Have you driven a Kia lately? A-ma-zing.
If you buy a Kia, you know you've purchased a well-crafted vehicle. But if you're like me, all that V6, RPM, MPG talk goes over your head and you're thinking more like OPP, PYT, YMCA and maybe a little Ice, Ice Baby.
But the one thing I do understand is that a Kia looks good. Check it out.
Content and/or other value provided by our partner, Kia Motors
That's why I was so excited when Kia asked me to share my 10 Tips for a Successful Road Trip. And with this being the holiday season and all, the timing was perfect. Happy travels, everyone!
1. Pimp Your Ride. Do you want to be eaten by a pack of wolves because of a pesky hose problem? I didn't think so. Remember to have your vehicle serviced thoroughly before your trip. It's also a good idea to throw out all those old coffee cups and fast food bags, because after a few hours, even your tree-shaped air freshener won't be able to save you. A clean and safe car is the only way to travel.
2. Electronic Binge. How did parents survive long car rides before portable electronic devices? I don't have a clue. When I was a kid, I drove my parents nuts singing songs and asking "Are we there yet?" at least 6,000 times. An hour. But now, kids can play video games, watch movies, listen to music, or upload embarrassing videos of your road rage to YouTube. The good still outweighs the bad.
3. Junk Food Essentials. What do you call a Kit Kat, some Twizzlers, a bag of Combos, a chocolate glazed doughnut (or two, whatevs), some Doritos, Gummy Bears, Reese's Pieces, a bag of pork rinds, a Mr. Pibb, and a glass bottle of Coca-Cola? I call that "a good start".
4. The Soundtrack. Load up your travel playlist with fun music that keeps you upbeat and energized. I learned this lesson the hard way when I was about 8-years-old and my grandfather drove me to Charlotte playing nothing but Pasty Cline and Barry Manilow. At one point, I almost opened the door and made a jump for it.
5. Clean Air Campaign. Don't let your husband talk you into stopping for a meal that includes burritos, black beans, and/or chili. This one is self-explanatory.
6. Go Light. Do you think that packing 18 pairs of shoes and 42 outfits is enough for a weekend getaway? I know! I don't either. That's why you have to leave behind all the non-essentials like hair dryers, irons or shampoo because they're usually provided by your hotel or condo. I made the mistake of overpacking for a road trip when I was 6-months pregnant with Drew, and by the time we got there, he wasn't the only one stuck in the fetal position. Take my word for it and leave yourself some leg room.
7. Self-Esteem Preservation. One time during a road trip with my girlfriends, the song "Whomp! There It Is!" came on the radio, so we cranked it up! It was awesome until my much younger friend Jamie said, "Oh, I remember this song! It was the 6th grade dance and all the boys were on one side and the girls were on the other..." Ahem. Never, I repeat, NEVER do something that's going to make you feel old on a road trip. Leave all that depressing stuff at home. Other conversation topics to avoid are weight gain, wrinkles and "what kids are wearing these days".
8. Carpe Laboro! (Seize the Bathroom). What's uncomfortable? Really needing to pee. What's even more uncomfortable? Really needing to pee when there's no bathroom for milllllles. So when you get a chance to go, just go, whether you need to or not. It's better than fertilizing the grass on the side of the interstate, if you know what I mean.
9. Avoid the Blue Light Special. After driving for several hours, you might decide to pick up some time on a long stretch of two-lane highway, but don't. In college, we took a caravan of speeding cars through the great state of Alabama on our way to Panama City and a state patrol officer pulled us over. All of us. Every single car. Seriously, it was like a scene out of Smokey and the Bandit. The speeding tickets totaled over $800. Considering that we were just a bunch of broke college kids who survived on nothing but Ramen Noodles and Milwaukee's Best, that was a tough lesson learned.
10. Take It In, My Friend. Life is full of tiny moments strung together through the years, so make this road trip one to remember. Enjoy the scenery, enjoy your friends and family, and enjoy the break. Real life will be waiting for you when you get back.
Content and/or other value provided by our partner, Kia Motors
Do you have a favorite road trip memory? Please share it in the comments below.
Do you have a favorite road trip memory? Please share it in the comments below.
