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How to survive a road trip
As you get older, road trips may get harder. Here’s how to make the most of your time on the road
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Whether visiting family or taking a vacation, you might find yourself on a road trip this summer.
As you get older, though, you might find these long drives aren’t as easy as they once were. Worse: the idea of traveling hours in a car could intimidate you.
It’s still possible to go on road trips, even as you get older. But how? Here are the answers to your road trip questions.
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1. How can you stay entertained on a long road trip?
When you're in a car for hours, it’s important to have a way to stay entertained. You won’t want to spend your time scrolling on your phone. In fact, you might find yourself somewhere where you don’t have internet access.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to stay entertained during these long trips.
Packing a book of word games gives you a mentally stimulating way to kill time on a road trip. Sudoku, crosswords and cryptograms are all popular choices.
Audiobooks are another popular way to stay entertained on road trips. Even if you prefer physical copies, you’ll discover the value of audiobooks while road tripping. A riveting story can turn a simple highway drive into a storybook experience.
The most common way to fill the space during a road trip is, not surprisingly, music.
Long drives are the perfect time to revisit favorite albums or find new music. If you plan on jamming on your trip, make sure you download the music you want to hear, or bring a physical way to play it. This way, you can keep listening, even when off the grid.
2. How can you stay comfortable on a long road trip?
Sitting in a car for hours can give your body aches and pain.
Packing smart even before the trip starts can help you stay comfortable. Blankets, neck rests and supportive shoes make a big difference.
Smart planning before your trip can help you avoid sitting all day. Checking your route for rest stops or quick roadside attractions will let you stretch your legs.
While these stops might make your trip a bit longer, they’ll be worth it to get out of the car.
Don’t be afraid of bringing mobility aids, either. While you might think they just take up room in the trunk, you’ll thank yourself for bringing along your walker, a cane or other aids.
3. How can you use technology on a road trip?
In today’s world, technology seems essential when traveling. But it can also prove to be a distraction. Or, sometimes, it can be more frustrating than helpful.
If you plan on using your phone for navigation, it’s important you position it where you don’t have to look away from the road. A phone mount is handy for this.
It’s important to pack physical maps, as well. You might lose connection or your phone could run out of charge. In these cases, having a physical backup will help you get where you need to be.
Many cars have a built-in way to charge electronics. If your car doesn’t, a portable charger can help you stay connected on these long drives.
4. How do you handle unexpected problems?
On a road trip, the problem you’re most likely to find yourself in is a car breakdown.
Even if you know how to put on a spare tire, dark roads, busy highways and being tired can make it difficult.
In the case you encounter issues with your car, know who to call. Many insurance companies include roadside assistance in their coverage. Some car companies do as well.
And, as a matter of practice, take your car to have fluid levels and tire pressures checked out. Many oil-change locations will do this for free.
Car issues aren’t the only ones that may come up on a road trip. Medical issues are another concern. Before you hit the road, look for nearby hospitals or clinics on your route.
Keeping important medical equipment, such as inhalers, nearby will also help you navigate health-related emergencies.
5. When is it not safe to drive for an older adult?
Knowing your limits on the road is vital to staying safe during a long drive.
If you find yourself struggling with night driving, don’t try to push that limit. It’s better to spend a night at a hotel than to drive with limited visibility. Before your trip, look up hotels on the route, in case you need to stop.
Knowing the effects of your medications can also help with driving. If you take medicine that causes drowsiness, be sure to pass the wheel to someone else, or book a hotel, after taking that medication.
If highway driving and fast speeds intimidate you, adjust your route to take more backroads. It might make your trip longer, but it’ll help you manage the stress of driving.
Even in older age, road trips can be a fun, independent way to travel. Smart planning before your trip, informed packing and knowing your limits when driving will help you make the most of your drive.
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