How to Rest on a Long Road Trip

You have embarked on the grand expedition of a lifetime—a long road trip stretching across the vast landscape, with surprises and memories aplenty. But, even intrepid explorers like yourself need to take a breather from time to time. When driving long distances, it’s essential to schedule in rest periods to recharge your batteries, refresh your mind and continue safely. Here are some tips to rest on a long road trip.

Prepare for Rest Stops Ahead of Time

Before hitting the road, plan out potential stops you’ll make along the way. Mark options like rest areas, gas stations, hotels, motels and diners along your route. That way you have flexibility to stop wherever is most convenient and you feel like you need it. Bring essentials to make stopping easy like snacks, water, cash, payment cards and a map.

Take breaks when drowsy

Don’t wait until you’re overly tired to pull over, you need to rest on a long road trip. As soon as you feel drowsy, it’s time for a quick power nap or change of scenery. Walk around, do some light exercise like jumping jacks, splash cold water on your face or drink a caffeinated beverage. A 15–20-minute power nap can work wonders for rejuvenating your body and mind. Pull over at a safe spot, recline your seat, set an alarm and take a catnap. You’ll wake up refreshed and recharged to continue driving.

Eat Healthy and Stay Hydrated

Road trips often involve a lot of snacking and fast food. However, eating greasy or heavy foods will make you feel sluggish. Stay energized by packing nuts, granola bars, fresh and dried fruit, string cheese and other healthy options. Staying hydrated also keeps you alert, so drink plenty of water throughout your drive.

Take Longer Rest Stops When Needed

For every 4-5 hours of driving, take an extended 30–45-minute rest stop. Get out and walk around, have a meal or snack, use the facilities and recline your seat for a power nap. Longer stops to unwind and de-stress from driving will make a huge difference in your energy levels and ability to continue driving.

Stretch Your Legs

Getting some exercise on a long drive is vital. Pull over at a safe spot and take time to stretch your legs. Do some jumping jacks, walk around the car a few times, rotate your ankles and march in place. Stretch your neck from side to side and roll your shoulders. Lower back stretches where you clasp your hands behind your back and twist side to side can relieve tension. Leg stretches and toe touches help wake up your legs and feet.

Entertain Your Mind

To stay alert, stimulate your mind with audiobooks, podcasts, upbeat music, singing loudly or playing road trip games. Call a friend or family member to chat for a few minutes. Solve word puzzles, riddles or brain teasers in a book or app. Play spot the license plate game and see how many states or countries you can spot. Counting red or blue cars is another game to pass the time.

Rotate Drivers

If traveling with others who can drive, rotate drivers every couple of hours. Switching drivers reduces fatigue and gives your mind and body a rest from actively driving. The new driver will be refreshed while the other person can recline the seat for a power nap, read a book, enjoy the scenery and have a snack. Rotating frequently makes long road trips safer for all.

Make Overnight Stops When Possible

On really long road trips, stopping overnight at a hotel, motel or campground is ideal. Getting several hours of sleep in a horizontal position will refresh you for continuing driving the next day. Take time overnight to unwind, stretch out, take a shower, enjoy a hot meal and get the deep sleep your body needs. You’ll start the next leg of driving feeling revitalized and recharged.

Tips for resting well on long road trips

• Bring pillows, blankets, earplugs and an eye mask to make napping in the car more comfortable. A neck pillow or wrap provides extra support for your head and neck.
• Open the window or blast the air conditioner/heater for some fresh air circulation. Fresh air helps you stay alert while driving and sleeping.
• Try deep breathing exercises like inhaling slowly through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. Taking some deep belly breaths provides an oxygen boost and helps you relax.
• Do some simple meditation while parked. Close your eyes, clear your mind and focus on your breath. Even just 2-3 minutes of meditation can induce a state of deep relaxation and rejuvenation.
• Moisturize your hands and face and use eye drops for tired, dry eyes. Staying hydrated not just internally but externally keeps you feeling freshened up.

The Bottom Line: Rest on A Long Road Trip

Rest on a long road trip by scheduling in frequent breaks to nap, nourish yourself, stretch out and switch drivers. Staying alert and energized will get you to your destination safely so you arrive rested and ready to enjoy your trip. With frequent breaks to recharge, long road trips can still be enjoyable travel adventures.