Truthfully, the navigator is an essential part of the equation, operating as trip captain, driver’s assistant and grandchild back-seat referee all at once. You are also the calming influence, should the weather or the route become difficult.
Consider the dashboard of the car your domain, particularly the GPS, air conditioning and music. It’s much safer to leave the driver to the driving. You also need to be prepared with a pre-planned route, and it’s helpful to load your phone with the right apps — things like Bathroom Scout, GasBuddy, Yelp, Waze and Google Maps. Roadtrippers.com is also quite useful. Bring a paper map in case you experience technical difficulties or poor reception.
Be organized with items like charge cords, toll-road money, water bottles and a mess kit that includes wet wipes, paper towels, plastic bags — and poo bags, if Bowser is along for the ride.
Remember that you are also head waiter, dishing out snacks on the fly. Stock a small insulated bag with finger foods that aren’t too delicate or messy. This can include protein bars, fruit and vegetables, chips and tacos, beef jerky and string cheese, bananas, even hard-boiled eggs if you’re old-school enough.
Maybe you’re always the passenger because you don’t speak up about wanting to drive? Offer to share this responsibility, so your skills don’t atrophy and the regular driver can enjoy the scenery.
Cottage comfort: How to be a good guest
“Don’t come a-callin’ with your hands by your sides.”
My grandmother’s voice rings true every time I think about visiting cottage country. Just as you would never show up at someone’s home for dinner without some wine and a gift, so should you always bring things to the cottage that will make your host’s life easier.
- Pack at least a few bottles of something: wine you know they like, a special (read: expensive) spirit they wouldn’t normally splurge on, a brandy for the fire or a six pack of ready-made cocktails for the dock. The trick is to bring at least as much as you yourselves will drink.
- Offer to cook dinner for everyone at least one of the nights, and bring breakfast staples you know will come in handy. Send your hosts a list of the food you plan on bringing in advance, so there’s no doubling up (potluck is always a bad idea). If you can’t cook, offer to take everyone out for lunch or dinner to the local inn or roadhouse.
- Bring your own towels and beach towels. And offer to bring your own bed linens or sleeping bags to save your hosts a ton of washing, but respect their wishes if they say no, thank you.
- If you visit this particular friend more than once a season, bring a bundle of paper towels, toilet paper or napkins, or all three. Tea towels, gourmet preserves, a fancy pie, a board game — throw in something special, too.
