On the Road with the Family this Summer

Any big trips planned with the kid(s) this summer? If you are in the car for more than an hour, it can seem like eternity with a bored nagging child. There are so many ways to have fun, learn something and make it to your destination in one piece and with a smile on everyone's face.

Individual Activities Toddlers
A great way to keep toddlers entertained is to purchase four or five new, inexpensive toys, wrap the toys like gifts, and give kids one to open every half-hour or hour. Kids love to unwrap presents, and not only will the unwrapping keep them entertained, they will also have something new to play with in the car. Some good toys to buy beforehand are crayons and coloring books, flash cards, or small puzzles that can be worked on a lap desk. These can also be used as rewards for being good in the car.

Preschoolers
For preschoolers, bring Play-Doh and a workable surface, such as a lap desk or large book covered in waxed paper. Challenge kids to think of things they might see on the trip (palm trees, fish, Grandma’s dog) and create those things with Play-Doh. Parents could have a contest for the best creation, supplying a “prize” for the best one. Play-Doh can be a bit messy, but it may be worth the cleanup time to keep kids happy in the car.

Older Kids
A good idea for older kids is to buy a stack of crossword puzzles and word search books, playing cards, and comic books. Let them choose a few at a time, according to interest. Chapter books are always a good idea for kids who enjoy reading. They key is to buy something new specifically for the trip, so the interest level will be high.

DVDs and Video Games
This is a great option when the drive is not so scenic or it’s dark outside. If your Honda is not equipped with the rear seat entertainment options, you can set up the following:

• Transform your Odyssey or Honda into the ultimate entertainment machine with a rear-seat entertainment system. Keep the kids engaged and the adults intrigued with this innovative system that lets your rear-seat passengers watch movies, play video games, listen to music and more. Call Honda Mall of Georgia to find out the options available for your Honda.
• Buy or borrow a portable DVD Player. You can set up the DVD player on the middle console of the front seat or set on the child’s lap. Makes sure to bring a variety of movies and videos. You can get free copies from the library or a friend. And also think about videos that educate your children about your destination or fun exercises. They can be entertained and educated at the same time.
  
  
  Family Activities
  Individual activities are fun, but part of the pleasure of a long car ride is the time spent together. Families today are so pressed for time, and often there is simply not enough time left over at the end of the day for bonding. Use travel time as a means of interacting and enjoying one another’s company.
  
  Looking for a variation on the license plate game? Try playing the alphabet game instead. Challenge kids to find cars with model names that begin with A through Z. The only rule is that the cars must be found in alphabetical order. This is a fun game that could last for a while. Or start with naming an animal that starts with an “A” and have your kids take turns listing others for the rest of the letters of the alphabet. Establish a rule that you'll skip over “Q” and “X”!
  
  Use the time together to reminisce about favorite family memories. Does anyone remember the time Aunt Lucy accidentally dyed her hair purple? Or how about the time the Christmas tree fell over in the middle of the night? Use the time together to laugh and bond.
  
  Other Family Games
  Make a scavenger hunt of the trip and list a few things they should watch for. Some suggestions: Owls, old tires on the side of the road, weird sculptures/ landmarks and a vintage car. Reward kids with their favorite snack once they've found them all.
  family-road-trip-game
  
  
  • Counting Cows Car Game - What's the best way to count cows? With a COW-culator of course! Here's how to play the countin' cows timeless road trip game, and some funny cow jokes to tell while you play. Give prizes out when you hit a milestone number.
  • License Plate Game - Give them a printable page to check off each state license plate sightings!
  • Play Cards! Old Maid & Crazy 8's - How to play classic card games your kids will love.
  
  Find the games that work for you!
  
  Postcards
  Have kids use the time to write postcards to friends and family members about the things they are seeing. This is a great way to share memories with others.
  
  On the way to the destination, stop at gas stations in various cities and buy postcards. Kids can tell about the things they are seeing as they drive. Purchase postcards while on vacation and let kids write to grandparents and friends on the way home about what they saw. If friends and neighbors from home are going on vacation at the same time, kids can do a “postcard exchange” when they return home.
  
  A little creativity and planning can cut down on the fighting and fussing and leave fond family memories of your time together — on the road and off. If you car looking for a new Toyota that is more accommodating for the family and long road, come on in and we can give you options that fits your day-to-day and road trip needs.
  
  Safe and fun travels from your friends at Honda Mall of Georgia!

Safety on the Long Road - Holiday Driving

AAA reports an estimated 33.8 million people travel during the last two weeks of December with more than 75 percent of those people driving. Estimates project an even higher number of travelers this year, causing our nation's highways to be more congested than ever, in potentially bad weather. Follow these tips, get prepared, and stay safe during those long hours behind the wheel this holiday season.

Prepare your vehicle. Make sure it is maintained and in good shape. Check your tire pressure, oil, and coolant. Honda Mall of Georgia is here to get your Honda humming for the long haul and often brutal winter haul. Call us and set up an appointment. We’ll be happy to get you rolling.

Be prepared for winter driving. In some areas of the country, you are dealing with snow, ice and unplanned conditions that you might experience at home. Carry a snow scraper and brush, a flashlight, blankets, booster cables, and a shovel, and make sure you have flares or emergency triangles.

Check on road conditions and weather in advance. First check TCC for our own real-time traffic reports. You may also want to try the Federal Highway Administration's site for traffic information and links to other traffic sites. Check the weather forecast before you go for the weather along major interstate highways.

Bring a cell phone(s) for emergencies, but don't ever use hand-held cell phones while driving, and even if you have a hands-free cell phone, use it only when absolutely necessary. Leave the calling to passengers, or better yet, when you've pulled over somewhere off the highway. And make sure you have a phone charger to keep your phone ready.

Wear a seatbelt. Make sure that every occupant of your vehicle is properly wearing seatbelts, even if you are in a van or RV.

Take regular breaks. Stop at least once every two hours-more frequently if it's snowing, as falling snow can have a hypnotic effect.

Don't speed. Speeding to try to cut trip time is especially risky when highways are packed with holiday traffic. Police will be out in full force to enforce posted limits.

Don't drink and drive! Watch out for other drunks on the road, and report any suspects to the police before they cause an accident. According to NHTSA data, more people are killed in accidents on holidays than any other time, and nearly half of the accidents involve drunk drivers.

Don't binge. Drinking or eating too much over the weekend will leave you tired for the drive back. Safely stow food in the trunk, rather than in the car where it's a distraction. Keep in mind that turkey contains a natural sedative, called L-tryptophan.

Cut distractions. Supply the kids with distractions so they don't distract you. Traditional games like travel bingo tend to be a lot less annoying on a long trip than the sounds of a Buzz Lightyear doll and a Game Boy.

Finally, read TCC's tips on Night Driving for more information. And get a sense of humor-if you're driving more than six hours, you're going to need it!

Happy holiday traveling!

Your friends at Honda Mall of Georgia