We all know the excitement of a long trip, especially if it’s with family and friends. But driving long distances can become tiresome and exhausting really fast, and the excitement wears off really quickly. You don’t need to reach your desired destination tired and drowsy and with a frown on your face. With a few tips and tricks, you can continue to enjoy the trip even while you are driving long distances.
Here are a few things to keep in mind before you start a long drive:
Get plenty of sleep before driving
Getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep before you drive is a great way to build up your energy reserves for the long trip ahead. It is better to start in the morning after a full night’s sleep rather than during the day when people are naturally drowsy or in the evening after having already spent your energy during the day. If you are under-slept before the long drive, you can go into unintentional micro-sleep naps which can be lethal on the road.
Bring in healthy snacks and stay hydrated
Caffeine and long trips go hand-in-hand as it helps you stay alert and keep your focus built. But caffeine is a diuretic which means frequent bathroom trips. Make sure to drink plenty of water to make up for the water loss. Keeping hydrated greatly improves your focus and alertness as well. Don’t forget to keep some healthy snacks too, like, granola bars, assorted nuts etc. You don’t want an empty stomach to make you grumpy all through the ride, and you don’t want a full stomach to make you sleepy either, so snacks are the way to go!
Plan rest stops
Planning the rest stops beforehand can make a big difference for your long trip. Take help with GPS or maps and make sure to take breaks every 2 hours or so. Make sure there is a place to rest, refuel, and refill on water and snacks. Don’t forget to check the weather forecast before planning your trip, you don’t want to drive through heavy showers or during a heatwave!
Keep your mind busy
It’s so easy to lose focus and get distracted on the road. But there can be so many ways to keep your mind refreshed during the drive. Chewing gum can greatly help you keep your focus and keep your mind alert. Put on some music, or if you are more interested in current affairs, tuning in your radio to your favourite news channel is a great idea. Audio versions of your favourite books are a great idea to keep your mind busy and enjoy the ride as you drive.
Contact NVR
Want to go for a drive, and looking to rent a vehicle for the trip? At NVR, you can hire a safe and secure vehicle for your trip.
If you liked this article, please share it with friends and on social media sites.