Can you believe that July is nearly over? I know, you’re probably screaming at me to stop talking because nobody wants to think about the fact that we only have a little bit of summer left. Well, don’t stress, you’ve got lots of time to get out and enjoy the rest of the summer, and the best way to do that is to hit the road for your next big getaway. However, whether you’re planning on taking a day trip or getting away for the week, travel can be hard if you’re taking the kids along for the ride. Let’s face it, kids get bored easily and when that happens you could be stuck with tears on tears on tears. To avoid that situation from happening and inevitability you crying, we have got some helpful tips for you in this week’s blog. We want to help keep you from pulling your hair out, and the best way to do that is to keep the kiddos entertained. A fun way to do that is with games! Below we have listed some of our favorites and we wanted to share them with you! However, we do suggest bring along filler activities to do in between games because you don’t want to play them all at once and be stuck with nothing else to do during your ride!  So check out our list below and remember to have safe travels! I Spy: This is a car ride classic! It will keep the kids guessing and entertain for a good amount of time, plus it so much for them to feel like they have fooled you so don’t guess correct too quickly! Road Trip Bingo: This fun game combines bingo with a scavenger hunt. Give each child a flat surface, like a clipboard or a notebook, and have them place it in their lap. each player gets a free printable bingo card and a ziplock bag with 16 pennies. When a player spies an item on his card, he covers the picture with a penny. Just like in regular bingo, the first player to cover all the squares in a straight line, wins. License Plate Game: Make sure everyone has a piece of paper or come prepared and print out maps. Then write down or cross out each state you see, once someone has crossed out all 50 (or whoever has the most) they win! 20 Questions. This easy-peasy game is great for young kids, thanks to its straightforward rules. Player One thinks of a person, place or thing. Everyone else takes turns asking questions that can be answered with a simple yes or no. After each answer, the questioner gets one guess. Play continues until a player guesses correctly. I’m Going on a Picnic. This alphabet-based memory game is great for kids 5 and up. You don’t need a game board or any materials. The game can be played with as few as two players, but it’s more fun when the whole family joins in. The first player says “I’m going on a picnic and I’m bringing...” followed by something that begins with A, such as apples. The second player repeats what the first person said, but adds something that begins with B. And so on. If someone forgets an item, she is out. To be fair, feel free to be lenient and give hints to younger players. The last player to be able to recite all the items on the list wins.

Summer is in full swing and I am sure that you’ll be hitting the road this summer for some fun in the sun with friends and family. And before you say “is this another blog about me servicing my vehicle?” you can rest assured that this week’s blog is not about that. However, if you haven’t serviced your vehicle in a while, it would be a good idea to schedule an appointment before you hit the road this summer! Anyway, this week we are talking about our ultimate road trip packing list, and let me tell you this has nothing to do with whether or not you should pack the shoes or not! This week we are focusing more on the importance of essential accessories and important information you should have with you before hitting the road. So, take a few minutes and check out our ultimate road trip list below and help ensure that your road-trip will be stress-free even if you do find yourself running into an issue. Keep your car on the road with these essentials License and registration A copy of your car insurance policy and the relevant contact numbers Your car’s manual A spare tire Roadside Emergency Kit Little road trip accessories that can make a big difference Paper maps/ map apps (technology doesn’t always work, having a back is always a good plan) Spare  money in case of an emergency A notebook and pen in the case that you need to leave a note or write information down First aid kit Flashlight Bug spray Large water bottles Toilet roll Stay connected & Entertained Phone chargers Bluetooth/wireless hands-free kit for your mobile phones Killer road trip playlist Don’t forget your camera for memories! Portable WiFi A good book or two Travel games for both the car and when you get to your destination Don’t Forget To Service Your Toyota Before Hitting The Road!

Hitting the road this summer is something that’s been on my mind lately. And, that means my best friend, my dog, will be along for most of those travels. If you’re anything like me, you know that keeping your pet happy and healthy is what is most important. This week I have a few tips that will help make traveling with your dog easier than ever. So, check out those tips below and if you’re ready to upgrade your ride this May - stop in to see our team. But if not, no worries! We still want to encourage you to service your vehicle before hitting the road. Why? Well, much like keeping your pooch happy and healthy, we want to do the same with your vehicle. Be sure to take a look at our service and parts offers and give us a call to schedule your service appointment today! Let’s get started! Use a crate & keep them safe: While out and about traveling, your pooch should always be secure inside his/ her crate or secured by a proper seatbelt for dogs in the backseat. If you go with the crate option, make sure you make it comfortable for them by adding a blanket, a favorite toy, and any other items your doggo likes. This will help keep your pet entertained and relaxed throughout the trip. Avoid feeding them or giving them water during the trip. It could make them sick, wait for a pit stop. Don’t leave your pooch: DO NOT LEAVE YOUR DOG IN THE VEHICLE. This is putting your pet at risk and quite frankly, it’s not worth it. Unless your vehicle is parked in a secure, cool, covered parking garage - don’t risk it. Treat your pup how you’d want to be treated and keep them safe! Take a potty break: We all need to take a minute to stop, stretch our legs, and maybe use the bathroom. Treat your pooch to that same courtesy. This will also allow your dog to stay calm and they won’t be so anxious being kept locked up in a crate the entire trip. Let your pooch burn off that excess energy and perhaps they’ll take a little snooze when you hit the road again! Food, water, treats, medications: A consistent diet is very important for pets, especially ones that have sensitive stomachs. Always pack enough food and treats to keep your pooch full and if they require specific water or are not used to drinking water other than what you give at home, pack that as well. Don’t forget any medications that your dog might need along the way! Vet visits are key: Is your pet safe and healthy enough to travel? A quick visit to the vet can answer any/ all questions that you may have when it comes to traveling, especially if your pet is on the older side. Getting your vets approval to travel is important. Take On The Road In A New Toyota!