If the thought of taking a long drive alone makes you nervous, consider it an opportunity to spend time on your own. You can travel safely as long as you plan and prepare for emergencies. Take snacks with you, wear something comfortable and take your favorite music with you. Then relax and enjoy the solitude as you leave the miles behind.
A)Preparing for the Journey
- Plan your route and include stopovers.
Decide which main roads to use to reach your destination and identify the sights on the way. Make a note of stopovers on the route even if your goal is to go directly to your destination. Even if you use GPS, it is important to plan because you could lose the signal or your device could run out of battery. If you will be driving for several days, plan how much you will use each day. For example, you might want to drive 7 hours the first day and only 5 hours the next day.
- Put the things you need for the trip in your car.
In addition to your luggage, take credit cards and some cash with you. Don’t forget to have your driver’s license and car insurance policy in your car. It is also a good idea to have paper maps with you, even if you are going to use the GPS of your car or phone. If you’re going to cross the border, make sure your passport is still valid and put it in a safe place in the car. Don’t forget your phone charging, especially if you use the phone a lot for orientation.
- Make an appointment for a pre-cruise vehicle inspection
Have your car checked by a workshop a week before your trip and ask if there is any problem that needs repair. Preparing the vehicle for the road can prevent mechanical emergencies during the journey. For example, you may need to change the car’s oil, top up the water, renew the air filter, or buy new tires. Get this done long before you travel, so you can plan additional care if needed.
- Fill your car with what’s needed in an emergency.
No one wants to have a flat tire or an emergency on the road, but it’s best to be prepared. Take a spare tire and anything else you might need. For example, if you’re going to be driving through a hot place and you’re worried that the car might get too hot, take a jug of water or coolant with you. What you can take with you for the journey: Battery booster cable Flashlights First aid kit Simple tool bag Blanket or sleeping bag
- Let your family and friends know about your plans.
It is important to inform your relatives as you will be traveling alone. Tell them your route, let them know when to cross the points on the road, and tell them to communicate with them on the way. Email or hand-write this information to family or friends so they can read it when needed.
B)Making Your Car Ride Enjoyable
- Wear comfortable clothing to feel comfortable
Avoid wearing tight and restrictive clothing because you will be sitting for long periods of time. Choose light, loose clothing that allows you to move around easily. Wear your clothes in layers so you don’t feel cold or warm during your drive. If you take your car ride in the morning when the weather is cool, you better wear a fleece jacket. You can then remove the jacket when it gets warmer or somewhere warmer.
- Listen to the music you love.
Upload your favorite music to an MP3 player or take lots of CDs with you. Listening to music is a great way to spend time on a long car trip. If you don’t like listening to music in the car, find an audiobook or podcast to listen to.
- Take healthy snacks with you.
Keep easy-to-eat snacks in the passenger seat so you can have a bite when you’re hungry. Having a healthy snack is also a good way to stay awake because it will help you focus your attention on something. Avoid salty snacks that can dehydrate you. Good options include: Cereal bars Unsalted nuts Crunch Fresh fruits and vegetables Cracker
- Take refreshing drinks with you to stay hydrated.
Water is one of the best drinks for a long drive, but you can also have coffee, tea, caffeinated drinks or fruit juice. Avoid sugary drinks such as energy drinks as they can make you nervous. If you want drinks to stay cold, put them in a small cooler and place them below the passenger seat for easy access.
- Don’t check the clock to keep track of how much you drive.
If you are in a hurry to reach your destination, looking at your watch every few minutes will only cause you more stress. Be careful not to look at the clock. Instead, try to relax and enjoy the ride. Instead of focusing on how long you drive, think about how many kilometers you have traveled.
- If sleep strikes, pull over and take a short nap
Find a safe and well-lit place and park your car. Lock your doors and close your eyes for 20 to 30 minutes. It is better to spend some rest time rather than drowsy driving and risking an accident. [13] Start your journey after getting a good night’s sleep so that you are less likely to get tired while driving. Drink something with caffeine before you rest to make you feel more energetic when you wake up.
Extra Suggestions
Look out for signs showing how far the next gas station is, and don’t wait until the gas tank is completely empty before buying gas.
Carry a gas can with 5 liters of gasoline in case you run out of gas before you reach a gas station. Make sure to read the instructions on the box and keep it safe.
Keep your mind busy by playing the alphabet game. Repeat the alphabet from beginning to end by taking one letter from each sign, billboard, truck advertisement or license plate.
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