Long car journeys are an inevitable part of every driver’s life that they dread. Whether on the way to a new site in your campervan, road tripping for the summer with a caravan in tow or on a road trip to your holiday destination, long journeys can be tiring and frustrating. If you like to travel and experience new places then you will be well acquainted with road rage, endless tarmac and how it feels when everyone else in the car falls asleep apart from you. Long distance trips aren’t all bad and there are definitely fun times to be had during the journey if it benefits from proper planning. The key to all good adventures is a solid plan, whether that includes being in the driver’s seat of a Volkswagen van, being a passenger or making the playlist for the journey it’s a combined effort to make it as enjoyable as possible. We have compiled a list of some of our top tips to help you make the most of your long journeys.
- Keep your car in good condition
Getting your car services regularly and ensuring it is used frequently is the key to having an efficient car, it ensures that any issues are caught before they worsen and can increase the confidence in the journey. A few things to check before setting off on your journey are the oil, water and fuel levels. Ensuring that your tyres are at the correct pressure and that all the lights on the car are working will help to avoid the most common causes of breakdowns. A trip being cut short or waiting hours for a repair for something as miniscule as a popped tyre can really bring the mood of everyone down.
- Be well rested
It’s very important to begin your trip with a clear mind and well rested body. There is nothing worse than feeling tired when driving, it is an exercise that needs your full undivided attention because you not only have to think about your own driving, but also second guess the driving of others around you. The driver is responsible for the lives of the other people in the car and the more tired you are the less you are paying attention to the road! Ensure to get at least eight hours of sleep for two consecutive nights before the journey! Planning ahead is key.
- Plan your stops
Long road trips can affect your patience, lucidity and fondness for the people on the journey with you, but one thing most people forget is that it can also affect your limbs. Plan your stops so that you are able to get out of the car every two hours or so; whether this is for a toilet break or to have a meal to re-fuel is entirely up to you, however it can break the journey up better if the stops include a new interesting place or tourist attraction to see so as to make the most of the road trip.
- Stay entertained
Long drives mean being stuck inside a small space with the same people for a prolonged period. This can lead to bickering, arguments and stony silences, but it can also lead to laughter, fun and bonding. This all depends on the atmosphere within the car, having magazines, books, a playlist and puzzles readily available within the car can help to keep spirits high and not make the journey feel even longer. Old fashioned games like eye-spy are always well received and get the whole family involved in a guessing game.
- Keep your brain stimulated
By ensuring that your brain is still working you are helping to keep it alert rather than just lifelessly driving without giving it much thought. Audio books are a brilliant way to stay alert without creating a dangerous distraction as there is enough of a storyline to keep you perplexed, but it does not involve your whole attention to listen. Listening to comedic books can help hugely as laughing will help to keep the mood light-hearted.
- Hydration is key
Keeping the supply of water within the car high at all times is important. Water helps with energy levels and it can often be hot travelling in a full vehicle for long periods of time. The other side of this is that it will inevitably lead to needing more toilet breaks. When planning your journey time always allow for at least 30 minutes extra time for unscheduled stops and any traffic you could run into on the way.
The most important part is to remember to enjoy yourself; long drives are one of the best ways to relax and often make for some of the best memories and funny stories to tell at a later date.