10 Essentials for an Enjoyable Road Trip
Hey! Alexis, here, taking over the blog for a hot minute to share my love for road trips and a few tips we’ve found helpful along the way!
Everyone deserves a much needed vacation, and seriously, what’s more fun than a ROAD TRIP? We’ve taken many over the years as a family, from short distances to Halifax to long distances all the way to midtown Manhattan. Driving for hours to arrive at your destination may not seem the most appealing to some, but here is a list of 10 things that may help make your road trip as comfortable and fun as possible.
A Paper Map: when travelling to a rural area (like Isle Madame) cell service can be spotty. Paper maps are totally old school cool (according to my mom, of course) and there have been a few instances where we were desperately in need of a map. Just make sure that whoever is guiding your trip has a good sense of direction!
Notebook & Pens: Not only is journaling very therapeutic, it’s also a great way to document your trip. Jot down those jokes, quotes, places stopped, and things you’ve seen. Looking back on those memories a few years later will be great and you’ll be thankful you documented those moments.
Playlists: All great road trips have their own soundtrack. Do you ever listen to a song and it instantly reminds you of a specific moment in time? Now, playlists may be tricky when everyone in your family likes different music, (I speak from experience) but who says you can’t have a playlist with classic rock, 80s hair bands, rap/hip hop, and pop music? Playlists are customizable to you and your family’s taste so everyone can listen to what they enjoy the most! I mean, is it really a road trip if you and your family aren’t singing Sweet Caroline at the top of your lungs?
Books, eReaders, & Magazines: Road trips are a great way to finally read those books you’ve been dying to read. Books are easy to pack and you can take them literally anywhere. My mom recently bought a Kindle and I don’t think it’s ever more than 10 feet away from her. Not into books? That’s alright, magazines are a great option, too! You can check up on all the latest celebrity gossip or do some light shopping (both of which are my guilty pleasures).
Tote Bags: I’m a proud lover of tote bags. They’re so handy for any situation. Going to the beach? Pack a tote bag. Having a picnic? Fill a tote bag. Don’t want to carry your large suitcase for an overnight stay? Tote bag! These are especially good if you plan on staying at many different locations during your trip. Instead of dragging your big bulky suitcase from room to room, leave it in the car and take out only what you need for the night. Totes are very customizable so you can easily find different colours or patterns to suit your taste.
Snacks & Drinks: Have you ever been in a car with a hangry passenger? Not fun. Snacks are definitely a must when driving for a long period of time. It’s important to have a good balance of healthy food and junk food. This is also a great way to save money on the road and to make less stops when travelling. Great snack options we love are fruits and veggies, trail mix, chips, and chocolate/candy. It’s important to fuel your body to ensure the best vacation. We also travel with our refillable water bottles (our favourite brand is Yeti!). Stay hydrated, folks.
Warm clothing: The weather is all over the place in Nova Scotia. It could be cold and rainy in the morning, hot and humid by the afternoon, and then cool in evening. You’ll want to prepare for those potentially chilly summer nights by packing some warm layers like sweaters, jackets, sweat pants, and my favourite: a nice cozy blanket.
Waterproof Shoes: Theres a beach around every corner in Nova Scotia. While on Isle Madame, visit Pondville Beach Provincial Park or explore the shoreline. A comfy pair of your favourite waterproof shoes will allow you to explore and keep your feet dry! There is nothing worse than walking in a soggy pair of sneakers.
Cards & Games: These activities are handy for those rainy days or simply some late night fun. They’re easy to pack away and don’t take up much space. There is a game out there for everyone. Isle Madame has a variety of “local” card games like Pass the Ace, Cribbage, and Dame de Pique (Queen of Spades). Our favourite travel card game is Phase 10. However, things may get messy if you’re part of a competitive family (again… I speak from experience).
Emergency Kit: Good to have in general, but especially if you’re travelling with someone who is accident prone. You can buy an emergency kit or even make your own to fit your needs. We like to carry first aid items, over the counter meds like Advil or Tylenol, a flashlight, and a portable phone charger. We have an extensive First Aid kit at reception, but if you’re looking for something to take with you as you continue your travels, our local pharmacy is located just across the street with everything you might need.
What else makes for a successful road trip? An abundance of patience, a great sense of humour, and positive energy. We wish you all the best as you explore Cape Breton this summer, and hope to see you along the way!
Alexis is a 2nd year Bachelor of Arts student at St. FX University. Her official role is Guest Services Attendant at The Clairestone Inn, but as a family member in a family business, she will also dabble in marketing, housekeeping, breakfast, and general maintenance this summer, or as she likes to put it: “Whatever Mom tells me to do.”