Hey, it’s launch week….and Black and Decker is helping CitiesontheCheap hit the road. Here’s your chance to win a new 100 watt portable Power Inverter from the good folks at Black and Decker, just by sharing your favorite road trip tip.
I know it all depends on where you’re driving from, but from where I sit (that’s South Jersey, y’all) the three or four tanks of gas it takes us to get to Orlando is a lot cheaper than flying. (Remember, I have a party of six.) Then there’s the cost of renting a car once I’m there. If I drive, I have my own car (and tons of luggage) with no added costs. And we have plenty of room for souvenirs!
Of course, the clue to a happy road trip is keeping all the little passengers happy. That’s where the Black and Decker new portable 100 watt Power Inverter comes in. Simply plug this handy dandy little gadget into your car’s cigarette lighter and viola! You have the convenience of a household power outlet, ready to recharge iPods, laptops and cell phones – all without having to stop your car.
Want one? Just add a comment below with your favorite road trip tip. We’ll choose the winner at random (see Official Rules) and notify you here and by email. It’s that simple….so good luck, and let’s all hope the gas prices keep falling.
197 responses so far ↓
1 Lin // Mar 10, 2009 at 12:27 pm
Well, the rules say comment on the post “Road Trip To Disney” but I didn’t see that one, so hope this works!
When on a road trip, my family changes drivers every 100 miles or so. This ensures that the driver is fresh and alert, and also gives the kids a little time to stretch their legs. Sure, it takes a little longer, but the safety of an alert driver and the peace of calmer kids makes it worth it!
Also, whenever we are traveling longer distance in two cars or to the beach, we take our Motorola walkie-talkies with us. It makes it easy to communicate between vehicles or from beach to room without the hassle of cell phones or worrying about dead zones.
2 Jennifer Willis // Mar 10, 2009 at 3:25 pm
I always pack two bags — one for the road trip, and one for when we get to our destination. The “destination bags” can be stored in the trunk, on a roof rack or under whatever pile of other stuff is being packed, and I know I don’t have to get into it until we get where we’re going.
The road-trip bag, on the other hand, contains everything I need for the actual trip. Maps, water, snacks, iPod, change of socks, etc. This is especially handy if we’re stopping overnight along the way — I pack what I need in a smaller overnight bag, instead of having to lug out the full suitcase at every stop.
It’s essentially the same idea as checking your luggage before you get on a flight, and keeping your must-have items in your smaller carry-on bag — including necessities should your connecting flight get canceled (of if your car breaks down) and you have to stay overnight in some cheesy motel in the middle of nowhere.
3 pat ramey // Mar 11, 2009 at 12:21 pm
I could use this
4 Carol // Mar 11, 2009 at 12:27 pm
We got into the car and headed west, ended up staying two days in Amish Country, Pa. GREAT food, I gained a pound. The milk is so fresh, and the scenery was nice. Anyway, my tip is to be sure to save room in the car and bring a cooler! We bought a ton of produce and could have used a cooler for the juice and cider we bought.
5 Karen // Mar 11, 2009 at 12:55 pm
Bring lots of snacks and play games to keep the kidds busy!
6 Erica C. // Mar 11, 2009 at 1:00 pm
this would be great to have for sure! thanks
7 Barbara Puskas // Mar 11, 2009 at 1:12 pm
Always in need of something like this
8 ron // Mar 11, 2009 at 1:23 pm
great for camping
zedthewizard at gmail dot com
9 Jill L // Mar 11, 2009 at 1:26 pm
When I have to travel by myself with 3 kids, I take a cooler, but also pack individual baggies with snacks for the kids. I can then toss them back every once in a while. We also try and plan to leave so that we won’t have to stop until a meal time. That way we don’t have to stop for gas and then 2 hours later, gas.
10 Jana // Mar 11, 2009 at 2:08 pm
We rented an RV and drove from CA to Yellowstone Park and then on to Aspen where my friend was getting married. We had such a great time!
Thanks!
11 Kathleen // Mar 11, 2009 at 2:16 pm
We always keep a vinyl duffel in the car with fleece throws in it. We always leave early in the morning on trips and the driver needs to stay awake so it’s always freezing from the AC. Everyone else just burrows in the blankets. They are handy for those cold mornings before school too.
12 Marilyn Wons // Mar 11, 2009 at 2:19 pm
My favorite road trip tip is to leave with the children when they have been up all day and are read to sleep. They sleep in the car!
13 ROB // Mar 11, 2009 at 2:19 pm
would also be useful for power outages at home!
14 David W Hawkins // Mar 11, 2009 at 2:49 pm
Great to have!!
15 B. W. // Mar 11, 2009 at 3:18 pm
Bring plenty of snacks.
16 adrienne Gordon // Mar 11, 2009 at 3:32 pm
bring a portablel dvd player for the kids and have some peace and quiet
17 ARTHUR MALONE // Mar 11, 2009 at 3:41 pm
i used to have a portable cooler–plug in at home or on the road–
18 Lester // Mar 11, 2009 at 3:50 pm
favorite road trip was along Route 66
19 Gary Murphy // Mar 11, 2009 at 4:25 pm
Just Wanted To Say That An Inverter Would Be A Handy Thing To Have, Would Love To Win It.
20 Victoria R // Mar 11, 2009 at 4:28 pm
Ohhhhhhhhhh, could I use this prize.
21 emily d // Mar 11, 2009 at 5:04 pm
always make sure that the guy with the stinky feet keeps his feet down off the dash and away from the blowing car vents. nothing is worse the stinky feet smell for miles… lol
22 Brian // Mar 11, 2009 at 5:15 pm
Going from Maine to Georgia to see my dad
23 Ms. T. // Mar 11, 2009 at 5:28 pm
Definetely would come in handy..
24 audrey // Mar 11, 2009 at 5:34 pm
This is great for camping.
25 tlak // Mar 11, 2009 at 5:41 pm
Great product
26 susan varney // Mar 11, 2009 at 5:54 pm
we keep games and books
27 Sandra Melnick // Mar 11, 2009 at 5:57 pm
Best trip is from northern california to disneyland. Yolu get to look forward to the fun.
28 shannon Baas // Mar 11, 2009 at 6:36 pm
Travel while the kids will be sleeping.
29 Lynn // Mar 11, 2009 at 6:45 pm
I think my best road trip idea is to take books on CD with you ! It makes the hours fly by!!
30 Allen R McLeod // Mar 11, 2009 at 6:47 pm
This would be great when camping.
31 Brian N. // Mar 11, 2009 at 6:48 pm
Don’t – stay near home and save gas.
32 SANDY // Mar 11, 2009 at 6:54 pm
pack enough yummy food, including pb and jelly and silverware so if you stop at a roadside you can make food and packa a sandwich maker- you knowa panini maker for grilled cheese- yep take cheese in the cooler- kids enjoy it more and alot cheaper. As far as car trips- everyone take a favorite pillow and blankie- yep it takes up room but also serves as coverups of stuff in car when not in there and a comfort item to help them sleep
33 Betty King // Mar 11, 2009 at 7:57 pm
My kids gave my husband a small electric cooler that we can take with us. Do to health reasons we cant be gone for short periods so we do day trips with an occasional over-nighter. This would come in so handy for us to use the cooler and charge our cell phone.
34 Kathy D // Mar 11, 2009 at 8:02 pm
Would be great for traveling
35 Randall Busby // Mar 11, 2009 at 8:24 pm
I travel all the time, this would be a lifesaver… Thanks r
36 betty white // Mar 11, 2009 at 8:27 pm
what a great gift
37 Tammy // Mar 11, 2009 at 9:13 pm
This could come in handy. My brother has a 2 and half ride to work and stays for a week at a time We could really use this
38 David Guss // Mar 11, 2009 at 10:36 pm
This is a handy gadget.
39 Meredith Rogen // Mar 11, 2009 at 10:52 pm
Have plenty of games, books and water available for the kids.
40 Sheila H // Mar 11, 2009 at 10:56 pm
When we travel we make sure to take lots of snacks and books to read, or games to play. One really comfortable blanket, and one pillow. Since we bought the portable dvd player that will be going with us on our next trip!! Thanks for the chance!
41 jessica souza // Mar 11, 2009 at 11:26 pm
My favorite road trip was of course Disney. I have taken about 4 road trips there with my family when I was a child as well as taking on the tradition and taking my own child. I have driven there once with her, my husband and my mother in law. It was the most amazing time! Gas is definitely cheaper than tickets. It also definitely feels safer. Plus it gave us the ability to say hey! lets stay ONE more day. Disney, water parks, enertainment, sun and beaches, what more could I ask for? Now that I am divorced and it is only my daughter and I, we looked forward to continuing this tradition anyway. What more could anyone want for a vacation that DISNEY!!??
42 christopher h // Mar 11, 2009 at 11:49 pm
books on tape (or cd) (or mp3) (or whatever, you just don’t want to be in the middle of nowhere with only am radio)
43 marvin haas, Jr. // Mar 12, 2009 at 12:48 am
when traveling with the boys, we pack a cooler and each them gets a travel bag with some of they special items
44 Janna Johnson // Mar 12, 2009 at 1:41 am
My favorite road trip was with my hubby to indiapolis during the worst snow storm of the year!
We were stuck there for days!
Thanks for entering me! Great Contest!
Janna Johnson
jannajanna@hotmail.com
http://www.FeedYourPigBlog.com
45 Mike K // Mar 12, 2009 at 3:24 am
I could really use one of these
46 betty crawford // Mar 12, 2009 at 3:37 am
On a road trip, I like to keep a small amount of candy on the console net to me when I drive. I eat a piece every now and then to keep alert.
47 Jason Lawless // Mar 12, 2009 at 6:52 am
Make sure everything is charged! And you have plenty of snacks! We have three kids under 12, so these are very important for long trips.
48 Lynn H // Mar 12, 2009 at 7:00 am
Thanks for this great giveaway…I could really use this. I hope I win!
49 Tony Miller // Mar 12, 2009 at 7:09 am
We are gong on a driving trip this summer and this would be very helpful.
50 Denyse // Mar 12, 2009 at 7:22 am
My kids need variety. Snacks, games, their DS’s, DVD players and music.
51 sharon c // Mar 12, 2009 at 7:28 am
My favorite road trip was 1987, the kids were 5 and 7…we embarked on a 27 hour trip to Disney…Well, we traveled for oh…about 20 minutes and it started…Are we there yet??? ALL the way to Florida…!
52 Frank Winter // Mar 12, 2009 at 7:36 am
Have a great day.
53 Ken Stross // Mar 12, 2009 at 8:42 am
A portable DVD player and some new or old favorite movies make the drive go by quickly (at least in the back seat).
54 Stacy // Mar 12, 2009 at 9:04 am
I freeze and dh sweats. This would be great to have so I can plug in my heated throw.
55 david basile // Mar 12, 2009 at 10:57 am
very usefull on the road camping thanks
56 MARTIN // Mar 12, 2009 at 12:12 pm
BRING LOTS TO EAT AND DRINK.
57 Charlotte Padgett // Mar 12, 2009 at 12:19 pm
This would really be handy to have.
58 Yvonne Huff // Mar 12, 2009 at 1:01 pm
I could use this. You can even run a small tv to entertain the kids.
59 Linda // Mar 12, 2009 at 1:41 pm
tip – travel with snacks already packaged in individual servings of snacks, then everyone has their own.
This power inverter is an incredibly handy gadget.
60 Jane K // Mar 12, 2009 at 2:04 pm
Use ice in plastic bottles for cooling your cooler. When thawed out you have cold water for drinking.
61 Denise B. // Mar 12, 2009 at 2:11 pm
We live at the end of Long Island. Every January, we drive down to Kissimmee for about 16 or 17 days. We have a minivan; and it’s me, my husand, our 1 1/2-year-old son and almost-five daughter. We drive straight there and straight back switching between driving and sleeping. All we need is a dvd player, and the little ones are fine for the whole trip. Be thankful, NJ has lower gas prices than the rest of us.
62 Kathleen // Mar 12, 2009 at 3:11 pm
Consider renting a bigger vehicle if your everyday vehicle would make things a bit cramped. One of those minivans with the built-in entertainment systems can make the time go by quicker if it keeps everyone happy. And bring smaller size pillows to make it easier to sleep in the car.
63 Bill // Mar 12, 2009 at 3:59 pm
Carry a gallon of water, a gallon of gas, oil, brake fluid, tire plugs and at least a small tool kit (even if you don’t know how to work on a car). Nothing can ruin a road trip like a breakdown miles from civilization.
64 Mike Weisberg // Mar 12, 2009 at 4:26 pm
i want to win
65 CHARLES KASSING // Mar 12, 2009 at 4:48 pm
thanks
66 Debbi R // Mar 12, 2009 at 5:17 pm
We travel to Illinois to get/take back the grandkids for the summer. While we are driving for an eternity we play games that help (subliminally) the kids learn and have fun.
One of our most favorite games is to have a preprinted list of the the states and territories of Canada. You start by stating your guess on how many states we will see license plates for, during a set amount of time (say from one state line to the next or until a pre-set time). Who ever is closest without going over is the winner and gets to pick (where we eat, stay for the night, or stop to take a break. As we see a state we may ask who knows the state capitol, tree, bird etc. The kids love it because they are on a level playing field with us adults and we don’t have to “let them win”.
67 W J Ross // Mar 12, 2009 at 5:24 pm
What an awesome thing to have!
68 Deborah // Mar 12, 2009 at 5:26 pm
Wow! I could plug in my laptop or even take a printer on my business calls.
69 tammy hankins // Mar 12, 2009 at 5:44 pm
cool prize
70 Linda Lansford // Mar 12, 2009 at 7:15 pm
I pack several bags so I don’t have to take everything in.
71 Mary casper // Mar 12, 2009 at 7:30 pm
would love to win
72 Barbara // Mar 12, 2009 at 7:38 pm
Take lots of side trips to see attractions that may be off the beaten path.
73 Tom Showers // Mar 12, 2009 at 10:25 pm
I’m in!
74 Shilo Beedy // Mar 12, 2009 at 11:45 pm
I pack snacks for the kids and books. I also pack blankets and mp3 players for the kids.
75 Lisa Pembleton // Mar 13, 2009 at 1:24 am
My favorite Disney Roadtrip tip is to pack the little powdered drink packets and a cup with you when visiting the parks. Then you can fill up with free ice and have cheap drinks all day for the kids without having to lug bottles of water around.
76 Sylvia Belle // Mar 13, 2009 at 2:07 am
I listen to books on tape to make the trip go faster.
77 Michelle L. // Mar 13, 2009 at 7:58 am
Tip for Road trip to Disney (from Philadelphia, PA)! iPods with kids’ favorite tv shows keep them entertained for a while…audiobooks…and we let each kid act as “co-pilot” for some portion of the trip–they read the map and triptiks and tell us if we are on course.
78 Karen Gonyea // Mar 13, 2009 at 11:24 am
This would be great for the RV !!!!
79 Christine // Mar 13, 2009 at 11:32 am
I’d say that making several stops along the way to keep boredom at bay and to really stretch your legs is my tip. Thank you for the great giveaway!
80 Djp // Mar 13, 2009 at 3:06 pm
this would add to my tool box..not my husbands
81 sarah h // Mar 13, 2009 at 4:53 pm
My tip: portable electronics keep the kids busy and quiet, but unplug them every once in a while to talk, play games, and have silly fun.
82 Susan // Mar 13, 2009 at 8:04 pm
My favorite road trip is to Disney! We make lots of stops and take a portable DVD player. And lots of snacks!
83 Scott Taylor // Mar 14, 2009 at 3:10 am
love to have it
84 James Jenkins // Mar 14, 2009 at 9:28 am
wow
85 paul haddock // Mar 14, 2009 at 10:04 am
Kids and their toys, we need this!
86 Linda L // Mar 14, 2009 at 10:27 am
I have too many things to connect in my Jeep. It would be a welcome addition! I’d use it when traveling through the Tennessee mountains.
87 Susan Ladd // Mar 14, 2009 at 11:20 am
My husband would love this. He has been bugging me about this to get. Would love to win. Thank you.
88 Steve Gibbs // Mar 14, 2009 at 11:49 am
This would be a very useful prize, and I would enjoy winning it!
89 Linda // Mar 14, 2009 at 12:08 pm
When traveling with little ones, be sure to pack some snacks and things to do, we like to play traveling bingo, that keeps them entertained for quite awhile.
90 Rhonda Clemens // Mar 14, 2009 at 1:22 pm
My family could really use this, please enter me and thanks for the great contest =)
clemensrhonda@hotmail.com
91 Holly Norris // Mar 14, 2009 at 2:55 pm
Bring lots of snacks and activities for the kids. And also bring lots of Motrin for the the headache that you will get.
92 Marc Anderson-Yeager // Mar 14, 2009 at 3:50 pm
I need this!
93 Ken Robinson // Mar 14, 2009 at 4:46 pm
The most heart breaking tip I learned was not leaving anything of value in sight through the car windows. Please accept my entry. Thank you.
94 wendy ober // Mar 14, 2009 at 6:56 pm
This would be great. Thanks for the chance.
95 Patricia C // Mar 14, 2009 at 9:25 pm
My tip is to bring a cooler and make your own lunches from your local grocery store. Saves lots of money that you can in turn spend more at your destination. Helps out not only puts money into your own local community business but also your destination’s economy. Kind of like spreading the wealth.
96 Linda Prock // Mar 14, 2009 at 10:16 pm
An assortment of snacks, paper, colored pencils, books on tape, and a new craft kit for each of the kids (the only liquid product would be glue!)
I also have each of us bring his/her own pillow for the car trip
97 Kirsten // Mar 14, 2009 at 10:23 pm
My favorite road trip was a couple of years ago. We packed my husband’s Chevy Lumina van with ourselves, our daughters, our baby granddaughter, and futrue-son-in-law. We drove from WA state to Santa Rosa California. Oh, yes…it actually was fun. We packed snacks but really we needed the breaks so places like Wendy’s (dollar value meal) were invaluable. We always say bring the cooler and food but honestly, we like to get out, stretch, and eat which can be cheap at some of these places. Anyways, it was all to introduce my dad to his new great-granddaughter and was worth the cramped quarters.
98 Alan Huestis // Mar 14, 2009 at 11:43 pm
The wife and I change drivers every couple of hours. When I’m not driving, I read a good book.
99 joe gersh // Mar 15, 2009 at 8:13 am
Play road games
100 Sandra Chapin // Mar 15, 2009 at 11:52 am
This would be great to win
101 Dan Riley // Mar 15, 2009 at 2:17 pm
My favorite Disney Road Trip was when I was ten. I didn’t have to drive, got to eat lots of junk food, and it was cool to stay in a hotels. I found it very different as a parent–I had to drive 1500 miles, was forced to eat junk food, and I had to flip the bill for the hotels.
102 Kristy Clayman // Mar 15, 2009 at 4:21 pm
My favorite road trip would be to definitely pack a small cooler with some beverages and snackies!
103 OlyveOyl // Mar 15, 2009 at 4:57 pm
My favorite road trip…there have been many. But to travel through the redwood forests of California or the Sierra mountains with the windows rolled down to take in the fresh air and beautiful surroundings – priceless!
104 Louise Brouillette // Mar 15, 2009 at 5:07 pm
Count me in!
105 Sarah Z // Mar 15, 2009 at 7:23 pm
Take plenty of snacks and be sure to get out and stretch your legs a lot!
Thanks
106 Suzanne K // Mar 15, 2009 at 10:05 pm
plan ahead for places to stop, and things to see, but allow for changes so you can enjoy! I’d really love this – would have internet withdrawal!
107 Brenda // Mar 15, 2009 at 10:45 pm
Pack the car the night before except for food and then take an early hot bath and go to bed extra early.
108 George // Mar 15, 2009 at 11:22 pm
Fill the tank before you leave. Once had the gas gauge go bad after getting on the road. Ran out of gas at 2AM on the interstate in the middle of nowhere. A guy with a lawn care business gave us enough gas to get to the next gas station.
109 Ashley Gerber // Mar 16, 2009 at 12:13 am
nice prize—-could really use it!
110 Thomas // Mar 16, 2009 at 12:13 am
awesome prize!
111 Sonya // Mar 16, 2009 at 1:11 am
First off, for my sanity my husband never drives! Secondly, we bring lots of books and DVDs to keep the kids busy!
112 Sue E // Mar 16, 2009 at 9:37 am
When we go on a road trip, we either buy a couple of new toys for our little one to play with or bring out some old items he hasn’t seen in awhile. This keeps him occupied longer than usual. Thanks for the chance to win!
113 Kelly Jones // Mar 16, 2009 at 2:52 pm
Road Trip Tip:
First, by going in a car, you get to stop where ever you want unlike a plane. Granted it gets you there faster but I tend to like road trips more, you get to see so much more than in a plane. Plus, depending on the type of vehicle you have, you’re more comfortable and have a tad bit more room, than a cramped up airplane seat that won’t recline all the way down.
So, anyway, now for my tip….depending on where you’re going….pack light. If you even want to pack at all. Basically all’s you would need would be an overnight bag with your toiletries to freshen up the next day. The less you have to pack, then the more room you have. Plain and simple.
For kids, my suggestion, no matter how long of a ride it is…..be it short or long, they get fidgity and fussy really fast. Take a couple things that would hold their attention for awhile, my favorite – a portable dvd player. Three forths of the way thru the movie, their fast asleep. Knock, knock, seems to work everytime.
If their up and bored, and you, yourself are bored right along with them, make up some sort of fun game, like a sight seeing one that won’t be too hard for them. Say like the I spy game. “I spy something” red and have them guess and so on. That’s always fun or even the reading license plate game…..there’s two versions. 1) Looking for different states. 2) The ones that have letters on them to form words – try and figure out what they say. There’s also the car name game. That’s where you take the name of the car and use it in a sentence. Like: I was ‘Focusing’ so hard I didn’t realize you were talking to me. or That famous ‘Explorer’ a long time ago, what was his name? Sometimes their funny and we get a kick out of them.
114 Angie Jordan // Mar 16, 2009 at 4:12 pm
Another poster had my great tip (which maybe indicates its one worth following)… for road trips with ’sleepovers’ along the way, pack 2 bags: the big one for the destination, and a smaller one with just the essentials for those overnighters that get you there. Its a shame to have to haul all your stuff in and out of overnight places, and this tip makes it a lot easier…
115 arlen // Mar 16, 2009 at 4:46 pm
Don’t be in a hurry!
116 Lisa H // Mar 16, 2009 at 8:40 pm
Always make sure you have all the necessities for the kids. I take a blanket and pillow for each one. Travel games, books, paper, crayons, little toys are all great for the travel bag. Oh and easy to eat on the go snacks and bottles of water. Wet wipes are a must too. A cd player with headphones are great too, along with cds of their favorite music and stories.
117 Jennifer B. // Mar 16, 2009 at 9:17 pm
I once drove across the country. It was great to see so many different environments and meet so many people.
118 Eric Rollins // Mar 16, 2009 at 9:20 pm
On a long trip I take frequent stops to stretch my legs and clear my head.
119 Jacob LaFountaine // Mar 16, 2009 at 10:36 pm
Drink lots of water. I always get dehydrated
120 Christie // Mar 17, 2009 at 2:54 am
Before you leave on your roadtrip clean all the car windows, inside and out and apply products that make rain bead up and inhibit interior fogging. Visibility is very important to safety.
121 Bonnie Day // Mar 17, 2009 at 7:05 am
My favorite road trip was explying St Augestine, FL the old fort, lighthouses and of course the beach
122 Sarah // Mar 17, 2009 at 8:03 am
when i drove across the country my satellite radio was invaluable! there was always great music or a great show on to keep me entertained. i’d definitely have to recommend one for a long road trip!
123 Sandy M // Mar 17, 2009 at 10:00 am
If you fly and then rent a car be sure to familiarize yourself with everything before you leave the rental lot. Make sure you know where the light switches are and if there’s a lock for the key … make sure you know how it works. Check everything.
124 Monica B // Mar 17, 2009 at 12:26 pm
What is a lifesaver for us on roadtrips is to keep somewhat healthy snacks and drinks in the car to help balance out all the junk. ( boxes of milk, granola, cheese sticks, etc) Kids amped out on nothing but fruit rolls up, juice, and soda is no fun.
Stop frequently. We like to look for parks where ever we stop and have meals there so the kids can run around and play for awhile.
Also, we bring our video game system along on trips for when we stop for the night at a hotel/motel. Playing a couple of games helps all of us chill out after being on the road all day.
125 Christine // Mar 17, 2009 at 4:15 pm
Don’t forget your kids favorite movies to watch!
126 Paula H // Mar 17, 2009 at 4:54 pm
I pack plenty of snacks and we take a cooler with lunch in it. I also take some new dvds for the kids.
127 Douglas // Mar 17, 2009 at 8:16 pm
great prize…
will come in handy when traveling !!
128 Dree // Mar 17, 2009 at 10:23 pm
My favorite road trip was a trip we took to Twin Lakes. My husband was following his father. His father drove a very common truck. My husband ended up following another truck and we lost his father. It was super funny.
129 Selene M. // Mar 17, 2009 at 10:42 pm
Always have a blanket, pillow, hard candy and bottled water.
130 Bev // Mar 18, 2009 at 1:49 am
Have enough stop and stretch times and also stop off and see interesting sites on the way.
131 Doug // Mar 18, 2009 at 8:21 am
Have found that if I’m smart enuff to make frequent stops for everyone, then the trip is much more pleasant
132 Harriet // Mar 18, 2009 at 8:43 am
On our last trip, we made sandwiches and snacks to eat along the way.
133 melissa // Mar 18, 2009 at 8:45 am
if you have kids, make sure to bring plenty of activities to keep them occupied in the car.
134 Faith // Mar 18, 2009 at 8:58 am
Try to take lots of water so we can stay hydrated, but also insures frequent stops
135 Adele // Mar 18, 2009 at 11:02 am
Bring lots of snacks, drinks, and games for the kids – and adults, too.
136 joanna smith // Mar 18, 2009 at 1:35 pm
With 3 young children all under the age of 10 years old road trips can either be fun or a disaster, it is all in the careful planning! My favorite road trip tip is to have a few “surprises” for your kids on hand that they have no idea about. For my oldest son we surprised him with the video game he had been wanting. For my middle daughter it was a video she had been wanting to watch. With their devices in hand it kept them happy and occupied because my daughter wanted to watch the video like 3 times and my son wanted to master his new game. If they had brought with them games and videos they had seen before it would not have kept them half as occupied and especially for any length of time! And of course, their favorite snacks are a must! Thank you so much for the opportunity to enter. We sure would use this amazing inverter all the time!
137 Ann // Mar 18, 2009 at 1:58 pm
Always have plenty of snacks, beverages, and games for the kids. Take frequent rest stops to stretch your legs. Have a nice trip!
138 Michael // Mar 18, 2009 at 2:06 pm
Bring toilet paper. You never know when you’ll need it.
139 Jefferi Pullyard // Mar 18, 2009 at 4:41 pm
that would be handy
140 pete // Mar 18, 2009 at 8:24 pm
roadtrip tip: always have some snacks to munch on and help keep you awake.
141 Will // Mar 19, 2009 at 12:30 am
My favorite road trip tip is to take a portable fridge that plugs into the cigarette lighter. When we went 1200 miles it really came in handy. We were able to take our food with us for the whole trip with drinks. When we stopped for the night we just brought the fridge in and plugged it into a regular outlet.
142 Paula Harmon // Mar 19, 2009 at 7:32 am
My fave road trip tip is to check out audio books from the library. When I play them in the car, all the kids listen. We were on a trip recently, playing the audio book Shiloh (a book for older kids) and even the 3 yr. old listened quietly. A really fun one that keeps them quiet are the Junie B. Jones audio books. Boys and girls will listen to those! Best part-its free!
143 Erma // Mar 19, 2009 at 7:40 am
I would love the chance to win, thanks.
144 Amy // Mar 19, 2009 at 9:45 am
My favourite road trip exists in my dreams. In an RV, old or new, traveling the backgrounds and seeing the beauty of our country’s varied landscapes and mix of people. Attending county fairs, the worlds biggest ball of yarn the grand canyon – the works = and now that I have a little one the dream is strong again!
145 Kathy Scott // Mar 19, 2009 at 10:28 am
We play a game that the kids get a penny for every American Flag, a nickle for every yellow car, and a quarter for every train. The also get a quarter for every different state license plate. Now they have their spending money for candy and video games when we arrive at our destination.
146 hetal g // Mar 19, 2009 at 12:53 pm
outside the town, we do generally 25$ worth grocessories..many juices,fruits..sometimes we buy expensive and tasty food items that we don’t buy in town. gets kids excited, hydrated and happy.thanks
147 Teresa // Mar 19, 2009 at 1:02 pm
If you have kids make sure to let them bring something they want to keep them occupied.
148 Emily // Mar 19, 2009 at 1:35 pm
My tip is to pack lots of fruit and veggies for the car- they’ll allow for boredom munchies without making everyone gain five lbs by the time they get there. My favorites are grapes and pre-cut celery (lots of munch factor, virtually no calories).
eeohlin at gmail dot com
149 Michelle G // Mar 19, 2009 at 2:15 pm
I always wrap a few toys for my four year old and my three your old to open every hour of drive time. They never seem to mind it is a toy from their toy room. They are just excited to get a gift.
150 Jennifer Hedden // Mar 19, 2009 at 2:18 pm
enter me
151 david // Mar 19, 2009 at 2:23 pm
don’t rush it–leave plenty of time in your day for opportunities to stop and take in whatever’s down the road!
152 Morgan // Mar 19, 2009 at 4:19 pm
Always make sure you stop at enough rest stops, and don’t give the passengers caffeine beverages.
153 DONALD // Mar 19, 2009 at 4:24 pm
We homeschool our children so every roadtrip includes actual studying. We either study subject matter or the sites we are visiting. There is no teacher quite like travel and being in a historic place.
154 Jeff Donahue // Mar 19, 2009 at 4:30 pm
I’ll take Las Vegas!
155 Sherry R // Mar 19, 2009 at 5:05 pm
I pack a backpack full of snacks and little dollar store items to keep everyone occupied!
156 Mary D // Mar 19, 2009 at 5:51 pm
My tip when traveling any kind of distance with small children is to carry with you some type of easy-for-a-child-to-use potty substitute (40 years ago MY father kept a stack of clean plastic ice-cream buckets lol). It’s hard on young children to hold their bladder between gas stops.
157 kim v // Mar 19, 2009 at 5:52 pm
My road tip is to travel off the interstates and more on the freeways and local roads to see the places you’re passing through.
Thanks for the giveaway!
kimspam66(at)yahoo(dot)com
158 William W // Mar 19, 2009 at 6:17 pm
If you dont have a GPS study maps with your route planned out so you know whats coming.
159 Angela Palmer // Mar 19, 2009 at 6:50 pm
My favorite road trip tip is to make a list of free or cheap things to stop and do or see on the way. If you make the trip part of the vacation, not just the way to get there, it makes things go smoother. The worlds largest tinfoil ball or feeding the Tarpons (big fish – no teeth) by hand can keep everybody’s spirits up.
160 Lee Taylor // Mar 19, 2009 at 7:26 pm
Any time we’re traveling, we always make sure we bring a portable dvd player and movies for the kids, as well as snacks and a Nintendo DS !
Thanks for the ‘great’ giveaway offering!
Good luck to all!
161 Jay F. // Mar 19, 2009 at 7:59 pm
I have made the annual Rt. 66 trip through Illinois twice. It’s very entertaining traveling with a hundred other vehicles, modern, classic, 4 wheeled, 2 wheeled, and stopping at various small towns throughout the state.
162 Jammie // Mar 19, 2009 at 8:32 pm
Add extra time on for bathroom breaks. Take your time
163 Joanna Walzog // Mar 19, 2009 at 8:57 pm
I love to bring lots of books on CD. They keep me on the edge of my seat and the time just flies by! My Fiance likes to bring earplugs so he can’t hear the kids fighting!
164 Stephen Dunn // Mar 19, 2009 at 10:08 pm
Florida
165 Tom Jennings // Mar 19, 2009 at 10:27 pm
We now have teens. The road trip gadgets for entertaining have “matured” to individual MP3s. A few years back we invested in portable DVD players and ear phones to allow each to watch their own movies at will …good move. TIP: These portables are so much sweeter than the in car systems because they can go into the room/home/condo and be used to watch movies on the TV even if no other system is available.
166 Auriette // Mar 19, 2009 at 10:57 pm
The most fun I had on a road trip was when my mom and I drove to L.A. for a Star Wars convention in 1987. We stopped at every roadside attraction on the way. It was great!
167 Chrysa // Mar 19, 2009 at 11:22 pm
My favorite road trip was driving to California!
168 A Casson // Mar 20, 2009 at 12:54 am
Take a first-aid kit and plenty of bottled water. Flat-fix-it might help too. skyxsky27(at)gmail.com
169 Amy S // Mar 20, 2009 at 2:18 am
All the good hotels fill up in the evenings. Unless you are going to get to your destination before 5 or 6pm you had better have a reservation or you might end up in a motel 6.
170 Leigh Nichols // Mar 20, 2009 at 6:19 am
My road trip tip- Music…lots and lots of music.
…and Dramamine.
171 Debra Cook // Mar 20, 2009 at 6:40 am
My favorite trip was to NC when my son came home from the war in Iraq.
172 hazel hunt // Mar 20, 2009 at 8:33 am
nice!
173 Steve Scott // Mar 20, 2009 at 9:26 am
Bring a frisbee or balls and stop at rest areas and let the kids run around. It may make the trip longer but you won’t have fighting kids.
174 Nanette Olson // Mar 20, 2009 at 10:00 am
My favorite road trip was the one we took to Grand Canyon, It was awsome. We take snacks and listen to audio book tapes to pass the time.
175 D Johnson // Mar 20, 2009 at 10:43 am
Let someone else drive…
176 David // Mar 20, 2009 at 10:47 am
everyone take a favorite pillow and blanket
177 R Hicks // Mar 20, 2009 at 10:58 am
One road trip tip is to carry lots of snacks for the kids and by all means bring along their little toys!
178 Ann // Mar 20, 2009 at 11:49 am
Nice prize.
179 Patty // Mar 20, 2009 at 12:34 pm
I haven’t been on a trip in years. Now just going to the grocery store is a field trip.
180 Kt // Mar 20, 2009 at 2:13 pm
My favorite road trip was while i spent some times in australia…it was cold in the south in the winter so we decided to drive until it was nice and warm…36 hours later we made it alllll the way up the coast!
181 Regina // Mar 20, 2009 at 3:14 pm
Plan to have fun bags containing kids favorite things for each child. Bring plenty of snacks, and always a cooler.
182 Veronica Garrett // Mar 20, 2009 at 3:23 pm
Pack your child’s favorite stuffed animal, toy or blanket. Having a familiar item from home lessens their anxiety.
183 Philip Giasson // Mar 20, 2009 at 6:41 pm
My favorite trip is always to Myrtle Beach, SC. They have everything anyone could want to do and the best weather I have ever enjoyed. Plus the people are great! Check it out!
thanks,
Philly
184 Catherine KingChuparkoff // Mar 20, 2009 at 7:15 pm
DVDplayer and DS’s are a must for travelling with the kids.
185 Gianna // Mar 20, 2009 at 7:59 pm
Mount Rushmore
186 Louise Werre // Mar 20, 2009 at 10:28 pm
When our family would go to Medora, ND and drive through the badlands, seeing all the wildlife and see the great amphitheatre show, museums and play miature golf.
187 Geralyn // Mar 20, 2009 at 10:32 pm
Get some new movies they haven’t seen for the trip. And a few new inexpensive toys for the ride
188 Michelle H. // Mar 20, 2009 at 10:39 pm
I would say to give yourself plenty of time to visit interesting sites on the way up and back.
189 Brian E. // Mar 20, 2009 at 11:03 pm
The most important road trip tip: make sure you have current insurance / drivers license / registration with you, as well as your AAA card !!! And drive safely.
190 Robert R // Mar 20, 2009 at 11:29 pm
keep those kids busy on the roadtrip by hooking up a portable dvd player with a playstation or xbox (with your new Black and Decker inverter!)
191 John Kraichely // Mar 20, 2009 at 11:45 pm
Bring plenty of activities for the kids.
192 Marie N // Mar 20, 2009 at 11:47 pm
My favorite road trip was Central Texas to Boise, Idaho to visit my husband’s parents. We went through Colorado and Utah on the way and the scenery was amazing. A few years later when we divorced my boys suggested we move to Colorado which I did. Spent six years there and went on a road trip to Oregon…guess were we live now!
193 Suanne Giddings // Mar 21, 2009 at 12:05 am
I think the one thing that saves the most time and money is a cooler filled with drinks, sandwich makings, and snacks. We don’t leave on a trip without one! Thank you so very much for the opportunity to participate in this giveaway!
194 Lily Kwan // Mar 21, 2009 at 12:59 am
My favorite road trip tip is to eat at mom and pop restaurants instead of chain/fast food places.
195 Donna K // Mar 21, 2009 at 1:28 am
Our fave road trip is to Disney World.
196 Omeshia G. // Mar 26, 2009 at 9:04 am
Any road trip to O-Town (Orlando) is the always the best ever road trip there is! Simply because I LOVE DISNEY! We went every year as children and my husband laughs now because I know Orlando better than the actual city I live in! And, now that I try to still take those annual trips to O-Town, it is a MUST to stop at our first Turnpike Plaza on the way and pick up a Starbucks Caramel Macchiato. It is at that very first sip that my road trips to Orlando flood my memory and I become that little girl in the back seat of her parents car trying to contain her excitement because she is going to see Mickey…
197 MARILI // Apr 23, 2009 at 5:04 pm
My favorite type of trip is someplace overseas, because it provides our family with a totally different experience from our daily lives: different language, food, human interaction, culture, music, etc So we took shorter trips within the United States while the children were growing up, but for longer ones we often went to Brazil (my favorite), Costa Rica or Europe. By doing so, it made them much more open to other people and eager to travel the world, and, more importantly, more sympathetic to the needs of people from other cultures. If well planned, using frequent flier miles, home and hospitality exchanges, etc, it can be even cheaper than traveling within the United States. I have developed such a system to travel inexpensively, that I am seriously thinking of writing a book about traveling overseas on the cheap. If anyone is interested, e-mail me at intermedia7@gmail.com Have a good trip! Boa viagem(in Portuguese)! Bon voyage!