How to Survive a Long Car Ride (for Only Child Teens)

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: A few days before the trip

   This will help you to stay organized and make sure you don't forget anything.
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   Step 2: make a packing list (which you need to take with you on the trip) and wash all of the clothes you're going to take with you.

   Fold, or better yet, roll the clothes.
   
   Rolling the clothes instead of folding makes for tighter packing and no creases at the fold lines, which means you won't have to iron your clothes.(Pack a plastic garbage or mesh bag for dirty laundry.) , Okay, now we're down to the main attraction: the car ride.
   
   As an only child, you can hardly play those little magnetic travel board games, so you have to get creative.
   
   You can play Tic Tac Toe with one of your parents, or by yourself even.
   
   Or make your own game. , Magazines bought at gas stations help, too, because you haven't read them yet. , It totally stinks to have your iPod or CD or DVD player die and it's still 5 hours to wherever you need to go.
   
   If you cannot charge it before the trip or it has a short battery life, bring a portable car charger. , (Have some flip flops or crocs in the floorboard for rest stops.) , (Weird, but comfy!) ,,, and stick it in the floorboard where it can easily be reached. , If you're well-mannered, respectful, and generally pleasant to be around, your parent(s) will much appreciate it, and the trip will be an overall more enjoyable experience. (Plus, it aids in leniency in the context of money lending or activity preference. "Well, you HAVE been pretty good...
   
   Okay.") Okay, it's time to go home.
   
   Have everything charged up for the drive.
   
   Remember that packing list? Use it to repack so you don't accidentally leave anything and check off as you go. ,
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   Step 3: Start packing the day before the trip.

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   Step 4: Be creative with games.

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   Step 5: Bring books you love

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   Step 6: or ones that you need to read for school.

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   Step 7: Make sure that you charge everything before you leave!

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   Step 8: Wear comfortable clothes and go barefoot.

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   Step 9: Bring a blanket and a pillow or two

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    Step 10: and use those and the luggage to make a sort of nest in the back seat.

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    Step 11: Stay up packing and then get up early to leave

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    Step 12: so you can sleep in the car.

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    Step 13: Schedule stops about every 60-90 minutes to avoid total insanity and/or bladder rupture.

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    Step 14: Pack a lunch box or small cooler with snacks

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    Step 15: juice boxes

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    Step 16: Capri Suns

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    Step 17: bottled water

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    Step 18: When you get there

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    Step 19: unpack as needed and enjoy wherever you are.

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    Step 20: Do the same for the drive home.

Detailed Guide

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