I’ve been on enough road trips and learned from way too many mistakes to compile this list of ways to stay healthy while on the road. Hope you find them helpful!

Drink Water & Pack Extra

There’s nothing worse than being dehydrated when stuck in your car. Did you know that most of the time when you are hungry, you are actually just thirsty? Keeping hydrating can keep you from snacking and I also have to mention the astronomical prices of water bottles at rest stops. So save yourself the literal headache and a few bucks by stocking up on water before you leave!

Wake Up Early and Exercise

I’m not saying run a marathon before you get in your car to drive, but waking up and walking or doing a quick ab circuit can help get your blood flowing can keep you awake and alert for the drive ahead.

Pack Healthy Snacks

You’re going to be sitting for long periods of time, this isn’t the time to eat food that’s going to turn into fat instantly. Fuel your body right and pack high protein snacks and bars to keep your energy up. Although it’s tempting to stop and get fast-food or binge some candy, eating crappy food is literally the last thing your body needs. Plus when you get to your destination, it’s better to be ready to go than feeling like a complete slug who ate sugar straight for 5+ hours.

Get Sleep

I don’t think I can stress this enough. Sleep! Driving drowsy is incredibly dangerous to you and everyone else on the road. Make sure you plan pitstops to sleep and set driving times and rest times to make sure you aren’t pushing yourself past your limits.

Take Breaks & Stretch

Don’t plan on driving 12 hours straight. Be realistic about your trip and the length you can travel in a car for. Plan breaks to split up the trip, whether it be mile markers or some sort of planned stop along that way. Whenever you get out of the car, try to stretch! Don’t get stuck sitting for day and keep your body moving!

Plan Activities Along the Way

Having planned stops are things to look forward to, they keep you moving forward before you hit your end destination. Giving yourself checkpoints keeps the energy up and helps you continue on your journey and not get burnt out. On road trips, it’s important to keep up with both your mental health and your physical health.

Listen to Your Body

Pay attention to what your body is telling you. If you need to stop and walk, stop. If you need a nap, take one. If you want to get out of your car, do it. A Roadtrip is supposed to be fun, don’t make it anything else than that!