An extended road trip is an enormous undertaking, so it’s important to not neglect self-care at the expense of staying on schedule. Just as you would plan your road trip itinerary, you should structure the inevitable long drive the goes with it. Take care of yourself, be mindful of personal safety, and you’ll have a better experience all-round. What’s a road trip without a deviation from the plan or a little spontaneity? Check out our tips for long drives below!
Map out your road trip
Although we just spoke to spontaneity, we also believe in the power of planning. Who will be doing most of the driving? Does long-term driving affect your focus? Take into account your personal thresholds and plan around them. You may also need to break up your drive with multiple rest stops. See it as an opportunity to view some roadside attractions along the way!
The Big Mango: how’s that for a roadside attraction?
If you’re quite comfortable with driving for long periods of time, perhaps your plan will be more linear. Even the most seasoned travellers fatigue after a while, so ensure to stop if you need a rest. Even a 15-minute power nap could do you wonders.
Rest up!
Ensure you’ve gained enough quality Zs the night before you leave. The petrol tank is not the only thing that needs refilling prior to a long-term drive.
Having energy in reserve also makes for a more enjoyable experience overall. The more alert you are, the more present you will be! If you’re driving in rural locations with open roads, there may be more hazards than a standard suburban street. Sharpened alertness is key to navigating these more irregular occurrences.
Prepare the RV
Travelling with an RV in tow (literally)? Depending on the duration of the trip, you’ll need to rig it up with everything you deem necessary. Are you seeking the market for a new RV? If you love off-road travel, we recommend the Brumby. Like a wild horse, this camper trailer is built to roam free. It won’t be confined to linear traffic lanes*. (*Disclaimer: Please follow all road rules on your travels—especially on laned roads. Don’t horse around. Rein in your inner brumby when the situation calls for it.)
The Brumby. What’s our secret for making such high-quality camper trailers, you ask?
Wild horses couldn’t drag it out of us.
The Brumby is built strong and sturdy to endure the harsh, untamed conditions of our own Aussie outback. If you’re wanting to push through rougher terrains or harsher climatic conditions, the Brumby is your camper trailer. On top of all that, it’s one of our lighter options, it’s easy to set up, and it comes equipped with everything you’ll need for going off the grid.
Fill up your water tank
If your RV contains a water tank, feel free to take this literally, depending on the duration of your drive. However, we’re talking more about the figurative water tank filled by human hydration. Driving long-term can be thirsty work, so it’s important to keep your fluids up. We’re not talking soft drinks or energy drinks: we’re talking plain, unaltered water, as nature intended it (well, after it’s been through the filtration process, but that’s beside the point).
We don’t see any actual water going into her mouth, but we’ll let that slide.
We’re not putting a ban on alternate drinks. In fact, caffeine lovers may reach for coffee to aid concentration. Just remember that coffee, in particular, can be dehydrating. If you’re consuming a lot of it, you may need to replenish your water stores more frequently. The recommended daily intake of water is two to three litres, and water does wonders for fatigue. Make sure you keep a water bottle handy, especially during hot temperatures.
Snack on healthy foods
Who’s done a ‘Macca’s run’ or stopped for Hungry Jack’s on a long road trip? Most of us have snuck some cheeky fries on the road and there’s no shame in that. However, the issues come when this becomes a habit. During the planning phase, take the time to curate an assortment of healthy snacks. How about a fruit platter (or pieces of fresh fruit, to Keep It Simple, Stupid), some vegetable sticks, nuts or trail mixes (we just know you’ll pick out the M&Ms), or some wholegrain crackers? These healthy snacks will provide nutrients and keep you satisfied for longer. If you consume chocolates or lollies—or soft drink or energy drink, as discussed above—your energy will spike, but not sustain. You’ll likely be more tired in the long run.
The Much Smaller Mango and friends.
To avoid that sugar-induced energy crash, fuel your body with nutrient-rich goodness. You’ll need your strength for hauling your vehicle however many kilometres away!
Break it up!
It is important to take breaks throughout the trip. You should map out these breaks in accordance with your own limits, and with general safety in mind. Long-term sedentary behaviour is not ideal, but you can rectify this by stopping to stretch or go on a walk. This helps improve energy levels, combat fatigue at the wheel, and reduce bodily cramps, aches, and pains.
Walks: breaking monotony since the dawn of time.
To get the most out of your breaks, plan them as ‘side adventures’. Perhaps allocate a one-hour lunch break at one of the national parks you’re dying to see. At work, a lunch break does wonders for concentration. It can do the same here, as driving is—after all— work in itself.
If you have kids in tow, these breaks are all the more important. Children do not have adult levels of concentration, and they need to hit the Refresh button just as much as (if not more than) you do. Perhaps you could plan a child-friendly activity for your break. Are there any good playgrounds along the road to your destination?
Up the fun factor!
Lastly, you’ve gotta make the road trip fun! There are lots of things to do on a road trip. Create a playlist, or use this chance to catch up on your favourite podcasts or audiobooks. Perhaps you could play some games with your road trip buddies, such as I Spy or word association games. Not sure what to bring for your road trip? For kiddos, some toys, books, movies, or healthy snacks should go down well. Thanks to technology, we now have a world of media right at our fingertips that would have been unfathomable even a decade ago.
Pro-tip: adults can enjoy road trip toys, too.
Let’s go!
Now that we’ve got the basics covered, it’s time to hit the road! It never hurts to be prepared, but don’t forget to loosen up and enjoy the unexpected, too. Oftentimes, it’s the improvised plans that stick with us the most. Just ensure your petrol tank is full (both literally and figuratively), and that you’re equipped with tools and strategies to conduct the drive as best you can. Replenish your reserves, stop if you need to, and have fun with it!
