From Road Trips Lover to the Road Trip Lover -
It is a challenging, but undeniably special way of journeying around the world!
Even though the famous quote by Emma Chase says that "because the greatest part of a road trip isn't arriving at your destination, it's all the wild stuff that happens along the way," travelling by car has its advantages and disadvantages. The truth is as we are getting more experience in a science called "road tripping" our journeys become more and more easier and comfortable.
Our road trip from Vermont to Texas was not the first long car trip on the world map arena, but the first in the USA. In preparation for this trip we took into consideration the following factors:
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1. Length of the driving every day - we calculated hour by hour how much road we can handle in a day - maximum 7 hours;
2. Quality of roads - we often took off-highway roads to give a rest to our ears and to see more pleasant scenery, but it took longer to drive as well;
3. Difference in climates between Eastern and Central USA - at the time we started our trip the temperature in Vermont was -5°C (23°F). Four days later our thermometer showed +20°C (68°F), when we arrived to the capital of Texas, Austin;
4. Price on gas - we searched in advance which states have the cheapest price (it was Ohio on this trip) and filled the car fully in those states.
Based on the above factors, which are tips by itself too, we are happy to share 7 additional useful road tips we personally learned and are using every time since!
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Tip # 1 Bring a warm pair of socks​
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The state of Vermont is famous for its snowy winters, muddy springs, green summers and colorful falls. In any season the temperature in Vermont can drastically drop, bringing coolness and freshness in to the air.
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When we started our journey in March, it was still a winter temperature outside. As I mentioned above it was -5°C (23°F). On the day of our driving there was a heavy rainy storm. We stopped several times in rest areas, gas stations and also to stretch our legs. After several stops my feet were freezing and wet from the rain that still managed to get into my shoes, in spite of all the jumping around I did in order to avoid them. Gladly I had an additional warm pair of socks in my luggage! After this trip I always have a spare pair of socks in our car. Weather changes can not be predicted!
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Tip # 2 Create a list of songs without drum and bass instruments
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There are several reasons why I found this tip as one of the essential ones for joyful and comfortable road trips. Firstly, it is important to remember that our brain is already under big stress from all the highway noises even without any music. Secondly, that outside noise does not let any tone from a song, but drum and bass beats, to reach our ears. It means our brains cannot capture the full melody from songs except the break-beats, which tires it out in a short period of time. As we want our lengthy trip to be pleasant and memorable, extra stress to our brain and senses can worsen the experience, making the road a torture.
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Our advice on the choice of music without drum and bass, that we personally listen to while driving long distance trips includes: violin music, native american flute music, smooth saxophone music, African splendor (a magical blend of music and the sound of nature).
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Tip # 3 Save ice and hot coffee cups from Starbucks
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We found it is impractical and costly to buy coffee from Starbucks every day. What we have found practical at Starbucks though, are good quality cups for hot and cold drinks. On the first day of our trip we purchased hot coffee and iced tea in Starbucks. For the rest of our trip we used these cups as containers for mineral water and home-made coffee.
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Since we like mineral water (it can be any drink of your preference) we bought several big bottles in a store and then chilled one bottle at a time in the fridge at the place of our accommodation for the night. Every morning, we filled the iced tea cup with the chilled mineral water and topped it up periodically during our drive.
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As for the hot coffee, we bought a good quality instant Colombian coffee in Trader Joe's and prepared it before we went for the drive each day, pouring it into the Starbucks hot coffee cup.
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These arrangements with coffee and mineral water saved us time from unnecessary stops. Additionally, the driver could safely enjoy a sip of drink with one hand and a straw. This tip was greatly used when we were driving though areas with no life for many miles keeping us hydrated and happy.
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Tip # 4 Bring small (lower back) pillow
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I never had a problem with my lower back, and therefore up until this trip I did not pay attention to any advice for long distant drives and to how important it is to keep your lumbar spine comfortable while driving.
After we finished our first day of 7 hours driving, I stretched and flexed my back as much as I could. The discomfort seemingly disappeared, but only until the next day, when I returned to the car seat. I did the same on the next day: stretched my back, took a hot shower, massaged the lumbar spine to relieve the pressure and I still felt the discomfort in the lower back while on the road.
After trying several methods to relieve the pain, I learned that a lower back pillow is the best way to ease the pressure on spine. Since then I always keep a small pillow in the car!
Tip # 5 Air conditioner on mixed mode: face and feet
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We were so glad to figure out this tip and use it to balance the heater / air conditioner temperature while driving between different climates.
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When it was getting cold in the car while we were still in Vermont, we were turning the heater to the highest setting to heat the car quickly. But then it became too hot. The same story happened with the air conditioner once we started to approach Texas. We cooled the car on the highest setting, but after a short period it became too chilly. Though the mixed mode might not look as effective as the mode that directs the air on one part, in truth it works just perfectly, especially for long drives!
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The reason is that the air circulates evenly throughout the car and is not concentrated. Just think about it, on a hot day, how would it feel to wear a light summer top on the upper body, but have winter pants and thick socks on the lower body? I'm sure you understand the concept! This works the same whether it is clothes, the car heater/AC or ambient weather.
Tip # 6 For ear relief use noise canceling headphones
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As I have mentioned in tip #2, highway noises bring exhaustion to our brain and quickly tires the travelers, especially on long trips.
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The first time I heard about the noise cancelling headphones concept was related to the airplane noise experience. As many airplanes are still very noisy, such headphones were a great solution for a peaceful and quiet time during our flights. The idea of noise cancelling headphones is to reduce noise pollution to a maximum using a software that puts the ears in total aural isolation. And it really does!
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I wore the headphones several times during this trip and it helped me to get a new breath for the remaining distance.
Caution: this tip is useful for passengers, but not for drivers, who better stay alert for any unusual noises while driving the vehicle.
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Tip # 7 Keep thermos for hot water or tea nearby
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What is your favorite hot drink? Coffee, tea, cocoa? While on the road for several days there might be a problem with getting a hot drink you like or even a "must have" every day.
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For example, during this trip I strongly felt to drink several cups of hot green tea with honey and lemon. It was not dead essential, but this treat helped me to smooth the road, making no sacrifices in the comfort. I had a thermos at home so I just took the ingredients I needed to make the tea. Even if there was no kettle in the hotel room they always have a big air pot of hot water in the lobby where you can fill your thermos up. If you are not planning to stay at hotels or there is no access to hot water just take your own kettle with you to be even more independent! Additionally, making your own hot drink is cost effective!
Enjoy your road journeying and we will see you on the road!
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