How to Endure A Long Car Trip

It can be mind-numbing being stuck in a car for hours on end. To ensure that doesn’t happen, you need to be prepared for the trip with fresh snacks, sunglasses, and plenty of audio entertainment.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Snacks
• Water
• Music
• Audio books
• Sunglasses
• Spirit

1. Wear comfortable shoes with a thin, flexible sole, or driving moccasins with nubs to prevent your foot sliding off the pedal. You'll also need sunglasses to cut down on glare and sunblock to protect your face, arms, and hands from the UVA rays coming through the car windows and windshield.

2. 
    
   Bottled Water

   Assuming you've already gotten maps and gas, purchase a few eight-ounce water bottles, with some iced tea (the caffeine can help keep you alert) and snacks. I’m a big fan of canned nuts, granola bars and bunches of grapes. A little salt is good; it makes you drink more water, which keeps you energized and encourages rest stops.

3. 
    
   Entertainment

   Get CDs or download new songs onto your iPod, which connects to your radio with an FM transmitter. Program in stations before leaving so you're not fiddling with dials while driving. You may also like to get some books on CD, especially thrillers or humorous short stories that hold your attention.

4. 
    
   Eat at local restaurants or diners

   Do some research on local restaurants before you leave so whenever you need to stop for a meal, you can avoid fast-food chains. If you’re an adventurer, just take a chance. I once had one of the best meals I’ve ever had at a restaurant in Maryland that served the most delicious lobster ravioli. This will remind you that you're traveling, not stuck on endless highways.

Tips & Warnings

• A roadtrip is about having fun, and with a bit of planning and preparation, you'll have an enjoyable, memorable experience.

[Devero]

on 12/12/2008 Good ideas, i'll have to use them on my upcoming trip.

[DaniaDenise]

on 10/19/2008 I love this article! I have some road trips ahead of me in the next two months so your tips will definitely come in handy! Thanks!