Whether you're looking for adventure on the road or want to save on airfare by packing your family in the minivan, long trips don't have to be painful. Sure, you might be stuck in the same place for a long time, but with a little planning and the right equipment, you can bet that you'll soon be singing your favorite songs for hours. Here are some of the best ways to make your trip more comfortable. And if you're bringing the kids, you might also want to check out our family travel survival guide.
Set a reasonable schedule
When you have hours of travel ahead of you, it's easy to become overly anxious. Don't sacrifice security for your program. Waking up too early or too late on the road causes drowsiness while driving and irritates passengers. Plan a realistic departure time, get plenty of rest before your trip, and take a night off if you feel too tired.
Stretch your legs
Allow yourself to drive to places worth visiting or simply have need a break from driving: on longer journeys it is important to plan stops. This is even more true if you are accompanied by children. Getting out of the car to stretch, go to the bathroom and walk may seem like a waste of time, but it's worth taking a break that can extend beyond the expected duration.
Buy support accessories
Just because you're not paying for an expensive plane ticket, you can't save a little and invest in your comfort. . Whether it's a back support product like a lumbar pillow or something as simple as a blanket so you don't have to fight for ambient cabin temperature, the right equipment can make all the difference. For added convenience, cup holders and multiple charging ports can also help keep your car safely connected.
1. Get enough sleep before the run.
Think about tiredness before the run, not after. Before your trip, sleep at least seven hours for two consecutive nights to replenish your energy reserves. It's better to start in the morning, after a good night's sleep, than after a long, tiring day at work (unless you want to stop). Take regular breaks along the way to stay refreshed and alert, stopping about every 100 miles or two hours. “Also avoid driving between 1pm and 3pm, when body temperatures are lowest and people are naturally drowsy,” says Dr. Michael Breus.
2. Pack healthy snacks for your trip
Bringing a variety of healthy, vitamin-rich foods will allow you to opt for smaller snacks during the long trip. Avoid fast food stops. “To keep me awake, carrots and almonds are my favorite,” says blogger and travel expert Gretchen Breuner, author of The RoadScholarz: Lessons from the Scenic Route.
3. Stay hydrated
Keep your water supply well stocked for maximum energy. “A lot of trips to the bathroom are obviously a potential inconvenience,” says Breuner, who traveled through 19 states in an RV with her family in three months. For more information on what to pack for your trip, check out this list of essential items and tools to pack in your car.
4. Plan your stops
One of the most important tips for a trip is to get out of the car every two hours and stretch your legs, our experts advise. . Plan these stops during your long trip, whether it's lunch time or sightseeing.
5. Chewing gum
The repetitive process increases blood circulation and alertness. “You don't need sugar to get the desired effect,” says Breus, a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and author of “Good Night: The Sleep Doctor's 4-Week Program for Better Sleep and Better Health.”
6. Use invigorating scents
When traveling long distances, Breus also recommends having a source of minty scent nearby. If you feel like you need a boost, feel it. “It's a pleasant, all-natural stimulant that's been shown to reduce fatigue and increase alertness,” he says.
7. Sit with your back straight
Stand up - if you can ensure that the seat is precisely adapted to your body and tilted backwards for maximum circulation. If you find yourself in a “trance” while driving, sit down. “Take a deep breath and check the tension in your body,” says yoga instructor and wellness expert Elaine Masters, author of Drivetime Yoga: Benefits of Yoga from the Comfort of Your Car. "For example, if your right hip hurts, lean to the other side."
Read Also : When Is The Best Time To Travel To Puerto Rico?
Whether you're looking for adventure on the road or want to save on airfare by packing your family in the minivan, long trips don't have to be painful. Sure, you might be stuck in the same place for a long time, but with a little planning and the right equipment, you can bet that you'll soon be singing your favorite songs for hours. Here are some of the best ways to make your trip more comfortable. And if you're bringing the kids, you might also want to check out our family travel survival guide.
Set a reasonable schedule
When you have hours of travel ahead of you, it's easy to become overly anxious. Don't sacrifice security for your program. Waking up too early or too late on the road causes drowsiness while driving and irritates passengers. Plan a realistic departure time, get plenty of rest before your trip, and take a night off if you feel too tired.
Stretch your legs
Allow yourself to drive to places worth visiting or simply have need a break from driving: on longer journeys it is important to plan stops. This is even more true if you are accompanied by children. Getting out of the car to stretch, go to the bathroom and walk may seem like a waste of time, but it's worth taking a break that can extend beyond the expected duration.
Buy support accessories
Just because you're not paying for an expensive plane ticket, you can't save a little and invest in your comfort. . Whether it's a back support product like a lumbar pillow or something as simple as a blanket so you don't have to fight for ambient cabin temperature, the right equipment can make all the difference. For added convenience, cup holders and multiple charging ports can also help keep your car safely connected.
1. Get enough sleep before the run.
Think about tiredness before the run, not after. Before your trip, sleep at least seven hours for two consecutive nights to replenish your energy reserves. It's better to start in the morning, after a good night's sleep, than after a long, tiring day at work (unless you want to stop). Take regular breaks along the way to stay refreshed and alert, stopping about every 100 miles or two hours. “Also avoid driving between 1pm and 3pm, when body temperatures are lowest and people are naturally drowsy,” says Dr. Michael Breus.
2. Pack healthy snacks for your trip
Bringing a variety of healthy, vitamin-rich foods will allow you to opt for smaller snacks during the long trip. Avoid fast food stops. “To keep me awake, carrots and almonds are my favorite,” says blogger and travel expert Gretchen Breuner, author of The RoadScholarz: Lessons from the Scenic Route.
3. Stay hydrated
Keep your water supply well stocked for maximum energy. “A lot of trips to the bathroom are obviously a potential inconvenience,” says Breuner, who traveled through 19 states in an RV with her family in three months. For more information on what to pack for your trip, check out this list of essential items and tools to pack in your car.
4. Plan your stops
One of the most important tips for a trip is to get out of the car every two hours and stretch your legs, our experts advise. . Plan these stops during your long trip, whether it's lunch time or sightseeing.
5. Chewing gum
The repetitive process increases blood circulation and alertness. “You don't need sugar to get the desired effect,” says Breus, a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and author of “Good Night: The Sleep Doctor's 4-Week Program for Better Sleep and Better Health.”
6. Use invigorating scents
When traveling long distances, Breus also recommends having a source of minty scent nearby. If you feel like you need a boost, feel it. “It's a pleasant, all-natural stimulant that's been shown to reduce fatigue and increase alertness,” he says.
7. Sit with your back straight
Stand up - if you can ensure that the seat is precisely adapted to your body and tilted backwards for maximum circulation. If you find yourself in a “trance” while driving, sit down. “Take a deep breath and check the tension in your body,” says yoga instructor and wellness expert Elaine Masters, author of Drivetime Yoga: Benefits of Yoga from the Comfort of Your Car. "For example, if your right hip hurts, lean to the other side."
Read Also : When Is The Best Time To Travel To Puerto Rico?