Make a custom road trip music CD
Published: April 18, 2005
Planning a road trip? Music can help make the trip fly by, so have some fun by getting the whole family involved in creating a Road Trip! Custom Music CD.
What you'll need
| • | Windows XP |
| • | Digital music player software (like Windows Media Player 10) |
| • | Your family's favorite music loaded onto your computer |
| • | A writable CD drive on your computer |
| • | Blank CDs (CD-R discs are recommended) |
Plan your music mixes
Create a music mix that includes at least a few songs for everyone. Vary the order of your selections so that each family member hears something that he or she selected as you cruise on down the road. Parents may gain a new appreciation for what their kids listen to, and the kids might learn some "classics."
You can do theme CDs, too, such as movie soundtracks, holiday classics, ballads, rock-and-roll, and don't forget about show-tunes, country, and hip-hop.
Select and arrange your songs
| • | Be sure to choose some good sing-along songs. (Classic rock is great for this.) Everyone singing along in the car can be quite entertaining. |
| • | Put on some mellow tunes after a meal. It might help the kids settle down for a nap or at least a quiet rest with their handheld games. |
| • | Add some great stand-up comedy to your mixes. Bill Cosby and Jerry Seinfeld have family friendly routines. The outrageous comedy of Robin Williams or Billy Crystal will spice things up for those who don't have little ones. |
All in the family
Have each person in the family create their own surprise mix. The rule is that they have to personally select something for each person in the vehicle. As you play each CD, the person who created it can tell whom the song is for and why they picked it.
Creating custom CDs for your next road trip can be a fun way for your family to interact as the miles roll away. It's also a good way to keep the headphones off the kids for a while.
If you want to have some extra fun with your Road Trip! Custom Music CD, get your kids involved before you leave by asking them to make custom CD labels.
Learn more about digital music and video
