Long road trips can be very exciting, but they come with a lot of responsibility. Safety and comfort should be the top priorities; getting to your destination is just as important as making it through the long drive it takes to get there.
While it feels great to be spontaneous, it would be in your best interest to plan in advance. Suma Performance is a top brand for performance auto parts and accessories – you should definitely check them out when prepping your car for a long trip.
Below are a few quick tips of how you can prepare for it:
Pack In Advance
Even if you are busy or feeling lazy, always pack your bags a few days before the big trip. Pack according to your plans – whether it’s a fishing trip, a wedding, a family reunion, a surf trip. Check for weather changes and bring what you need for the cold or the heat. Packing early instills a sense of calmness and preparedness and it definitely keeps you from forgetting things.
Set an Itinerary
Itineraries are very helpful to make sure you make the most of your trip. They also serve as a guide for the long drive. Plan ahead and prepare your route, know your exits, rest stops, and gas stations along the way.
Get a Headcount
The final headcount will help with fitting everyone’s bags into your car as well as the delegation of tasks. Your group can decide on who will take driving shifts, help with navigation, prepare the snacks and beverages, etc.
Doing these things will surely help you prepare for a road trip! But that’s just the first part – how about surviving the long drive itself?
Everybody knows that long drives are more fun if you are with friends, family, or your significant other. They can help the driver navigate through the freeways, take a rest stop, or handle the snacks and music.
Surviving long drives is a feat, whether you are going on a work trip or vacation. Here are ten ways to prepare for that long trip you’ve got coming up:
1. Get Plenty of Sleep Before The Drive
People underestimate the importance of sleeping eight hours each night, but this is really what doctors recommend. In order to be at your healthiest state before the drive, get at least seven hours of sleep for the days leading up to the trip. This will build up your energy reserves and boost your immune system as well. The best idea is to go early in the morning after a full night’s sleep rather than going at night after a whole day at work unless you are sharing the drive with somebody else.
2. Check Your Car Before Leaving
You never know what can happen on a long drive. Whether you have a new or an old car, mishaps and accidents can happen. It is always best to check your car at least two days before you plan to leave. Mechanics can check for anything that looks like it might give way or need replacing. This way, you don’t have to worry about any car issues when you’re headed to your destination.
3. Wear Comfortable Clothes and Shoes
Comfort is key for a long road trip, especially for the driver. Hard-soled shoes or boots are necessary; save the flip flops and open sandals for when you reach your destination. Wearing tough shoes also protects your feet in the case of accidents or if your vehicle breaks down in the middle of the night.
4. Stay Hydrated
Hydration is very important to stay awake and alert throughout the drive. Drinking water will help you focus and keep drowsiness and dehydration at bay. If you can, avoid acidic beverages like coffee or energy drinks. These will give you a burst of energy that will quickly fade. Unless you really need coffee, stick to maybe one or two cups throughout the whole drive.
5. Prepare a Healthy Snack Box
Vitamin-packed healthy foods will get you through the trip, whether you are driving or not. Smaller snacks like this will sustain your energy for longer and prevent you from getting hungry or hyperacidity while on the road. It would also be a good idea to skip the fast-food stops for snacks. The big oily meals might make you sleepy or groggy.
6. Take Rest Stops and Bathroom Breaks
Rest stops are essential! Be sure to stretch, walk, and get out of the car for a bit. It will surely help if you’ve got a great view or if it’s time to eat a full meal. Bathroom breaks are also important so be flexible to make stops whenever somebody needs to use the restroom.
7. Have a “Road Trip Playlist” at the Ready
Everybody loves listening to music and a good playlist can boost your mood during a long trip. It would be even more exciting to play songs that everybody knows, or perhaps something nostalgic, to really enjoy the drive up ahead. The music should keep you happy, help you stay awake, or be catchy enough to sing along to!
8. Listen to AudioBooks or Podcasts
Podcasts are a new form of entertainment that you can easily enjoy while driving. If you are with a group, choose an appropriate podcast that everyone can relate to and enjoy. Maybe something that suits the age group, everyone’s hobbies, or something global that will excite anybody.
9. Play Road Trip Games
An old-school form of entertainment is to play thinking and discovery games. This will come in handy if you have kids, teenagers, or a large group in your car. The most popular would be the ABC game where everyone takes turns finding all the letters in the alphabet outside the car. You can also play question-and-answer games with movies, history, and other exciting trivia.
10. Bring Flashlights, Batteries, and Chargers
Lastly, anything can happen during a long trip, especially if you are going to be on the road at night. Bring flashlights and batteries just in case you will need a light source during your drive or even on the trip. Chargers and power banks are also essential for everyone’s gadgets, especially your smartphone, speakers, laptops, or even a GPS.
These simple tips will surely help anyone get through a long drive! Take your time to prepare for the trip well and you can expect to enjoy any road trip with friends, family, a beloved pet, or even just by yourself.
