5 Road Trip Hacks to Make Your Journey More Comfortable and Relaxing

When it comes to traveling from A to B, there is nothing quite like hitting the open road and going on an adventure of a lifetime. Whether you’re only heading an hour away, or crossing states, it’s important that you plan your route in advance to ensure your journey goes off without a hitch.

Before getting behind the wheel, here are some useful hacks on how to make your road trip more comfortable and relaxing.

Plan Your Route

The last thing you want is to be halfway into the journey only to find you have no idea where you are. Thanks to technology, you won’t have to worry about this scenario. As long as you have a sat nav device or use your smartphone, you will have your route all laid out for you. But it is also a good idea to have a traditional map in case you run out of battery on your devices.

Before you head off on your road trip, it’s wise to thoroughly map out your route so you can factor in breaks and be well prepared for the journey ahead.

read a map

Keep Yourself Entertained

While you don’t need to worry too much about keeping yourself entertained if you’re only going a short distance, for those traveling hundreds of miles, you need to bring items that will keep you positive and upbeat.

When taking a break from driving, you can use this time to have a quick nap or do something that reduces stress levels.

If you’re bringing kids on the road trip, it’s wise to hand over a tablet or smartphone so they can play games and watch films.

us in australia

Don’t Drive Drowsy

It goes without saying – tiredness can kill. This means that the night before your road trip, you must get plenty of sleep. If at any point you feel sluggish or groggy, it’s time to take a break or have another driver take the wheel. To keep your energy levels up, coffee may be your best friend while on the road. Playing your favorite songs while you drive and singing along will get your mind and heart moving too. Whatever you do, you shouldn’t drive drowsy.

driving in the mountain

Plan Toilet Breaks

No one wants to be in the driving seat bursting for the toilet only to find that the nearest restroom is an hour away. Therefore, before your road trip starts, it’s important to plan for stops throughout. Make sure you build multiple stops into your timeline, especially if you have children tagging along. Regular breaks are vital for stretching your legs, using the restroom, and having some time away from driving.

road trip

Reduce Stress

While some drivers love being on the road and are in good spirits throughout the trip, others see it as a chore. If you resonate with the latter, your stress levels may rise, especially when you’re in new areas and having difficulty finding your way. Once you get in your car, there are relaxation techniques you can try out like deep breathing that should bring your stress levels down and help you feel calmer.

Whether you’re off to see family in another state, going on a staycation, or planning a camping adventure of a lifetime, being on the open road for many hours can take its toll. Therefore, making use of the hacks above will help you get the most out of your journey and ensure you arrive at your destination in good spirits.

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Lived in England since 1998 and travelled the world since 2005, visiting over 100 countries on 5 continents. Writer, blogger, photographer with a passion for adventure and travel, discovering those off beat places not yet on the tourist trail. Marco contributes the very best in independent travel tips and lifestyle articles.

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