Image credit: Route 66 by Chuck Coker via Flickr
Traveling is tons of fun. Long drives? Not so much. Hopefully someone will figure out teleportation soon! Until then, here are nine ways to make long drives more comfortable (#7 sounds so obvious but no one does it!).
1. Use cruise control.
Cruise control saves money on gas. The more consistent your speed, the better your fuel economy. Just make sure to follow the speed limit so you don’t get a ticket!
2. Pack healthy snacks.
Sugar and fast food will make your stomach hurt. Protein and fiber will give you a steady flow of energy. Nuts, berries, bananas, apples, carrots, and yogurt are smart choices.
3. Drink plenty of water.
Dehydration can result in fatigue and a poor mood. Bring a travel bottle and fill it up every time you stop at a rest area. You will feel a lot better for it!
4. Stop every hour or two.
A lot of people brag about how quickly they can reach their destination (usually comes from men — maybe it’s a “tough guy” thing?). I’d rather take my time and enjoy the drive. There is nothing “fun” about pushing your bladder past its breaking point.
5. Get a good night’s sleep.
If you drive sleepy, then you might as well be drunk. I’m not being dramatic. Science says it’s true. It can be hard to fall asleep when you’re excited for a trip, but do your best. Turn off your phone, stay away from the computer, and unwind with a bubble bath or good book.
6. Don’t count on the radio.
It’s fun to check out radio stations in different states… but it gets old when you start hearing the same songs over and over again. Bring some CD’s or audiobooks to keep things interesting. If you’re traveling with friends or family, make a playlist together.
7. Check your seat position.
Play with the seat settings until you figure out what’s most comfortable. You should be able to see the road and rear-view mirrors without straining your neck. Your spine should be relatively straight. If you have achy joints, check out these tips.
8. Stretch anything that’s stiff.
If you’re traveling cross country, you’re going to get stiff at some point. That’s okay. You can work it out! Stop every hour or two. Take a walk. Do some push-ups. Play tag with your kids. You could pack a yoga mat and do a few poses on the grass. Have fun with it!
9. Wear your most comfy outfit.
Why should you dress to impress when you’re going to be in your car for most of the day? Wear pajamas or gym shorts or whatever makes you feel comfortable. You can change your clothes when you get to the hotel.
Talk to me.
How do you make long drives more comfortable? Tell us in the comments. Please share this post on Facebook so your friends can have better road trips, too. 🙂
Women AUTO Know 