Road tripping is nothing new. When you picture it, you’re likely to imagine the classic family vacation, hitting the road to a new destination and playing games, and eating gas station snacks along the way. 

However, the classic road trip has changed over the years. Now, more than ever, people are hitting the road both to get to specific destinations, and on a permanent basis thanks to the rise in remote working. Van life is extremely popular, especially for people wanting to lead a minimalistic lifestyle. 

Whether you’re heading out on a traditional family vacation or you want to travel the country all summer (and into the fall!), there are a few essential tips that will make the experience easier and less stressful for you. Let’s cover what you need to have the road trip of your dreams this year. 

Take Care of Yourself

While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying some convenience store snacks and going through fast-food drive-thrus, it’s important to maintain your health while you’re traveling. You could be spending hours in a car or van each day, getting limited physical activity. Add unhealthy eating on top of that, and it won’t take long to see some negative effects. 

So, how can you manage your well-being while you’re on a road trip? 

One of the most important things is to make sure you’re prioritizing sleep. Getting behind the wheel while you’re drowsy can be extremely dangerous. Try to get at least eight hours of sleep each night and make sure you’re well-rested before you head to your next destination. Other self-care suggestions that can keep you healthy and happy on the road include: 

• Cooking your own healthy meals
• Exercising every day
• Journaling 
• Practicing relaxation exercises
• Staying hydrated
• Planning frequent rest stops

Taking care of yourself while traveling will make the entire experience much better, and you’ll have more energy to explore and experience everything you see along the way. 

Take Care of Your Furry Companions

Again, many people are choosing to become more “nomadic” nowadays, living the van life and giving up the idea of a traditional home. It can be a great way to see the country and live inexpensively. However, if you’re living in your vehicle or just traveling for a long period of time and you have a pet, it’s essential to make sure you’re giving them what they need while on the road. 

Keeping your pet with you typically means making more frequent stops to let them stretch their legs, go to the bathroom, or get some exercise. You might also take them out with you if you’re visiting state parks or unique hiking spots. 

However, rural areas can put your pet at risk of fleas and ticks. It only takes a second for these pesky pests to jump on your pet, and your four-legged friend could end up bringing them back into the van. 

No one wants to deal with that. 

Make sure to keep your pets out of high grass and wooded areas as much as possible. Keep the inside of your car, van, or RV clean, and consider putting your pet on a flea and tick preventative. 

Be Responsible

When you’re on a road trip, it can feel a lot like an extended vacation. It’s tempting to turn every evening into a party experience or forget about your responsibilities for a while. While you should absolutely have fun and enjoy every unique experience that comes your way, don’t forget about being responsible while on the road. 

For example, if you’re parked somewhere for a while or settling in at a campground for a few days, it can be tempting to drink alcohol with your fellow travelers and friends. It’s a common summer activity, and even more so when you’re “vacationing.” 

While cracking open a cold one or having a cocktail is fine, keep an eye on your alcohol consumption throughout the summer. Not only could prolonged consumption impact your driving, but it could eventually start to impact your health. There’s a difference between social drinking and alcohol addiction. You might have a problem with drinking if you: 

• Are unable to stop when you think you should
• You’ve blacked out from alcohol
• You have strong cravings
• You keep drinking even though you know it’s causing problems

You can learn a lot about other people on a road trip, but most importantly, you’ll learn a lot about yourself. If you’re drinking to cope with something or to deal with stress, don’t sweep that under the rug. Acknowledge your feelings if you’re struggling, and it’ll be easier to get the help you need. 

Summer is a fantastic time to hit the road and see everything the country has to offer. Whether you’re heading out on vacation or jumping on board the #vanlife trend, keep these tips in mind for safe, healthy traveling this season and beyond.