Tips for Traveling With Your Crew Family Road Trips Done Right
PACKING ESSENTIALS Road trips can quickly head south (figuratively!) without the necessities. Packing healthy snacks and plenty of water will keep everyone hydrated and satisfied between meal breaks. Bringing pillows, blankets, and loose-fitting clothing will ensure comfort on long drives. And don’t forget the entertainment. Create playlists to cut down on disputes over the radio, and bring audiobooks and travel games for when you need a break from the music.
A family road trip is a great way to make memories with the people you love. But along with all the adventure, you can expect challenges. What’s the key to making the journey as pleasurable as the destination? Preparation. A little planning will go a long way toward making your road trip easy, fun, and memorable — in a good way.
to bookmark any stops you plan to make. This includes roadside attractions and rest areas for restrooms and meal breaks. SETTING THE GROUND RULES Families often forget to review their rules for car travel. Setting expectations early on can make all the difference. Start by establishing rules for in-car behavior — no screaming, arguing, or distracting the driver. Then, to make it easier to maintain the peace, involve the kids in creating a list of car-friendly activities. Consider implementing a rotation system for seating, snack selection, and playlist control to help keep things under control. While you likely have a destination goal, road trips are just as much about the time you spend getting there. By following a few tips, you can have a great family adventure.
CHECKING FOR VEHICLE SAFETY Your trip’s safety depends on your car’s safety, so a thorough vehicle inspection is essential. This includes checking tires, brakes, lights, and fluid levels. A
PLANNING THE ROUTE GPS devices and smartphone apps make modern travel a breeze with real-time directions
professional assessment can provide added peace of mind if your car hasn’t been to the
and traffic updates. However, some areas of the country have poor cell service. Downloading your route before your trip can avoid the headache of spotty internet service. It’s also wise
mechanic recently. And don’t forget the emergency kit. At a minimum, you need a spare tire, jumper cables, first-aid supplies, and basic tools.
Hearty Gnocchi Soup
Take a Break
Savory bacon and cheddar make this an easy favorite to whip up on cold nights.
INGREDIENTS •
1 tbsp vegetable oil
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1 medium onion, diced
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8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled, divided 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
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1/2 tsp celery seed
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4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
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16 oz fresh gnocchi
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2 tbsp chopped chives
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1/2 cup half-and-half
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Salt and pepper, to taste
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and celery seed and cook until onion is soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. 2. Add broth to the pot and bring to a boil. Add gnocchi and cook for about 3 minutes, then stir in half-and-half and 1/2 of the bacon. 3. Remove from heat and add 3/4 cup cheese, then rest until thickened, about 5 minutes. 4. Top with remaining cheese, chives, and bacon as desired. DIRECTIONS
Inspired by AllRecipes.com
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