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Yes, we love road trips! However, we also have to admit: Long car journeys can sometimes be exhausting - especially if you just want to arrive at your holiday destination and relax. We are, therefore, giving you eight practical tips for long car journeys that ensure a stress-free journey.
1. Be well prepared for the long drive
Good road trip planning is essential to avoid the stress of a long drive. Because if you are prepared for all eventualities, then you can approach the journey all the more relaxed. Does a toll station appear in the distance? Not that bad, we were already prepared for it!
Our preparation tips for long car journeys:
- Study the toll rules: Is there a toll on my route? Do I need a vignette? Can I pay the toll by credit card or electronically, or do I need change for the toll stations?
- Check the traffic situation: Is there a construction site on your autobahn, of all places, causing traffic jams? Perhaps there is an alternative route on country roads that don't take up that much additional time. For example, Google Maps helps with information on the current traffic situation.
- Adjust the car seat correctly: In addition to the mirrors, you should definitely adjust the car seat correctly to protect your back. Basically: The seatback should not be tilted too far back, and the headrest should support the whole head.
2. Find the right rental car for long car journeys
A comfortable and reliable vehicle is essential for a long journey and one of the most valuable tips for long car journeys. After all, you don't want to be stuck on the mountain after a few hours of driving with a stuttering car. Even if you are only traveling alone or as a couple, a car from the compact class offers considerably more legroom than a small car on long car journeys. It is even more convenient in the middle class - especially for those who travel with a lot of luggage and value a spacious trunk.
As a rule, rental cars are modern and of high quality, but it is better to be sure: Before driving, check that the indicators and lights are working and document any dents or scratches.
3. Teamwork: take turns while driving
If you rent a car in Karachi or you have your car: At some point on every long drive, there comes a moment when you would rather look out of the window in a relaxed manner instead of constantly paying attention to the road. Even if this tip may seem mundane for a long drive, take turns with your passenger regularly to stay focused. This is also good for your back, because as a driver, you sit more tense, while as a passenger, you can at least loll around on the seat and rest your eyes.
Don't forget that you have to register an additional driver if you want to take turns driving in the rental car.
4. Take breaks and overnight stays
On long car journeys, take a break as often as possible, but no later than two hours. And by break, we mean: get out of the car and stretch your legs. Light gymnastic stretching and loosening exercises may seem silly at first, but they work wonders because they promote blood circulation.
In the case of really long car journeys over ten hours, even a series of walks and stretching exercises will no longer help. If you know that you will be traveling that long, then it is best to book a hotel in advance (for example, halfway) to be on the safe side and not to sit in the car overtired. Then it goes on in the morning, relaxed and rested.
5. Pack the right snacks for long car journeys
Despite getting enough sleep and long breaks, does your concentration decline? Maybe you should eat something urgently. To prevent this from happening in the first place, it is worth having a stock of snacks for long car journeys. And they should be easy to portion. Absolute no-go: food that is heavy on the stomach.
Food suitable for a long drive:
- Fresh fruit and vegetables (especially apples and mandarins are easy to portion and perfect for snacking in a Tupperware jar - perfect for the long drive with children)
- Muesli bars and trail mix (crumb-free and full of protein)
- Sandwiches (tip: delicious spreads such as humus, peanut butter, or tomato paste taste fresh longer than sausage or cheese)
A supply of drinks is even more important to stay fit while driving - ideally close at hand next to the driver's seat. A bottle of water should definitely be with you, but caffeinated drinks such as coffee and cola (ideally in a thermos that keeps you warm or cool) are also allowed during a long drive.
6. Plan the long drive with children properly
One of the best tips for long car journeys with children: prepare the kids before the journey that it will take longer. Enough entertainment onboard also ensures a little more patience on long car journeys. In addition to classic (coloring) books, this can also be games on the tablet or audiobooks and travel songs. Age-appropriate travel games for on the go can also pass the time.
A long drive with a toddler or baby requires a little more planning. Correct securing with a child seat or booster seat is very important. You are on the safe side with your own child seat, but you can also book child seats as an extra in the rental car. Also useful for long car journeys: A bag in which you can stow and find important utensils such as changing clothes, spare clothes, a blanket, feeding bottle, toys, and the like in a few simple steps.
Regular breaks (at least every two hours) and an overnight stop are essential on a long car journey with a baby or toddler. Find out in advance whether the hotel is family-friendly and has baby cots.
7. Use waiting time to relax
Of course, people tend to wait involuntarily at traffic lights, toll stations, or at the end of a traffic jam. Our tip for long car journeys: use the mandatory breaks to relieve tension in your back or neck.
Three simple exercises for long car journeys :
- Raise your arms and press your hands against the roof of the car. Hold the pressure for about five seconds, take a deep breath, and then loosen the muscles again.
- Place your feet flat on the floor, press them firmly against them, tense your buttocks and abdominal muscles. Relax again after five seconds and loosen up your muscles.
- Put your hands behind the neck support and pull your head towards the support. Tense strongly and loosen again after five seconds.
Feel free to stretch and stretch as much as possible. Basically, of course: Road safety always comes first. While driving, of course, you should keep your hands on the wheel and your full attention on the road.
8. Keep calm: stay calm and calm
The last of our tips for long car journeys is self-explanatory but absolutely worth mentioning. Stay calm and calm. Don't get impatient if you get stuck behind trucks and RVs for a long time. Wait and overtake calmly and with foresight is the motto here. Such a procedure is not only easy on the nerves, but also on your wallet. No one really needs a sheet metal damage or something worse so shortly before their vacation.