10 Rules of the Road – Editor’s List
A road through Eastern Washington
Every traveler or family out there has their own ‘Rules of the Road’. Their own list of laws that govern not only the trip, but also anyone traveling along. I even have my own ’10 Rules of the Road’. I want to hear what yours are too. You may either comment directly on our site or visit us on our Facebook page.
And, without further ado, Brad’s ’10 Rules of the road’:
- This is not a Democracy, it is a Dictatorship… and the Budget is the Dictator. The Driver is only second in command to the budget. It dictates exactly what can, and cannot, happen on the trip. While stopping at that great resturaunt seen on the Travel Channel might be a item on the ‘to-do’ list, if the budget says tacos and gas station hot dogs are the highest cuisine afordable, then guess what… we’re eating at the Taco Bell down the street.
- Music is up to the driver… but that doesn’t mean the driver can’t relinquish control of the dial from time to time. Remember though, this person has the most responsibility out of anyone in the car. The driver has to maintain safety, all the passengers really need to do is avoid fighting. The driver should at least somewhat enjoy the music on the stereo. Changing it up from time to time keeps things from becoming too boring.
- DVD Players are left at home. Period. Being out on the road is an opportunity to reconnect with people, with nature, and with yourself. This cannot be done when watching the latest TV shows on DVD. Yes, I know some parents out there will plead and beg, claiming it is the only way to keep the kids entertained. My response: ‘You’re doing it wrong!’ There are plenty of excellent ways out there to keep kids, teens, college buddies, even older parents occupied while churning down the highway. It takes a little creativity, but it is worth it, as it will make the trip memorable… instead of rolling TV time.
- There is a heirarchy for the shotgun position… and it goes like this: significant other, parents, siblings, best friend, and then, person least likely to cause the driver to want to punch them. Which, means if there are only two people on the trip and you’re asked to sit in the back, it’s either because you smell funky or the driver would rather ask you to ‘tuck and roll’ at the next bus stop.
- Never, ever, ever trust those discount coupon magazines you pick up at the diner. I have had bad experiences with most places not accepting them. It’s better to not get duped.
- Research, but not too much. Before any trip, do a little research. However if you’re studying turn-by-turn images on Google Maps Street View, you’re probably doing too much research.
- Whiney passengers can, and will, be left at the truckstop. Well, over 18 anyway. This means no complaining about the driver’s driving, the airflow, or anything. In fact, when cooped up in a car, it’s best to live by the addage “If you don’t have anything positive to say, don’t say anything at all”. That is of course unless you really enjoy Greyhound.
- If you need to break wind, please warn first. This goes for even the driver. The warning for the driver may be that the A/C is suddenly turned off and the windows rolled down, but if you don’t have that luxury at least give a warning. Failure to do so will result in the culprit being banned from eating anything other than cardboard.
- Paper maps are sacred scrolls of wisdom. Now, with that said I’m not entirely adverse to navigation systems. My cell phone, for example, is a navigation system. It’s great when I need a little help and I don’t have my maps. But, reliance on the little buggers are frouned upon, and I don’t think one will ever be installed in my car. If one ever is, the turn-by-turn directions feature will rarely be used, mainly the traffic function if they have it. However, for long trips, get a map. Paper or plastic, it doesn’t matter. There is something unique about paper maps, especially if you write in them. They become a part of the trip, rather than just a utility.
- A stranger is just a friend you haven’t met yet… but that does not mean leave common sense at the door. Chat up people at the diner, say hello to people at the gas station. Be friendly, but be smart. The only hitchhikers that should accompany you are whatever bugs haved died on the window. Keep it safe, but don’t be too afraid.
Those are my 10 rules of the road. They’re simple, and fun. What are your rules of the road?
Uh-oh, I spent a good part of yesterday printing out and studying Google maps in preparation for a trip to San Diego. lol
Here are mine-
1. Be willing to explore- if I see a “Scenic View” sign that points to a tiny dirt road winding off into the distance- put on the brakes, and turn down that road. Also be willing to STOP and turn around if the road starts to disappear or gets a little too all-terrain for your vehicle.
2. Shotgun is the most comfortable seat, but it comes with a price. Whoever sits shotgun is at the driver’s beck and call- opening food, drinks, making phone calls, whatever would give the driver cause to shout, “Look Ma, no hands!” is now to be done by the passenger in the shotgun seat. How many accidents are explained by, “I was just reaching for…?”
3. I am a small woman. I have a tiny bladder. We will stop at rest stops.
4. Water. Water. Water. Bring it, use it. Recycle the water bottles if that’s how you get your water.
5. Music is necessary, as is singing along.
6. Road games like “Hey Cow!” are fully encouraged.
7. Check out the “local scene” at any stop. Tourist attractions are fun too, but nothing beats finding the true flavor of a place. Locally run diners and coffee shops are great for this, and don’t be afraid to ask locals what their favorites are! (Restaurants, bars, things to do, etc)
8. Smile and engage. If you’ve seen the same family at the last four rest stops, acknowledge it. Offer them some Wet Ones, a cup of coffee, ask them where they’re going. Swap road stories, or at least smile and nod. Sometimes it’s nice (especially on long trips) to feel like you’re sharing the experience with someone outside of your own rolling temple. Of course, be careful who you approach. Use common sense. If that family is gathered around a bonfire on the side of the road, sharpening daggers and chanting “Meat tonight, meat tonight,” while intensely glaring at you as you approach, you might want to just keep on moving down the road.
9. Document the trip. Whether it’s photographs, journaling (my preferences), video, sound, texting pictures or experiences to your friends, or just sealing it all in your memory. Take time to let it soak in and reflect on the journey, as corny as it sounds. Just don’t spend so much time recording and sharing that you start to lose the experience (something I’m guilty of at times).
10. Be flexible. If things don’t go according to plan, scrap the plan and go with what’s working. The best things I’ve had happen on trips were completely spontaneous. Be open to random acts of awesome.