There’s nothing more exciting than heading out into the open road with your loved ones.
Whether you’re taking a six-hour drive or going on a cross-country journey, a road trip is the perfect opportunity to kick back, relax, and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of different places.
That being said, road trips do tend to be lengthy, which means you’re going to be sitting in a vehicle for a good number of hours. This can take a toll on your body and may leave you exhausted before you reach any destination.
Plus, travel mishaps—like running short on cash or getting lost—can cause even more stress on a long trip. To prevent all of this, be sure to properly prepare before hitting the road.
If you need more guidance during your preparations, below are a few tips to help you survive those long journeys on the road.
Wear Comfortable Clothes And Shoes
Carefully choose the kinds of clothes and footwear you’ll be wearing during your road trip. The quality of your outfits can affect your level of comfort during a long drive.
Bulky clothes often feel stifling, while tight garments tend to limit your range of movement. Since you’ll be sitting down for long periods, you’ll want to avoid these discomforts as much as possible.
Pick out clothes that are comfortable, lightweight, and functional. Try pieces made from soft and breathable fabrics like cotton and polyester.
Stretchable garments are also ideal, as they’re comfortable and easy to move around in. For example, you can try wearing jean leggings on your next trip. They look exactly like denim jeans, but aren’t as heavy and thick. They’re also made from soft and elastic fabric, so you can stay cozy all day long.
As for your footwear, be sure to wear shoes that are comfy and supportive. They should allow you to walk or run when needed, especially if you want to explore the terrain. For this reason, a pair of flat-heeled shoes are a great choice. Closed-toed shoes are also recommended, as they’ll provide your feet with extra coverage and protection.
Remember, footwear like sneakers, ballet flats, and loafers are perfect for most road trips.
Pack A Jacket Or Blanket
The temperature within your vehicle can get quite chilly, especially if the majority of your travel companions prefer it that way. Rather than shivering throughout your trip, pack a jacket or light blanket before you hit the road. This way, you can stay toasty without needing to adjust the thermostat. Fleece blankets are particularly great for napping, as they’re very soft and compact. Additionally, if you decide to bring a jacket, consider picking one with a hoodie and water-resistant fabric. It’ll not only keep you insulated, but also dry during rainy weather.
Stay Cool With A Handheld Fan
On the other hand, it can also get quite hot inside your vehicle, especially if you’re traveling in the summer or touring through a desert area. In these circumstances, the air conditioning may not be strong enough to keep you from sweating. This is why it’s best to keep a handheld fan in your bag, so you can quickly bring it out whenever you need to stay cool. It also comes in handy when you’re doing physical activities or visiting outdoor destinations like the beach.
Bring Extra Cushions
Being stuck in one position for too long can strain your body, causing muscle aches and soreness. Hence, it’s a good idea to bring some extra cushions with you during your travels. A neck pillow, a lumbar pillow, and a seat cushion are the perfect trio to pack for your trip. They provide cushioning for areas of your body that usually experience muscle strain during long drives, like your neck, back, and hips. Try to find cushions made from memory foam, as this material instantly molds to the shape of your body, providing it with perfect support.
Use Skin Care Products
You’ll still need to keep your skin protected while you’re out and about, even if you’re inside a closed vehicle. After all, the air conditioning can easily dry up your skin and strip away its natural oils. This is why your face might feel dry, itchy, or irritated after a long trip. To stop this from happening, be sure to pack and apply some moisturizer.
Your skin can also experience sun damage through UV rays that enter your vehicle’s window. This kind of damage can cause your skin to develop lines, wrinkles, sunburns, and sun spots. Hence, it’s a good idea to bring and apply light sunscreen as well.
Prepare Nutritious Snacks And Water
You might be tempted to pack some junk food and soda for your trip. However, consuming sugary drinks and salty food isn’t as fun as it seems. Health experts say that too much sodium and sugar can actually cause fatigue and dehydration, two things that you definitely don’t want to experience on a long journey.
That’s why it’s best to prepare nutritious snacks that can keep you energized yet satisfied. Foods like fresh fruits, granola bars, nuts, and cheese are not only delicious and portable, but also packed with plenty of vitamins and minerals. As for beverages, replace sugary and caffeine-rich sodas with lots of water. Keep it in a big reusable tumbler so you can fill it up whenever the opportunity arises.
Take Breaks
Make sure to plan a few bathroom breaks during your road trip. Although these breaks will take up some of your travel time, you definitely shouldn’t skip them. Besides allowing you to use the restroom, you can also use these breaks to stretch, walk around, and take in the sights.
Remember, continuously sitting down for hours can lead to health conditions like blood clots and poor blood circulation. With this in mind, do try to make stops every three to five hours. If you’re really on a tight schedule, try to find the time to step out of your vehicle for at least a few minutes.
Keep Some Cash with You
One of the worst things that can happen during your travels is running short on cash. While credit cards are convenient, they may not be accepted in certain places like small towns and gas stations. To better prepare for these kinds of situations, it’s best to carry enough cash with you during your trip.
Prepare Physical Copies Of Your Routes
Thanks to mobile GPS systems, travelers can find their way to their destinations without much trouble. However, there are instances where GPS may fail you. For instance, your GPS software might malfunction or you may lose cell signal in the middle of your trip.
That’s why it’s best to prepare some backup directions beforehand, like printed maps or road atlases. This way, you can continue your journey without any delays or interruptions.
Final Thoughts
Road trips are meant to be fun and memorable, provided that you take the necessary steps to prepare for them.
No matter where you’re headed, packing the right items and having good travel habits will ensure that you stay comfortable throughout your adventures.
