Top 5 Tips to Stay Alert on a Long Road Trip

A long road trip requires a great deal of focus, patience, and self-discipline. In order to enjoy your trip and ensure you arrive at your destination safely, it’s important to keep these simple guidelines in mind. In the long run, you’ll be glad you followed them. Here are some tips to keep alert and awake on a long road trip. Also, you may visit the site for additional road trip tips.

The first thing you need to do is stay alert and aware at all times. This is especially critical if you travel by car. Even if you have an in-dash system, there is still plenty of room for error. If you’ve never taken a road trip before, it’s wise to practice becoming aware of your surroundings at least a week prior to your trip.

Of course, if you’ve never taken a long road trip before, this can be difficult to do. However, there are a variety of devices available that can help. Some examples include:

1. Headphones

Source: roadaffair.com

Headphones are a wonderful way to ensure you are alert and aware throughout your long road trip. Most come with a volume control so that you can adjust the level. Other useful features include auto shut off, auto linking, and auto-pause functionality. Headphones are especially useful if you are driving long distances in any sort of vehicle. Perhaps you are driving with someone who does not particularly have the same interest as you in music. Headphones would be great to still keep entertained while not bothering anyone else in the car.

2. Flashlights

Source: tractionlife.com

Flashlights are another important way to keep alert and remember information (like the roads, highway signs, etc). If possible, bring along a spare flashlight so that you can use it during the trip. You’ll also want to carry a second flashlight for emergencies. If your car breaks down or you become disoriented and can’t find your way back home, you will definitely need a flashlight to help you find your way. Many campgrounds offer free camping or RV lighting at the base station or access roads. It may be a good idea to bring a spare flashlight and you can keep it in your car or in the trunk of your vehicle.

Keep yourself covered with an auto extended warranty in case there are mechanical problems. Having this type of coverage will provide you with a peace of mind in the event there was a problem with the car and parts needed to be replaced. Olive.com provides mechanical coverage for cars up to 10 years old and under 140,000 miles. This type of coverage is more beneficial than what other companies offer.

3. Digital GPS Navigator

Source: lifewire.com

A digital GPS navigator is a great tool to keep you focused on the road. By knowing where you are headed it boosts confidence and a peace of mind so your travel is less stressful. Many models allow you to program waypoints – locations you want to travel to – which can help you keep safe and on track. Also, some models allow you to track gas prices or the nearest restaurant so that you don’t get stranded halfway across the country. It also alerts you in the event of an approaching accident, detours, and even weather problems. A GPS system. If you plan to drive for a long road trip, you’ll probably want to keep up with your vehicle’s current location on a map. This can keep you safe as well as provide important information about road hazards and possible routes to take. You can also use this system to find your way if you get lost or to find other things along the route that you may be unfamiliar with. Taking a wrong turn can add hours to your drive, and leave you in a position where you cannot find a hotel or even a parking lot to spend the night!

While there are some things that you simply can’t live without during a long road trip, there are some other things you’ll need to keep handy. Keep some napkins, paper napkins, or disposable plates and cups in the trunk of your car, in case you run out of food or drinks on the road. Utensils packed can be very handy if you are looking for a quick bite to eat.

Cell phones are another must-have on a long road trip.Use the cell phone’s power saving feature to avoid long charging times. Don’t forget to bring extra chargers and keep one in your car’s glove compartment as well. These simple items will make a big difference when on a long road trip.

4. First aid kit.

Source: emergencyphysicians.org

If you encounter a situation where you become injured along the highway, make sure you have a first aid kit in your car or at home. Whether you’re traveling by car, bus, or other mode of transport, you will most likely encounter accidents along your long road trip. Carrying a first aid kit with you is essential to surviving an emergency, whether minor or major.

5. Water.

Source: roadaffair.com

It’s not unusual to encounter people who are driving along and run out of water along the side of the road. Try to keep your hydration levels up throughout the trip by carrying plenty of bottled water and making sure you have a supply of fresh drinking water available to you.

If you are traveling with other people, bring along games or think of car games to keep you alert and entertained on the road. Sometimes driving a long distance can be hard for the driver due to getting tired. The longer you stay entertained the better your drive will be. Try an engaging conversation to keep yourself alert. I’ve seen it recommended to slap yourself in the face to make yourself feel more alert, but be careful out there – and never slap the driver and say that you were just trying to be helpful!