6 Best All-Time Tips for a Comfortable and Safe Road Trip

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Sometimes, all you need is to go on a long drive to get away from everything that gives you stress. Even a simple day trip can help you get things in perspective, so just imagine what you can achieve if you go on a long one.

But before you ‘keep calm and travel on’, you need to make sure that you’re comfortable and safe during these trips. To help you achieve that, try the following six best all-time road trip planning tips you should keep in mind:


Have a plan.

The best thing you can do to boost your safety on your road trip is to plan for it ahead of time. Most long-distance trips are scheduled well in advance to allow plenty of time for ironing out the details.

To begin, map out your journey. You can use a mobile app for this or even an actual paper map if you find that more convenient to use.

Remember to pick out a few alternate routes beforehand if your primary road of choice is blocked because of road repairs, an accident, or some other reason.

When you’re planning your route, make sure you find stopping points along the way. This can be a place of lodging, fuel, or even food.

Once you’re done with that, proceed to write a packing checklist for the journey. Then, build a to-do list that should include car maintenance tasks, like tyre changes, engine fixes, or even a mobile car wash, to make sure your vehicle is comfortable to ride and drive.


Sleep well before the drive.

Don’t underestimate the power of a good night’s rest. In fact, this is one of the most important things you could do to prepare for an extended drive.

Make sure you have at least seven hours of sleep for two consecutive nights. This will help you build up the energy reserves you require for the task ahead.

It also pays to schedule your road trip in the morning after sleeping the night before, instead of after an exhausting day at work. The only exception is if your travel plans involve stopping for the night in one of the stopping points you plotted earlier.

Try to avoid being on the road between midnight and 6 a.m. since this is when the body temperature drops and people feel naturally drowsy.


Inspect your car ahead of time.

Inspect your vehicle before a long drive. Like you, your car needs to be prepped for the potentially exhausting road trip.

You should also consider bringing your car to a mechanic for any necessary repairs that may hinder your car from functioning optimally. Even if there’s nothing significant to fix, it’s still best to have a trained expert eye look at the engine and other parts of the vehicle to ensure it won’t fail while on the road.

To be safe, bring your vehicle for routine maintenance and tune-up a few days before the drive.


Pay attention to the road.

Driving can sometimes come as second nature for people who’ve been behind the wheel for half their lives. However, don’t be lulled into a false sense of security, especially if you’ve been on the road continuously for an extended time.

Remember: The longer you drive, the easier it can be to lose your focus.

Adding your phone into the equation can only make things worse, so keep it away while driving. Or if you must use it, pull over.

Don’t let your mind wander into other things that won’t bring you to your destination safely.

To maintain the level of alertness required for the task, be sure to sit up straight. Before driving, adjust your seat so that your body is upright to promote optimal blood flow.

If you feel like you’re going into a driving ‘trance’, adjust your sitting position. Then, take a deep breath and make adjustments for your maximum comfort (e.g., lean slightly to the left if your right hip feels sore).

Some scents, like peppermint, can also help you stay awake and focused. The smell can serve as an all-natural pick-me-up that helps to increase alertness and reduce fatigue.

You can use a car air freshener with this scent or simply chew a minty gum. The repetitive process of chewing also helps boost alertness and blood circulation.



Take occasional breaks.

It’s also smart to take breaks at regular intervals during your drive. You can do this for every 160 kilometres you are on the road. You may also include the rest stops in your schedule in a two- or three-hour interval.

In fact, even if you’re headed somewhere that’s just one hour away, you still need to take at least one pit-stop to stretch your legs and back.

Sitting for long periods can be hard on your lower back. The compression may lead to numbness, pain, and even a tingling sensation in your legs. It can also cause your hips and neck to feel tight.

To prevent this, stop the vehicle and go out for a walk and stretch a bit once in a while.

It is also vital that you avoid pushing yourself to drive late into the night. Since night is the time when you’re usually asleep, it can be challenging to keep your eyes open behind the wheel.

If you’re feeling drowsy, consider switching drivers. If you’re the only driver, stop the vehicle and get some shuteye.




Bring first aid kits for your passengers and car.

There are two types of first aid kits you’ll need on your road trip: one for the passengers and another for your vehicle.

The kit for people must have the essential medical supplies, such as:


Bandages

Gauzes

Antiseptic

Medical tape

Cotton balls and swabs

Cold packs

Scissors and tweezers

A thermometer

Rubber gloves

Breathing barriers (e.g., surgical mask)

You’ll also need to bring emergency medicines for cough and colds, pain, fever, and stomach ache. Don’t forget anti-allergy medications and other maintenance drugs you need for some chronic ailments, like diabetes, asthma, and hypertension.

For your car, a first aid kit basically means your mechanic’s toolbox that should contain:

Screwdrivers

Hex keys

Wrenches

Pliers

Duct Tape

Box cutter

Tyre gauge

Portable air pump

Tyre jack

Multi-tool

You must also have a fire extinguisher, road reflectors, jumper cables, and a window breaker or seatbelt cutter. And don’t forget your spare tyres in case you’re somewhere that a mobile service cannot reach for tyre change.

Also, bring the following extra car supplies in case you run out while on the road:


Brake fluid

Engine oil

Coolant

Windshield washer fluid

Power steering fluid

Transmission fluid


Drive Safely and Comfortably

Long drives can provide you with much-needed stress relief when planned right.

Follow the tips listed in this article to ensure you stay safe and comfortable during your road trip.