Home and Family

5 tips for a safe and happy road trip

From 10,001 Timesaving Ideas, Reader’s Digest; Photos: ThinkstockJune 23, 2014

Make your next car ride smooth and safe sailing

1 / 5

Fill up

Fill up your car’s tank with gas and check the oil and tires the day before you leave so that you’re not dealing with unnecessary hold-ups.

2 / 5

Plan your departure

Preferably leave on Sunday: a lot of holiday-makers will have already arrived at their destination and there will be fewer trucks on the road.

3 / 5

Pack great snacks

Pack a picnic and a supply of drinks so you don’t have to line-up in a cafeteria or restaurant. If you’re travelling with kids, find rest areas where they can play, and that have baby-change facilities, if necessary.

4 / 5

Make everything within arms-reach

Place any baby-care items that you may need during the trip in a separate bag that is easily accessible.

5 / 5

Give yourself a break

Stop, revive, survive. No matter how quickly you might want to arrive at your destination, stop every 2 hours to stretch your legs.