If there is one thing that I know for sure, its how to survive a long drive. The drive from my family home in Maine, to JMU in Virginia is about 12 hours including three stops and I have done it more times that I can count. I have tried every which way to make the ride better, some of which actually helped and some made the ride worse. I am sharing what I have learned in hopes that it will help someone else!
1 // Take good snacks // Although I am sure fruits and vegetables keep you feeling great, the one snack that I always have on hand during a long drive is sour patch kids. Yes, I know its random, but when I am feeling tired I just snack on a few and I swear the sourness perks me back up. I would tell you that one time, on a drive home, I only had a whole bag sour patch kids and three Dunkin' Donuts iced coffees...but why would I scare you like that?!
2 // Download an audiobook // I know a lot of people enjoy Audible.com, but did you know your kindle has a "read to me" feature? That means most of the books you buy can be read aloud.
3 // Break out that mixtape // you know that one you made as a freshman in high school. Sing your heart out!
4 // Plan out your stops ahead of time // I always stop at the same three places that I know are well lit and safe for a young woman traveling by herself. If you are traveling with others, then you don't have to worry about this as much...but its something to think about!
5 // Dress comfortable // While you won't be doing any physical activity, wear those yoga pants and sneakers!
6 // Be careful about who you bring with you // This sounds weird, but I just mean that if you aren't a fan of small talk, then don't get stuck in a car with someone who you feel like you need to have small talk with for hours on end. As someone who isn't a fan of small talk, I have learned to be cautious about this...In some cases I truly enjoyed the peace that driving solo can bring!
7 // Review your route before you get in the car // GPSs are great, but I always make sure I have an idea of what my route is even if I know I am going to have my Maps app on during my drive.
8 // Get a good night's sleep before the drive // I hope this would be assumed, but it really does make a difference...trust me!
Let me know if you have any tried and true tips that your swear by for long drives!
6 // Be careful about who you bring with you // This sounds weird, but I just mean that if you aren't a fan of small talk, then don't get stuck in a car with someone who you feel like you need to have small talk with for hours on end. As someone who isn't a fan of small talk, I have learned to be cautious about this...In some cases I truly enjoyed the peace that driving solo can bring!
7 // Review your route before you get in the car // GPSs are great, but I always make sure I have an idea of what my route is even if I know I am going to have my Maps app on during my drive.
8 // Get a good night's sleep before the drive // I hope this would be assumed, but it really does make a difference...trust me!
Let me know if you have any tried and true tips that your swear by for long drives!
Ahh Sour Patch Kids & Coke are my go-to snacks on a long drive. (Super healthy I know ;) ) Great tips!
ReplyDeleteYou nailed it, lady! I've done quite a few long trips and all of these are important.
ReplyDeleteComfort, rest stops and good tunes. And SNACKS!! :)
ReplyDeleteAudio books and snacks are life savers on long drives!
ReplyDeleteFruits and veggies are good... but not for road trips!! We always take Pringles and gummy worms so I totally get ya! And leggings are a must ;)
ReplyDeletelol this one time my kindle (it's an older one) read aloud and it pronounced hmmm like 'h m m m m m m' if that makes sense. it's not as funny when i write it lol.
ReplyDeleteseriously, the people you are with can really make or break it! especially if they have different ideas on what is 'cold' or 'hot' as in could you please roll the window up, i am flipping freezing!
i am all about the bad snacks for road trips. no shame in my game.
Good music is soooo necessary. I love breaking out the mix CDs I had in high school and reminiscing, haha. Great tips!
ReplyDeleteThe longest we've ever been on the road is 5 hours...but I want to Montreal next year and that's close to 7 hours away...i'll need these tips! xo, Biana -BlovedBoston
ReplyDeleteWe have a 10+ hour drive so these are definitely helpful. Thanks girl
ReplyDeletehttp://makingrestorations.blogspot.com
OMG I'm literally going to be on a road trip from San Francisco to Las Vegas tomorrow this post is so helpful! thank you for sharing:) Do you want to support each others blog by following each other? Please let me know so I can follow you right back:)
ReplyDeletexoxo
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