There's nothing more exciting than packing for a road trip and knowing that all that lies ahead is the open road and a destination. In some cases, there might be several destinations in which case the road trip goes from an easy day drive to one that's spread out over the course of several days. These long-haul treks often make for the best memories, but can also be the cause of some stress among drivers.

The difference between preparing for a simple day trip versus one that takes several days to complete is the to-do list beforehand. One might be able to get away with putting off an oil change for a drive that's only a few hours but definitely can't get away with it for a drive that takes a few days. Here are some more things that travelers should be doing before a long road trip.

Related: These Are The Top-Rated Road Trip Vehicles Of 2021, Depending On The Journey

What Do Hydrating And Chewing Gum Have In Common?

For starters, one of them is something that most people think of while the other one is rarely thought about. Hydration is important no matter what the venture and it's not just true of plane rides. Car trips, especially long ones, can make us forget that it's important to consider all aspects of our health, including drinking water. The driver of the car, especially, probably needs to be reminding of hydrating on a regular basis. Additionally, many people will avoid drinking water or other liquids while driving due to the increased need for bathroom breaks. However, this is something that should be avoided - hydration is hydration, and it's better to use the bathroom than not.

Creative Ways To Stay Hydrated

  • Invest in a water bottle that has timestamps on it.
  • Set a cell phone timer for a water break every hour.
  • Download an app that will help remind everyone in the car to drink water.
  • Use reusable straws to make drinking water easier while in the car.
  • Add flavor drops to make water more appealing.

Now, onto the gum-chewing hack. Many of us don't realize that while chewing gum, we're often more awake than we would be otherwise. It staves away boredom and brings our attention forward, which is why many people chew gum while they're in class or at work. It doesn't matter what kind of gum it is (although mint will only help to keep the driver alert), it's the act of chewing that matters.

Plan Out Every Rest Stop

This might sound like something that's monotonous and obvious but it's something that many people don't take into consideration. It seems easier to just hit the road and determine rest stops later on down the line, but planning them out can save a lot of time and stress. This is easiest to do with Google maps, and when using the satellite view, drivers can get a good idea of the terrain and layout around the stop they plan to make (we're looking at you, drivers with anxiety).

Tips For Planning Rest Stop Routes

  • Take the time to create an itinerary on Google maps, which will give alerts for each rest stop when drivers get close.
  • Have one person GPS the route to the final destination, while the driver uses their GPS to map out the route to eat rest stop - this way, the rest stops always remain the same even if the original full route changes.
  • Look for rest stops that have food options as well as bathroom and gas fuel-up options.

Jump On The Essential Oils Train

The power of scent can be just as strong as anything else when it comes to keeping a person awake. Nowadays, drivers can purchase essential oil diffusers that clip right into their air vents, and they last quite a long time. The other option is to get an essential oil diffuser that plugs into the cigarette lighter, and allows passengers to refill the diffuser easily - this also allows passengers to move the diffuser so that it's not in the front of the car. Finding essential oil blends for alertness are easy enough to find on sites such as Pinterest, and as an extra added bonus, it'll make the car smell pretty good, too. When it comes to traveling with pets, drivers should be wary of using any oils that are too strong or that may have negative effects on animals. Essential oils in the car can also be helpful in combatting motion sickness with scents like ginger, peppermint, and spearmint.

Essential Oil Blends For The Car

  • Peppermint
  • Citrus (lemon, orange, tangerine, grapefruit)
  • Spruce
  • Frankincense

Next: How To Pack The Car For A Family Road Trip (Depending On The Ages Of Your Kids)