If you’re driving for several days, make an itinerary for how far you want to drive each day. For example, you might want to drive 7 hours for the first day, but only drive 5 hours the next.
If you’re crossing borders, check that your passport is still valid and pack it in a safe place in the car. Don’t forget your phone charger, especially if you’re using the phone a lot to navigate.
Do this well before your trip so you can schedule additional maintenance as needed.
Jumper cables Flashlights First aid kit Simple tool kit Blanket or sleeping bag
Email the info or write it down so your family or friends can refer back to the information.
If you start driving in the morning when it’s cool, you might want a fleece jacket. You can remove it later when you warm up or drive to a hotter destination.
If you don’t like listening to music in the car, find an audiobook or podcast to enjoy.
Granola bars Unsalted nuts Rice cakes Fresh fruit and vegetables Crackers
If you’d like the drinks to stay cool, put them into a small cooler and place it near the bottom of the passenger seat so it’s easy to get to.
Instead of focusing on how much longer you have in the car, think about how many miles you’ve put behind you.
Stay on main roads so you can stop and ask for help if necessary. Adjust your travel plans if the weather worsens and you don’t feel comfortable driving.
If you’re driving into a foreign country, it’s especially important to read about their driving laws since they might be very different than the ones you’re used to.
Start your journey after a good night’s sleep so you’re less likely to be tired on the drive. Drink something caffeinated before you rest so you wake up feeling more energized.
If you do need to take a call, pull off to a safe spot and have your conversation. Having a hands-free phone call is just as distracting as holding the phone up to your ear, so avoid using a headset to call someone.
Stop at designated rest stops or well-lit businesses. Avoid taking a break on the side of the road or in an unsafe area.
