8 Ways To Conquer Long Drives

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!