How to Stay Comfortable on a Long Car Trip

With the cost of flights on the rise and the cost of rental cars skyrocketing, many travelers are turning to road trips as a way to get to their destination. Trading in speed for comfort, cost and control, road trips are a great way to see the country on your own terms. Before hitting the road, plan to maximize the benefits and stay comfortable and healthy on the trip with a few great products and some easy tips.

Stops and stretches. Airplanes like to crowd in as many paying customers as possible and on a flight, that stumbling walk to the tiny bathroom becomes a highlight, just to get up and move. Down here on the road, there is more room to stretch in a vehicle, and there is also more opportunity to pull over and get out. Plan frequent stops into your itinerary and take advantage of these stops to stretch out your legs, back, and neck. Focus on the hamstrings, thigh muscles, and calves by doing lunges and touching your toes. Make sure to get some walking in as well. Roll your head back and forth to stretch the muscles of your neck, and concentrate on the lower back muscles as well. Rub and stretch away any tight muscles and keep everything flexible.

Food and drink. Part of the appeal of a road trip is trying out new restaurants and cuisine. In between these planned (and sometimes spontaneous stops), skip the fast food and soda and make sure you stock up on water and healthy snacks. That cheeseburger, soda and order of fries may taste great, but the excess carbs, caffeine and sugar will have you yawning and feeling sluggish later. Keep a cooler and bag handy with cheese, fruit, and whole grain crackers to prevent getting peckish, while staying refreshed.

Keeping it clean. A messy and dirty car can happen in a flash. Travelers start out with the best of intentions and yet fifty miles down the road crumpled paper, empty bottles and cans, crayons and more find there way to the floor and tucked between seat cushions. Invest in a collapsible garbage can and a car organizer to give everything a place. This makes cleaning up a breeze when stopping and the vehicle area stays less claustrophobic.

Invest in comfort. The travel industry is full of items to make the journey more pleasant. Websites like www.traveloasis.com carry a large variety of neck pillows, travel blankets, eye shades and more to keep you relaxed during the trip. Naps are a great way to while away the time and these items can turn your vehicle into a closer facsimile of a hotel room. Add some of your favorite CDs and a DVD player and you have your own little traveling home.

Staying comfortable on a road trip just takes a little pre planning and willingness to listen to your body's needs by making frequent stops. Be ready to travel in comfort and leave the frenetic airports and expensive car rental counters behind.