car. In brief, if we, like the Griswolds, had to bring dear old Grandmother along, she'd surely be riding on the roof (though she'd still be alive, unlike the Griswold granny).
In order to avoid having a completely absurd — but totally true — movie made about me and my family, I've come up with a series of small operational changes we can implement to ensure that all future road trips are nothing but smooth and comfy.
1. If you're a sporty family, get a ski/snowboard/bike/whatever rack. My husband, who is notoriously cheap, refused to get a ski rack because he thought paying $200 for one was "ridiculous." He'd rather have skis poking at us in the front seat, leaving me bruised and scraped by the end of every three-hour tour. So Santa got him a ski rack for Christmas, which we promptly put to use, and now he's like, "Why didn't we get one of these sooner?" Duh.
2. Make use of parks and the play areas at those ubiquitous fast food restaurants along the way. They may be germy cesspools, but guess what? Your children will appreciate getting to shake their booties, and it will do you some good to shake yours as well. Just wash everyone's hands afterward. If you're a crazy germophobe (you know who you are), just cover everyone in saran wrap (with breathing holes, of course) or whatever it takes to make it work for you.
3. Don't bring all the food you'll need for a week or weekend away. Simply pack enough snacks and beverages to get you through the drive, then do your hefty grocery shopping when you get to your destination. My husband (did I mention he was notoriously cheap?) insists on packing up our entire refrigerator and stuffing it into the car because he thinks grocery stores in resort towns are just too darn expensive. Who cares? I'd rather spend a few extra bucks in exchange for being able to move at least one of my legs in the car.
4. If you're really pressed for space, use a service like http://www.babysaway.com that hooks you up with rental toys, cribs, strollers, etc. once you get to your destination. They'll even deliver it all to you. Trust me, not having to shove the Pack 'n Play and stroller into the car is dreamy.
5. Always have mucho napkins and wet wipes in your glove compartment. For reasons I cannot comprehend, I personally have not been able to abide by this simple rule, and if I have to use my ultra-chic shirt to wipe up a mess one more time, I will poke my own eyes out. OK, so ultra-chic is a stretch, but still�
6. Though we're not yet at this stage in my little family, rumor has it that the backseat DVD entertainment system is ingenious for occupying older children. And for crying out loud — leave at least one laptop at home, you're on vacation!
That's what I know. If you have your own suggestions, please mention them in the comments section below — I need all the help I can get! And don't worry about my husband's frugality and our periodic differences of opinion when it comes to the mechanics of road-tripping. At the end of the day, we all know whose opinion will prevail (i.e., MINE!).
Hey Courtney - Has JT pull up next to you in a red Ferrari while you were driving? If he does, or say…some hot chic pulls up next to me in one, how do you suggest I handle it? C’mon now…you have to include advice on that too. That should have been number 7.