by Author Name Withheld 40

Created on: August 10, 2009

So you're planning a family road trip, you have mapped out your route, booked your lodgings and sorted out the family with military precision. You've already purchased a satellite navigation system, it has proven its efficacy, (okay so it took you off the beaten track a couple of times and asked you to do a U-turn on a four lane highway) and you have finally become used to its ways and its irritating accent.

So what other gadgets will further enhance your road trip experience?

A fridge that will charge as you drive, perfect for cold drinks and keeping picnics fresh or you can turn the thermostat up and have warm soup and tea. This gives you an effective excuse not to overspend on snack stops. You can prepare delicious food prior to the journey and bring it with you, perfect in these tough economic times.

An Mp3/Mp4 player, back up a wide range of your family's tunes before you travel, cutting down on arguments over music choice whilst also reducing the risk of having to drive through areas with poor radio reception, or just poor radio. And you also have the option to keep the children content with their favourite movie on Mp4.

Don't have a hands-free kit for your cell phone? How about a pair of bluetooth sunglasses, keep the sun out of your eyes and answer important calls in safety.

Not enough power points to recharge all these gadgets? Well there is a nifty little accessories on the market called a coffee cup power inverter. This neat coffee cup shaped device is an extension for two extra power outlets and it fits snug into your cup holder.

For the safety conscious amongst us there are a variety of products available to make even the most nervous driver relax. Reasonably priced and an absolute must if you break down at night is a rechargeable LED torch. There are a large range of roadside kits available if you do run into trouble, including that eponymous warning triangle complete with flashing lights! Battery flat? How about a mini generator all charged up and ready to pump life back into your engine. Flat tyre? Get the hydraulic jack out. Worried about tyre pressure? Why not invest in your own tyre compressor to check that pressure regularly. Afraid the driver is over the alcohol limit from the night before? Test them with your very own breathalyser kit.

Gadgets are many now you can even buy an LED emoticon unit that sits in the back window and will change when your mood does, so let's hope it's smiles all the way when you embark on your next family road trip.

Learn more about this author, Author Name Withheld 40.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.