Newspaper Article

Because We're Not There Yet

Conway, Chris

2007

Overview

It's helpful to think of ''costumes''' rather than ''clothes.'' ... Women who travel a great deal have developed a four-costume, basic plan. With ''extras,'' it's suitable for a two-week vacation to Anywhere, U.S.A. It fits into one 26-inch suitcase plus an overnight case... Your travel suit... Your two-piece after-driving dress... A spectator sports ensemble... The rugged-life costume... In many resort areas, slacks are frowned upon -- more in the East than in the West, where they're quite generally accepted. If you're a passenger, you can help the driver and have a more enjoyable trip yourself by following a few simple rules. In general, let the driver do the driving. Leaning forward and breathing down the neck of the driver to tell him something doesn't help...Don't shout instructions or anything else which will distract the driver. If you're the ''navigator,'' give directions far enough in advance so that the driver has time to follow them easily. Above all, don't ''beef'' and don't tell the driver how you would have handled a tight situation. You can do it your way when you get the wheel. When the going gets rough -- in terms of behavior, not of the road -- there's a sure-fire remedy. It's called a ''mystery box.'' It's easy to make up and you'll never regret having one along. Simply wrap individually a few of the children's favorite toys plus some new, inexpensive ''surprises,'' and pack them in a box -- one box for each child. Then, at strategic moments of supreme boredom or on a prearranged schedule, let each child open his box and take out a toy.

• Publisher: New York Times Company
• Subject: Automobile driving / Books-titles / Traveling by Car: A Family Planning Guide to Better Vacations / Vacations