subject: Long Car Journeys Are No Drama If You Have The Right Home Gadgets [print this page] Long car journeys fill some people with dread, while others really enjoy the time on the road. Some of us make the journey much easier with a range of car accessories. Having a few home gadgets that you can use in the car is a good idea. Perhaps you have to travel regularly for work. Or you might have family who live all over the country. Especially during holiday periods, more and more people take to the road. Long car journeys are also a necessary form of travel for many football supporters off to watch the game, or people with hobbies that take them away from home.
Items such as a first aid kit or a blanket and bottle of water are important safety equipment, as well as your essential personal items like glasses or hearing aids. In terms of comfort, you can look for a car heater or a heated seat cushion. Some people use driving gloves too. When it is hot you can use the heater as a fan too. There are many safety and comfort gadgets that you can purchase to make travelling easier and safer.
If you are travelling with babies or children, then some fun toys or games are a must. Some games can just be played in your head, like spot certain coloured cars or look out for car number plates. Children in the back can play other games like cards. Window shades are also a great idea as they can help keep the kids cool when the sun is out.
Think about what food and drink you might need for the journey. Drinks are important; something like water or juice is usually good. With any food, ensure that it is food that cannot easily cause choking, or is not too smelly. No one wants to sit in a car smelling of something strong for several hours at a time. And usually best to avoid anything that requires heating up, or to be kept cool, unless you have a good cool bag to keep it in.
Also important to plan is what time of day that you will travel. This might depend upon factors out of your control, but if you can choose, then consider whether driving in the morning, during the day or in the evening would be better for all passengers. It is also important to take regular breaks if you can. Breaks do not need to be long ones if you are pushed for time, but sometimes, just stopping for five minutes, stretching your legs and perhaps having a toilet break can really be a lifesaver on long car journeys.
Planning the route is a good tip too. If it is a route that you do regularly, then you will know your way, but it is not a bad to idea to look for alternative routes from time to time to see if there is an easier or quicker way, or a safer way. If it is a new route it may be even more important to look up the way before you leave. If you have a GPS system in your car, try programming the directions in beforehand. If you are using a map book, then leave markers on the relevant pages to make it easy once you are on the road.
Top ten car accessories:
First aid kit fully stocked with essential items
Water to drink, plus water for the car if overheating occurs
Food to snack on (ensue nothing that can choke easily)
Music to listen to and a variety of genres depending upon mood
Navigation tools or GPS a map can work just as well too
Games for children to play along the way
Traffic reports or updates so prevent unnecessary delays
Wheel brace and jack essential for long trips
Spare tyre that is road legal and pumped
Torch or headlight (check the batteries also)
So be prepared by creating a practical and comfortable environment for yourself and your passengers with home gadgets that can be used in transit and handy car accessories. UK shops online or on the high street have loads of kits and helpful products available at reasonable prices. And dont forget all your personal accessories and equipment such as hearing aids or driving glasses to ensure your own safety and comfort.
