Music is absolutely essential for your next road trip adventure. Songs set the mood for your journey, so you need to build your playlists ahead of time to make sure they’re ready to go. You might actually be surprised by the effort it takes to prepare for road trip music, so start with some of the following tips.
Choose Your Playback Method
First, make sure you have an easy way to play music in your car. If you have a top new Ford for sale on the market these days, you’ll have access to a great entertainment system, as with most newer cars. Otherwise, you’ll have to rig up a playback system with your phone or tablet. In any case, set up and test your music before your road trip so that you don’t encounter frustrations along the way.
Survey Fellow Travelers
Next, survey your fellow travelers about their musical tastes. They may have strong positive or negative feelings about particular genres or artists, so it never hurts to get input. This can go a long way toward avoiding complaints and conflicts later on. Jot down their favorites, and note what they can’t stand.
Build Your Playlists
Now it’s time to build your playlists. You might think in terms of genre or artist, or you could create lists that promote a certain theme or mood. Perhaps you’re looking for energetic tunes that will give everyone a boost toward the end of a long trip. Maybe you’ll want a playlist of relaxing music that can calm frazzled nerves.
You can build a playlist of favorite songs and another one of new music to try. But as you work, keep in mind your fellow travelers’ preferences. You don’t have to be completely guided by them, but people will appreciate your consideration.
Set a Music Schedule
You may also want to set a music schedule. Music can be great, but you may not want it playing for your entire trip. Take some time for quiet and for conversation. Even the delights of music can get on people’s nerves if you insist on playing it continually.
Build in Alternatives
To avoid that, build in alternative activities. You could select an audio book or two to break up the journey. Or you might dust off a few old road trip games that are easy to play in the car. “I Spy” or car bingo or the license plate game are enjoyable, and they’ll keep your passengers occupied for quite some time.
If you have kids, pack coloring books and crayons and a few travel board games. You might even hand them a paper map or atlas and ask them to follow your journey. Of course, you can have music playing while they do these activities, but you’ll avoid the “I’m bored!” complaints.
Get in the Mood for Fun
Music can make your road trip more fun and more relaxing. You’ll have to make an effort to build playlists that everyone will enjoy and then use them judiciously throughout your trip. But if you do, you’ll get everyone in the mood for fun, and the hours will pass quickly and enjoyably.
