Tips to survive a road trip

When planning a road trip, keep these road trip recommendations in mind so you can arrive at your destination safely and comfortably. You must plan ahead of time for your road trip, and we don’t just mean packing. When travelers haven’t prepared for the endurance needs of a long journey, “highway hypnosis” is extremely prevalent.

According to a survey conducted by mattress company Sleepy’s, more than 60% of drivers admit to driving while inebriated.With that in mind, you should take efforts to prepare for lengthy drives before getting behind the wheel, as well as to stay attentive and energized throughout your journey. These long-distance driving suggestions will come in handy. So, these are some tips to survive a road tip.

Before your trip, get plenty of rest

Consider tiredness before you go on your adventure, not afterward. To build up your energy reserves, get at least seven hours of sleep for two nights before the road trip. It’s ideal to begin in the morning, after a restful night’s sleep, rather than after a long, exhausting day at work (unless you plan to stop). 

To stay fresh and awake, take frequent breaks along the journey, perhaps every 100 miles or two hours. “Also, avoid driving during the hours of 1 and 3 p.m., when the body temperature is lower and individuals are naturally drowsy,” says Dr. Michael Breus, The Sleep Doctor.

Make a playlist

According to me, this is the most important tip to survive a road trip. Local radio can be a fantastic medium (or just plain hilarious). However, it can become tedious after a while. 

Welcome to the ultimate road trip playlist! Before you leave, make sure you’ve created and downloaded a Spotify playlist with all of your favorite songs. Don’t be scared to let your hair down and belt out all of your favorite songs.

Take along some nutritious road trip snacks

Carrying a range of vitamin-rich, healthful meals with you will allow you to survive the lengthy drive on smaller snacks while avoiding fast-food stops. 

“Carrots and almonds are my favorite for staying alert,” says Gretchen Breuner, travel blogger and author of The RoadScholarz: Lessons from the Scenic Route.

Keep yourself hydrated

For optimal energy, keep the water supply well-stocked. “Of course, the negative is that you’ll have to make more restroom stops,” adds Breuner, who traveled to 19 states in three months with her family in an RV. 

Make a list of your rest stops

One of the most important road trip advice, according to our experts, is to get out of the car and stretch your legs every two hours or so. 

Schedule these pauses into your long journey, whether they coincide with mealtimes or are timed to allow you to see intriguing sights.

Gum chewing

The technique is repeated over and over, which improves circulation and attentiveness. Breus, a fellow of The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and author of Good Night: 

The Sleep Doctor’s 4-Week Program to Better Sleep and Better Health, believes that you don’t need the sugary variety to obtain the intended effect.

Use smells that are invigorating

Breus also suggests keeping a source of peppermint fragrance close while traveling long distances. 

Take a whiff whenever you need a pick-me-up. He describes it as a “pleasant, all-natural pick-me-up” that has been proved to relieve weariness and improve attentiveness.

Straighten your back

This is a very important tip to survive a road trip. Make sure your seat is appropriately set for your body, and that it is slanted for maximum blood flow. Sit up if you feel a driving “trance” coming on. Elaine Masters, author of Drivetime Yoga:

Yoga Benefits in the Convenience of Your Car, recommends taking a deep breath and scanning your body for stress. “For example, if your right hip hurts, bend to the opposite side.”

Keep passengers amused

Long car rides, especially with children, are prone to squabbles. Driver weariness is a result of this type of annoyance. So keep the kids occupied with books, puzzles, and other time-killing activities. 

Road trip activities, such as “find the license plate,” on the other hand, are fantastic for keeping everyone engaged with one another.

Take use of audio books

Audio novels keep the brain engaged without being a hazard to one’s health. Breus suggests reading comedic literature or even listening to comedy CDs. “Laughing will keep you awake,” he claims.

These long-distance driving recommendations might help you and your vehicle stay safe on the road. Check out these some safe driving habits for more defensive driving advice. Your insurance coverage, in addition to good driving habits, is critical to your safety when driving. Learn more about Nationwide’s auto insurance coverage, including Roadside Assistance option.

Include an emergency kit in your bag

Make sure to carry an emergency kit for your road trip. Accidents do take place. You must be prepared, especially if you are traveling a long distance and may be a long way from home or your next destination. That is why you should always bring an emergency kit with you on a long vehicle trip.

Make sure you have a first-aid kit, a roadside safety kit, water, blankets, a jerry can, and a flashlight (accidents happen at all hours of the day and night!). It’s wise to be prepared in case the worst happens.

Use navigation

When travelling long distances, the last thing you want to do is get lost in the middle of nowhere. Make use of the navigation.

When you have such a lengthy voyage ahead of you, it’s pointless to predict and end up stressed. You can choose from a variety of fantastic navigation apps. 

Create your budget

When driving a long distance, you want to be able to concentrate on the road ahead of you rather than on your finances.

Making a budget before you leave will guarantee that you have everything covered. One of my favorite tips to survive a road trip is this one.

Ensure that your essential documents are ready

Prepare all of the important paperwork you’ll require. This includes things like roadside assistance, a driver’s license, car insurance, and your owner’s manual.

 If you don’t have your license, being pulled over by the police may be a lot more problematic than it has to be, and the last thing you want is for your vacation to be entirely disrupted as a result of something like this.