Sandbridge Beach doesn't have the crowds that other beach destinations have, in part because it's tucked out of the way, unlike beaches located near major airports. The drive to Sandbridge Beach is part of the charm. Planning a road trip to visit soon? Here are some travel tips to make the drive fly by.
Safety First
Before you hit the road, take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance such as a tire pressure check and oil change. Keep an emergency car repair kit in the trunk that includes:
- Jumper cables
- Flares or reflective triangles
- Flashlight
- Tire pressure gauge and a sealant such as Fix-a-Flat
- Quart of motor oil
- Gallon of coolant
- Basic tool kit with screwdrivers, wrench, and pliers.
If you have an Android phone, consider investing in the Automatic app. For $99.95 you get a wireless peripheral that plugs into your car's diagnostic port under the steering wheel. If a warning light comes on between home and your beach rental, the app will tell you what's wrong. Automatic can also warn you if you're driving over the speed limit.
Road Trip Apps
Speaking of apps, downloading navigation or entertainment apps before you leave home can help the miles slide by faster.Waze is a helpful traffic and navigation map that shows users real-time traffic conditions. Waze users report road hazards, accidents, speed traps, and slow traffic as they travel. Because information is continuously changing, older kids can use the app to help the driver navigate and report information that will help other drivers. Because Waze is also a navigation app, it gives real-time updates on how long until you reach Sandbridge Beach.Roadside America is an app that taps into a database full of strange and unusual roadside attractions. Users can zoom around the map to see museums, historical landmarks, scenic lookouts, and weird, one-of-a-kind sights. It's always a good idea to plan breaks in the drive, and Roadside America can make your pit stops more fun.
Audiobooks
If the kids have their own screens with earphones, the adults can listen to an audiobook. Choose a thriller that is as long as your car journey, or choose two so you also have a story for the drive home. Most libraries have a selection of audiobooks you can download to your phone for free, or you can join an audiobook service such as Audible.If your passengers get carsick watching movies or reading in the car, choose a family-friendly audiobook such as The Penderwicks, the Al Capone at Alcatraz series, the Harry Potter series, or the Fudge series by Judy Blume. Classic yarns such as Treasure Island or the Roald Dahl collection will keep your crew entertained for hours.Here's a pro tip: Before you leave, listen to the first 15 minutes of the book to ensure it's engrossing and the author has a voice you want to spend twelve or more hours listening to.
BYO Snacks
Save the treat calories for ice cream at Sugar Shack or breakfast from Crazy Good Donuts in Sandbridge Beach. Bring healthy snacks with you, and you won't be forced to forage at gas stations or fast-food restaurants along the way. Road warriors pack celery sticks stuck in a half-full jar of peanut butter, lite cheese cubes and crackers, mini carrots, cherry tomatoes, nuts, pretzels, and a few chocolate surprises to celebrate the halfway point. Make sandwiches for lunch and bring your own bottles of water or juice to avoid vending machines.
Play Games
Kids love games where they can look outside and "collect" things. Print out a visual list of state license plates (Google it) and see how many everyone can find on the drive. Make your own Road Trip Bingo cards, or download a checklist for Travel Scavenger Hunt.Adults and older kids enjoy "Would You Rather?" questions such as "Would you rather be able to see into the past or the future?" Look for a deck of cards or make up your own list before you leave home. Be sure to ask "Why" after the answers to stir up the conversation."Day at the Beach" Mad Libs are a funny way to keep the family entertained. Download a free version from the Internet or make up your own based on a story about a perfect day at Sandbridge Beach.
Stay Charged Up
Make sure each person has his or her own charger for phones and iPads. Car chargers with five USB ports are inexpensive and worth their weight in gold on long car rides. Load up your smartphone with everyone's favorite beach tunes or create a Sandbridge Beach playlist to keep the anticipation high.Road tripping to Sandbridge Beach can be part of the vacation fun. Pack some healthy snacks, download a few apps and books, and you'll be checking into your beach house before you know it.
