Latest news with #roadtrip
The Sun
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
The must-listen podcasts that will keep kids & teens entertained for hours on long journeys this summer – & they're FREE
GETTING ready for a long road trip with the kids, but don't want to just stick a tablet in their hands? Podcasts are a great way to keep the whole family entertained. There's no end of podcasts out there for screen-free entertainment, so it's hard to know where to start, but we've picked out some of the best free podcasts for young kids and teens, with options that you'll love too. 9 These titles are all available for free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, so you should be able to get access to them on any device. PODCASTS FOR YOUNG KIDS If your kids like a mystery (and who doesn't?), then a great option is Bust or Trust. It's a myth-busting podcast that investigates some of Earth's most interesting mysteries, including haunted paintings, the truth behind Stonehenge, and whether aliens visited Earth thousands of years ago. Kids can even get updates on the latest Loch Ness monster sightings. Perfect for a road trip to Scotland! And it's family-friendly too – the podcast boasts that it's "fun for ages six to 106", so that's just about everyone. For very young kids, try Thomas & Friends Storytime. It's a Thomas the Tank Engine-themed podcast with stories about the origins of the engines, fairy tales, and includes plenty of life lessons, too. This is very age-appropriate for youngsters and is rated for kids as young as three. But if you've got slightly older kids, they likely won't be as interested. There's usually a new episode each week, with more than 100 released in the series so far. One smash-hit option is the Story Pirates podcast, which is very highly rated and downloaded. It's like a sketch comedy show (packed with music too) based on stories that have been written by kids. The episodes feature content from comedians and songwriters, plus celeb guests. Recent episodes include interviewing a zombie expert that might be turning into a zombie himself, a hotdog that climbs Mount Frankfurter as part of a tradition to find his own sauce, and a "dungeons and dragons" special. It's an award-winning series with weekly episodes and a massive back catalogue of seasons to enjoy. 9 And another great option for youngsters is the history podcast You're Dead to Me. It invites a comedian and expert historian on to have funny chats about history, which should keep the whole family engaged. You've got recent episodes on arctic exploration, the legends of King Arthur, and even cave art. Just make sure to be selective with the topic. Very young children might struggle to get to grips with some topics – but it's a great way to get your youngster interested in history. 9 It's proper history delivered in simple (and very funny) terms. Episodes typically come out once a week, and the series is rated as "clean" on Apple Podcasts. If you're looking to send the little one off to sleep, you could try a bedtime stories podcast. Sleep Tight Stories is very well-reviewed, and has a load of peaceful child-friendly tales for bedtime. Just don't listen to it in the car – it might put you to sleep too, which wouldn't be good. It's fine for all ages, so this is a great option if you want to send a toddler off to sleep with a fun little story. Here's a quick list of our favourites: TRY AUDIOBOOKS TOO! Don't just rely on podcasts – audiobooks are a great option... By opting for audiobooks, you might be able to get your kids interested in reading. And there's almost no end of child-friendly audiobooks out there. Probably the best-known way to access audiobooks is via Audible. There's a free tier that just involves signing in with your Amazon account. Then you can enjoy a rotating selection of free audiobooks to listen to, including timeless classics but also some new options. If you're an Amazon Prime member then you can also claim two free audiobooks of your choice. And if you want a proper Audible membership, you'll have to pay a membership (after a 30-day free trial). The Standard membership (for £5.99 a month) lets you choose one audiobook a month from the collection, which you can listen to for as long as you're a emmeber. And the Premium Plus option (for £8.99 a month), gets you the same monthly credit, but you can keep the book even if you cancel your membership. You'll also be able to listen to thousands of extra audiobooks from the Plus catalogue – and you'll get access to exclusive sales and discounts too. If you're not keen on Audible, you can also try audiobooks via Spotify. If you have a Spotify Premium membership then you're already owed 15 hours of audiobook listening time every single month. But you can pay for extra hours if you want. Picture Credit: Audible PODCASTS FOR TEENAGERS The good news is that a lot of the best podcasts for teens will also keep you entertained as an adult. One very educational option is the always-brilliant The Rest is History. It's hosted by two popular British historians (Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook) who chat through specific topics like the Titanic disaster, the Romans in Britain, and even the historical figures that would suit going on Love Island. Apple Podcasts rates it as "clean", but some episodes will cover more sensitive topics. So consider the episodes you choose depending on the age of your teen. 9 9 But the podcast explains history in simple terms even if you don't know much about a topic – and it's usually very funny too. A great way to get your kids loving and learning about history. Another cracking option along similar lines is Stuff You Should Know. This time you've got American hosts (Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant), explaining just about anything and everything. They'll tell you about the origins of ketchup, why Minecraft is such a massive hit, and what lurks in the Catacombs of Paris. 9 It's extremely engaging, very easy to chew for a general audience, and will turn your teen (and you!) into a total trivia whiz. If you've got a teen that loves movies, a great option is Film Sack. It's four hosts who watch an old movie that's available on streaming services, and review it in a playful way over the course of 90 minutes or so. The show is largely clean, but it'll depend a little bit on the movie that's being "sacked". Recent episodes include 2004's Starsky & hutch, George Clooney 's Ocean's Twelve, 1985's The Goonies, and a round table special on Coming of Age Movies. ...AND THE BEST PODCASTS FOR PARENTS Don't let your kids have all the fun – there are loads of great parenting podcasts out there too... Possibly the most well-loved option is Parenting Hell. It's hosted by star British comedians Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe. They talk about their own parenting trials and tribulations, as well as chatting to celebs about how they're getting on with their kids. It's very funny and has a large back catalogue of episodes to enjoy. Another excellent choice is The Sun's own podcast No Parental Guidance. It's a new series from our Fabulous team hosted by the brilliant and hilarious Louise Boyce and Hannah East. The podcast is described as "a safe space for real mums to talk openly and hilariously about the chaos, guilt, and of course joys of parenthood". Episodes feature special guests, with celebs featured so far including Angela Scanlon and Konnie Huq. Picture Credit: The Sun If you and your teen want a laugh, the Off-Menu podcast is brilliant. It's hosted by British comedians Ed Gamble and James Acaster, who interview celeb guests about food – asking them to pick favourite starters, sides, mains, and desserts in a "dream" restaurant. This one is probably for older teens, but you'll almost certainly be able to get them listening if it's a celeb that they like. Recent episodes have included illusionist Derren Brown, Marvel star Sebastian Stan, acting titan David Tennant, Star Wars ' Daisy Ridley, and the inimitable Danny Dyer. It's a nice mix of pop culture and food, and it's packed with laugh-out-loud moments. So to recap, try these out: The Rest is History Stuff You Should Know Film Sack Off-Menu This will serve up thousands of hours of entertainment, so you'll be sorted all summer long. And if you are going on a long road trip, The Sun recently tested a trick to beat car sickness with an iPhone.
Auto Blog
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
I Drove the 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum 4WD on a Multi-State Road Trip. Here's My Brutally Honest Review
A family affair The Explorer moniker has been in my family for quite some time. My mom inherited her mom's 1991 Ford Explorer, which had part-time 4WD, and it was my favorite. I was promised it would be my first car when I got my license, and then it was given to my older brother. Some years later, my dad brought home a 2006 Eddie Bauer edition with navy blue paint and tan accents (and, yes, the 5.0-liter Mustang GT V8). I rode shotgun for several road trips, and once again, fell in love with it. We were lucky to get 12 mpg on most trips, but it was one of my favorite cars. My dad traded it in for a Ford Fiesta, and then I never stepped into a Ford Explorer again. Source: Kristen Brown Until now. I reviewed a 2025 Explorer Platinum 4WD with the optional 400-horsepower 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 and a third row, which made it feel significantly larger than the Explorers I grew up with. I was overall impressed by it. The power, the technology, the included packages, and the price felt very fair compared to what comes with it. In many ways, it felt like the Explorers who still hold a candle in my heart. In just as many ways, it felt much, much different. After a 5.5-hour road trip from Bend, Oregon, to Seattle, Washington, I became very familiar with it. Let's dig in. As a family vehicle, it fit in seamlessly The model I reviewed had captain's chairs in the second row, and even with two toddlers in car seats, I would prefer the bench seat to accommodate another passenger. During my review, my older sister and 16-year-old niece were in town for a LaCrosse tournament. Since my niece is fairly petite, she was delighted to help me review the third seat. She said it was 'alright.' She barely had room for her knees, the windows were small, and she resorted to sitting slightly sideways and putting her legs through the gap between the captain's chairs. Source: Kristen Brown She did, however, greatly appreciate the charging ports and the dedicated A/C vents. I'm not sure why the Explorer needed to be a 3-row SUV; perhaps it was intended as a smaller alternative to the gargantuan Expedition. However, if you're looking at one specifically for the third row, consider an Expedition instead. It's not that comfortable, even for a petite teenager. When they left, I kept the third row folded and enjoyed all that extra cargo space. My toddlers loved being able to climb into the car seats, which were delightfully easy to install. Since they were captain's chairs, I didn't have to climb into the trunk to secure the top tether hook. I just crawled in between the chairs and secured them that way. I'd still opt for the bench seat, though. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Source: Kristen Brown The Explorer I drove had built-in rear window shades, and they came in handy while we sat in traffic. My daughters loved the large windows and the panoramic sunroof, but they hated having the sun beating down on them. The rear climate control was easy to manipulate from the center screen or just reaching into the back and flipping a few switches, which I loved. Once I adjusted the fans above the seats to blow on them, keeping them cool was easy and thankfully very quick. The Platinum 4WD is a step below the ST model, so the starting MSRP is $52,525. When you factor in the special leather seats with the diamond patterns and the optional V6 (otherwise it comes with a 300 hp turbo-four, and I'd pick the V6 every time), it's a little more than $57,500. If you don't go with the seats, it's $54,700. When you look at the included packages, like a towing package that boosts towing to 5,000 lbs and comes with Trailer Sway Control, a year of hands-free highway driving Blue Cruise, and intelligent 4WD system with a limited slip differential in the rear, three rows, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, Co-Pilot, and Ford's top-shelf safety and security suites, it's an incredibly fair price. I especially liked the power that came with the V6. It made the large SUV feel very nimble and agile. Driving on the mountain pass was no sweat for it, even when passing large trucks going uphill. Many of the cars I've reviewed struggled, but not the Explorer. The updated interior with the faux wood accenting added a touch of luxury that Ford is finally figuring out a solid recipe for. In past Explorers, the interior materials and designs felt a bit cheap, with the Expedition being the fancy option. This time around, it felt very upscale, and now it fits right in with other large SUVs like the Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, Mazda CX-90, Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Chevy Traverse and Tahoe, or GMC Yukon–without much compromise, and for noticeably less than its fellow American counterparts. Source: Kristen Brown However, I will say, though, while the interior layout and design were gorgeous, that price point came with a few cuts to quality. My niece would crawl into the third row from the trunk since car seats were in the second row, and even with the chairs slid as far back as they could go, it was hard for her to squeeze into the back. Every time she'd crawl in through the back, I watched the bumper crease and bend and heard it creak like she was 400 lbs–and she's quite small. The door panels in the rear were pretty chintzy and would creak and give with even the slightest bit of pressure, and the same could be said for the pieces in the center console. I was a little disappointed that the interior bits moved and sounded like the interior of a car from the 1990s, since it raises a lot of questions about durability and longevity, so keep that in mind when you're test-driving one. Toddlers are brutal, almost as brutal as the prices of trim pieces. Mileage wasn't all that bad for a twin-turbo-toting large SUV For some reason, Ford discontinued the hybrid Explorer (at least for us normies, apparently; police still receive the hybrids), right as the market for large hybrid SUVs shifted from a small spark to a full-on blaze. I do think Ford would benefit from bringing the hybrid powertrain back, but even without it, I was surprised how well the EcoBoost did in normal everyday situations. Driving around town doing pick-ups and drop-offs with my teenage niece, going to the grocery store and back, or bringing my husband the occasional forgotten tool, I was getting around 18 mpg. It's not stellar, but it's truly not bad for a full-sized, three-row SUV with twin turbos. When I hit the highway and drove to Washington, with stops and the occasional passing of a semi, I was averaging 27.6 mpg. Again, it's not the greatest, but all things considered, I expected a lot worse. Source: Kristen Brown Obviously, you'd get better mileage if you got the smaller engine, but I'm a firm believer in matching engine size to the size of the car, and the V6 felt like the best match for the Explorer. And again, I wasn't that put off by the mileage. It's got plenty of pep, and once you master that touchy gas pedal and those sensitive brakes, it's a very tame and smooth driving SUV. I did, however, cringe when I had to fill 'er up on the way home. For 15 gallons, it costs almost $86, but I did get almost 400 miles out of a tank. So, make sure that if you get the V6, you budget about $100 for gas every two weeks. It was nice off-road, but I have questions about the four-wheel drive setup I saw the '4WD' badge on the back of the Explorer, and I immediately went looking for transfer case gear selectors. I could be old school, but I feel like most four-wheelers have a shifter to enable 4Hi, 4Lo, 2Hi, or 2Lo. I didn't see that at all in the Explorer, and believe me, I looked everywhere. I leafed through the six drive modes (Normal, Eco, Sport, Towing/Hauling, Slippery/Snow, and Off-Road), thinking there'd be a dedicated drive mode for the 4WD system, but there wasn't one. The 'Off-Road' mode, which came in handy when I decided to detour on a forest service road to take pictures, prompted a message on the dashboard warning the driver not to use this drive mode on-road, so I assumed this was where the 4WD system was truly utilized. Source: Kristen Brown Ford's website says the intelligent 4WD system is like many others, where computers and sensors keep the system dormant unless slipping is detected or it's manually switched into a dedicated off-road driving mode. Without being able to switch the transfer case speeds, any sort of locking differentials, or a switch to truly activate it, it felt a lot more like a tougher all-wheel drive system than a diluted four-wheel drive system, but I'm fully willing to acknowledge that could be a 'me' thing. When I was off-road, putting it into the 'Off-Road' driving mode did just fine. I never lost traction, the RPMs were kept high, and it was poised. Granted, I was on a mostly gravel trail, but I don't know that I'd trust it for much more than the occasional jaunt to the ski slopes on plowed roads. The suspension helped keep the shaking and bumping from translating too much into the cabin, and I could see that coming in handy when towing a camper to a campsite or a boat to the lake. A happy cabin is a quiet one, and it seemed to handle that quick off-road trip perfectly fine. I just don't know that I'd call it a true, four-wheel drive system. I forgot to look underneath to see whether or not there was a transfer case, so I'm chalking that up to opinion, and not fact. Blue Cruise on the long drive home was truly life-changing Before I started reviewing cars, the most advanced cruise control I've experienced was in my 2011 Subaru Forester. It's meant to keep the speed, and that's that. No automatic braking, no adaptive speed settings, no automatic anything. I set the speed, and I was responsible for the rest. When I drove into Yakima, Washington, on my way home to Central Oregon, I spotted a 'Blue Cruise Available' light on the dashboard. Thankfully, enabling it was as simple as pressing a button on the steering wheel, setting a speed, and the Explorer literally did the rest. Source: Kristen Brown The traffic was a bit heavy and the sun was coming directly into the cabin, so I kept my hands on the wheel, but the automatic speed control and braking–and the distance between you and the car in front is determined by you, which is cool–was so nice. I was able to give my leg a rest, activate the massaging seats (which I loved coming into Seattle, especially the butt massagers), turn up my tunes, and enjoy the scenery. I never got to experience the 'hands-free' or automatic lane changing because the traffic was so heavy and slow-moving, but I adored the automatic braking and acceleration. Even when the traffic came to a stop, the Explorer would hold and then start moving as the lead car did. It was an amazing feature that I'd borderline worship if I had my toddlers in the car. They don't travel well, and they get bored and resort to 'accidentally' dropping their toys and snacks, so having this on would allow me to 'help' them while the Explorer handled the rest. I used Blue Cruise for about three hours collectively, and being able to fish through my purse to grab my chapstick without disturbing the flow of traffic was amazing. It's almost too bad that Ford, like GM, charges a subscription for this feature. The Platinum comes with a year of Blue Cruise, and after that, drivers have to pay. Source: Kristen Brown If you get the more expensive ST trim, you get it for a lifetime. I'm sort of sick of subscriptions, so that irked me a little, but that's me. It's a feature worth paying for if you're traveling long distances on a very regular basis, or your long commute home is grueling. Otherwise, I don't think it's worth paying for a subscription. A little extra added to the vehicle price? Sure, but not a subscription. Final thoughts The Explorer has come a long way since I was last in the driver's seat, and I mean that in a good way. Mostly. I loved the updated interior, Blue Cruise, and all the features that came with the price tag, but it sort of felt like it was trying to be a luxury SUV, and not an SUV that's tough, nimble, and quick enough to be used as a police interceptor. I wasn't a fan of the interior quality, and it made me question how many other corners were cut to make the Explorer fit into the price point. I worry that those cuts may also have affected other important aspects, such as the engine or transmission. That said, I loved the design and layout of the interior, but I wish it didn't have a third row, since it was barely usable for a petite teenager. Otherwise, I loved how easy it was to drive, how spacious it was, and how fast it is with the 400 hp 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6. I definitely understand why they're used as police cars and are growing in popularity. They're uncomplicated, comfortable, surprisingly efficient, and have everything you could ask for included in the price–no need to haggle about add-ons and packages. About the Author Kristen Brown View Profile
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
This Is What a $1,000 Summer Vacation Looks Like in 5 US Cities
Think summer is almost over? Not yet. With warm weather still lingering across much of the country, there's time to plan a memorable getaway without overspending. Nearly 60% of Americans are choosing road trips this season, according to Enterprise's 2025 U.S. Summer Travel Trends report. Read Next: For You: This guide shows how far $1,000 can go in several U.S. cities, breaking down real costs for gas, lodging, food and activities and proving that a great vacation is still within reach. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Estimated Total: $973 Myrtle Beach remains one of the most affordable summer travel spots, offering oceanfront views and family-friendly attractions. Transportation: For travelers within driving distance, a 300-mile round trip is estimated to cost around $60 in gas. Accommodation: Mid-range hotel rates average $174 per night, according to PR Newswire. A three-night stay totals about $522. Food: Average food spending is about $97 per day for dining out at typical mid-range restaurants, according to Budget Your Trip. Over three days, totaling approximately $291. Activities: Beach access is free and affordable attractions like mini-golf, arcades and the boardwalk keep entertainment costs around $100. Try This: San Antonio Estimated Total: $907 Known for its rich history and vibrant culture, San Antonio is a budget-friendly destination perfect for a Southwest road trip. Transportation: Driving 300 miles typically costs about $60 in fuel. Accommodation: Mid-range hotels average roughly $180 per night, according to TimeOut, making a three-night stay around $540. Food: Setting aside $69 per day covers a variety of local favorites like Tex-Mex, barbecue and casual dining, totaling about $207 over three days, according to Budget Your Trip. Activities: While highlights such as the River Walk and The Alamo are mostly free, including museum entries and guided tours brings activity costs to approximately $100. Minneapolis Estimated Total: $920 With its blend of urban culture and abundant green spaces, Minneapolis offers an affordable and engaging getaway in the Midwest. Transportation: A 300-mile round trip drive generally costs about $60 in gas. Accommodation: Mid-range hotels typically run around $180 per night, according to Kayak adding up accommodation costs to roughly $540 for a three-night stay. Food: According to Budget Your Trip, allocating about $70 per day lets you experience local favorites such as craft breweries, diverse restaurants and casual dining, totaling roughly $210 over three days. Activities: Many parks, museums and outdoor attractions are free or low-cost, but budgeting around $110 covers extras like guided tours, bike rentals and admission fees. Washington Estimated Total: $970 With its iconic landmarks, free museums and walkable neighborhoods, Washington, D.C. offers a culturally rich experience at an affordable price. Transportation: A 300-mile round trip by car is estimated to cost about $60 in fuel. Accommodation: According to mid-range hotels average $170 per night, according to Kayak. A three-night stay comes to approximately $510. Food: A Reddit travel thread suggests budgeting around $100 per day for mid-range meals, which amounts to approximately $300 over three days. Activities: Most of the city's top attractions, including the Smithsonian museums, National Mall and monuments, are free to visit. However, setting aside about $100 allows for extras such as guided tours, museum shows, Metro passes or bike rentals. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Estimated Total: $900 Known for its stunning natural beauty and geothermal wonders, Yellowstone offers an unforgettable outdoor adventure. Transportation: A 300-mile round trip drive typically costs around $60 in gas. Entrance Fee: The park charges $35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. Outside Online Accommodation: Lodging near the park averages about $185 per night for mid-range options, according to totaling approximately $555 for three nights. Food: Budgeting about $80 per day covers meals at local diners, casual restaurants and groceries, adding up to roughly $240 over three days, according to Budget Your Trip. Activities: While many park trails and sights are free to explore, setting aside about $60 covers entrance fees, guided tours and rentals like bikes or boats. Editor's note: Rates and fees are accurate as of July 28, 2025 and are subject to change. Gas prices are based on AAA's July 2025 national average of $3.16 per gallon. More From GOBankingRates Mark Cuban Warns of 'Red Rural Recession' -- 4 States That Could Get Hit Hard 6 Big Shakeups Coming to Social Security in 2025 The 5 Car Brands Named the Least Reliable of 2025 This article originally appeared on This Is What a $1,000 Summer Vacation Looks Like in 5 US Cities Solve the daily Crossword
The Guardian
3 days ago
- The Guardian
The kindness of strangers: we broke down in the outback and a retired mechanic came to our rescue
It was 2003 and the Peter Falconio case was fresh in our minds. As 22-year-olds itching for adventure, my wife and I, and one of our closest friends, nonetheless decided to fly from the UK to Australia and spend six months road-tripping through the outback. We were driving 250km from Julia Creek to Mount Isa in Queensland, in a Ford Econovan that had seen better days. About 50km short of the town, there was a loud bang beneath the van and the fuel level started dropping rapidly. A stone had pierced the rusty petrol tank and our petrol had drained on to the road – all of it except for the spare metal jerrycan that we'd kept for emergencies. The van quickly stopped running. But to our unbelievable good luck, we were only about 100 metres from a rest stop, to which we pushed the van in the baking morning heat. Parked in the rest stop was a new, high-spec camper van. With recent news headlines in mind, we were apprehensive about approaching a stranger in the middle of nowhere – we'd spooked ourselves out a couple of times already on the trip – but we didn't have many options. We knocked on the door to be greeted by a barrel-chested Aussie halfway through having a shave. We asked for any suggestions as we were in dire straits. In another moment of unbelievable good luck, the man turned out to be a retired mechanic, who fixed the jerrycan to the engine. That held long enough for us to get the van to Mount Isa where he and his wife very kindly followed us – almost another three hours' drive away – to make sure we didn't get taken advantage of by the local mechanic. We bought the man, whose name was Pete, a pack of XXXX Gold beer to say thanks. I distinctly remember him downing one, opening a second, and downing that too. Pete and his wife told us they had kids who were travelling in England at the time and they would have wanted strangers to help them if they needed it. We got extremely lucky with Pete and his wife. If they hadn't been there, we would have been very stuck without a clue what to do, on a blisteringly hot day. It made us vow to do the same if we were ever in a position to help. From making your day to changing your life, we want to hear about chance encounters that have stuck with you. Your contact details are helpful so we can contact you for more information. They will only be seen by the Guardian. Your contact details are helpful so we can contact you for more information. They will only be seen by the Guardian. If you're having trouble using the form click here. Read terms of service here and privacy policy here
The Guardian
3 days ago
- The Guardian
The kindness of strangers: we broke down in the outback and a retired mechanic came to our rescue
It was 2003 and the Peter Falconio case was fresh in our minds. As 22-year-olds itching for adventure, my wife and I, together with one of our closest friends, nonetheless decided to fly from the UK to Australia and spend six months road-tripping through the outback. We were driving 250km from Julia Creek to Mount Isa in Queensland, in a Ford Econovan that had seen better days. About 50km short of the town, there was a loud bang beneath the van and the fuel level started dropping rapidly. A stone had pierced the rusty fuel tank and our petrol had drained on to the road – all of it except for the spare metal jerrycan that we'd kept for emergencies. The van quickly stopped running. But to our unbelievable good luck, we were only about 100 metres from a rest stop, to which we pushed the van in the baking morning heat. Parked in the rest stop was a new, high-spec camper van. With recent news headlines in mind, we were apprehensive about approaching a stranger in the middle of nowhere – we'd spooked ourselves out a couple of times already on the trip – but we didn't have many options. We knocked on the door to be greeted by a barrel-chested Aussie halfway through having a shave. We asked for any suggestions as we were in dire straits. In another moment of unbelievable good luck, the man turned out to be a retired mechanic, who fixed the jerrycan to the engine. That held long enough for us to get the van to Mount Isa where he and his wife very kindly followed us – almost another three hours' drive away – to make sure we didn't get taken advantage of by the local mechanic. We bought the man, whose name was Pete, a pack of XXXX Gold beer to say thanks. I distinctly remember him downing one, opening a second, and downing that too. Pete and his wife told us they had kids who were travelling in England at the time and they would have wanted strangers to help them if they needed it. We got extremely lucky with Pete and his wife. If they hadn't been there, we would have been very stuck without a clue what to do, on a blisteringly hot day. It made us vow to do the same if we were ever in a position to help. From making your day to changing your life, we want to hear about chance encounters that have stuck with you. Your contact details are helpful so we can contact you for more information. They will only be seen by the Guardian. Your contact details are helpful so we can contact you for more information. They will only be seen by the Guardian. If you're having trouble using the form click here. Read terms of service here and privacy policy here
