How to Make Road Trips Manageable
As I started my drive back to Saskatchewan from BC I ended up driving from Vancouver to Edmonton in one shot and I didn’t mind it at all!
On the way out there I battled snow and pouring rain and it made the drive horrible. On the way back the weather and views were spectacular and made it much more enjoyable so I just kept motoring. Things that I attribute to successful, long haul road trips (especially when you’re by yourself):
•lots of snacks (and caffeine)! I went and stocked up on a bunch of healthy snacks that could keep me busy and feeling satisfied while I drove without making me feel icky.
•stopping to walk around. I always take a couple loops around gas station but also try to stop somewhere scenic for a walk to get some steps in.
•podcasts or ebooks. I’ve always listened to interview style, inspo podcasts but those weren’t helping me for the longer drives. I got into some murder mysteries that were based on real life events and I was captivated for hours. The drive seemed to fly by! I need to start making a list for my next road trip, tell me your favorites that are real life, multi-episode stories that will pass the time.
•have a good play list that gets you groovin’ when you need a break from the podcast or ebook. I don’t know if anyone else is like this but when I first get in the car in the morning I like it quieter with just some music playing in the background when I drink my coffee. My attention span to really dig in and listen to a story isn’t quite there yet.⠀
•dropping in at a local gym for a workout. I don’t know about you but my low back and shoulders start to ache when I’ve been behind the wheel. While stopping to walk helps alleviate that so does a quick workout somewhere whether it be at a gym or a roadside bodyweight workout. Getting that blood pumping will also keep you wide-eyed and bushy tailed when you’ve exhausted all the songs from the 90s during car karaoke.
The next time you have to make a long trip in a vehicle take some of these tips into consideration and I guarantee you it’ll make the drive more manageable!
-Ashlyn