November 11th, 2009
In Part 1, we talked about traveling by plane. In this installment, we explore ways to simplify your holiday travel by car.
With a stabilization in the price of auto fuel, and a continued rise in the cost of airline fares, more and more folks are choosing to travel by car whenever possible. If you’ve got a road trip in your holiday travel plans, here are some quick tips to help you keep your sanity (and arrive with a smile on your face).
1 – Allow plenty of time.
The number one reason most road trips go sour isn’t because of bad directions — it’s because of exceedingly high expectations about the time it takes to travel from one location to another. Even if Google Maps says it only takes 6 hours, do yourself a favor and plan for 8 hours. You may still arrive sooner, but at least you won’t be frustrated or stressed if it takes longer than 6 hours. Also, don’t plan on driving more than 8 hours in a day if you can help it — unless you’ve got multiple experienced drivers to help you split up the trip. A single driver embarking on a 10-hour road trip should definitely plan on spending the night somewhere along the way.
2 – Time your departure.
A little planning can go a long way in a road trip — and we’re talking about more than just proper directions. Think about what time you’ll most likely be passing through any large cities and avoid rush hour traffic times if you can help it. If it’s unavoidable, look for a bypass route and bring some of your favorite music to get you through the tough traffic time (and add a couple of hours on to your estimated travel time, just for good measure). Additionally, you don’t want to be driving through the middle of nowhere during lunch time, when you’re likely to want to stop and break for a meal. If at all possible, plan on driving through at least midsize towns during estimated meal times to ensure you get the rest and fuel your body needs to keep going.
3 – Drink plenty of water.
It’s tempting to scale back on your water intake in order to avoid unnecessary bathroom stops, but water is essential for keeping you rested, alert, hydrated and in top condition to drive. Plus, keeping your body well-hydrated means you’ll be less likely to experience fatigue once you arrive. Stock up on water and plan many quick restroom breaks.
4 – Pre-plan your directions.
If you don’t own a GPS, be sure to stop by an AAA office or do your research online to ascertain the best route to your destination. It’s always a good idea to plan a backup route as well, just in case. Print out the driving directions (or pack extra batteries for the GPS) and bring them in the car (but don’t read while driving!) If possible, ask your passenger to manage the navigation so that you can focus on keeping everyone safe on the road.
Have a wonderful trip and enjoy your vacation or holiday visit with friends and family. In our next installment, we’ll explore some additional tips about holiday travel.
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