Vacation planning can take many forms. For my family, it hinges a lot on the weather, so we’re sort of last-minute planners. One silver lining of the slow economy in the Northeast is that it’s a little easier to find rooms at the last minute, but if you have a favorite location or want to be assured of a place, you should be booking several weeks in advance.

Hints for the Road Trip

Spending long hours in the car can be a painful experience! To increase your comfort level, here are a couple of hints:

  • Make sure you’re applying sunscreen, since exposed driving arms, legs and sides of your face can still get burned, no matter what the season.
  • Make sure you and your passengers have plenty of leg room.
  • Keep the driver’s seat at a 90 degree angle, not tilted back. That will allow you to keep your head comfortably upright, and not strained forward.
  • Men, don’t sit on your wallet! That large lump on one hip can irritate nerves.
  • Before your trip, get seat-belt holders if necessary. Having the seat belt cutting across your neck or shoulder ackwardly is irritating enough as you drive around town, but it can be a real issue on a longer trip. Sheepskin-covered belt holders are safe and available at auto supply stores. Many seatbelts are adjustable. Look on the doorframe above where the shoulder belt attaches. 
  • Make sure you get out of the car and stretch frequently. If you’re travelling with an elder, offer a little support as they exit the car after sitting for long periods.
  • Drink plenty of fluids, and hit the bathrooms on your rest stops. Walking is good.
  • Make sure you’ve got excellent sunglasses that protect from both UVA and UVB rays. That’s especially important as we age.
  • Listen to talking books, play games and bop to music in the car to maintain attention.
  • Quit while you’re ahead! If you’re weary, stop.