How to Survive A Long Car Ride

I love taking long road trips and often drive for 8+ hours nonstop between locations. Often I am asked how I manage to survive such a long car ride in one day. It’s extremely similar to survival on a long flight in coach…but you have to resist the temptation to stop every couple of hours! Some of these tips apply only for trips with multiple people, but there are tips that apply to solo road trippers as well!

Download Entertainment

With apps such as Spotify, Netflix, and Amazon, there is no need to be bored during a long car ride. Create and download a playlist on Spotify that will keep you amped and driving. Download movies and shows from Netflix if you plan on being a passenger for any length of time. Amazon Prime has both music and movie downloads…utilize them!

Make sure that Spotify playlist is downloaded so you can listen without wifi!

Comfort is Key for a Long Car Ride

Staying comfortable is the best thing you can do to ensure a great car ride. I typically wear sweats and bring a sweater with me in the car. For passengers, travel pillows and blankets are great for nap and keeping comfortable. Check out this travel pillow and this blanket! I love using my memory foam travel pillow. For drivers, added lumbar support will help with backaches on long drives. Check out this lumbar pillow for added support and comfort!

Car Organization

There are so many things I would change about how cars are designed to make them better for long road trips. There never seems to be enough cup holders, and I always need a trash can! Check out this added car cup holder, this car trash can, and this car organizer. They all help keep things clean and organized when stuck in a small vehicle! A cell phone mount helps with directions and easy access to that Spotify playlist. However, my biggest tip in keeping a car organized is packing less. Fewer suitcases mean less space taken up by luggage in the car. Check out my packing guide for more tips!

Roadtrip Snacks

It’s tempting to head to the nearest Walmart or gas station and load up with your favorite chips, soda, and candy bars for the trip. However, I suggest to bring some healthy snacks as well. Drivers and passengers alike will eventually crash from the added sugar and caffeine. The resulting crankiness and potential arguments can definitely put a damper on the trip, not to mention the added bathroom stops for upset stomachs. Instead, pack some nonperishable, healthy food items as well as a few sugary sweets. Nuts, bananas, apples, and clementines do not have to be refrigerated and can keep your energy up. Keep hydrated as well with water to balance out the sugar and caffeine in those coffees and sodas!

I would also highly suggest keeping a small stash of medications on hand for upset stomachs, headaches, and motion sickness. Pepto Bismol tablets and Tums work wonders for me! Dramamine is an over the counter motion sickness medication that can help with those who do not always do well in cars. I would also suggest packing whatever medication you use for headaches in case one arrives due to elevation changes, thunderstorms, or anything else. Remember to consult a doctor or pharmacist before using a new medication, especially if you take prescription medications!

Finally, don’t be scared to try my favorite US road trip restaurant after a long car ride, or whenever a break is needed. Waffle House! I love chowing down on amazing waffles and hash browns after driving for hours. They’re always open 24 hours, so no need to worry about the time!

Final Long Car Ride Tips

Remember that you set out on this road trip for a reason: to see the country! Try not to think of the car ride as a nuisance. Enjoy the ride! Often, driving through cities or the countryside and finding obscure locations to explore is my favorite part of the trip. Embrace the trip, love the car, and try not to overpack! Don’t be scared of “sketchy” cheap motels, cheap diners, or anything else to help you save a dollar. It’s all part of the adventure!