10 Tips to Survive a Road Trip with Your Spouse
WHETHER YOUR ROUTE IS CLEAR OR YOUR DESTINATION’S UNKNOWN, WE HAVE 10 SUREFIRE WAYS TO GET THERE AND BACK WITH YOUR MARRIAGE IN TACT. SO BUCKLE UP -- IT’S GOING TO BE A WILD RIDE.
1. No Backseat Driving
When hitting the open road together, critiquing each other’s driving will get you nowhere fast. You see, when nitpicked at home, you can always go to another room to find peace. But when you’re in a two-seater in the middle of the desert, there is no place to run. So if he’s been driving in the slow lane…for an hour…grin, bare it and buckle up.
2. Bring Snacks
You know how she gets really cranky when she’s hungry? How do you think she’ll be when it’s dinner time and there isn’t so much as a vending machine for 100 miles? Be a hero and have plenty of sandwiches and snacks on hand. Pack a cooler and you can even detour for a romantic picnic.
3. Share the Playlist
He likes hard-core hip-hop and you like to belt out ’80s power ballads. Go old school and make yourselves road trip mixes and agree to take turns sharing your favorite tunes. And while you’re at it, make him a surprise set that brings you both back to your glory days -- listening to music that makes you remember good times past will be a happy reminder of why you’re stuck in that car together in the first place.
4. Ask for Directions
We know that you don’t need navigation or a map -- you are a manly human compass! Right? Well, let’s just say that you’ve seen the same sign 10 times -- believe your darling wife when she tells you that you are going in circles. Real men ask for directions. She’ll thank you later.
5. Talk It Out
A road trip can be so romantic. It’s just you, your spouse and the open road. Reminisce about good times and talk about your hopes and dreams for the future -- you two have got a lot of time on your hands, so take this opportunity to get deep. But word to the wise, silence can also be golden, so know when it’s time to simply hold hands and take in the scenery.
6. Are We There Yet?
Turn what can easily become an opportunity for complaints into some much-needed comic relief. Spending hours scrunched together in a car can make you slaphappy, so allow yourself to laugh. Check out passersby and make up silly scenarios about where they are going or at least be open to some friendly mocking when you sing off-key or make a wrong turn. You’ll create plenty of memories primed for private jokes for years to come.
7. See All the Sights
Your hubby has dreamed of seeing what he believes should be the eighth Wonder of the World, while visiting the Shoe Hall of Fame has always been on your bucket list. It’s essential on your road trip that you do both, otherwise this route will be forever known as the “Road of Resentment.” Be a team player and map out the destinations that both of your dreams are made of and be sure to take pictures, capturing your happy partner’s love at first site.
8. Make Time for Bathroom Breaks
We know that you are “making great time,” but that doesn’t mean that basic human functions can be dismissed. For reasons that your wife should no longer need to explain to you, she cannot pee in a bottle. Please pull into the next rest stop so that the lovely woman you married may use the facilities…and buy some candy for the next leg of the trip. Thank you.
9. Play Games
Remember when you were a kid and you’d try to pass the time in the car by finding all of the States’s plates? Play some car games of your own. A little friendly rivalry between spouses will help pass the time. Feel free to enjoy a round of truth or dare, but if things get dirty keep your belts buckled. Safety first.
10. Look Forward to Something Luxe
Whether your itinerary is a rustic camping trip or you’re simply heading to a friend’s wedding in the middle of nowhere, be sure to look forward to a little luxury. Prior to departure, read up on hidden gems along your route, making plans to eat at a romantic restaurant or stay at a cozy inn or spa along the way. Having little indulgences to look forward to together will make the less desirable aspects of the trip feel worth the ride.
-- Nicole Mann Novick