Road trips test students' skills
Photo illustration by John Gamble/ KANSAN
Many college students take road trips to break up the monotony of school. Driving has become a more popular means of transportation for Spring Break.
A little planning can help reduce travel headaches
By Manny Lopez Special to the Kansan
Steppenwolf bellows from the radio, the sun is shining and a sign in the back window reads, "Daytona or bust!"
No worries. mon!
But in the last-minute rush of studying and frantic packing, a little attention to detail could save a few headaches and possibly some friendships on that Spring Break road trip.
Some students who are southbound or heading for the mountains agreed that junk food and music were No.1 on the list of essentials.
"We take all the essentials: Doritos, pop, roadrippin' tapes, toothbrushes and our pillows," said Rachel Arnold, Hutchinson senior. Arnold and her roommates are heading to Winter Park, Colo., for four days of skiing.
But while everyone rehems the fun items, Sgt. Rose Rozmiarek of the KU police said students should also take some safety equipment.
Portable radios, books, magazines and games can help pass time in the car.
"The important things to have are a flashlight, spare tire that is not flat, extra water, a red warning cloth that can be placed on an
antenna or over a mirror to signal distress and a reflective triangle." Rozmiarek said.
Cellular phones are increasingly being used for keeping in touch with a convoy of break-bound students, calling the police or calling home.
Some other things that might come in handy are blankets, road maps, citizens band radios,a small first-aid kit and a cellular phone.
John McGee, market manager at Cellular One, said that any portable, transportable or mobile phone could be used anywhere there was cellular service. He said that the
phones would be operable but that the service rates might vary.
This roaming feature on cellular phones allows students to maintain phone service outside of their home area.
Driving has become a more popular means of transportation for spring break. For some students, road tripping is not only an adventure, but it is quickly becoming the most feasible means of transportation for students on spring break. The high cost of airfares rules out flying for many students, so driving often helps to save money.
"It's cheaper for us to drive," said Kurt
"We take all the essentials: Doritos, pop, roadtrippin' tapes, toothbrushes and our pillows."
Rachel Arnold Hutchinson senior on the art of car travel
Hassler, Washington senior. "Plus, I can get around easier."
Although most people seem to have more patience with their roommates while on vacation, long hours in a car can be trying on a friendship.
Hassler is going hiking in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina this break. He said he was packing lots of food and plenty of hiking equipment.
"My roommates and I get along great," said Jill Depenbusch, Columbus sophomore. "But since we are going with other people and in two cars, we can switch around and not get on each other's nerves."
Depenbusch is going skiing in Colorado for break.
"We're looking forward to going, but I know that after skiing and spending so much time with the same people, the ride home won't be as much fun," she said.
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