While several hours out on the open road with your loved one might bring you two closer together, it can also drive you crazy. You’re confined to an automobile for hours at a time and when the conversation stops flowing, the pet peeves and little irritations start to kick in. You’ll start arguing about everything from how one or other drives, the locations you choose to stop at, and even the type of music you’re listening to. Then you’re praying that you get to your destination quick, fast, and in a hurry.
Some would say that it comes with the territory of being in a relationship, but an argument while travelling miles away from home can all but ruin your trip. Here are some tips to try and avoid that:
1. Have the Car Checked Out
Nothing can stir up frustration like sitting on the side of the road waiting for assistance because the vehicle isn’t operating correctly. So before you hit the road, make sure that you have your mechanic check out the vehicle to ensure everything is in working order.
2. Keep All Auto Documents Accessible
For peace of mind, you should make sure that you have all of your paperwork on the vehicle up to date and in a clear location. This would include applying for (or updating) insurance coverage online through sites such as acceptanceinsurance.com, making sure that you have a valid driver’s license, and updating the vehicle’s registration. This way, should you end up in an accident or pulled over by police while you’re out of town, you’ll know exactly where everything is.
3. Resolve Any Disputes Before Leaving
If you were bickering about anything prior to travelling, make sure that you squash it before driving several hundred miles in a car together. Tension can not only defeat the purpose of a road trip, but it can cause a distraction while driving which could quickly lead to an accident.
4. Make a Playlist
Whether you have the same taste in music or very different tastes, having a playlist with a variety of music can prevent arguments over radio stations. It can also help time pass when you don’t have much to discuss.
5. Map Out Your Route
Directions and “shortcuts” can quickly cause frustration. To minimize the potential of this happening, it’s probably a good idea to map out your destination and pit stops. If you’re on your way to enjoy a weekend in Las Vegas or you’re travelling to sunny California, knowing exactly what coordinates to put in will prevent you from going off course and stretching the trip out longer than it needed to be.
6. Stop Periodically
Although you can probably withstand being in the car a lot longer than children would, sitting down for hours at a time can make anyone a bit crabby. Scheduling pit stops along the way allows you both to stretch your legs, use the restroom, and breathe some fresh air before travelling again.
7. Take Turns Driving
No one wants to feel like the chauffeur and drive the entire time, not to mention it can be unsafe to travel for miles at a time without a rest. As you’re stopping to stretch your legs, switch drivers so that each person gets a chance to enjoy being a passenger. When you are the passenger, it is also a good idea to keep your driving opinions to yourself. As long as you arrive at your destination safe and sound, you shouldn’t get frustrated with the route your partner takes, or how fast/slow they’re driving.
8. Don’t Use this As the Time to Have “A Talk”
This one is more for the ladies than the gentlemen, but don’t make your road trip the time to talk about issues that have been bothering you in your relationship. There’s no need in getting into an argument or heated discussion while you’re trying to enjoy each other’s company. If there is something you need to say, at least wait until you’ve arrived at your destination so that your partner doesn’t feel trapped.
Road trips with your significant other should be all about the journey, conversation, and thrill of being together. If you minimize the potential for annoyance, aggravation, or frustration, you will be able to enjoy the wonders of being out on the open road with the one you love. Hopefully, these tips will help you and your partner to minimize stress and enjoy each other’s company.
