Long Distance Driving: How To Make It More Enjoyable Than It Is!

Long Distance Driving: How To Make It More Enjoyable Than It Is!

Long distance driving is just the worst. It’s honestly so dull, and things are even tougher when you have to drive long into the night. Now, if you’re driving alone, then we’ve got a whole new layer to your boredom. Nobody is keeping you company, which is not only soul-crushingly tedious, but a bit dangerous too as you can easily fall asleep.

It’s hard to really pinpoint when a journey suddenly becomes long-distance, but I think any car journey that takes longer than an hour will usually be pretty long. Speaking of which, if you’re due to go on any long road trips anytime soon, then you better listen up! Below, you’ll find a host of tips that will help you make your long distance drive a lot more enjoyable.

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Download Some Podcasts

Along with music, podcasts are fantastic for long journeys. In fact, I would say they’re almost tailormade for this exact thing. A lot of podcasts are close to an hour long, which means you probably don’t have much time to listen to them during your day. So, getting in the car for a few hours is the perfect excuse to catch up on your favourite podcast shows. The best thing to do is head to the iTunes Podcast app and look at the charts. You can select different categories, then download the shows you like the sound of the most. Hook your phone up to your car, and you can play them through the speakers as you drive. It’s a brilliant way to laugh, stay informed, and just have a good time while you drive.

If anything, you’ll actually start looking forward to your long journeys as you know it’s a chance to catch up on all the podcast episodes you’ve missed!

Get Some Music Involved

I won’t spend a lot of time on this point as it’s pretty self-explanatory. If podcasts aren’t your cup of tea, then music is the next best thing. You could create a playlist on Spotify – or use one of the playlists they already have on there. Alternatively, you can put some CD’s in – the car is pretty much the only place people still use them – or just turn on the radio. Either way, music brings some sound into the car and stops you dying of boredom. Plus, you can sing along and get into a happier mood.

Start An Audiobook

One last note on the in-car entertainment front; audiobooks are excellent. Start a series or an autobiography, and give it a listen while you drive. For me, it’s the best way to get through a book in as little time as possible. If there’s something you’ve been eager to read but never got around to it, then listening to it in the car is a brilliant idea.

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Set Targets For Yourself & Passengers

The worst thing about driving is that you don’t really feel any sense of achievement as you drive. That’s where this tip comes into play, as it’ll help you feel more entertained and motivated while you drive. Essentially, you set small targets for yourself while you drive. For example, you have to reach a certain number of miles before you can stop to eat. Or, if your passengers spot 5 identical cars, then they get a reward. Little things like this can really bring some fun to the whole experience. I particularly like the miles idea as you start to feel a sense of achievement for every mile you get under your belt!

Avoid Aggressive Speeding

Honestly, it’s pretty impossible to stick to the speed limit on a motorway. Everyone goes above 70, but you should really avoid aggressive speeding – or speeding whenever there are cameras or police nearby. The reason for this is obvious; nothing makes a long-distance journey worse than getting pulled over and handed a ticket. Granted, you could still beat your traffic ticket when you get home and seek legal guidance, but it will completely ruin your mood. The rest of the journey will be filled with silence as you moodily trudge along at a snail’s pace, paranoid that you’ll get done for speeding again. So, try and stay quite close to the speed limit whenever possible, and avoid going way over it as you’ll likely attract attention and get pulled over!

Take Regular Stops

The worst thing you can do is drive without taking any stops. Service stations are there for a reason, so make sure you use them. The longer you drive, the more tired and grouchy you become. Not to mention the fact your legs will be sore, your back will start to hurt, and your bum will be numb. Even if you’ve got a new car and want to stay behind the wheel for as long as possible, you will benefit from some short time away from it. Yes, stopping makes the journey longer, but it also makes it way more bearable. Try and stop every 45 minutes to an hour, just to stretch your legs and enjoy the fresh air.

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Don’t Drive When You’re Tired

Driving is a hundred times worse when you’re tired. You’re so eager to get home, and there’s the nagging feeling of fatigue in the back of your mind. It makes every journey seem much longer than it actually is. Plus, it’s incredibly dangerous as you can easily fall asleep at the wheel. So, to make your drive much more enjoyable, don’t do it when you’re tired. Get plenty of sleep before you’re due to drive, and have a coffee as a pick-me-up. This keeps you alert and fresh, then call it a day if you’re still driving in the evening and start feeling tired. It’s better to give up and try again in the morning than it is to power through at night while you’re tired.

If we’re speaking generally, then long distance driving is horrific. The thought of a long journey – particularly when by yourself – is enough to make your skin crawl. But, it doesn’t always have to be like this. Try these ideas the next time you go for a long drive, and it’ll amaze you how much more enjoyable it is!

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram.