8 Things you should know before your next road trip

We are getting into the season where people begin to make travel plans. Before you take a road trip make sure you know what you’re getting into. As an “expert” (because I took one very long road trip recently), I would like to share a few travel tips with you.

The following tips may help your trip go a little more smoothly:

1.      Take someone with you who likes to drive. If your travel destination is more than 6 hours away it’s good to have a second driver. If another driver is not available, at least try to find another adult as a travel companion. Talking to another adult can help the time pass quickly.

2.      Take someone who can read directions and/or follow the GPS navigation system. If you use a navigation system, be sure the volume is up loud enough for you to hear it. “Laura”, my GPS person told me a couple of times to “turn around when possible.” The volume was so low that I didn’t hear when she told me to “exit right, ahead.”

 

3.      Limit luggage to one small carry on per person…oversize bags subject to a service fee. My mother’s suitcase was so large that I think she had enough clothes to change twice a day. I encouraged her to wear everything that she took. She did a good job honoring my request.

4.      If you’re traveling with kids, practice saying no. If you’re staying at a hotel you might say, “No you can’t stay in the swimming pool until your skin becomes wrinkled.” “No you can’t race your brother down the hotel hallway.”

 

5.      Travel with snacks. Eat your snacks in moderation or you may bring home more than souvenirs. You may bring back a few pounds with you. I’ve lived this one.

6.      Plan to stop frequently to avoid frustration....your frustration and that of your traveling companions.

7.      Be sure you know what type of currency is accepted at the places you will visit. My mom took travelers checks and they were not accepted at many of the places we stopped. People looked at us as though we had fallen through a time machine. When we gave the travelers checks to the waitress at Applebee’s she said, “Oh, I remember these, but I don’t remember how we process them.” The hotel we stayed at didn’t even accept the checks. It’s a good thing we had a back-up plan.

8.      Take someone who prays or pray yourself. If you’re traveling with kids you’ll need this for sure. If you’re traveling by yourself you’ll still need prayer for safe travels.

What are your tips for planning a road trip?

Flags, Flowers & Family – A Memorial Day Celebration

Originally called Decoration Day, Memorial Day is a day of remberance for those who have died in our nation’s service. Some celebrate by attending a parade or visiting the gravesite of a military person.

Memorial Day and weekend is also a time that families come together in celebration. This year my family celebrated with a family reunion held in Kentucky. We visited Fort Campbell military base where we toured a museum and visited the family cemetery.

Fort Campbell Museum

There was a lot of history shared, friendships started and memories created. Getting together with family is a good investment of time. We strengthen family ties and even learn new family facts.

When I arrived at our family reunion there was only one person there that I knew. I had never been to a reunion for that side of the family. The one cousin I knew smiled and whispered to me, “I don’t think we’re really related to these people.”

I had just driven nine hours for a trip that should have taken seven and a half. I looked at my cousin and said, “We’re family now.” I eventually learned how we were all connected.

What I have learned from our Memorial Day weekend celebration is that it’s good to know your roots and who you’re related to. The following are reasons why you need to know your family:

1. You could be marrying a cousin. When in high school, my cousin found out that a boy who had a crush on her was her cousin.
2. You have relatives to stay with when you go out of town, it saves you money on hotel expense.
3. When your kids act out and you don’t understand where the behavior came from…you can blame that side of the family.

It’s good to know your family just because they are family. Over the Memorial Holiday is when we see people waving flags at parades, refreshing flowers at gravesites or simply spending time with family.  It’s all about creating memories.

What are your favorite Memorial Day memories?

Feel Good Friday – I am thankful for…

Sometimes it’s nice to reflect on the blessings in our lives. My most recent reflection came by way of looking at photographs. My mom and I were sitting in her backyard on the canopy swing. She was showing me photos taken on a trip she chaperoned with my son.

The seventh grade class took a trip to Cedar Point Amusement Park. It looked like the kids had a really good time. There were photos of the kids running from ride to ride and posing with the huge characters in costumes. Granny had as much fun as the kids.

Josh & friends

Mama (Granny)

I am thankful for my mom who can step in and help when she is most needed. She is my pinch hitter in the game of life.

More reasons to be thankful…



Hubby

Brotherly love

Friends

Books

Sunrise

God's Grace

Complete the following statement with your words of thanks giving.

I am thankful for….