Road trips can be a thrilling, enjoyable experience, but what happens when aches, pains, and weariness disrupt an otherwise pleasant trip? Here’s how to stay comfortable during long road trips, so you can make your next journey into the unknown hassle-free.
Keep Comfortable
Pick the Right Clothing
In order to stay comfortable during long road trips, you’ll want to dress appropriately for the weather. Put on your fuzziest sweater, or for the summer, bring out your coolest shorts. Don’t wear anything that’s too tight or restricts your movement—loose-fitting apparel is ideal for long road trips.
Make Sure Your Vehicle Is Well-Equipped
Wearing the right clothing isn’t the only way you can protect yourself from the weather. When it’s cold out, be sure to keep blankets close by, and if it’s balmy, consider investing in handheld or clip-on fans and spray bottles. These will help keep you cool.
If you’re driving, comfort is important. To prevent painful neck cramps, consider bringing along a foam neck pillow. If you take road trips often, you might want to consider investing in some comfortable seat covers. They’ll add a soft padding to your previously stiff seat and help protect your car from spills, scratches, and other wear and tear.
Bring Snacks
Don’t forget the snacks or the drinks, either. Staying full and hydrated is crucial to making your road trip experience painless. If you can, try replacing sugar-loaded junk food and sodas with healthier alternatives. String cheese, celery sticks, peanut butter, and trail mixes are good options for snacks, while water and electrolyte-packed drinks can swap out carbonated beverages. The occasional snack will keep your body happy and alert.
Have Fun
Go out of your way to make the trip enjoyable. Bring along an exciting audiobook or play your favorite music over the radio. Singing at the top of your lungs isn’t only fun, but it can help keep you awake. If you’ve got a hankering for knowledge, try listening to an instructional language audio program. By the time you arrive at your destination, you’ll have some fun new words and phrases to try out.
If you’re traveling in a group, don’t be silent! Chat with your passengers, and if you can, try to come up with some interesting road games. For parents traveling with kids, some extra entertainment, no matter how simple, can go a long way.
Stop and Stretch
If you’re starting to feel sluggish, don’t push yourself. The foggy mind you get from exhaustion encourages poor decision making, which could contribute to an accident.
Don’t be afraid to pull over and take a break, or if applicable, switch control of the vehicle to someone else. Stop for a cup of coffee, if you can, chew some gum, or park your vehicle and rest. Road trips aren’t a race. Slow down, take breaks if needed, and enjoy the ride.
Road trips don’t need to be uncomfortable. Whether it’s equipping your car with the right gear, wearing your favorite clothes, belting along to your favorite songs, or taking a well-deserved nap, there are plenty of ways to make road trips painless and stress-free. All it requires is a little bit of extra preparation.
Van Rundell is a writer and author who specializes in transportation, travel, guidance, health & fitness. With over 10 years of experience in the industry as a driver and an entrepreneur, he has seen it all. His tone is professional but friendly with a dash of humor thrown in for good measure. In past, he has been advising, educating and writing about transport for the public and professionals alike.
A qualified fitness instructor with over 5 years’ experience as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, Van brings his deep knowledge of health and exercise science to his articles on health & fitness.
