Driving long-distance isn’t just about taking a break from your daily routine or seeing new places. It’s about the experience of being on the road, meeting new people, and staying mentally alert. Check out these driving tips for long-distance travel. They’ll help you make your trip less stressful and more enjoyable.
Unlike traveling with public transportation, driving is more intimate with your surroundings. You can make some great memories while also having the flexibility to stop when and where you want.
Australia is a big place, and Jacqui and I have both spent many hours behind the wheel. Hopefully the lessons we’ve learnt will be helpful to you.
The Importance of Playlists
You can make a playlist before your trip, but also have one ready for the day you’ll be on the road. Music can help you stay awake, keep your stress levels down, and improve your mood. All these factors will be helpful as you drive.
So, what should you put on your playlist? You want to set a mood for your drive. Songs with a good beat will help you stay awake and alert. Some songs that evoke a sense of nostalgia will help you remember those great times from your past.
Songs with a strong melody can make a long drive feel less daunting. And songs with a sense of adventure will remind you of the excitement and possibilities that await on the other side of the finish line.
It’s also important to switch up the songs from time to time. Don’t just listen to one genre or type of music for hours on end. You’ll never know what song will come on that will make your drive feel more exciting or comforting. It’s all about creating a soundtrack for your trip.
Don’t forget about podcasts! Podcasts are great for long car rides because it’s more like story time than music and they can help to keep you alert.
Road Trips Save Money
There is a lot of talk about the high cost of gas, but every now and then driving can be cheaper than flying. Road trips are great for saving money because you only need to pay for gas.
If you’re visiting a location further away from home, a road trip is cheaper than a flight. It’s also a great way to meet people and make lots of memories.
No matter what your reason for traveling, it’s always important to consider your safety. Driving long-distance is stressful enough without any added dangers. If you’re taking a long-distance trip, be sure to follow these tips so you can travel stress-free!
How to Stay Safe on the Road
There are many safety precautions you need to take when driving long-distance. It’s not just about staying alert. You need to make sure you’re prepared for all kinds of emergencies.
Prepare The Car
There are many things you should do before you hit the road to stay safe. Make sure your car is in good condition with little to no mechanical issues. If your car is older, it may need some repairs or maintenance to keep it running well.
Next, you want to have a well-stocked emergency kit in case you have any problems on the road. Make sure you have the necessary tools for changing a tire, handling any mechanical problems, and preparing for any emergency.
It’s also important to have a mobile phone charger in your vehicle so you can contact someone in case of an emergency. You may have to contact roadside assistance or call for help if your car breaks down on the side of the road.
Manage Fatigue
Take regular breaks. There’s no point driving yourself till exhaustion sets in. Plan to stop and get out of the car every 2 hours. If possible, change drivers as well at these stops.
By doing this you’ll stand a better chance of avoiding the dreaded micro-sleeps. These have brought many a road trip to an abrupt end.
The old ritual of having a few roadies, (beers on the way, not road crew to carry your bags), is well out of bounds. You might think that you’re alright to drive after a couple of beers, but it’s what they do to your reaction times that count.
If you are driving into remote areas, where you’re unlikely to see any other people. Then make sure you let someone know where you’re going, and when you expect to get there.
This is fairly common in Australia where you can drive for a whole day without seeing anyone.
Drive To The Conditions
Lastly, make sure you’re prepared for the weather conditions that may come your way. You may be driving through snow or ice or encountering heavy rainfall that makes travel difficult. Your emergency kit should include items that will help protect you from inclement weather.
How to Spend Less Time Driving
One of the most important parts of long-distance travel is the fact that you’ll be spending a lot of time in your car. And, while you can’t avoid that, you can plan ahead to make your time behind the wheel more efficient. One way to do that is by using your gas mileage to your advantage.
If you know that you’ll be taking a long trip on the highway, plan for it by filling up your gas tank when you know you’ll be near an exit or gas station. Then, stop for gas when your car tells you it needs to refuel. This way, your car uses less fuel and you can drive longer distances before stopping for gas again.
Another way to save time during long-distance travel is by mapping out your route before you start driving. You can use websites like MapQuest or Google. Click here for the link to Google maps.
Maps to map out your route and get real-time traffic updates. This way, you know what sort of traffic conditions to expect on your trip and which roads are most likely to be congested with traffic.
You can also use these tools to help you find the best routes, including toll roads and scenic routes.
Tips to Beat the Summer Heat
To keep your cool, make sure to pack plenty of water to stay hydrated. Pack a few extra bottles in the car for emergencies. You can also buy a cooler with a built-in water container to keep your drinks cold.
If you’re traveling with a pet, make sure to pack a leash and a dog bowl to provide water and food. And don’t forget the doggy bag!
Be sure to pack your phone charger and an extra USB cable in case you run out of battery or need to charge your phone.
Identify gas stations on the way so that you don’t have to rely on your GPS or maps app. This way, you’ll know where to stop for gas and snacks if you need them.
It might sound like common sense but wear your seat belt! This will help keep you safe on the road and prevent injuries.
Make sure that your tyres are inflated in line with the manufacturer’s instructions. Under inflated tyres generate a lot of heat and can cause the tyre to come apart very quickly.
If you break down. Stay with your car. Hopefully you’ve told someone where you’re going, and help won’t be far away. If you stray from the car, you will be a lot harder to find than the car is.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to long-distance travel, there are many things to consider. You’ll need a good vehicle, a well-maintained vehicle, a safe vehicle, a comfortable vehicle, and a stocked vehicle.
It’s important to plan out your trip, secure accommodations along the way, and have an emergency kit on hand. You may also want to consider what you’ll do with your car when you get back.
So, before you head out on the open road, make sure you have all the essentials ready for a smooth and enjoyable journey.
Check out these posts to help you on your way.
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Cheers and happy travels