With the holidays right around the corner, so much of your time is spent in a car. Whether your drive is two hours or 10 hours, sitting stagnant in a car can take a toll, not just mentally, but physically. There are many ways to survive a car ride, but here are a few that I recommend.
- Make a Playlist
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Before even setting foot in the car, a playlist needs to be made. One way I stay sane, not only in the car but throughout the year, is to make a playlist. This playlist can be based on the vibes of the ride or even the feeling of the season! Put some of your favorite songs on the list, some upbeat songs to keep you awake, and some songs you forgot about. Who doesn’t love to listen to their favorite song?
Fast-paced songs can keep you aware and awake. Dancing and singing ensure that you’re awake for the entire car ride. Nostalgic songs just lighten the mood so much, and a banger you forgot about randomly playing after hours in the car is an instant mood-booster.
- Play a Game
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As a kid, in the car, I played the license plate game, the alphabet game, I Spy, and so many other simple games, but who said that these games need to stop during childhood? Whether you’re driving the car or being a passenger princess, playing these simple games makes the ride so much more bearable.
The license plate game is very simple: look for license plates on the road from all 50 states. This game keeps you engaged by simply keeping your mind on something other than how long you have left in the drive.
The alphabet game is just as easy: find every letter in the alphabet while on the road. Use license plates, billboards, street signs, or literally anything you see with letters on the road to find the 26 letters. This is another easy, mind-numbing game that keeps you entertained while stuck in the car.
- Take a Break
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Planning out various breaks on your car ride can save you. These breaks make sure that you aren’t getting cramped in the car and getting the mental breaks you need. Schedule out these breaks by taking a look at the route you’re taking home to see if there are any interesting stops along the way.
Who knows, what if there’s the world’s largest ball of yarn on your way home? That could be a silly stop that gives you a break. If nothing is interesting, like a huge ball of yarn, look at the different exits and rest stops along the way. If you know you can’t sit still for longer than two hours, plan out a break to stop at a gas station every few hours to stretch and take a mental break.
- Pack a Snack
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One of the most important things to pack on a road trip is snacks. Bringing your favorite, easy-to-eat snacks on a car ride can make the entire trip worth it. Everyone knows that when you’re on a road trip, it’s time to pack unhealthy, but delicious snacks. This makes the trip more bearable.
Snacks are one of the only ways I can bear a road trip; it’s one of the best parts of the ride. The proper formula for a road trip snack is easy to grab and not too messy. My personal pick is a good fruit snack like gummies. I think they’re the perfect treat for a car ride; they follow the formula exactly. Other snacks that are good for the car as well include pretzels, candy, and even some chips.
Road trips aren’t for the faint of heart, so there are plenty of ways to make the long trek more bearable. Follow these tips and tricks, and your drive will go by in a flash.
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