Some of us feel like the only way we can vacation is relaxing on a beach with a drink in our hand. If that’s you, you shouldn’t feel bad about it. It’s your hard earned money, so you should be doing whatever you want to do while you’re on vacation, within your budget of course. But maybe you want to do something different. You might want an adventure rather than just hanging out at the beach. For example – you could be considering a long road trip.
Maybe you want to visit all of the must-see restaurants up and down the east coast. Maybe you’re visiting far away family and want to make the journey part of the experience. Or, maybe you want to do the ‘tourist’ thing and travel down Route 66 to get the great all-American experience.
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Take a long road trip and stay comfortable
But does life on a road trip have to be so uncomfortable? We might shudder at the thought, imagining someone sleeping on a mattress in the back of their truck, perhaps only a guitar and a set of cargo shorts to keep them going. That doesn’t have to be you.
Here are some ways to make sure you’re not uncomfortable during a long road trip.
Clothing
It’s important to feel comfortable while you’re driving. So, you need to think about how your vehicle might support you during hours-long travel. If you’re not comfortable driving short distances in your car, you’re not going to want to take a road trip in it! So, once you’re able to sit comfortably, think about what you’re wearing while on your road trip. You don’t want to be dressed in uncomfortable clothes. You also want to stay within your budget if you’re purchasing clothes for your trip. Get some great deals on clothing, shoes and more here.
Think about where you’re going. What is the weather going to be like during different parts of your road trip? Cold surroundings will, of course, require you layer up. You might need to wear driving gloves and a hat if you’re headed up north to ski or see the sights. Just don’t wear anything that interferes with your ability to move and operate your vehicle correctly. Of course, the opposite holds true for warmer weather. Even if your car is air conditioned, you’re going to want to get out. You may want to wear shorts and just turn the air down a bit.
You want to wear comfortable shoes while you’re driving, but they’ve got to be safe too. I mean I can totally live in flip-flops, but they’re not a good option when you’re driving. If you’e wearing jeans, are they loose enough for you to be comfortable…even after you eat? Comfort is key.
And,make sure that you have sunglasses! You might even want to invest in prescription sunglasses if you need them. It’s important to feel comfortable. I have massive issues with sunglasses because of where they hit my head, but I know I’m always going to need them at some point during driving. So, for me, I have to try lots of different types of sunglasses, so I know I’ll be comfortable.
Packing
It’s not uncommon for people who are going on a road trip to over pack the car. It might just be that you have a lot of clothes and luggage for everyone going on the trip. Maybe you’re packing food to avoid having to purchase it on the way. However, if you and your traveling buddies have little room to breathe, or everyone needs to carry boxes on their laps, this is a sign that you packed way too much! Everyone will be very uncomfortable. On top of that, in the event of a hard stop, it’s not hard to see how this could be totally dangerous since things will fall everywhere.
For this reason alone, it can be worth purchasing a top-box, compact campers, or an extra storage utility such as a trailer to carry some of your items. Having a bike rack or a place to store all of your snowboards or skis is a good idea too. If you’re taking a long road trip, not having to sit with all of your personal belongings in the car will help you feel much more comfortable.
Cleanliness
Make sure your vehicle is clean before you leave. If it smells, if the windows are dirty, if there is trash all over the floor, no one is going to be happy! Make sure it’s clean before you leave on your road trip. Also, you need to be sure your vehicle maintenance is taken care of first. Do you need to have your oil changed? How’s the tire pressure? Furthermore, it’s best to ensure the vehicle is checked all over by a reputable garage before heading on a long road trip. If you’re not entirely sure that the vehicle is in perfect condition before leaving, then you might find yourself broken down somewhere very remote where you have no cell signal.
Ground Rules
As the driver, or perhaps the owner of the vehicle, it is essential to put some ground rules in place. Driving long hours can make anyone tired or irritable. You needn’t be mean about it, but making sure everyone is on the same page can be essential.
Make sure that everyone knows that they’re in charge of their own trash! If you’re eating on the road, toss out the trash at your next rest stop. If you’ve got little kids, make sure they know that fighting won’t be tolerated. Don’t you remember your parents threatening to pull the car over if you didn’t stop fighting?! If you don’t like loud music, tell your teenagers that they’ve got to use headphones. Just make sure that everyone knows the rules and that the rules stand.
Take turns driving
It is important to take breaks from driving. Either take regular breaks, stop off in a location for an afternoon, rest overnight, or take turns driving. Never be afraid to stop for any reason to take a break, or take the evening off. Your safety is too important!
With these tips, you are sure to enjoy a comfortable long road trip.
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