8 Tips for Road Tripping :)

This is currently our last guest post, which is all about tips for going on a road trip! As it’s March, and Easter is fast approaching, we though it would be the perfect time to share it. 🙂

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Summer is fast approaching, and the holiday season with it. For many, that’s an exciting prospect – sun, sea, sand, time off work! What’s not to love, especially if you’re planning that all-time classic holiday: the road trip. Whether it’s Route 66, a Scottish mountain drive, or a European adventure, road trips are one of our favourite ways to take a break. However, as anyone living with any sort of chronic illness will know… it’s not that simple. Confined to a car for long stretches of time? Coping with changes of plan, delays, traffic jams? Isn’t it all just too much stress? Well, don’t let your health stop you from having an adventure that everyone deserves… just plan for it following these eight excellent tips!

1. Choose your route wisely

Some people might prefer a route with lots of stops (toilet breaks) and short stints, and others might be more up for those longer drives between destinations. Use a road trip planning website to pick the perfect route for you!

2. Research, research, research

Take the stress out of your trip by thoroughly researching everything you might be worried about. It might take a bit of time, but trust that it will be worth the feeling of security and the knowledge that you know what’s around the corner. And looking at all the gorgeous photos of where you’re going will probably get you even more excited for the trip. 🙂

3. Let them know

If you’re stopping at hotels or AirBnbs along your route, don’t be afraid to drop them a little email or a call and let them know about your condition. If they can’t provide for you, then you don’t want to be staying there! And this way, you’ll have the peace of mind you deserve.

4. Cushions for comfort

Whether it’s a fancy decorative cushion, or a specially designed car cushion, one (or two!) of these could take pressure off your lower back, and make that ride as dreamy as you imagined.

5. Take your pills!

Now of course, you’ll be taking all your prescribed medication (plus extra, in case of emergencies) – but don’t forget over-the-counter painkillers, herbal tablets and supplements, such as Vitamin D, and other helpful meds, such as coloxyl tablets (the stress of a long drive can affect the body in some serious ways, and it’s always good to be prepared)!

6. Don’t be shy, shewee.

On the other end of the spectrum, there’s nothing worse than being out on the highway, nowhere to hide, and desperate for a toilet trip. A shewee can solve that problem in a flash.

7. Take your time

Through all your planning, research and packing, don’t forget to take your time. Take naps if you need them; take a break to watch some of your favourite TV; have some nice snacks standing by. As prepared as you want to be, you don’t want to let that stress you out so much you’re exhausted by the time your trip rolls around.

8. Don’t feel the pressure

Finally, and most importantly, only do whatever you feel comfortable with! Don’t feel the pressure to go on holiday; a ‘holistay’ can be just as rewarding and relaxing if you fill it with fun activities. So follow your dreams, and if you want that perfect road trip then plan, prepare, and grab it with both hands!

-Anonymous