1. BRING A FEW CDS OF DRIVING SONGS
The driver need to keep awake, you need to stay upbeat. So driving songs with a good upbeat tempo would be idea. Ideas: Beach Boys, Lightning Seeds, Beyonce, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Maroon 5, Eagles are some of the artistes whom I have driven along with musically.

2. TAKE A LOO BREAK ANYWHERE THERE IS A LOO
Why? Murphy's law. You'd never know what will happen and if you're driving into a city there could be massive traffic jams.

3. MORE GAS/ PETROL IS BETTER
Try and keep the gas or petrol topped up. Prices in the cities are usually cheaper than in the outskirts where they have to travel further to transport the oil.

4. KEEP SNACKS AND DRINKS IN THE CAR
Except hot coffee. Never, never, never drive with hot coffee between your lap. You will regret it.

5. HAVE A DESIGNATED GARBAGE BAG
Keep the roads clean - do not litter, and throw out the garbage bag whenever you;re at a rest stop and stock up on drinks and snacks.

6. HAVE A BARF BAG READY
You'd never know when anyone of the riders get sick.

7. ONE TO DRIVE, ANOTHER TO NAVIGATE
Actually, if you can spare the cash - just rent a car with GPS. It would be so much better.

8. MAGAZINES
Magazines and not books with small fonts are ideal to keep in the car when the driving is slow.

9. IN-CAR SUN-SHADE
Very useful when you're driving in the day - it is not very glamorous to have only one side of your face tanned.

10. INFLATABLE PILLOW/NECK REST & EYE PATCH
This is for whomever who wants to sleep at the back seat.

11. SARONG
It would keep the chills out from the a/c. And let you stretch you legs to the front if you're the person sitting in the middle without offending the driver and navigator.

12. PORTABLE GAMES
For both kids and adults! Gameboy, Nintendo DS, magnetic scramble, IQ puzzles, Soduku.

Have a good trip!

Learn more about this author, Anne Gader.
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