The last hours before the end of the summer vacation. As always, this weekend will be marked by long queues for many French people. Bison Futé has already announced Friday and Saturday in the direction of returning on certain sections of the road classified red. Extended travel times to be mixed with waiting at stations and airports. As this summer 2022 edition, marked by a mess of train delays, record-breaking traffic jams and long airport waits, showed us, it’s best to be prepared to wait. And what could be better than a few well-chosen tips to calmly face the challenges of late summer? Here are some tips to stay calm while you wait for the school year to start.
Start the conversation
Waiting for long hours can sometimes bring out the worst in us. Between endless lines and kids on the verge of a nervous breakdown, it’s not easy to keep calm. But they offer you a solution: to communicate. Don’t make your neighbor from Nice-Paris (almost 6 hours anyway) your enemy, but your confidant. Share your complaints and frustrations, even in three lines. What was a painful wait can turn into a long conversation, and maybe a beautiful friendship. Above all, it will be an opportunity for your children to meet other children their age.
consider playing
The Covid crisis and subsequent lockdowns have taught us one thing: we shouldn’t skimp on activities to keep the little ones busy. On a plane, ferry or train, pack card games and other entertainment into your bags. And if you don’t want to mess around, why not go back to the basics too? Papers and pencils and here the afternoon goes between crab games and pictures of the whole tribe. The license plate game for car passengers is a good way to practice geography. When it comes to single sailors, one item remains essential: the book. Guaranteed escape.
Limit screen time for kids
Easy fix, he agrees, iPads and other phones won’t bring you the peace of mind you’re looking for. In addition to the impact on children’s cognitive development, screens can make them restless, even lead to unwanted fights, not to mention some dents that can transform your shoes. In short, it’s good for gaming in a sense. They will create more beautiful family memories.
Invest in self-contained batteries
The TGV is about to start and you only have 5% battery. Panic. Where are the electrical outlets? Good luck, you’re on a Ouigo that isn’t equipped with it. To avoid a nervous breakdown in the future, remember to charge your devices, but invest in a portable self-contained battery first. All we can say is that you definitely don’t want to lose your favorite series.
eat and drink
Nothing is worse than waiting and not being able to save yourself. It will show us the very high summer temperature. hydration must remain queen. More fragile, babies can be prone to heatstroke, and a few well-made bottles will save you a lot of agony. And most importantly, plan some snacks that can give you energy. Being dry is a plus. half-melted cakes are rarely welcome.
Update yourself
With the heat, some car or train journeys can turn into a nightmare. Hint. multiply the fresh water bottles in the bag. And a bonus that can make all the difference: a little pocket fan, an oh-so-useful (and stylish) accessory when the thermometer goes crazy. Of course, don’t forget to charge it before the big departure.
Take a nap
We tend to forget it, but sleeping is one of the most convenient “activities” to pass the time. Who has never fallen asleep for a long car ride, only to wake up quickly after arriving in Saint-Brio? So on the way back it’s the same, just sit down, take refuge in Morpheus’ arms. We can only recommend that you sleep in front of someone else so that you don’t miss your correspondence.
Plan a (good) playlist
We don’t say it enough. music softens morals. To make traffic jams less difficult, nothing beats a good playlist filled with your favorite songs. Holidaymakers stuck on the A6 will turn on the radio and let themselves be guided by the last sounds of summer. A way to extend the holidays one last time.
Source: Le Figaro
