{"id":8467,"date":"2020-07-22T15:55:28","date_gmt":"2020-07-22T15:55:28","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/tiqets-blog-staging.local\/drive-holidays\/"},"modified":"2025-08-29T08:53:07","modified_gmt":"2025-08-29T08:53:07","slug":"drive-holidays","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/blog\/drive-holidays\/","title":{"rendered":"Drive holidays: How to Boost Your Long-Distance Road Trip","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\u2013 This post was written by Becky Wicks \u2013<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Going somewhere? It\u2019s about time! The world of travel as we knew it has changed post-COVID-19 and more people are going on drive holidays and road trips than ever before. From what to keep in the car and what to listen to, to where and when to stop, here\u2019s how to boost those long-distance drives and road trips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\nhttps:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/B54xkQXozG1\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n

Long-distance safe driving tips<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n

Stay safe, stay aware \u2013 it\u2019s good advice for the road too. Here are the top tips for traveling safely and comfortably in your car on your drive holidays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plan your journey ahead of time<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re going on a road trip, don\u2019t leave it till the last minute to plan your route. Plan your road trip ahead of time and avoid traffic jams and roadworks. This will also help you figure out where to stop for lunch, fuel, and\/or stop for bathroom breaks. Most modern cars have a GPS or a USB plug for a smartphone running Google Maps en-route to your destination. Always leave more than enough time to reach your destination \u2013 rushing is no fun for anyone and can be stressful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Share the driving<\/strong> on a drive holiday<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For your own safety, it\u2019s a good idea not to drive more than ten hours a day, even though some long road trips require more time behind the wheel. If there is someone else traveling with you who can share the driving, you\u2019ll be far less likely to snooze while you\u2019re cruising, and it might even make the travel time go faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get enough sleep before you leave<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yawning or risking nodding off at the wheel on the open road is a dangerous game, so make sure you have a nap, or get a good night\u2019s sleep before you leave on a road trip. If you\u2019re setting off early in the morning, it\u2019s a good idea to go to bed earlier than you usually would the night before, and try to stay away from alcohol, as this can interrupt your sleep patterns and stay in your system for longer than you think. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Always wear the right clothes and shoes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wearing comfortable clothes while driving is essential \u2013 there\u2019s nothing worse than feeling like your jeans are too tight or having a button keep popping undone when you\u2019re meant to be concentrating on driving. Flat, closed-toe shoes like trainers are best for your feet. Remember, flip flops and high heels can get caught under or around brake pedals, which could lead to a nasty accident. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t forget the sunscreen<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can burn, even behind the wheel. If you\u2019re driving somewhere sunny, lucky you, but make sure to apply sunscreen before you set off, and don\u2019t forget to pull over and re-apply it after a couple of hours. Driving during the day might mean your hands, arms, or even lap are exposed to direct sunlight which can burn you \u2013 even through tinted windows. Wear sunscreen!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pull over for a break every two hours, or every 200 kilometers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if you feel like pressing on with your journey, taking a break from driving every two hours or every 200 kilometers is a good idea just to stretch your legs and get some fresh air. It can wake you up and help refresh you for the next leg of the road trip \u2013 especially if you stop where there\u2019s coffee and water!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t check your phone while driving<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember kids, checking your phone while you\u2019re driving can put your life in danger, and the lives of others on the road. If your hands are on the wheel, keep them there! If you need to change a song or play a podcast, get someone else to do it for you from the passenger seat. If you need to make a call, pull over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Forget the fast food<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It might be tempting to pull in at a fast-food restaurant and shove a burger down your throat, but heavy meals and fast food can make you bloated, feel tired, and just generally uncomfortable in the car. Eating small portions of healthy food is the way to go on drive holidays. Pack ahead and snack at regular intervals, or stop when you find somewhere nice to take a well-deserved walk at the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get enough fresh air and water<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Falling asleep at the wheel can mean game over! If you\u2019re driving long distances be sure to get as much fresh air as possible to keep from getting drowsy. Roll the windows down occasionally and feel a breeze on your face, even if you have to air-condition (and except when you’re in a tunnel!). And stay hydrated. Always keep a bottle of cold water at hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo by Dino Reichmuth<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Watch out for the rules of the road<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Road rules and regulations can change depending on the country. Always be sure you\u2019re driving on the correct side of the road, obey the speed limit, never overtake in a dangerous manner, and ensure everyone in the car is wearing their seatbelt. Make sure to be considerate to other drivers \u2013 no blasting your show tunes or flicking cigarettes out of open windows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Switch off the cruise control<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cruise control is tempting, as it can make a long trip feel shorter and more bearable, but being \u201clazy\u201d with it can lead to accidents. To stay awake and focused, and to notice any issues with the car that might pop up quickly, involve yourself with the car and the journey fully. Only use cruise control for short periods at a time on long stretches of highways. After all, part of the beauty of drive holidays is the driving itself!<\/p>\n\n\n

What to pack for long drive holidays<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n

What you pack depends on where you\u2019re going, but there are several items you should keep close at hand in the car. Keep these things where you or someone else in the car can easily reach them to save you having to pull over and root around in the back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n