Roadtrip Checklist Fort the Travelling Vancouver DOdge Customers
October 2, 2011A road trip is a part of every group’s tradition. From going to Grandma’s house for the weekend or even taking the long drive for Spring Break, this “tradition” is as ubiquitous as Christmas. Personally, I based my car purchase from a Vancouver Dodge chain for the sole purpose of feeling the thrill of guiding a vehicle during a particular lengthy drive on the open highway. Yes, I admit it, I am a road nut.
Man, that was not an easy find. Thankfully, our BC Dodge dealers—the good folks that they are—had managed to get me my dream car. And I have not looked back ever since.
It is often said that in whatever situation, it is the driver’s responsibility to ensure that the security and comfort of the people that one is travelling with is of the highest order, other than making sure that the car does not break down, of course.
Safety and comfort—these are the two key words that any loyal Vancouver Dodge client abides by, more so if it deals with our passengers. Hence, it is of the utmost priority that we come prepared with anything that man or nature may throw our way. So take out your pens and papers (or you can just copy-paste it, whatever is suitable for you), and take note of these following suggestions, dear grasshopper:
1. The trip is as good as the people you are going out with.
Harsh, but true. As another Langley Dodge patron had succinctly remarked to us over drinks, it is always never a good idea if you are planning to cram your car with as much people as possible that the seating inside begins to resemble something out of a Tetris game. If you really want to get comfortable, then better do the hard thing—leave the other people behind, or get them to ride in another vehicle. With that in mind, have at least one to two seats of “allowance” so that everyone on the back can move freely. As silly as it may seem, you also have to have a designated navigator and a substitute driver. If you are going into uncharted terrains, the “navigator” should be the one pointing out to you where you have to go with the maps and the GPS system. The sub driver, on the other hand, should take over from you if you are feeling exhausted from the drive. Just think of it as playing a Japanese roleplaying game—you have a party, and each one of your members should have the designated “job” tailor-made for them. Do not hesitate to utilize them when needed.
2. You are not going to a fancy party. Bring only what you need.
This is not survival school, but you also have to take into account that you can only move in a set space for a couple of hours or even more. Thus, stuff your packs with only the essentials. And since we also acknowledge that the “essentials” may mean too vague a group, allow us to spare you the headache and break ‘em down for you:
* Food is essential. That does not, however, give one the right to thrash the car like it is his/her personal trailer. Establish some ground rules—avoid bringing “colored” drinks or any other fod that may spoil easily. Instead, just bring some safer fare like water, cereal snacks, crackers, or the like. Also, do the Al Gore and bring a garbage bag while you are at it.
* Cellphones are a necessity. If you do not want to end up like the kids in the movies dying in a badly written horror flick, bring some spare batteries or a car charger so you can just insta-dial an emergency number if ever—knock on wood—something bad happens.
* And while we are still on the subject of emergencies, bring a first aid kit, too. It is a no-brainer, but we are just making sure that you are not forgetting something important.
* Ahh, kids - they all do the most unbelievable things, particularly if they are bored. Since you do not want to be charged with killing a kid by boredom, then I suggest that you bring throw pillows, playing cards, portable gaming consoles, or even your trusty MP3 players. Anything will do, as long as your kid’s attention will be diverted from asking “Are we there yet?”
3. Plan. Prepare. Carry out.
* While it can be easy to admire some people’s flair for the spontaneous, there are just as many things that can go wrong when you are only waking with your feet blindly. So, first things first—if you are planning to spend the night in a rather unfamiliar place, then do not wait until you have arrived at the destination. Book early, and save yourself some headaches. Enough said. * Convenience breeds complacency. The same can be said with money. You just have to accept the fact that not all of the places you will be visiting have ATMs or accept credit. When worse transitions to worst, it is best if you have some good old paper-based money in hand. You do not want to be washing the dishes for the whole night, do you?
* Other than those mentioned above, you would do well to anticipate any possible event that may happen in any situation. You may do well to remember Murphy’s Law—if anything can possibly go wrong... then you have a possible comedy in your hands.
While BC Dodge dealers are responsible for providing the right kind of vehicle to their clients, it is us Langley Dodge drivers who are most accountable for keeping our passengers from being too antsy and, of course, safe. Have a safe and happy trip.
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For more Information about cars, and vehicle repair and upkeep, visit Langley Chrysler today.
Posted by Amber Wilson. Posted In : Automotive
I am a freelance Journalist who has lived in Alberta all my life. Just like most people of my age from Edmonton, I love to ski, never miss an Oilers game, and have befriended everyone I know and who claims to be a Flames fan. I am an automotive enthusiast who contributes to many blogs, including my own.