If you are going on a long road trip by car, it helps to prepare properly, so you can be equipped and ready to take on the road. The first thing you should pack is the phone number to ACE Mechanics if you plan to travel in the Melbourne area or one of the many suburbs surrounding the Melbourne area. ACE is there for motorists offering emergency roadside services if needed. If you are going outside their service areas ask them for referrals on other reputable mobile mechanics that will be there should you need them. If a break down occurs, you can have your vehicle repaired on the spot and continue on your trip with ACE Mechanics involved.
The second thing you need for your road trip is a map. Whether you log onto a map website and print out your path, or if you have a GPS, you need clear directions to your destination. Knowing exactly where you are going will help to save gas and money by not getting lost. It would be wise to have both a paper map and the GPS incase the GPS does not work right. Some smart phones contain GPS maps as well. Have phone numbers for the nearest mobile mechanics too, in case you have need of their auto repair services.
Sometimes on long trips people do not think about their needs, all the focus on is getting there. Plan and bring plenty of water, in a cooler and maybe food too if you do not plan to stop along the way. Make time for pit stops too, and stretch the legs by walking around to refresh every couple of hours. Include these pit stops in the planning itinerary. Taking along small bottles of water or juice boxes and snacks are perfect travel snacks and drinks especially for children. Avoid high sugar snacks that make little ones restless, and can cause a “sugar crash” with the driver, because after the sugar high is the crash, where you bottom out.
Travelling with small children is tough at times; the key to a successful road trip is to keep them entertained. The DVD players for vehicles are perfect to occupy their time, put on a cartoon or movie and by the time it is over you will be stopping. Have other fun activities they can do while sitting in their seats, such as road games, coloring books, and even hand held game systems. There is always the radio, CD or MP3 player to have a fun time singing together to pass the time.
