Yes…there are standards of behavior when heading out on a road trip!  Road Trip=a journey made by car or bus (thank you, Webster).   When you are the co-pilot, make sure you handle all of the logistics for the driver.  Directions/Map app, answering texts for the driver (if required), preparing fast food for consumption, managing the driver’s road rage, and basically being an all-round Jeeves.  As the co-pilot, you serve as the driver’s assistant.  Make sure to cater to the driver’s needs.  Better behaved co-pilots ask, every so often, if the driver needs anything–but not so often that you annoy the driver.

Driver etiquette is a little less taxing.  Before passing the rest area or when passing an exit with food and gas options, the driver should inquire as to the need of the passengers to stop. The driver should also make sure the co-pilot has the information he/she needs to assist with the journey.  Drivers set the tone for the trip. No matter what is happening with traffic, smile.

Don’t worry if no one’s talking. Sometimes, as Emily Post says, silence is the best option. Silence clears the air and allows new avenues of conversation.  If the silence gets too heavy, you can always start a conversation by asking a question or asking for advice.  If you have an idea, a need, or a desire, let the others in the car know.  Don’t make them guess!   Never put your own needs ahead of the group’s. That tends to make you an unpopular traveler.   So, behave and happy travels.

Tomorrow, we’ll see where the road trip took me and chat about behaving while at sports venues.