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20 tips for surviving a summer road trip, courtesy of touring musicians
Road trips are made for summer. Summer is made for road trips. I'm a musician with several tours under my belt so, yeah, you guessed it, I love road trips and summer. But braving the heat while living in an automobile isn't very cool if you aren't prepared. Before you pack your vehicle so tight you can't open the backseat doors without spilling pillows and sun block all over the scorching rest stop parking lot, make sure you have your summer road trip bases covered.
Summer's biggest pitfalls aren't mysterious. Mostly there's the heat and the sun, which can be two separate problems to combat. Precisely how to conquer the road while dodging the wrath of summer is a practice best perfected by experience, so here are some tips birthed from experience, not in any intentional order.
1. Plan your route wisely.
Where you're going matters. As you might suspect, planning a summer road trip that will take you through the South is dangerous territory. With that said, I've done it, plenty of people have, but be mindful of the regional summer climate when planning your summer trip. Give yourself more time for rest than you think you need. The heat has a way of corroding away a traveler's soul. If you think you can manage full-day drives during the summer, that's fine, but make sure your schedule is flexible.
Gallery: My road trip last summer
2. Prepare your vehicle.
It's absolutely essential that you make sure your vehicle is adequately prepared for a summer road trip before embarking on one. If your air conditioner is broken, get it fixed. If the car's interior material is the kind that easily gets sticky and hot, bring thin sheets to cover the seats with. And oh yeah, those windshield sun blockers? Definitely a bright idea. Aol Autos has a good round-up detailing how to prepare your car for a summer road trip here.
3. Pack the right stuff.
What you pack will prove to be important during a summer road trip. During any road trip, no matter the season, what you bring along with you more or less accounts for your home for the trip. When road tripping, your vehicle is your home. Remember that. Aside from the regular to-bring items (first aid kit, anyone?) a few essentials to remember when packing for a summer trip are:
Sun block
Sun hat
Bug repellent
A cooler
Swim suit
Beach Towel
Sun glasses
Light clothing
Aloe
Water bottle
Umbrella
But the real question to ask yourself is: what helps you feel comfortable in the summer? If having an on-the-go folding beach chair around has been handy for you in the past, go ahead and slide it into your trunk if there's space.
Dean Herrera, guitarist for metal band, The Human Abstract, is especially behind including a swim suit on the pack list.
"Always have some swim suit ready to go. You never know when you might drive by an unexpected river or lake that would be perfect for a quick dip", said Herrera when I asked him for his own summer road trip tips.
4. Avoid afternoon driving.
Tolerating the heat, especially in the South, can be a challenge. Avoid driving in the height of the afternoon if you have a chance. People siesta for a reason in warm places! You should take this tip via tradition to heart. Drive at night, dawn, or dusk for the most pleasant temperature and traffic-free experience. Not only will you be more comfortable, but you'll probably save a little on gas money while you're at it (it takes less gas to cool your car when the outside temperature drops).
5. Stay clean.
It's easy to become a stinky sweaty mess when traveling during the summer. Deodorant is important, but it won't ward off all of the nasty scents of summer road tripping. I used to always have my shampoo, conditioner, and a jug of water around so I could quickly wash my hair in a parking lot if necessary. But public showers do exist.
"Truck stop showers are typically very clean", says Anthony Shustak. "Don't be afraid to use them if you need... just be sure you've got some sandals". Anthony Shustak is a touring veteran who has traveled with acts like Meg and Dia and LIGHTS as an engineer, tour manager, and general-good-guy-to-have-around.
6. Protect your engine.
"If your van or car is on its way to overheating and you don't want to or can't, stop, blast the heater and open the windows. It helps keep your engine slightly cooler", says Herrera who, at this point, has probably circled around the United States in a van enough times to equally circle to world a few times.
7. Stay rested.
"Sleep!", says Shustak. "Coffee only does so much. So, before you get to the point on that 14 hour drive when you're on your fourth cup of coffee in six hours and your arms are shaking, pull the car over and take a nap! Even if it's just half an hour".
8. Tune in and tune out.
Shustak has some advice on which electronics matter. "Have a fully stocked mp3 player, a camera at the ready, and turn your phone off for a day or two--or at least limit yourself to one or two "message checks" per day. Your e-mails will miraculously still be there when you wake up the next day", he suggests.
9. Embrace the road less taken.
"Make sure to go off the beaten path", advises Shustak. "Don't be scared of the locals. Ask questions... especially when it comes to finding out the best places to eat.
10. Get some alone time.
You're much more likely to want to strangle your travel companion, be it your spouse, colleague, or Craigslist rideshare partner, while crammed up together in a hot car for hours upon hours each day. Make sure to take breaks from your road buddy as frequently as possible, even if just for 15 minutes.
11. Know your territory.
And know what comes with that territory. Read up and know the dangers of the area at hand. If the bear population is high, for instance, be sure to be mindful of where you place your food and trash while parked.
12. Stay hydrated.
Keep yourself hydrated with cold beverages while driving. Think about it this way: every cool drink you down is another step up and toward a cooler temperature--particularly important if your car has an irreparable broken air conditioner (which is incredibly inconvenient if you live in Austin, FIRST HAND KNOWLEDGE).
13. Use an umbrella.
Protect yourself from the sun's rays, especially mid-day. If you hate lathering on sun block and don't see the point in covering your body with it when you'll be in the car most of the day, just use your umbrella when you stop for a walk to stretch your legs. It's much easier than worrying about the lotion.
14. Pack light.
Shustak's packing tip is all about how much you pack.
"Mainly, for me, it comes down to packing lightly and efficiently. If you are on a trip longer than a month in duration, pack for 10-14 days and use your opportunities to do laundry during any downtime", says Shustak, who undoubtedly knows the value of staying with a washer/dryer-owning friend on the road.
15. Eat healthy.
An easy way to make sure you feel like crap while traveling is to eat crap. I realize old habits die hard, but some fresh fruits and vegetables just might be your answer to staying happy and healthy on the road.
16. Entertain yourself.
Cruising across states is fun and the landscape views are great. But you'll eventually get sick of looking out of the window and when you do, you'll need a way to entertain yourself. Be sure there's no shortage on entertainment options. Books, notebooks, sketchbooks, jewelry-making supplies, knitting tools, dvds for your computer, video games, iPod and headphones... you know what you like, so pack accordingly.
17. Bring camping supplies.
Sometimes you need to stop in towns where you don't have any friends you can stay with and your money needs to go toward gas, not hotels. It's no big deal, just camp! If you can squeeze at least a tent and a sleeping bag in your vehicle, do it. Having the ability to sleep comfortably anywhere when you need to stop will enhance your overall road trip experience this summer.
18. Have your contacts saved.
Phones get stolen, broken, and lost. Make sure you have a list of your contacts, especially your emergency contacts, saved elsewhere. I suggest online, on your computer, and in a notebook.
19. Keep someone in the loop.
I was a little annoyed summer of 2007 when the folks who care about me back home called Wyoming hospitals to see if I'd been in an accident after not hearing from me for days. Truth be told, I was just camping in Yellowstone without phone reception and I should have kept someone in the loop. But at least these folks, my parents, were in the loop enough to know which area of the country I was in. Make sure you're keeping someone you trust up to date on where you are and where you plan on going.
20. Bring an actual atlas.
"Have an up-to-date road atlas", says Shustak. "Surprise, surprise... the GPS and/or Google Maps are not always accurate".
Have some tips I missed? Let us all know in the comments.
It's absolutely essential that you make sure your vehicle is adequately prepared for a summer road trip before embarking on one. If your air conditioner is broken, get it fixed. If the car's interior material is the kind that easily gets sticky and hot, bring thin sheets to cover the seats with. And oh yeah, those windshield sun blockers? Definitely a bright idea. Aol Autos has a good round-up detailing how to prepare your car for a summer road trip here.
3. Pack the right stuff.
What you pack will prove to be important during a summer road trip. During any road trip, no matter the season, what you bring along with you more or less accounts for your home for the trip. When road tripping, your vehicle is your home. Remember that. Aside from the regular to-bring items (first aid kit, anyone?) a few essentials to remember when packing for a summer trip are:
Sun block
Sun hat
Bug repellent
A cooler
Swim suit
Beach Towel
Sun glasses
Light clothing
Aloe
Water bottle
Umbrella
But the real question to ask yourself is: what helps you feel comfortable in the summer? If having an on-the-go folding beach chair around has been handy for you in the past, go ahead and slide it into your trunk if there's space.
Dean Herrera, guitarist for metal band, The Human Abstract, is especially behind including a swim suit on the pack list.
"Always have some swim suit ready to go. You never know when you might drive by an unexpected river or lake that would be perfect for a quick dip", said Herrera when I asked him for his own summer road trip tips.
4. Avoid afternoon driving.
Tolerating the heat, especially in the South, can be a challenge. Avoid driving in the height of the afternoon if you have a chance. People siesta for a reason in warm places! You should take this tip via tradition to heart. Drive at night, dawn, or dusk for the most pleasant temperature and traffic-free experience. Not only will you be more comfortable, but you'll probably save a little on gas money while you're at it (it takes less gas to cool your car when the outside temperature drops).
5. Stay clean.
It's easy to become a stinky sweaty mess when traveling during the summer. Deodorant is important, but it won't ward off all of the nasty scents of summer road tripping. I used to always have my shampoo, conditioner, and a jug of water around so I could quickly wash my hair in a parking lot if necessary. But public showers do exist.
"Truck stop showers are typically very clean", says Anthony Shustak. "Don't be afraid to use them if you need... just be sure you've got some sandals". Anthony Shustak is a touring veteran who has traveled with acts like Meg and Dia and LIGHTS as an engineer, tour manager, and general-good-guy-to-have-around.
6. Protect your engine.
"If your van or car is on its way to overheating and you don't want to or can't, stop, blast the heater and open the windows. It helps keep your engine slightly cooler", says Herrera who, at this point, has probably circled around the United States in a van enough times to equally circle to world a few times.
7. Stay rested.
"Sleep!", says Shustak. "Coffee only does so much. So, before you get to the point on that 14 hour drive when you're on your fourth cup of coffee in six hours and your arms are shaking, pull the car over and take a nap! Even if it's just half an hour".
8. Tune in and tune out.
Shustak has some advice on which electronics matter. "Have a fully stocked mp3 player, a camera at the ready, and turn your phone off for a day or two--or at least limit yourself to one or two "message checks" per day. Your e-mails will miraculously still be there when you wake up the next day", he suggests.
9. Embrace the road less taken.
"Make sure to go off the beaten path", advises Shustak. "Don't be scared of the locals. Ask questions... especially when it comes to finding out the best places to eat.
10. Get some alone time.
You're much more likely to want to strangle your travel companion, be it your spouse, colleague, or Craigslist rideshare partner, while crammed up together in a hot car for hours upon hours each day. Make sure to take breaks from your road buddy as frequently as possible, even if just for 15 minutes.
11. Know your territory.
And know what comes with that territory. Read up and know the dangers of the area at hand. If the bear population is high, for instance, be sure to be mindful of where you place your food and trash while parked.
12. Stay hydrated.
Keep yourself hydrated with cold beverages while driving. Think about it this way: every cool drink you down is another step up and toward a cooler temperature--particularly important if your car has an irreparable broken air conditioner (which is incredibly inconvenient if you live in Austin, FIRST HAND KNOWLEDGE).
13. Use an umbrella.
Protect yourself from the sun's rays, especially mid-day. If you hate lathering on sun block and don't see the point in covering your body with it when you'll be in the car most of the day, just use your umbrella when you stop for a walk to stretch your legs. It's much easier than worrying about the lotion.
14. Pack light.
Shustak's packing tip is all about how much you pack.
"Mainly, for me, it comes down to packing lightly and efficiently. If you are on a trip longer than a month in duration, pack for 10-14 days and use your opportunities to do laundry during any downtime", says Shustak, who undoubtedly knows the value of staying with a washer/dryer-owning friend on the road.
15. Eat healthy.
An easy way to make sure you feel like crap while traveling is to eat crap. I realize old habits die hard, but some fresh fruits and vegetables just might be your answer to staying happy and healthy on the road.
16. Entertain yourself.
Cruising across states is fun and the landscape views are great. But you'll eventually get sick of looking out of the window and when you do, you'll need a way to entertain yourself. Be sure there's no shortage on entertainment options. Books, notebooks, sketchbooks, jewelry-making supplies, knitting tools, dvds for your computer, video games, iPod and headphones... you know what you like, so pack accordingly.
17. Bring camping supplies.
Sometimes you need to stop in towns where you don't have any friends you can stay with and your money needs to go toward gas, not hotels. It's no big deal, just camp! If you can squeeze at least a tent and a sleeping bag in your vehicle, do it. Having the ability to sleep comfortably anywhere when you need to stop will enhance your overall road trip experience this summer.
18. Have your contacts saved.
Phones get stolen, broken, and lost. Make sure you have a list of your contacts, especially your emergency contacts, saved elsewhere. I suggest online, on your computer, and in a notebook.
19. Keep someone in the loop.
I was a little annoyed summer of 2007 when the folks who care about me back home called Wyoming hospitals to see if I'd been in an accident after not hearing from me for days. Truth be told, I was just camping in Yellowstone without phone reception and I should have kept someone in the loop. But at least these folks, my parents, were in the loop enough to know which area of the country I was in. Make sure you're keeping someone you trust up to date on where you are and where you plan on going.
20. Bring an actual atlas.
"Have an up-to-date road atlas", says Shustak. "Surprise, surprise... the GPS and/or Google Maps are not always accurate".
Have some tips I missed? Let us all know in the comments.
Filed under: Climbing, Hiking, Paddling, Surfing, North America, United States, Camping, Transportation, Ecotourism, Budget Travel, Travel Health
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Monica Apr 13th 2011 3:56PM
Great tips! I'd also add - don't take anything you don't need. there is so little space to begin with that you can't afford to be cramming extra things in.
thinkingperson Apr 14th 2011 12:00PM
My folks did something which my husband and I have copied - carry a wet washcloth in a plastic bag. When you get to feeling tired and grungy in the car, wiping off your face and neck with a cool wet washcloth can do wonders as a pick-me-up!
Ken Taylor Apr 14th 2011 12:23PM
Bring A compas and if you like to fish bring along your fishig pole,fishing guide for that state. There are lakes, streams and ponds all accross the U. S.. A local sports shop will most likely have licence and information Etc:
Aleida Apr 13th 2011 2:27PM
Great tips, especially about taking breaks from your travel companions. Maybe a bonus trip would be to make sure you're with people you won't be tempted to murder. I went on a short road trip from New Hampshire down to Virginia last summer for GWAR-B-QUE with three friends I had met at a GWAR show and three other random strangers. My friends and I got along wonderfully but the people that I didn't know were complete asses almost the entire time. We were tempted to buy a bus ticket back and leave them stranded.
Clifford Apr 14th 2011 6:30AM
Great advice, but as retiree's we had to watch our budget. We rented a car on 30 day discount [Budget], about $600 a month,and used upgrade coupons. We used the motel coupon books from tourist stops or fast food stops , just have to check in before 5, no problem since we try to drive between 9 and noon. We tried for the big meal for lunch, it's less expensive. Toilets are a problem, wife and I gotta pee a lot.McDee's, Burger kings. Wal marts have the cleanest rest rooms and serves food, let's you park at night if you can't find a room, and has the same merchandise store to store, including inexpensive necessities and new clothes changes.
oakspondman Apr 14th 2011 7:25AM
If you have the time, add a day to your travel time. Take your time, make a side trip. Hit a outlet mall, unusual attractions. Take in the local shops.......relax. A short walk to loosen up your body. You will be allot more relaxed, and comfortable.
Starla Apr 14th 2011 8:05AM
Keep a bottle of mouthwash and toothbrush and toothpaste handy or at least breath mints. Nothing spoils the interior of a car with a talkative passenger who's breath can peel wallpaper.
Jill Apr 14th 2011 8:54AM
Have recommended many of these tips to family/friends also. And with today's economy and once again rising gas prices, we save $ on the road by taking advantage of reward points. (hotel, credit card reward memberships. The points add up quickly) Were driving to Florida and we'll save a lot by using hotel reward points to and from our location and used credit card points to get gas gift cards. The savings from those two alone has more than covered our share of the condo were renting with family. Regarding safety, lock up, don't leave valuables in your vehicle, park in well lite areas and pay attention to your surroundings.
Jeffrey Apr 14th 2011 9:20AM
Real GOOD TIPS,ALL FOR THE PASSENGER , BUT LET'S GO 4 THE WHEEL MAN. That's the person who keep's the ride safe and happy , at times drivers should roll window down fresh air is a good thing. Fuel up as your tank reaches the half way point you will see a big difference in increased gas milage also. and a plus for body movment or exercise. another good tip is to get up early and travel up to the point of near darkness,also thinking where to stay overnight and to get a bite to eat. also possible stop at a local grocery market buy just what u want it keeps cost low. Many grocer's will just sell you two bun's to make sanwiches and check there deli for free forks ,spoons ,knifes,napkins ,straws .all these keep ur cost down. and always keep in mind of busy cities during their peak commuting times ,at times you may need totake a short break to keep from getting into rush hour traffic.
jim Apr 14th 2011 8:52AM
Yea Right, who can afford to even pay for the gas for a vacation in this OBAMA DEPRESSION!!??? IMPEACH NOW!!
Ray Apr 14th 2011 8:54AM
I think the biggest mistake most poeple make is over-packing for a trip. I have seen people going on vacation that you would think they were moving instead of just going away for a couple of days. It only takes me about 30 min. to pack and no pre- planning. If I forget something I buy it on the road somewhere. I was talking to a woman the other day and she said she changes clothes 4-5 times a day. Totally un-necessary and all those clothes take a lot of the fun out of traveling. Pack light it's more fun in the long run..
Mama Apr 14th 2011 8:55AM
No one mentioned traveling with kids. Here's a tip when traveling with the kids: make sure that they are comfortable too. Make sure you have snacks they like (and you approve of) as well as cold drinks for them. Also if they are old enough to, let them pack for themselves. Another good tip is to let them pack a couple of the things they sleep with every night. Realizing they can't bring everything they sleep with but only 2 or 3 things they absolutely can't sleep without will make the days MUCH better. A tired child(ren) makes for a BAD road trip. Take some Tylenol PM or Advil PM or something like that for the grown ups too. Sleeping in a bed that's NOT your own can make for grumpy grown ups who don't get a good nights sleep and the medication will help get a good nights rest without making the whole trip bad. Also when traveling with the kids, try to stick to their usual at home bed time as much as you can. Taking the kids out of a normal sleep routine can make some BAD trips too. Try to eat on a "normal" eating routine as well. The more you do to keep your body and the child(ren)s bodies in their usual routines will help a lot. Otherwise relax and REMEMBER to have a good time. DO the off the beaten path stuff. WELL worth it to do some of those things.
Mom Apr 14th 2011 9:12AM
Summer is the MAJOR time of the year for road construction projects. Your tip on planning out your route should also include allowing extra time for road constuction back ups and/or detours. I don't ever let my gas gauage get below 1/4 tank on road trips for that very reason. I've been stuck in stop and go traffic on the highway in between interchanges for 1 1/2 hours!
C.C Apr 14th 2011 9:27AM
There is a wonderful and essential travel book called "The Next Exit" pick it up and Barnes and Noble. It has every major highway and what services are at every exit.
I have used this book for years and NEVER travel without it..I also never travel without my atlas....personally, IMHO, people who rely on a GPS are idiots!
Vern Apr 14th 2011 9:35AM
Modify #8 to include: Periodically tune into commercial radio, especially for weather information. Last year I drove from East Texas and planned to stop just north of Nashville. I listened to XM Radio the entire trip. When I reached a short distance west of Nashville, the interstate was closed which I figured was caused by an accident so I took secondary roads to get to the next exit where I planned to get back on. It was closed also so I tuned into local radio and discovered that the area was flooded. I ended up spending the night in a church parking lot sleeping in the back of the SUV.
smapplebee Apr 14th 2011 9:52AM
Security is very important. Traveling alone for 10 hours to visit family, I call my daughter each time I stop. Whether I am gassing up or need to stretch, she knows where I am. I wear something like a Garfield t shirt that people will remember. Starting early is important because I do not like driving at night. Two bottles of coke and sandwiches keep me going so I drive straight through. Upon arrival, I call her. Why do I do this? One time she could not reach me and had state police in two different states looking for me. (I bought a cell phone before she would let me come back home).
Sharon Apr 14th 2011 10:00AM
If you are traveling through the Florida Panhandle, stop at their rest areas to get a few hours sleep if you are tired. They are security manned 24/7 and some of the best around. Always fill up at half a tank. If I am driving east I get a later start in the morning so I don't have the morning sun coming through my windshield as well as getting a very early start driving west and stop for dinner when the sun is coming in your eyes. Then drive at night after the sun is out of your eyes. When you drive west of the Mississippi River for the most part, you want to have reservations made because in some areas the hotels are few and far between. Just in case make sure you take a pillow and a lilght blanket in the summer if you get stuck in a rest area instead of making your hotel.
You can always stop at McDonald's and get their fruit and walnut salad to perk you up. Love driving and crunching on their apple slices and then their walnuts.
Everytime I stop to get gas I get a drink and then stop at rest area to throw it away and very seldom every spend more than two hours in the car without getting out if only to walk around a rest area. Pack a small cooler with water and Coca Cola for those times when the area between stops is longer.
Love getting off the interstate and seeing the countryside and the small towns where you can always find a Dairy Queen. Driving from Oklahoma is pretty easy to get wherever you want to go with I-35, I-40, or I-44, just hope in your car and off you go. You have to pack light -- easier to do laundry then have too much clothes with you.
Hate to fly and find driving really fun!
Mrs. Foster Apr 14th 2011 10:05AM
You forgot the food... Due to allergies and cost, I pack 90% of what we eat on the road. A cooler full of iced drinks from Costco, and a cooler that has snacks and meals means big savings when on a long trip. $25-30 worth of snacks and drinks will cost over $100 if you hit the vending machines at rest stations or truck stops.
Mary Apr 14th 2011 10:29AM
If you happen to be traveling by motorcycle, keep eye tear/lubricant drops and sunscreen in a cooler. Also bring a white cotton long sleeve shirt.
patcallo Apr 14th 2011 10:28AM
Road trips are fun!! I'm happy for the author that she got to experience one for the first time! These are all good tips, but fairly obvious if you have ever been on a road trip before.