Cozy Road Trip Guide: Home for the Holidays
Once again, it's the Christmas season, which means road trips to spend time with family. Although our fifteen-hour travel may seem overwhelming at first, we've managed to make it into a warm and enjoyable tradition that is full of laughs, enjoyable moments, and favorites over the years.
We've been making this trip from Denver, Colorado, to Madisonville and Millersview Texas for five years now, so we know the exact route by heart. We've worked out the kinks in everything from where we eat to where we stop for breaks and gas.
This Christmas season, if you're thinking about taking a road trip, come along as I share our go-to tips for a cozy and fun vacation and address some of the often-asked questions on our Instagram Story.
How Much Time Should You Spend Driving a Day?
When planning a road trip, one of the first questions that comes to mind is, "How many hours per day should you drive?" It is a less stressful journey if you break it down into manageable pieces. Aim to drive for four to six hours each day, giving yourself time for breaks and unplanned diversions.
We discovered the hard way—during our first 15-hour travel home—that any drive longer than 10 hours is strenuous, especially for one person to handle alone. Many thanks to Zane for managing this on his first attempt, while I hate driving on unfamiliar roads and suffer from severe anxiety attacks.
We plan a two-day drive to my side of the family, breaking up around seven or eight hours in the evening and spending the night at a hotel. Everybody is different; some people require frequent stops, whereas my dad can drive for hours at a time without any issues. Follow your body's instincts and what seems safe. If your eyes are having trouble focusing, it's time to call it quits and book that hotel!
How Often Should You Stop?
A long road trip requires numerous stops. Every two to three hours, Zane and I make it a point to stop. These stops not only allow us to stretch our legs, but also allow Asap to get some fresh air and explore new surroundings.
Most of the time, we also change drivers. Zane always takes the first shift and gets us out of Colorado, while I take the second and cruise into New Mexico and the top of Texas. This allows Zane to unwind, play on his phone, and go to sleep. We keep doing this till we get to our parents' houses.
Pro tip: Plan your stops. We make plans based on the best gas stations (yes, this is a thing!) and dining options. It's easy and reliable to stop at locations we've been previously, knowing that we're receiving the best possible service every time.
When Is the Best Time to Drive, Day or Night?
When on a road trip, is it preferable to travel during the day or at night? Well, that is a matter of personal choice. Zane and I start the day early in the morning so we can bypass any traffic, allowing us extra daylight when we arrive in Texas.
All my country ladies know that as it gets dark, the deer come out to play, and we don't want to take any chances. Growing up in the country, our family has hit several deer, and the last thing I want is a wreck and our only way home taken away.
That being said, night driving could be more your style if you want a more peaceful trip. The night before our big move to Colorado, we decided to leave at nine pm then wait until the next morning. The roads were deserted, and we were simply cruising. But what we weren't aware of at the time was that, while we were energized and eager to leave, our bodies weren't used to staying awake all night.
We were exhausted by the time the sun came up, and we were both driving at the same time since Zane was driving his truck with the U-Haul trailer and I was driving my own car. We had to stop regularly to take power naps. After what was supposed to be a 15-hour drive but took more than 20 hours, we were worn out. After that, we refused to drive at night because of our bodies.
Making Sure Your Car Is Dependable
The success of your road trip is dependent on the dependability of your car, so be sure it's in great shape before hitting the open road. Consider your vehicle to be the foundation of your road trip; it needs some love and attention.
First things first: check the engine, tires, and oil. A comprehensive examination at your neighborhood garage is a smart choice if you're not an expert on cars. Allowing professionals to do a complete check can reveal hidden concerns and give you a piece of mind, making sure your car is ready for any challenges.
If your car falls short, consider it the perfect opportunity to replace it. To help you make the best decision, Edmunds provides useful information and costs. Upgrading to a new car may improve your road trip experience by giving more comfort, modern features, and, most importantly, dependability for the miles ahead.
Getting Your Body Ready for the Long Distance
Long hours on the road may be hard on your body. Drink plenty of water, choose your snacks carefully, and stretch when you stop to ensure a comfy ride. I like to pack a cooler with our favorite snacks and drinks.
On our most recent trip home, I picked up a Subway sub for myself. Choosing something that will last all day, allowing me to snack as needed, and giving a healthy choice to fatty fried options from gas stations and fast food restaurants.
In the past, eating heavy, fatty foods would leave me feeling sick and queasy for the rest of the way. Not only did switching to a healthier option make me feel better, but it also had a good effect on how my body felt. Getting Zane to switch is a whole other matter, haha!
Essentials for a Cozy Road Trip
Blankets and pillows are a must for all road trips. I like to have a heating pad for back issues, as well as pain relievers for headaches, aching muscles, and anything else that may come while driving.
Along with the comfies, I bring my tech devices. Instead of carrying my laptop, I prefer the portability of my iPad, which can serve as a work hub or a portable movie theater depending on my mood. A bit of pro advice is to download your TV series and movies in advance because you never know when you'll run out of signal.
And because I'm a bookworm, I always have a real book with me. But as the sun sets, I turn to my Kindle, which provides the ideal reading light without making Zane drive blind. When Zane is listening to music, it's great to have noise-canceling headphones on hand since I need silence to read.
If we can't think of anything to speak about, Zane has his podcasts and I have my books. To make the backseats as comfortable as possible, Asap has a cozy blanket and his favorite toys. Luckily, he is the perfect dog to travel with because all he does is sleep!
This season, as you organize your road trip, keep in mind that the route holds equal significance as the final destination. Make it comfortable, memorable, and, most importantly, your own. Happy travels!
