Navigating Travel Days with Ease: Tips for a Successful Journey
- Cassandra Richerson
- Aug 22, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 23, 2023
Ah travel days, love ‘em or hate ‘em they’re an essential part of the nomadic life. I used to hate travel days, they gave me so much anxiety! I would literally feel the anxiety creeping about 24-48 hrs prior to travel and the whole family would notice. Yes, it was that bad. As time has gone on I’ve grown to love travel days, now that we know what we’re doing and are competent on the road! Travel days bring a unique blend of anticipation and adventure, but they can also come with their fair share of challenges. Fear not, fellow nomads! With a bit of planning and a touch of flexibility, you can turn your travel days into smooth and enjoyable experiences. Let's dive into some tips for mastering the art of successful travel days.
1. Start with a Game Plan: 🗺️
Before you hit the road, have a clear plan in mind. Outline your route, pit stops, and estimated travel time. Having a general idea of where you're headed ensures a smoother journey and less last-minute decision-making stress. I usually plan ahead the night before due to the variable nature of weather, road conditions, and anything else that can sometimes pop up on the road. Yesterday we were navigating smoke in eastern Washington from the wildfires that have broken out and displaced many. We thought a portion of i90 was going to be shut down, but by the time we drove it, it had re-opened. Things like that are difficult to navigate more than 24 hours out.
2. Pack Strategically: 🎒
Efficiency is key when it comes to packing. Keep essentials within easy reach, like snacks, water, a first aid kit, and any travel documents you might need. By having these items handy, you can minimize stops and maximize your time on the road. We keep our America the Beautiful pass in our center console for instance to make national park trips (our favorite!) easy and we never have to wonder where our access pass is hiding.
3. Fuel Up – Both You and Your Vehicle: ⛽
Start your day with a healthy breakfast, giving yourself the energy to tackle the road ahead. Often times we will pack a breakfast and eat on the road. Things like chia seed pudding, breakfast tacos, and protein shakes are great options. And of course, ensure your vehicle is well-fueled too. If you are hauling a trailer it's much easier to fill up unhitched and you can typically take advantage of better gas prices since you can go to any station. While you're fueling up, be sure to check your tires, oil levels, and all the essentials to avoid unexpected breakdowns.
4. Keep Yourself Entertained: 📚 🎵
Long hours on the road can be transformed into delightful moments of leisure. Create playlists filled with your favorite tunes, stock up on audiobooks, or download podcasts that tickle your curiosity. Entertainment not only keeps you engaged but also makes the journey pass swiftly. We almost always cue up a good audiobook for our long travel days.
5. Break It Down: ☕🚻
Scheduled breaks are your best friends. Plan for brief stops to stretch your legs, grab a snack, and take in the scenery (grab a fresh cup of coffee ☕️). Whether it's a charming roadside café or a picturesque viewpoint, these moments of respite add layers of enjoyment to your journey and help break up the monotony. We usually choose rest stops because they're easy in and out and offer picnic tables and clean restrooms.
6. Flexibility is Your Co-Pilot: 🛤️
While planning is crucial, being adaptable is equally important. Unexpected detours or intriguing attractions can turn into serendipitous highlights of your travel day. Embrace the spontaneity that comes with the open road.
7. Arrive Before Sunset: 🌄
Whenever possible, aim to reach your destination before sunset, especially when boondocking. This not only helps with visibility but also gives you time to settle in, enjoy the evening, and prepare for the adventures that await the next day.
Travel days are the threads that weave your nomadic journey together. With a bit of preparation and a dash of spontaneity, you'll find that these days hold their own charm and beauty. So, fasten your seatbelt, embrace the open road, and savor every mile – because the journey is just as significant as the destination itself.
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