Before you hit the open road, there are a few things you need to take into consideration. By planning ahead, you can make sure your road trip is both cozy and comfortable. After all, for travelers who love road trips, it’s the journey that’s the real attraction!
What To Pack: Essentials for Comfort
If you’ve been on a road trip before, chances are there was that moment when you realized packing one or two more things would have made all the difference. This time around, make sure you pack the essentials for comfort. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Eye mask – When you aren’t at the wheel and need to relax on a sunny day, one of these will guarantee you can rest up before the next stop.
Water/Water Bottle – Avoid a pile of plastic bottles piling up by the end of the day. Pack a reusable water bottle you can refill along the way. Stay stocked on water by the jug.
Sunglasses – Keep the sun out of your eyes and avoid squinting for hours on end.
Snacks – If you’re prone to hunger pangs, pack a few snacks that will tide you over until the next meal. Packing before you leave means your selections won’t depend on what’s available along the way, and you can bring what really satiates you.
Blankets and Pillow – Bring your coziest, most comfortable blanket and pillow. Some long road trips can feel like a never-ending slumber party if you have the right supplies.
Headphones – If you’re traveling with friends or family, it’s always nice to be able to have some alone time listening to your favorite tunes or podcasts.
How to Sleep Comfortably: Staying Rested on the Road
How and where you’ll be sleeping on your road trip will depend on what you’ve got planned and how you travel.
Traveling by Car
If you’re road tripping in a car, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to sleep. Try and plan your route so that you’ll have at least one stop at a hotel or campground. This will give you a chance to break up the drive and get some rest.
If time allows, don’t treat your stops as just places to pass the night. Arrive with enough time to get settled in and have dinner before turning in for the night. That way, you’ll wake up refreshed and ready to carry on with your journey.
While traveling, take breaks often and make a point to check if the driver needs rest. If you’ve packed some cozy pillows and blankets, stopping for some sleep should be a comfortable experience.
Traveling by RV
If you’re road-tripping in an RV, your sleep options are a little more flexible. You can either drive all day and find a place to stay at night or break up the journey with some scenic stops along the way. The most important thing for sleeping when traveling by RV on a long road trip is having a quality RV mattress. Gel memory foam RV mattresses are by far the most praised choice. Investing in one of these will pay off when it comes time to hit the hay.
How to Plan the Route: Staying Scenic
When planning your route, consider taking the scenic way. This doesn’t mean you have to drive off the beaten path. You’d be surprised how a road that takes only 30 minutes more can lead to a whole day of sightseeing. National forests, state parks, and small, historic towns all make for great pit stops. If you plan to pass sites like these along the way, your rest stops will be more enjoyable, and you’ll have something to look forward to outside of getting from point A to point B.
At the End of the Day, Safety Is Key
No matter how you plan your road trip, always remember to keep safety a priority. Life on the road has enough challenges; don’t make staying safe one of them.
Stay rested. Drowsy driving causes over 20,000 crashes a year in the U.S.
Have a thorough check-up done on your vehicle to avoid any surprises on the road.
Keep your phone charged in case of an emergency.
Conclusion
By following these tips, you can make sure your road trip is both comfortable and fun. Happy travels, and stay cozy out there!
