HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2011-10-27, Page 19THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2011. PAGE 19.
MS –Road trips are a tradition
enjoyed by people of all shapes and
sizes. Cross country trips,
adventurous jaunts through Europe
and spring break excursions to
warmer climes are just a few of the
more popular road trips travelers
enjoy each and every year.
Though road trips leave travellers
largely in control of their own
getaways, there are ways trips can
quickly spiral out of control. Before
setting on a road trip this season,
travellers would be wise to consider
the following tips for road tripping.
DO:Prepare the vehicle.
Nothing is more integral to a
successful road trip than a vehicle
that can withstand the trials and
tribulations of the road.
No one is happy when a vehicle
breaks down during a road trip, but
such breakdowns are almost always
preventable. Though a flat tire or a
car accident can’t be predicted,
drivers can safeguard themselves
against mechanical problems by
taking their car to a mechanic a few
days before the trip begins. Make
sure to do so several days in
advance so if the car needs work,
the mechanic has ample time to
make any repairs. Waiting until the
last minute is a bad idea, as there’s
no guarantee the mechanic can fit
the car into his schedule. Also,
waiting until the last minute might
prove more expensive, as mechanics
might be forced to have new parts
shipped overnight to ensure the trip
can start on time. Such shipping
costs will be passed on to the
automobile owner.
DON’T: Bring too much along.
Novice road trippers often make
the mistake of packing too much
into the car. This creates a few
problems. First and foremost, a
crowded car is an uncomfortable
car. Road trippers spend a
significant amount of time in the
car, so driver and passenger(s) alike
will want to be comfortable. A case
of bottled water might save a few
dollars, but those savings should not
come at the expense of comfort.
Another downside to packing too
much is the effect it might have on
fuel efficiency. Fuel costs are still
significant and a car that’s weighed
down with unnecessary items will
need more fuel to operate. Families
of young children, for example,
don’t need to pack a backup stroller
just in case the primary stroller
breaks. The chances of that
happening are slim and the second
stroller is likely only going to take
up space and decrease fuel
efficiency. Avoid double-packing
items and keep in mind the vehicle
does not need to be a rolling pantry.
DO: Enjoy the road.
Part of the joy of road trips is their
laid-back nature. Unlike other
vacations that require travellers get
to the airport by a certain time, road
trips allow travellers to move at
their own pace. Enjoy the
opportunity to vacation without
having to wait in long lines at
airports or sit through long layovers.
Enjoy the road and the scenery it
provides. Don’t feel as though the
trip needs to adhere to a strict
schedule. Such schedules will make
the trip seem hurried, robbing it of
its relaxing nature.
DON’T:Be surprised by delays.
Expect delays when travelling by
car. Rush hour traffic and road work
will rear their ugly heads sometime
during the trip. Build these delays
into the trip so they’re less stressful
when they inevitably appear. In
addition, plan for pit stops to stretch
your legs or enjoy dinner during
rush hour. Vacations should not
include the daily grind of rush hour.
DO:Get some rest.
It’s tempting for road trippers to
burn the midnight oil, as roads are
less crowded late at night and it’s
easy to make up for any lost time
that occurred during the day. This is
especially tempting when little kids
are along, as parents feel they can
truly make up hours while the little
ones are asleep.
However, drivers must get some
rest themselves. Despite being
sedentary while behind the wheel of
a car, drivers do get tired and it’s
easy to fall asleep at the wheel when
it’s dark out and the highway is
essentially empty. No matter how
much time needs to be made up,
drivers must get adequate rest.
DON’T:Leave little time to get
home.
Eventually, the car is going to
have to turn around and come home.
Don’t leave all that driving to one
day. Take a different route home and
enjoy new sights and stopovers
along the way. If the return trip is
made with few stops, chances are
travellers will be road weary upon
returning home, and all that R&R
earned on the trip will have been for
naught.
Go to
www.lesliemotors.com to
see all the benefits of the
card or call us at
1-888-495-8885
for details.
Highway 86 East, Wingham 519-357-3460
www.lesliemotors.com
CHECK OUT THE LESLIE
ADVANTAGE!
“Specializing in on-the-farm-service”
Good Selection of Snow Tires!
Bruce Willits
456 Ross Street, Lucknow
519-528-2103
ALL MAKES OF
PASSENGER TIRES,
LIGHT TRUCKS,
MEDIUM TRUCKS
AND FARM
14 Orchard Lane, Brussels
Insurance Claims Welcome • Free Estimates
• Collision Repairs
• Spray-In Truck Bedliners
• Classic Car Restorations
Deer Damage?Carter's
West End
Garage
& Body
Shop
215 Huron St.,
Clinton
519-482-9363
or if busy
519-482-3534
For all your
Winter car
needs!
R & S
ALIGNMENT SERVICE
ALIGNMENT - SUSPENSION SERVICE
& TIRES
519-357-1230
Hwy. 86 West, R.R. 3 Wingham, Ont. N0G 2W0
...on the RoadRoad trip dos and don’ts