How to have the trip of a lifetime, even if it feels like it takes a lifetime to get there
There is so much to love about traveling. From famous landmarks to local attractions, from parks to museums, from roller coasters to bookstores, regardless of your tastes, you can always find something interesting to see or do. But, of course, you have to get there first, and as much as people enjoy arriving at their destination, it’s the “getting there” part that can be tough. If you have a long ride ahead of you, these tips can help make it much more tolerable.
Keep the food handy
Food is perhaps the most important thing to think about when it comes to a long trip. Clearly, being in an RV gives you an advantage over other vehicles, as you get to drive around with a refrigerator and cabinets. This means that you’ll never need to stop to eat if you don’t want to (though we don’t recommend the driver eating a full-fledged meal while driving).
The better option may be to stop for lunch or dinner, but keep yourself going with snacks the rest of the time. Protein bars, jerky, and trail mix are all good options that supply a nice little pick-me-up. If you’re looking to save money, there are tons of snacks you can make before you set out. Also be sure to have sweets on hand, especially if you’ll be traveling with children. You’d be amazed at how patient kids can be if they know they’re getting a cookie soon.
Keep the stereo up
Long stretches on the road can get boring, especially if there’s not much to see out the windows. When things get dull, it’s time to crank up the tunes. Whether you want to listen to local stations, satellite radio, or your own playlist, music can make you feel good, help you stay alert, and perhaps even encourage a sing-along.
If you’re not a huge music fan or want to listen to something else, be sure to pack plenty of audiobooks. No matter the genre, subject matter, or author, there are tons of stories to help pass the time. If current events are more your thing, you might want to put a podcast playlist together that you can listen to through your phone or tablet (or stereo, if applicable).
Keep the conversation going
One of the nicest things about taking a group trip is getting to spend time with one another, and you’ll certainly have lots of it between destinations. If you’ll be traveling with friends you don’t see very often, this gives you a great opportunity to catch up and reminisce.
If this is a family trip, being in a confined space for many hours may not sound too appealing, but it can actually lead to a terrific bonding experience. With work, school, sports, and a hundred other things, most families hardly see each other during the average day. A long road trip could be the perfect chance for everyone to reconnect. And if the conversation lags, you could always play a game.
Keep comfortable
Because you’ll be driving for long stretches, comfort is important, and not just for the driver. Everyone should wear clothing and shoes that are not too tight or restrictive. Pillows and blankets can be used as extra cushioning or lower back support. You should also switch drivers every few hours so everyone who gets behind the wheel is refreshed and relaxed. And it’s important to know what type of driving someone might not be comfortable with. Not everyone, for example, is at ease driving at night, and this should be discussed ahead of time.
Your trip may take several hours or days, but with the right planning, the journey might actually be as enjoyable as the destination. For more tips and ideas that will help you have a fantastic journey, check out the RV Advisor blog.
