Several Tips for Driving Long Distances

Moving from one corner of the nation to another can require lengthy drives. Some folks are experienced at covering a lot of ground on the road, while some are novices, nervous about all the lonely time, fatigue and boredom. Here are some tips for making your moving road trip a success:

Get a Roadside Assistance Plan
If you don’t have a plan through your auto insurance or an organization, such as AAA, make sure you purchase one for your long drive. The last thing you want is to be without a plan when something goes wrong.

Get Listening Material Together
Make a playlist, download podcasts, purchase audio books and whatever else you need to keep you entertained during the long move. And keep your options open—one day you might need an upbeat playlist, while the next you might opt to listen to a crime novel.

Map Your Route
Long gone are the days when we relied on those large atlases and highlighters to figure out where we needed to go. There are many maps and mapping apps on the internet and smart phones that will not only help you put a route together but also pinpoint sites of interest if you plan to sightsee while on the road.

Make a Schedule
Put together a schedule of how much distance you plan on covering per day and stick to it. Though you might one day have the urge to cover extra ground, not getting enough rest will have you suffering the next.

Dress Comfortably
Loose and breathable clothing, considering the weather, will keep you comfortable during long drives. Similarly, wear shoes that are appropriate for driving.

Pack Food and Water
Your drive might include swaths of land where there is no food or water in sight. Pack what you might need so you’re not frantically searching for something on an empty stomach.

Take Breaks
Be it bathroom, food or just to stretch your body, breaks allow you re-energize and continue on the road safely. And make sure your breaks include a good night’s sleep. You put yourself and others at risk when you’re tired.