How to Make Long Car Journeys More Enjoyable
Whether it’s a long commute to work or driving somewhere new to go off on holiday, long car journeys can be tedious. For some people, driving is enjoyable, but there’s usually nothing fun about being stuck in the car for several hours at a time, even if you’re on an exciting road trip. It can be very tiring to be at the wheel for long periods, and sitting down in the same position can also lead to a lot of aches and pains.
While you can reduce your commute times or take other transport methods, sometimes long journeys are simply unavoidable. Thankfully, there are many ways you can pass the time and make it more manageable. In this guide, we’ll share some tips on how you can make long car journeys more enjoyable, cutting out the boredom and tiredness that comes from it.
Listen to Music, Podcasts or Audiobooks
When driving, you need to be able to focus on the road at all times. That limits the ways you can entertain yourself, with most countries having laws against watching screens while driving. Luckily, there are other options for you. The most obvious and one that most people enjoy is listening to music. Music doesn’t require a lot of concentration, but it can make long journeys much easier while helping to relax or uplift the mood inside the car.
Most modern cars have Bluetooth sound systems, but if you have an older vehicle you should be able to connect your smartphone or MP3 player using aux cables. This allows you to play whatever music you like throughout the journey. Just be careful about using the phone while driving, as even selecting the music on the screen can land you in hot water. If you have a passenger, you can get them to control the tunes.
For really long journeys where you’ll need something a bit more engaging, podcasts and even audiobooks are great options. Whether you prefer fiction or nonfiction, serious or funny, there are millions of different options and plenty of streaming services now offer these so you can easily download a collection before you head off.
Pack All the Essentials You Need
There are plenty of things you can bring on a long car journey to make it more comfortable. If you’re going to be driving for multiple hours, having enough food and drinks is key. You can stop off during the journey, but it’s a good idea to bring everything you need just in case making stops isn’t possible. You’ll need to stay hydrated and bring along enough snacks to keep yourself going. Getting nutrients not only keeps you feeling good, but it will also stop you from getting too tired.
Aside from food, having the right clothing is also essential. You need to be wearing clothes that are comfortable while also being appropriate for the weather. Although you can control the temperature of your car to a degree, using the air conditioning or heating may use up too much fuel. Bring along layers so you can easily remove or add them should the temperature change, and make sure you don’t do this while driving.
Lastly, you can also bring things such as blankets, first aid supplies, hand sanitiser, pillows, handheld fans and anything else that will help you stay comfortable and give you peace of mind while driving.
Plan Regular Stops
While you’ll no doubt want to get to your destination as quickly as possible, regular stops are essential for staying refreshed and not getting too tired. Every two hours, you should stop for at least fifteen minutes to stretch, take on some water and move around a bit. This will help your energy and mood, ensuring you stay focused for longer.