When you are going on a long drive the best thing that you need to do is pamper yourself. In fact, this is perhaps the best advice that anyone can give you before you head out for such a drive. As such a road trip is one experience that is going to provide you plenty of fun and it normally starts before you start the trip as such. It starts with the preparatory phase itself. There are a few things that need to be taken into account in cases such as these. Are you going all alone or are you driving with a family that includes children?

Things to keep in mind before you drive

It is very important that proper sleep is right up there on your checklist for long drives. It is better to think of sleeping while you are yet to start than when you have started and are already a few miles down the road. Normally, when you do not sleep well before a journey you can find it extremely hard just to keep your eyes open and this could lead to one of those fatal accidents.

It is very important to know where you are going, to make sure that you are taking the right route and the best way to do that is to keep the maps handy and updated. You can also use guidebooks if you wish to. You should always download the latest maps on your GPS (global positioning system) unit before you start.

Following are a few other things that you need to keep in mind in this case:

• Ensuring that you have all the necessary tools and equipment
• Making sure that this trip is insured
• Making sure that the vehicle is ready to go
• Eating properly
• Checking the weather before you start

Things to keep in mind when you are on the road

When you are on a long drive you need to make sure that your seat has been aligned in such a way that it provides you the maximum possible comfort and at the same time helps you stay alert as well.

Following are a few other factors that need to be adhered to in this case:

• Not driving at mid-afternoon and late night
• Stopping to take rest
• Staying entertained
• Wearing seat belt
• Taking it slow and easy
• Cleaning the lights  

Things to keep in mind in general

Music is always a great accompaniment to trips such as these but the same can be said of audio books as well. You can also listen to those radio shows that entertain or irritate you. Either way, they will help you stay charged.

Following are a few other things that you need to pay attention in cases such as these:

• How far can you go?
• Making sure that it does not become excruciating
• Being adequately prepared in case you are traveling alone like keeping the phone charged and the tank full
• Making sufficient preparations in case you are going with a child

Marjorie Pierce