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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 2 of 3)
Bob H Apr 14th 2011 10:31AM
On camping equipment: a couple of years ago, I think along I-70, I stopped for a break at a rest center (gas, food, etc) and as I was leaving there was a girl ( sorry ladies – a long haired individual) asleep in that "lost" space at the end of a diagonal parking strip. In sleeping bag and apparently comfortable on the
HelzHart Apr 14th 2011 10:38AM
Thanks so much for the wonderful tips esp for western travel which we do.
MaryLou93063 Apr 14th 2011 10:50AM
If you have not used your gas credit card in awhile, call them and tell them you are going on a road trip. Otherwise, you will be wasting time ID'ing yourself at every stop.
jane Apr 14th 2011 10:53AM
Very good information. Regarding #2. Prepare vehicle - Be sure to check the tires, and the pressure in the tires.
MK Apr 14th 2011 10:55AM
We have follwed most f the tips, learned a few new ones. While traveling we always buy a cooked chiken and a few rolls at a grocery store,have some for dinner and make sandwiches out of the leftovers the next day, We always look at the sale papers for the grocery stores and see if they have any good deli deals.
We plan a few hours off the interstates to stop and "smell the roses" on a country road. it may be a little slower, but like one of the tips mentioned plan some extra time and enjoy your trip.
Ms N Apr 14th 2011 10:58AM
Books on tape or CD are excellent traveling companions. Many titles, abridged and unabridged , are available at your local library. Also, many Cracker 'Barrel restaraunts let you rent at one location, and return the item further down the road. There are titles for children, young adults, and adults.
Frank Apr 14th 2011 11:01AM
Be careful when driving at dusk, dawn and at night. The sun is low at times and can blind you if you're heading into it. Certain animals, such as deer, are very active at these times and they're numerous. It's too easy to hit one with limited visibility!
mike Apr 14th 2011 11:10AM
I took a 4 month road trip with my 2 golden retrievers from South Florida to the Canadian border and then straight down to La. and home. The 2 best things I had were "The RVer's Friend"North American Diesel Directory and a Wal-Mart atlas.
The RV book has everything you could want for a trip. I'd never try again without it.
Truck stops { especially Flying J} are fantastic! Nice people, good food, spotless facilitys, showers, laundry, TV room. Had a pick up and stayed overnite at all these and was real comfortable. Truckers had alot of great info for the trip and good places to eat. They will also keep an eye on your gear while your doing laundry etc. They are a whole culture that are just really great helpful people.
I had such a great time stopping in small towns , swimming in rivers, hunting pheasant in Wisconsin, and just meeting the rest of America.
A GPS is helpful to have along
Brace Apr 14th 2011 11:19AM
Obama says bend over and touch your toes, I'm going to show you just how high in price a gallon of gas goes.
jaba Apr 14th 2011 11:38AM
You say to plan your route wisely, then say to take go off the beaten path? Which is it, moron? How do "I" get a job to write a stupid article such as this one?
Mike Apr 14th 2011 12:16PM
Jaba: "Plan your route" means things like selecting the destination for your road trip and deciding which states you'll go through to get there. A summer trip to Las Vegas? Unless you like 120 degree days you might consider checking out Idaho instead. Crossing the Rockies in early spring? Keep in mind the possibilities of late snow storms as you decide which states to cross and which mountain passes to go over. "Go off the beaten path" means things like taking a short detour on a more scenic route. For example if you are going from California to Washington state you may decide to mainly use I-5 for the trip up. You can "go off the beaten path" by occasionally using US 99, the pre-interstate route which roughly parallels I-5 but which takes you through small towns which are much more interesting than the motel/fast food clusters at the various interstate exits.
Lee Apr 14th 2011 11:44AM
An excellent article! After 30 years of driving interstate buses, I could only add a thought about defensive driving before you "head out on the highway, looking for adventure!" Maybe pickup your states Drivers Manual and review it or see it for the first time! It has a lot of common sense advice that applies to every state. Use your cruise control, set at the speed limit, and follow the three second rule. Relax, enjoy your summer trip stress free, ticket free and arrive home safely!
yardman1000 Apr 14th 2011 11:52AM
I get online before we leave and check gas prices on the route we will travel it is good to know what expenses for fuel you will have so you can plan a budget for the trip
David Sanders Apr 14th 2011 12:01PM
"As you might suspect, planning a road trip that will take you through parts of the South is dangerous territory". No kidding! Best bet: Steer clear of the South entirely.
Tom T. Apr 19th 2011 5:26PM
Don't forget the duct tape!
ridgehill Apr 14th 2011 12:04PM
If you plan to pop into canada or mexico bring your passport. Many Walmarts are open all night with nice clean bath rooms and they allow you to sleep in your vehicle in their parking lot. Remember every photograph of scenery should have you or your travel mates in it, thirty years from now those will be the photos you most cherish.
Charles Apr 14th 2011 12:38PM
In case somenone forgot to say this, also on raod trips take a CB radio with you. Despite some of the foul language and other garbage on there, you can actually get some good road tips, where cops are, and most of them now have Weather radio band built in so you can get weather updates from the NMS. Maps and Atlases are great, GPS's are too but are not always accurate, if you can update them before you go
Warren Apr 14th 2011 1:00PM
Excellent comments. Also remember that a road trip can be an end to itself, so take your time, stop in at whatever floats your boat. Museums, fishing holes, antique stores, photo opportunities, concerts, fairs, hiking trails, art galleries, bars, restaurants. Don't overplan, so you can respond to what you find. You may only go a couple of hundred miles a day, but you will really enjoy each day. Just got back from a great trip that covered about 2000 miles, with only about 200 on the interstate, and about 200 on dirt roads.
FEHL Apr 14th 2011 1:56PM
Take a water filter, windshield cover, sunglasses, coiled hose with nozzle, camera, voice recorder, big tarp with a silvered side with bungees to anchor it, small box of tools, first aid kit, box of wooden matches, small kit with rope, plastic covered wire, flashlight (LED), lantern, baby wipes, a thermos for hot and one for cold, dry type food: crackers, instant oatmeal and a coleman stove that runs on gas and propane.
I'm no sissy, but I'm a 5 ft 1 inch woman of a certain age. Since 18 I've had a WELL BRED purebred protection breed of dog which has saved my life more than once I know of and likely several times I don't know of. SELDOM do I get into my vehicle without one; and NEVER when out of my immediate area. I'm NOT paranoid, but practical. My breed is short haired, averages 100 lbs. Prevention is better than dealing with the consequences of unwanted attention. My dogs are worth every cent and minute I spend on them. Relationships come and go but YOUR dog is faithful to you, no matter what. NEVER co own a dog within a relationship. Always have it registered in your name and a signed statement it is not part of the relationship goods. Don't pay to own your own dog or fight to make decisions for it.
Some IDIOT on TV said he would never put a dog down if it were suffering, but let it die naturally. IGNORANT jerk. In the natural world, no animal lingers. If it can't take care of itself another animal kills it QUICKLY and eats it. No long term suffering.
Pears and apples hold up VERY well if kept cool. Also use dry ice in your cooler and your cubes will last for 3 days instead of one and you will need less of them in the cooler. If your car breaks down or there is a bad traffic jamb you will be very glad you took along a tarp to cover yourself and the vehicle.
Kathy Apr 14th 2011 2:04PM
When my husband and I got married almost 25 years ago, we didn't do the traditional honeymoon stuff. Instead, we flew to Denver, rented and RV, and travelled for 14 days. We traveled to Siverado, camped a Taylor Res., Purgatory, camped at the Grand Canyon, flew over it the next day-rented, went to Las Vegas, Lake Panquitch, horseback riding in Zion National Park, camped in many places, fished and cooked our dinner many nights. We ended up in Steam Boat Springs and then back to Denver. The scenery was breathtaking, the people were nice, the little out of the way campgrounds were spectacular. I now understand purple mountains majesty.
Another thing to take with you: a journal. 25 years later, I open up mine and I am there again, remembering the beautiful sunsets and rainbows, and our beautiful country.