The rich, the poor, the patient, the peeved -- all parents do car trips with the kids, at some point in life.
Typically we cram the family vehicle full of snacks, toys, books... And don't forget to bring along: stories on audio.
The kids can listen individually, using a player and headphones; or -- depending on the content and/or your level of tolerance -- everyone can listen to the story on the car stereo. I fondly remember the first car trip when our youngest (then six) was old enough to follow a big-kid story line.
Feeding your habit
Where to get your audio-books? Your local library's a great source.
But how about... Cracker Barrel Country Stores?
Cracker Barrel "Books on Audio"
This folksy company has over 400 locations in 38 states, serving real-food in its restaurants (like chicken 'n' dumplin's), and selling country-style items like rocking chairs. Cracker Barrel also has a creative deal on audiobooks: basically, you end up "renting" them, while you do you road trip stopping at Cracker Barrel stores.
- "Buy a Books-On-Audio CD at any Cracker Barrel location (prices range from $9.99 to $48.00). Enjoy listening, and then simply return the book at the next Cracker Barrel you visit. We'll refund the purchase price, minus $3.49 for each week you've had it."
Ride With Me
Another interesting approach is Ride With Me: audiocassettes and CD's describe the country passing by outside your windows. Ride with Me offers:
- "... original audio programs keyed to travel on the nation's Interstate Highway system. As the travelers rolls along, we tell them about the history, geography, traditions and trivia of the areas through which they are passing. Through a system unique to RIDE WITH ME, our comments remain synchronized with milepost markers regardless of speed traveled.. As travelers hear the stories, they are driving through the areas being discussed."
For example: The cassette on California's Big Sur coast lasts 90 minutes, costs $10.95, and has an introduction by Clint Eastwood.
Downloads
Another way to get audiobooks is to download them from a site such as Audible: download to an "Audible-ready" device such as an iPod, or download to your computer and burn a CD. Meanwhile, at Simply Audiobooks you can either download to an MP3 player, or rent an actual CD (similar to Netflix.)
Of course, it's easy to play DVD's in the car as well. But with audio,the kids aren't glued to yet-another screen; they can actually watch the landscape, and use their mind's eye to picture the story; and everyone shares the story experience together.
* check web sites for latest prices
