Curse my sister for living 11 hours away!
June 22, 2010 5:02 PM Subscribe
Tell-me-what-I'll-need filter: I'm going to be making an 11 hour drive, alone, and all in one day, then a couple days later I'll turn around and do the whole thing in reverse to get back home. I've never made so long a drive by myself before and need suggestions to make it as .
The nitty-gritty:
- going from New Brunswick to Ottawa (staying in Canada, not going through the US "shortcut")
- the drive(s) have to be done all in one day, can't be broken up
- taking my own car (with no A/C sadly)
- will have minimal luggage so lots of space to bring provisions for the drive
Things I have already thought to bring with me:
- music, music, and more music
- a cooler filled with ice and cold drinks/snacks
- GPS
- ??
So what am I forgetting? What do you think I need to make the drive more bearable?
The nitty-gritty:
- going from New Brunswick to Ottawa (staying in Canada, not going through the US "shortcut")
- the drive(s) have to be done all in one day, can't be broken up
- taking my own car (with no A/C sadly)
- will have minimal luggage so lots of space to bring provisions for the drive
Things I have already thought to bring with me:
- music, music, and more music
- a cooler filled with ice and cold drinks/snacks
- GPS
- ??
So what am I forgetting? What do you think I need to make the drive more bearable?
audiobooks are great for long drives, though don't get anything too... weighty.
posted by brainmouse at 5:05 PM on June 22, 2010
posted by brainmouse at 5:05 PM on June 22, 2010
Instead of audiobooks, I'd recommend short humour podcasts or TED Talk podcasts - stuff that engages you on some level, but that can be broken up into small chunks.
posted by Phire at 5:07 PM on June 22, 2010
posted by Phire at 5:07 PM on June 22, 2010
How about finding another driver who needs a one-way ride for all or part of your trip (rideshare section on Craigslist)?
posted by halogen at 5:12 PM on June 22, 2010
posted by halogen at 5:12 PM on June 22, 2010
Nthing audiobooks. I find music gets boring pretty quickly on long drives and that something that can hold your attention for a long time is a must, especially if your driving on the interstate in the middle of nowhere.
posted by cosmic.osmo at 5:12 PM on June 22, 2010
posted by cosmic.osmo at 5:12 PM on June 22, 2010
Audiobooks for sure. They are really long and you get absorbed in the story. They make long drives totally bearable. You can get books on CD at the library for free too.
posted by Kimberly at 5:12 PM on June 22, 2010
posted by Kimberly at 5:12 PM on June 22, 2010
Books on tape are good, even if you hate books on tape. once you get tired it keeps your attention better than music (ymmv).
And ditch the cooler with drinks - I don't want to be behind you while you're pulling one out, and you will really appreciate the excuse to stop. As cecic said, you neeeed to take the excuse and stop; a thirteen hour trip with lots of short breaks is shorter than an eleven hour one without breaks.
posted by Some1 at 5:13 PM on June 22, 2010 [1 favorite]
And ditch the cooler with drinks - I don't want to be behind you while you're pulling one out, and you will really appreciate the excuse to stop. As cecic said, you neeeed to take the excuse and stop; a thirteen hour trip with lots of short breaks is shorter than an eleven hour one without breaks.
posted by Some1 at 5:13 PM on June 22, 2010 [1 favorite]
I have driven as far as Bend, OR to Los Angeles in one day.
Here's what worked for me:
1) Leave early, as early as you possibly can. I left by 5am and was home before the sun set. I even stopped for lunch and to check out a few sights. I didn't even really feel tired, but I had the feeling if I had let it get dark, I would have been in trouble.
2) Use rest stops. I stopped at every single rest stop available to me. Not for long, but I would get out, pee, stretch my legs, maybe jog up and down the parking lot a bit, and buy a drink if one was available. This helped keep me stay focused and awake and sane, and I didn't really lose much time at all.
posted by drjimmy11 at 5:15 PM on June 22, 2010 [2 favorites]
Here's what worked for me:
1) Leave early, as early as you possibly can. I left by 5am and was home before the sun set. I even stopped for lunch and to check out a few sights. I didn't even really feel tired, but I had the feeling if I had let it get dark, I would have been in trouble.
2) Use rest stops. I stopped at every single rest stop available to me. Not for long, but I would get out, pee, stretch my legs, maybe jog up and down the parking lot a bit, and buy a drink if one was available. This helped keep me stay focused and awake and sane, and I didn't really lose much time at all.
posted by drjimmy11 at 5:15 PM on June 22, 2010 [2 favorites]
This American life. Zen and the art of motorcycle maintainence on audiobook may sound like a good idea but it's not. Bring healthy snacks so you can resist the call of the doritos.
posted by libraryhead at 5:17 PM on June 22, 2010
posted by libraryhead at 5:17 PM on June 22, 2010
Pee every time you stop, whether or not you think you have to. Nothing is worse than having to pee and then trying to find a place to stop or, worse, getting stuck in traffic and not being able to get off the highway.
I know people don't recommend talking and driving, but I find long drives are a good time to catch up on phone calls. Call Grandma or Auntie or good friend you haven't talked to in months and catch up.
Also, I don't know if you are creative at all, but I find that driving is a good time to think up stories/poems/lyrics/other ideas. Just get lost in your mind and when something comes to you, do a voice record memo on your phone (if you have a feature like that) to remember for later.
posted by greta simone at 5:17 PM on June 22, 2010 [1 favorite]
I know people don't recommend talking and driving, but I find long drives are a good time to catch up on phone calls. Call Grandma or Auntie or good friend you haven't talked to in months and catch up.
Also, I don't know if you are creative at all, but I find that driving is a good time to think up stories/poems/lyrics/other ideas. Just get lost in your mind and when something comes to you, do a voice record memo on your phone (if you have a feature like that) to remember for later.
posted by greta simone at 5:17 PM on June 22, 2010 [1 favorite]
I'm not sure how specific you were in your list, but something like Blue Ice would probably be far superior to actual ice, especially over 11 hours in a non-A/C car.
Like brainmouse said, I would recommend an audiobook equivalent of a "light read". The literary equivalent of junk food, I guess. I once tried to listen to an abridged version of The Ancestor's Tale. It didn't go well, and while I was listening, I was cursing myself for picking something I would later have to reread to fill in the abridged gaps.
posted by supercres at 5:18 PM on June 22, 2010
Like brainmouse said, I would recommend an audiobook equivalent of a "light read". The literary equivalent of junk food, I guess. I once tried to listen to an abridged version of The Ancestor's Tale. It didn't go well, and while I was listening, I was cursing myself for picking something I would later have to reread to fill in the abridged gaps.
posted by supercres at 5:18 PM on June 22, 2010
It's just back to back eleven-hour drives. Dang. You young people.
My advice: get some thinking done.
posted by bricoleur at 5:20 PM on June 22, 2010 [4 favorites]
My advice: get some thinking done.
posted by bricoleur at 5:20 PM on June 22, 2010 [4 favorites]
Still bring the cooler, just don't be rustling around in it while you're driving. It's certainly cheaper and probably faster to stop at a rest area and eat your own sandwich than to go through a fast food drive through.
I would take a change of clothes, including shoes, in case you get really sweaty and if your feet start to hurt.
Hand sanitizer and baby wipes (or soap and a towel) can refresh you and help cool you down, plus if you stop to use a restroom, you're prepared if the necessities are missing.
posted by SuperSquirrel at 5:23 PM on June 22, 2010
I would take a change of clothes, including shoes, in case you get really sweaty and if your feet start to hurt.
Hand sanitizer and baby wipes (or soap and a towel) can refresh you and help cool you down, plus if you stop to use a restroom, you're prepared if the necessities are missing.
posted by SuperSquirrel at 5:23 PM on June 22, 2010
Even more important than ice: sunscreen, a hat and good comfortable sunglasses.
posted by Fiasco da Gama at 5:23 PM on June 22, 2010
posted by Fiasco da Gama at 5:23 PM on June 22, 2010
Rent a dramatic (or better yet, comedic) audio book. Right now I'm listening to THUD! by Terry Pratchett - it's about 10.5 hours long!!! And funny enough to keep my interest.
Bring several bottles of cold, plain water. Some for drinking, but more importantly for splashing on your face when you feel dazed, sleepy, or like you're getting road hypnosis. Crank open the window and splash water on your face - the breeze will make it cold, and it will refresh you!
posted by carlh at 5:29 PM on June 22, 2010
Bring several bottles of cold, plain water. Some for drinking, but more importantly for splashing on your face when you feel dazed, sleepy, or like you're getting road hypnosis. Crank open the window and splash water on your face - the breeze will make it cold, and it will refresh you!
posted by carlh at 5:29 PM on June 22, 2010
-Try to time your travelling so you won't have to be driving directly into the sun.
-You won't want as many snacks as you think you will. Stock light - besides, getting a drink or a snack is a welcome excuse to stop for a few minutes to stretch your legs. You'll really really want to be doing that.
-You will need at least one nap.
-peppy music or audiobooks to keep your brain engaged.
posted by L'Estrange Fruit at 5:29 PM on June 22, 2010
-You won't want as many snacks as you think you will. Stock light - besides, getting a drink or a snack is a welcome excuse to stop for a few minutes to stretch your legs. You'll really really want to be doing that.
-You will need at least one nap.
-peppy music or audiobooks to keep your brain engaged.
posted by L'Estrange Fruit at 5:29 PM on June 22, 2010
a couple days later I'll turn around and do the whole thing in reverse
I strongly suggest turning the car around. You'll get much better gas mileage in your forward gears.
Also, if you have a cell phone plan with unlimited nights or weekends (and a headset + car charger), take advantage of the time to catch up with some people you haven't talked to in awhile. Only in easy driving conditions, of course.
posted by Cogito at 5:30 PM on June 22, 2010 [6 favorites]
Listen to stand-up comedy CDs or funny books on tape. David Sedaris and Bill Cosby are good. Longer narratives are best (comics who do lots of short, non-sequitur jokes aren't as good).
posted by pseudostrabismus at 5:31 PM on June 22, 2010
posted by pseudostrabismus at 5:31 PM on June 22, 2010
bring a camera. record your journey with pictures and video.
Get 2-sided velcro straps that stick, from a notions store. Velcro a little camera to the front dash. Take pictures or video of your route, then create a fun video when you return
posted by seawallrunner at 5:31 PM on June 22, 2010
Get 2-sided velcro straps that stick, from a notions store. Velcro a little camera to the front dash. Take pictures or video of your route, then create a fun video when you return
posted by seawallrunner at 5:31 PM on June 22, 2010
I have done this one too many times in my life. I also agree with starting extra early in the morning. I would always start around 4:30 or 5am (i time my drives according to what cities I'd hit around rush hour for the smoothest drive). You don't seem to miss that extra hour or two getting up early in the morning.
Also, regarding eating and driving, no stopping for big meals (like cramming down a few cheeseburgers at once). This makes you drowsy and when you've been up and driving for 7 hours, that's the last thing you need. Stock up on lots of high protein snacks that will help keep you alert and awake (beef jerky, nuts, hard boiled eggs, whatever floats your boat). Fruit for sugar boost, but pre-peel fruit and if you take sandwiches pack them so you can grab, open, and eat with one hand. Towards the end of a long drive if I'm feeling good, I allow myself junk food that I normally wouldn't eat like cookies or candy bars from gas station. This gives me a temporary mental boost at the end.
I love caffeine but I use it sparingly and only when I really, really need it. First, you crash afterwards and second it makes you have to pee more and I hate stopping. Cold, fresh water tends to help better anyway.
I tend to stop as little as possible on long drives by myself as I prefer to just get there. However, it's good to pull over and stretch the legs and get your blood flowing.
Also, you're feet might swell a bit, depending on your body (mine do on planes and really long drives) so wear comfortable, loose shoes, especially if it's hot.
I also use drives to catch up on phone calls (hands free!), listen to podcasts, my music collection and local radio. I also end up doing stuff I would never do in front of others like put all the windows down and sing at the top of my lungs (this is great when you are driving at night and need to keep awake).
Enjoy it! It's also great alone time!
posted by getmetoSF at 5:37 PM on June 22, 2010 [2 favorites]
Also, regarding eating and driving, no stopping for big meals (like cramming down a few cheeseburgers at once). This makes you drowsy and when you've been up and driving for 7 hours, that's the last thing you need. Stock up on lots of high protein snacks that will help keep you alert and awake (beef jerky, nuts, hard boiled eggs, whatever floats your boat). Fruit for sugar boost, but pre-peel fruit and if you take sandwiches pack them so you can grab, open, and eat with one hand. Towards the end of a long drive if I'm feeling good, I allow myself junk food that I normally wouldn't eat like cookies or candy bars from gas station. This gives me a temporary mental boost at the end.
I love caffeine but I use it sparingly and only when I really, really need it. First, you crash afterwards and second it makes you have to pee more and I hate stopping. Cold, fresh water tends to help better anyway.
I tend to stop as little as possible on long drives by myself as I prefer to just get there. However, it's good to pull over and stretch the legs and get your blood flowing.
Also, you're feet might swell a bit, depending on your body (mine do on planes and really long drives) so wear comfortable, loose shoes, especially if it's hot.
I also use drives to catch up on phone calls (hands free!), listen to podcasts, my music collection and local radio. I also end up doing stuff I would never do in front of others like put all the windows down and sing at the top of my lungs (this is great when you are driving at night and need to keep awake).
Enjoy it! It's also great alone time!
posted by getmetoSF at 5:37 PM on June 22, 2010 [2 favorites]
11 hours not that bad, but it's not fun. Personally, that's about my limit before I start to get really annoyed. I can do 8 hours of "yay I love driving!", but at 11 I hit "OK, get me out of this car now." I think you have a good list of things already. I'd add maps, the real paper ones, because I'm old-school like that and also because I've seen GPSs give bizarrely wrong directions. It's good you have music, but make sure some of it is new music, that you haven't even begun to get sick of yet. Also don't forget your car radio - I think it's always interesting to see what's being played in different places along the way. And I 3rd the advice to pee whenever you can - you don't want to pass up a perfectly good rest stop and end up miles from civilization wishing you could pee in someone's field.
posted by DestinationUnknown at 5:38 PM on June 22, 2010
posted by DestinationUnknown at 5:38 PM on June 22, 2010
i drove Hamilton to Sault Ste. Marie and back on a weekend, and it wasn't really that bad (about 9 hours each way if you don't go through the US). nthing all of the suggestions for interesting podcasts, good music, and stopping to stretch your legs every couple of hours.
on my way back, i listened to CBC radio, counted all of the green cars i saw (on the 2-lane roads, not the larger highways), and played the alphabet game solo for a while. making things into a game made the way back much easier.
posted by gursky at 5:39 PM on June 22, 2010
on my way back, i listened to CBC radio, counted all of the green cars i saw (on the 2-lane roads, not the larger highways), and played the alphabet game solo for a while. making things into a game made the way back much easier.
posted by gursky at 5:39 PM on June 22, 2010
Bring a book or magazine to read at rest stops. Skip the cooler; it's just not worth the hassle, you can get a cold drink anywhere. Do bring a water bottle, though.
One 11-hour day really isn't that long. It's not going to be an ordeal, and it's not going to be an adventure; it'll just be an uneventful day of peace and quiet. Don't worry too much.
posted by equalpants at 5:40 PM on June 22, 2010
One 11-hour day really isn't that long. It's not going to be an ordeal, and it's not going to be an adventure; it'll just be an uneventful day of peace and quiet. Don't worry too much.
posted by equalpants at 5:40 PM on June 22, 2010
I and a friend drove Fredericton to Ottawa about 3 weeks ago, and I used to do Newfoundland -> Ottawa all the time.
In addition to all the good advice above, esp. audiobooks and not bringing a cooler (or at least having it in the back seat, stop at the rest stops to grab a drink), some specific advice.
DO NOT GO THROUGH MONTREAL AT RUSH HOUR. Or anywhere near it. For the love of God, you could end up wasting about 2 hours there. When we did it recently, we left Freddy around 8:00 am. We were in Montreal around 2, 2:30. Took us maybe 30 minutes to get through the city, which is no biggie. That was on a Wednesday. If you're doing it on a weekend, I'm not really sure what time is best.
And then similarly, make sure you know exactly what lanes to take when you're getting into the tunnel and what to do right afterwards. Know it ahead of time, it's a bit of a hassle.
There wasn't much construction (this would have been the 2nd). Beyond that, as it gets to dusk watch out for moose. You'll be pretty much fine on the Quebec -> Montreal leg, but the Montreal -> Ottawa leg is the "fun" part.
Quebec has lots of rest stops and the like, you should be fine. And, of course, don't fill up in Montreal, but either quite a ways before or in the exurbs, whatever you choose.
It really is a pleasant ride.
posted by Lemurrhea at 5:41 PM on June 22, 2010 [1 favorite]
In addition to all the good advice above, esp. audiobooks and not bringing a cooler (or at least having it in the back seat, stop at the rest stops to grab a drink), some specific advice.
DO NOT GO THROUGH MONTREAL AT RUSH HOUR. Or anywhere near it. For the love of God, you could end up wasting about 2 hours there. When we did it recently, we left Freddy around 8:00 am. We were in Montreal around 2, 2:30. Took us maybe 30 minutes to get through the city, which is no biggie. That was on a Wednesday. If you're doing it on a weekend, I'm not really sure what time is best.
And then similarly, make sure you know exactly what lanes to take when you're getting into the tunnel and what to do right afterwards. Know it ahead of time, it's a bit of a hassle.
There wasn't much construction (this would have been the 2nd). Beyond that, as it gets to dusk watch out for moose. You'll be pretty much fine on the Quebec -> Montreal leg, but the Montreal -> Ottawa leg is the "fun" part.
Quebec has lots of rest stops and the like, you should be fine. And, of course, don't fill up in Montreal, but either quite a ways before or in the exurbs, whatever you choose.
It really is a pleasant ride.
posted by Lemurrhea at 5:41 PM on June 22, 2010 [1 favorite]
How old are you? I'm told it gets harder as you get older -- I drove from Washington, DC to Phoenix, AZ in 3 days, pulling 13-14 hours every day, when I was 22. I only really stopped for gas, but I usually got food-to-go at the same time, and made sure to walk around a bit. I carried plenty of water, snacks (beef jerky is great road food!), and a fully-loaded MP3 player. After a few crazy misadventures with my camera on that trip, like trying to take a picture of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis while driving by holding up the camera one-handed and snapping madly through the passenger's side windshield while keeping most of my attention on the road, I'm inclined to say leave the camera at home, or please at least stop before using it.
posted by Alterscape at 5:42 PM on June 22, 2010
posted by Alterscape at 5:42 PM on June 22, 2010
For snacks, get crunchy things and/or sunflower seeds with shells on. The latter can be messy, but I know some folks who drove long distances and said that opening the shells kept them thinking.
In regards to music - mix the quiet with loud. Calm music plus dull drive equals nothing good. And singing along to music can also keep you mentally active.
posted by filthy light thief at 5:42 PM on June 22, 2010
In regards to music - mix the quiet with loud. Calm music plus dull drive equals nothing good. And singing along to music can also keep you mentally active.
posted by filthy light thief at 5:42 PM on June 22, 2010
For the record, when I did the drive in the fall, the Quebec -> Montreal leg had a radio station that had quebecois chanteurs doing 80's metal and current nu-metal IN FRENCH!! As in literally translations. That would have been about 8 pm. Look for it?
posted by Lemurrhea at 5:44 PM on June 22, 2010
posted by Lemurrhea at 5:44 PM on June 22, 2010
a twenty minute power nap helps a lot -
and red bull helps too
posted by Flood at 5:45 PM on June 22, 2010
and red bull helps too
posted by Flood at 5:45 PM on June 22, 2010
Download a few Mefi podcasts (the one with Cold Chef is really good), as a change of pace from music.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 5:46 PM on June 22, 2010
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 5:46 PM on June 22, 2010
Quebec City also has a nasty rush hour that should be avoided at all costs.
posted by L'Estrange Fruit at 5:47 PM on June 22, 2010
posted by L'Estrange Fruit at 5:47 PM on June 22, 2010
Oh, man. I used to have to do this kind of thing, except the drives were even longer. Here's what I recommend having close at hand:
A comfy pillow, which can be used to sit on or for taking a quick nap
Water, including at least one bottle that's been frozen overnight; it'll melt throughout the day and give you a steady supply of cool water.
A toothbrush. At about hour ten, after eating and snacking, you're going to want one in the worst way and you won't want to dig through your luggage to find one.
I'm not a huge fan of snacking on the road, though. Stopping, stretching your legs, and giving yourself time to sit and eat is a real help, plus you need to see something other than the inside of your car for a while.
posted by stefanie at 5:49 PM on June 22, 2010
A comfy pillow, which can be used to sit on or for taking a quick nap
Water, including at least one bottle that's been frozen overnight; it'll melt throughout the day and give you a steady supply of cool water.
A toothbrush. At about hour ten, after eating and snacking, you're going to want one in the worst way and you won't want to dig through your luggage to find one.
I'm not a huge fan of snacking on the road, though. Stopping, stretching your legs, and giving yourself time to sit and eat is a real help, plus you need to see something other than the inside of your car for a while.
posted by stefanie at 5:49 PM on June 22, 2010
Nthing the suggestion of audio books, especially comic ones. Be careful -- I almost drove off the road laughing at David Sedaris. But I was definitely wide awake!
And plan for rest stops, and take the time for actual meals at your stops too. It's worth it because you are still a human being when you get there.
posted by bearwife at 5:50 PM on June 22, 2010
And plan for rest stops, and take the time for actual meals at your stops too. It's worth it because you are still a human being when you get there.
posted by bearwife at 5:50 PM on June 22, 2010
Gum. I always like having gum while I'm driving long distances. A towel or two to sit on so that you're not sitting in what feels like a puddle of sweat.
posted by lemniskate at 5:51 PM on June 22, 2010
posted by lemniskate at 5:51 PM on June 22, 2010
Plan to do all of your driving during daylight. Makes a huge safety difference.
And make no mistake: though driving is familiar, it's also the leading cause of death for those under 40. Play it safe: taking frequent rest breaks, stopping when you're tired, and avoiding excessive speed will dramatically reduce your risk.
A car without AC will fatigue you faster, and fatigue creeps up on you pretty insidiously (i.e. you may be unaware of how tired and out-of-it you've become), so do be religious about taking those breaks. And stopping for a nap (or a full night's sleep) when you're tired.
Also, keep in mind that even if you're doing everything right, the other drivers on the road might not be as prudent. All the more reason to make absolutely sure you are alert when you drive.
posted by Dimpy at 5:53 PM on June 22, 2010
And make no mistake: though driving is familiar, it's also the leading cause of death for those under 40. Play it safe: taking frequent rest breaks, stopping when you're tired, and avoiding excessive speed will dramatically reduce your risk.
A car without AC will fatigue you faster, and fatigue creeps up on you pretty insidiously (i.e. you may be unaware of how tired and out-of-it you've become), so do be religious about taking those breaks. And stopping for a nap (or a full night's sleep) when you're tired.
Also, keep in mind that even if you're doing everything right, the other drivers on the road might not be as prudent. All the more reason to make absolutely sure you are alert when you drive.
posted by Dimpy at 5:53 PM on June 22, 2010
Response by poster: Wow! Awesome suggestions so far! In reply to a couple people:
- I'm 28, so still reasonably young to do such a drive
- I've been warned about Montreal rush hour by many people so I am definitely going to try my best to avoid that!!
- peeing each time I stop is a good idea. I generally can go a long time without a pee break but I think that could come back to haunt me on this one!
- Good call on the audio books/podcasts. I'm going to go on a quest for some. :)
posted by gwenlister at 5:54 PM on June 22, 2010
- I'm 28, so still reasonably young to do such a drive
- I've been warned about Montreal rush hour by many people so I am definitely going to try my best to avoid that!!
- peeing each time I stop is a good idea. I generally can go a long time without a pee break but I think that could come back to haunt me on this one!
- Good call on the audio books/podcasts. I'm going to go on a quest for some. :)
posted by gwenlister at 5:54 PM on June 22, 2010
I just drove from Columbus, Ohio to Boston (800 miles, about 13 hours), and I found that podcasts were especially helpful. Music is nice, and I did listen to a fair bit, but I find that podcasts (and I think this would apply to audiobooks as well) helped focus my thoughts a little differently and take my mind off the monotony. Radio Lab was my best friend. If the solitude bothers you like it does me, I found that listening to stuff like that helped, since it sort of feels like someone's with you. (Listening to live album recordings helped in this respect too... anything that involved someone talking.)
If you have an AUX jack or some other thing that allows you to use a portable audio player in your car, just plug in and go to town. When you're by yourself, it's faster in some ways, because you determine when you stop, why you stop, and for how long. Since I spent most of my trip on I-90 in New York (toll highway) there were ample service plazas where I could stop and use the bathroom or rest for a few if I needed to... not sure if your route would be the same, but take advantage of it if you can. I second leaving as early as you can manage and just being sensitive to the signals your body is giving you. There were times where I felt fatigued and I thought I was tired but it turned out that I was just hungry.
posted by Kosh at 5:54 PM on June 22, 2010
If you have an AUX jack or some other thing that allows you to use a portable audio player in your car, just plug in and go to town. When you're by yourself, it's faster in some ways, because you determine when you stop, why you stop, and for how long. Since I spent most of my trip on I-90 in New York (toll highway) there were ample service plazas where I could stop and use the bathroom or rest for a few if I needed to... not sure if your route would be the same, but take advantage of it if you can. I second leaving as early as you can manage and just being sensitive to the signals your body is giving you. There were times where I felt fatigued and I thought I was tired but it turned out that I was just hungry.
posted by Kosh at 5:54 PM on June 22, 2010
I just did a solo 10 hour drive (it was closer to 12 with all the stops) for the first time ever, and this is what helped me:
-Lots of soda. I tossed it all into a cooler in the front seat that I could open up easily on deserted and straight sections of road (make sure you know what effect an energy drink is going to have on you, though, before you go -- you really don't want to have one and then crash 2 hours later)
-My favorite upbeat music that I enjoyed singing along to. I sang straight through about 9 of those 12 hours. It kept me far more awake than any audiobook could have
-Sunglasses
-Cash for unexpected toll roads + random gas station purchases
-Gum helps keeps your blood flow up to fight off the tiredness
-Ibuprofen for muscle aches
-If you have some kind of roadside assistance program, save the numbers in your phone before you go. Likewise, if you have warranties on any part of your car, bring along the paperwork. I got a flat tire the last 20 minutes of my drive out, and it was only by coincidence that I had my tire warranty paperwork in my glovebox and it saved my butt
-Ask someone to call you and chat while you're on the road. They could hit you at a time when you're really tired and haven't realized it yet, and it's nice to hear someone else's voice
-Stop often, even if you don't feel like you absolutely need it at that moment (and stop to eat somewhere! don't just eat a sandwich in your car while you drive). Just walking around for 5 minutes will do you a world of good
-This is pretty silly, but I have a tradition that I need to buy a stuffed animal with a state's name across it in every state I visit for my boyfriend, so for most of the drive I was really worried I wouldn't be able to find a "KANSAS" or "MISSOURI" bear at the gas stations along I-70. It turned into a real quest because nowhere I stopped carried them (though there were plenty of "NEBRASKA" bears for some reason). The goal gave me a topic to think about so I didn't just zone out while I drove, which was actually pretty helpful at some points. (For the record, I never found either bear -- I had to buy a stupid Toto stuffed animal to suffice for Kansas and bought a beanie baby and used a labelmaker to write "MISSOURI" across it so I could keep the tradition)
Have fun! It really won't be as hard as you're probably worried about.
posted by lilac girl at 5:59 PM on June 22, 2010
-Lots of soda. I tossed it all into a cooler in the front seat that I could open up easily on deserted and straight sections of road (make sure you know what effect an energy drink is going to have on you, though, before you go -- you really don't want to have one and then crash 2 hours later)
-My favorite upbeat music that I enjoyed singing along to. I sang straight through about 9 of those 12 hours. It kept me far more awake than any audiobook could have
-Sunglasses
-Cash for unexpected toll roads + random gas station purchases
-Gum helps keeps your blood flow up to fight off the tiredness
-Ibuprofen for muscle aches
-If you have some kind of roadside assistance program, save the numbers in your phone before you go. Likewise, if you have warranties on any part of your car, bring along the paperwork. I got a flat tire the last 20 minutes of my drive out, and it was only by coincidence that I had my tire warranty paperwork in my glovebox and it saved my butt
-Ask someone to call you and chat while you're on the road. They could hit you at a time when you're really tired and haven't realized it yet, and it's nice to hear someone else's voice
-Stop often, even if you don't feel like you absolutely need it at that moment (and stop to eat somewhere! don't just eat a sandwich in your car while you drive). Just walking around for 5 minutes will do you a world of good
-This is pretty silly, but I have a tradition that I need to buy a stuffed animal with a state's name across it in every state I visit for my boyfriend, so for most of the drive I was really worried I wouldn't be able to find a "KANSAS" or "MISSOURI" bear at the gas stations along I-70. It turned into a real quest because nowhere I stopped carried them (though there were plenty of "NEBRASKA" bears for some reason). The goal gave me a topic to think about so I didn't just zone out while I drove, which was actually pretty helpful at some points. (For the record, I never found either bear -- I had to buy a stupid Toto stuffed animal to suffice for Kansas and bought a beanie baby and used a labelmaker to write "MISSOURI" across it so I could keep the tradition)
Have fun! It really won't be as hard as you're probably worried about.
posted by lilac girl at 5:59 PM on June 22, 2010
Frozen grapes rock. They're refreshing, nutritious, and quench your thirst without making you have to pee!
posted by NoraCharles at 6:02 PM on June 22, 2010
posted by NoraCharles at 6:02 PM on June 22, 2010
When I drive that far in one day, I get up early, but stop and eat a real lunch and a real dinner somewhere. "Real" can mean at a diner somewhere--it doesn't have to be a fancy dinner or a long one--but I'd rather sit down and eat and get out of the car for more than a minute than just snack all day and end up driving at the end of the day with fairly low blood sugar.
A baseball cap and sunglasses are really good. They give your eyes more protection than the pull-down car-shade if you're driving into the sun, and you will invariably end up doing that.
I don't know what the country is like between the big cities you'll be going through, but if some of it is really rural, don't let your fuel get so low that you'll be hurting if the next gas station isn't right in front of you.
Also, driving that long can lull you into what I think of as a driving daze. You've been awake and traveling for so long that you can start to zone out without realizing it. And in that state, it's easy to start doing risky things because you've been cocooned in your car for so long that it starts to feel like traveling down the highway at 75 mph is the only natural state of the world. So even if you're usually a very careful driver, it can seem perfectly rational to start texting a friend or rooting around under the seat for the candy bag you just dropped without pulling over or slowing down. Try not to do that, but if you do catch yourself, try to pull over and stretch your legs for a moment and have something to eat.
Finally, if you're driving through unfamiliar areas, make sure you pay attention to the speed of traffic, particularly if you're a fast driver. Locals will know where the police hang out and how strict the police are about speed limits, which can vary widely even when the posted speed limits are the same. So if you notice all of a sudden that you're speeding past everyone without even trying, it's probably a good bet that you need to slow down if you want to avoid getting a ticket.
posted by colfax at 6:06 PM on June 22, 2010
A baseball cap and sunglasses are really good. They give your eyes more protection than the pull-down car-shade if you're driving into the sun, and you will invariably end up doing that.
I don't know what the country is like between the big cities you'll be going through, but if some of it is really rural, don't let your fuel get so low that you'll be hurting if the next gas station isn't right in front of you.
Also, driving that long can lull you into what I think of as a driving daze. You've been awake and traveling for so long that you can start to zone out without realizing it. And in that state, it's easy to start doing risky things because you've been cocooned in your car for so long that it starts to feel like traveling down the highway at 75 mph is the only natural state of the world. So even if you're usually a very careful driver, it can seem perfectly rational to start texting a friend or rooting around under the seat for the candy bag you just dropped without pulling over or slowing down. Try not to do that, but if you do catch yourself, try to pull over and stretch your legs for a moment and have something to eat.
Finally, if you're driving through unfamiliar areas, make sure you pay attention to the speed of traffic, particularly if you're a fast driver. Locals will know where the police hang out and how strict the police are about speed limits, which can vary widely even when the posted speed limits are the same. So if you notice all of a sudden that you're speeding past everyone without even trying, it's probably a good bet that you need to slow down if you want to avoid getting a ticket.
posted by colfax at 6:06 PM on June 22, 2010
For the past 10 years or so, I have done a similar drive (Digby, NS, to Montreal - approx 16 hours) every summer. It is not a bad drive provided there's no major road construction projects; mind you, I do have A/C.
In addition to all of what was mentioned by others above, I would suggest that you plan to follow Highway 20 in Quebec all the way (across the tunnel) to highway 40 - avoid cutting across Quebec city as it might be a pain in the summer. Yes, highway 40 goes through Montreal ... but you can time things so that it is not too bad. If you don't mind driving a bit later in the day, I would suggest you plan to cross Montreal around 7pm on the way to Ottawa, thereby avoiding the rush hour. Unfortunately, you will not be able to do the same on the way back.
I find that it is very easy to start speeding after a while when on such a long drive; using cruise control can save lots of $$ in speeding tickets.
posted by aroberge at 6:08 PM on June 22, 2010
In addition to all of what was mentioned by others above, I would suggest that you plan to follow Highway 20 in Quebec all the way (across the tunnel) to highway 40 - avoid cutting across Quebec city as it might be a pain in the summer. Yes, highway 40 goes through Montreal ... but you can time things so that it is not too bad. If you don't mind driving a bit later in the day, I would suggest you plan to cross Montreal around 7pm on the way to Ottawa, thereby avoiding the rush hour. Unfortunately, you will not be able to do the same on the way back.
I find that it is very easy to start speeding after a while when on such a long drive; using cruise control can save lots of $$ in speeding tickets.
posted by aroberge at 6:08 PM on June 22, 2010
good writing is often enhanced by being read aloud, making audiobooks awesome. bad writing, however, becomes even more terrible by being read aloud particularly since you can't easily browse through and flip the pages to find where moments of plot might be.
I find stopped and getting out of the car to stretch and walk around a bit every 1-2 hours -- even if I don't need to deal with car or biological input/output issues -- makes me less prone to a long-haul driving stupor.
posted by rmd1023 at 6:12 PM on June 22, 2010
I find stopped and getting out of the car to stretch and walk around a bit every 1-2 hours -- even if I don't need to deal with car or biological input/output issues -- makes me less prone to a long-haul driving stupor.
posted by rmd1023 at 6:12 PM on June 22, 2010
When you stop to walk around, consider doing 10 minutes of harder exercises too - jumping jacks, squats, pushups, whatever. Gets all your body parts stretched and energized, not just your legs.
posted by CathyG at 6:29 PM on June 22, 2010
posted by CathyG at 6:29 PM on June 22, 2010
One trick I love, use a camelback instead of bottled drinks. Hang the camelback from the garment hook in the back seat, route the hose to someplace close to you, and sip on that the whole way.
Until it gets dark and you fear drowsiness, stay away from caffeinated drinks. They'll just make you piss more. Stick to water until you specifically want the drugs.
- I'm 28, so still reasonably young to do such a drive
11 hours? 28?
I'm 26, and my regular route was 20 hours--Philly to Missouri.
I'm about to do Seattle to Philly with a dog, a string bass, and hauling a 16' sailboat on a trailer... with a layover in Missouri.
Your age is no excuse.
posted by Netzapper at 6:32 PM on June 22, 2010
Until it gets dark and you fear drowsiness, stay away from caffeinated drinks. They'll just make you piss more. Stick to water until you specifically want the drugs.
- I'm 28, so still reasonably young to do such a drive
11 hours? 28?
I'm 26, and my regular route was 20 hours--Philly to Missouri.
I'm about to do Seattle to Philly with a dog, a string bass, and hauling a 16' sailboat on a trailer... with a layover in Missouri.
Your age is no excuse.
posted by Netzapper at 6:32 PM on June 22, 2010
Check your spare tire. (I would have been stuck in the middle of the Arizona desert if I hadn't.)
Check tires, engine fluids. Take note of milage or reset trip counter, keep track of MPG so you know what your car does on long freeway drives.
Freeze a couple bottles of water. (open, drink a bit before freezing so they don't explode.)
Wrap bottles in a towel. (don't leave home without it, it insulates and gives you a cold damp face wash pick-me-up.)
Cash, pen and paper, sunglasses, pain/allergy pills.
Stop, stretch, pee.
Not worth the bother, snacks, food. Get a big coffee and pastry in the morning, cheap one handed quick fast food the rest of the day. (one day isn't going to hurt your diet.)
Recently did a 3 day trip across the US, 11 hours a day is easy-peasy. I do wish I had thought of putting the camera on the dash for a video...
posted by zengargoyle at 7:02 PM on June 22, 2010
Check tires, engine fluids. Take note of milage or reset trip counter, keep track of MPG so you know what your car does on long freeway drives.
Freeze a couple bottles of water. (open, drink a bit before freezing so they don't explode.)
Wrap bottles in a towel. (don't leave home without it, it insulates and gives you a cold damp face wash pick-me-up.)
Cash, pen and paper, sunglasses, pain/allergy pills.
Stop, stretch, pee.
Not worth the bother, snacks, food. Get a big coffee and pastry in the morning, cheap one handed quick fast food the rest of the day. (one day isn't going to hurt your diet.)
Recently did a 3 day trip across the US, 11 hours a day is easy-peasy. I do wish I had thought of putting the camera on the dash for a video...
posted by zengargoyle at 7:02 PM on June 22, 2010
I used to do this all the time. Drive 12 hours, get a hotel, drive another 12 hours.
It's not a big deal, and you are overthinking this plate of beans.
Music and audiobooks are the big thing.
Otherwise, there's a lot of stuff there I wouldn't bother with. For example, I would absolutely not bother with bringing drinks in a cooler. Many places will offer to sell you drinks, pre-cooled for your drinking pleasure. Likewise, snacks and lunch will be on offer.
This routine worked for me:
Get up, get a coffee, drive three hours.
Whizz, maybe get a sody-pop or another coffee, get gas.
Drive three hours.
Stop for about 20 minutes for lunch. Get gas.
Drive three hours.
Piss again. Get a sody-pop and a snack. And gas.
Drive three hours.
Done.
That's it. Not really much rocket science about it.
posted by ROU_Xenophobe at 7:05 PM on June 22, 2010
It's not a big deal, and you are overthinking this plate of beans.
Music and audiobooks are the big thing.
Otherwise, there's a lot of stuff there I wouldn't bother with. For example, I would absolutely not bother with bringing drinks in a cooler. Many places will offer to sell you drinks, pre-cooled for your drinking pleasure. Likewise, snacks and lunch will be on offer.
This routine worked for me:
Get up, get a coffee, drive three hours.
Whizz, maybe get a sody-pop or another coffee, get gas.
Drive three hours.
Stop for about 20 minutes for lunch. Get gas.
Drive three hours.
Piss again. Get a sody-pop and a snack. And gas.
Drive three hours.
Done.
That's it. Not really much rocket science about it.
posted by ROU_Xenophobe at 7:05 PM on June 22, 2010
supercres writes "I'm not sure how specific you were in your list, but something like Blue Ice would probably be far superior to actual ice, especially over 11 hours in a non-A/C car."
Any medium and up hard sided cooler is going to keep some ice for 12 hours even in a very hot car.
On the no-A/C and depending on your car: Blocking off your rear side windows, and if you are comfortable with it the rear window, with paper/curtains improvised out of towels/cardboard will go a long way to reducing cabin temperatures. Especially when the sun is behind you.
carlh writes "Rent a dramatic (or better yet, comedic) audio book. Right now I'm listening to THUD! by Terry Pratchett - it's about 10.5 hours long!!! And funny enough to keep my interest."
I'll recommend Wingfield which is a one man radio play and Midnight Cab which is a radio drama for this use. The former is funny and engaging and all six episodes is about 10 hours. The latter is broken up into relatively short cases. I borrowed the CDs from my library and then ripped them to MP3. I can't listen to audio books while driving because I find they require too much attention.
Me I'd bring:
I'm not sure what the laws are out east but if legal I find sock feet the most comfortable for driving long distances as it puts the least torsional pressure on my knees. If I am required to wear shoes than a very thin soled shoe like a moccasin, canvas deck or rock climbing shoe is my preference.
Finally I never use cruise control after say the third hour.
posted by Mitheral at 7:25 PM on June 22, 2010
Any medium and up hard sided cooler is going to keep some ice for 12 hours even in a very hot car.
On the no-A/C and depending on your car: Blocking off your rear side windows, and if you are comfortable with it the rear window, with paper/curtains improvised out of towels/cardboard will go a long way to reducing cabin temperatures. Especially when the sun is behind you.
carlh writes "Rent a dramatic (or better yet, comedic) audio book. Right now I'm listening to THUD! by Terry Pratchett - it's about 10.5 hours long!!! And funny enough to keep my interest."
I'll recommend Wingfield which is a one man radio play and Midnight Cab which is a radio drama for this use. The former is funny and engaging and all six episodes is about 10 hours. The latter is broken up into relatively short cases. I borrowed the CDs from my library and then ripped them to MP3. I can't listen to audio books while driving because I find they require too much attention.
Me I'd bring:
- Plenty of water. A few water bottles frozen ahead of time are excellent for this. I get dehydrated easily when I'm driving and consume around a litre per 200 kilometres. I limit my caffeine to about a litre of coke per trip; anything more makes me jittery.
- Regular long distance driving equipment:
- Gloves
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Long sleeve shirt to prevent a truckers burn
- Sunscreen
- Chapstick
- A couple small garbage bags
- Hand lotion
- Some driving mix tapes/cds
- Provincial maps of my journey and any transiting towns along the way I could get. CAA is great for this and if you give them enough lead time I find their trip-tiks to be worth getting.
- Some fruit and vegetables like apples and carrots
I'm not sure what the laws are out east but if legal I find sock feet the most comfortable for driving long distances as it puts the least torsional pressure on my knees. If I am required to wear shoes than a very thin soled shoe like a moccasin, canvas deck or rock climbing shoe is my preference.
Finally I never use cruise control after say the third hour.
posted by Mitheral at 7:25 PM on June 22, 2010
The absolute best thing I took with me on my recent multi-day road trip:
Multi-purpose charger, which plugged into the cigarette lighter, and came with attachements that allowed me to charge both my phone and my laptop while driving (it had like 10 attachments and could charge all kinds of things). I got it for $40 at a random truck stop, I bet you could get one a lot more cheaply online or a a regular store beforehand.
posted by Ashley801 at 7:45 PM on June 22, 2010
Multi-purpose charger, which plugged into the cigarette lighter, and came with attachements that allowed me to charge both my phone and my laptop while driving (it had like 10 attachments and could charge all kinds of things). I got it for $40 at a random truck stop, I bet you could get one a lot more cheaply online or a a regular store beforehand.
posted by Ashley801 at 7:45 PM on June 22, 2010
I've done quite a few long road trips and I find the easiest ones are actually where I have a normal day and and somewhat relaxing evening and then leave sometime between when it is getting dark and two am. The adrenaline lets me coast through the night with lighter traffic to deal with. I start to get sleepy around five am or so so I stop then for a stretch and a bite to eat. Just as I start to get sleepy the sun comes up (behind you on this trip fortunately!) and wakes me for that final push. But, like everyone else said, avoid Montreal's rush hours. Eleven hours sounds like a lot but it actually goes by pretty quick.
posted by saucysault at 8:00 PM on June 22, 2010
posted by saucysault at 8:00 PM on June 22, 2010
I like to leave at 3:00am and get some serious mileage over before the rest of the world is up and at it. I am also not a big believer in a large meal. It will make you tired afterwards. Have plenty of snacks for eating along the way. Lots of water, soda, and iced tea. If you weren't a female I would recommend saving your empty bottles with screw on tops for an emergency pee if necessary. I am a music listener and thinker. Audio books distract my driving concentration. I prefer to focus on the road, not the audio. When you stop, stretch and get some exercise. A few jumping jacks, squats and push-ups on the side of the car really help. I had no a/c in my truck that I drove 12 hours from Virginia south in the summer.
Heat will tire you. I had a wash cloth I would dunk in the ice from the cooler to put on my neck. Really helped a lot. Set goals. I want to be in this town by x o'clock. It will force you to focus on pace. Use cruise control if you have it. Really helps keep legs from tiring and cramping. I would find natural driving partners. Other drivers going your pace. Taking turn leading and pacing would really help. Radar detector. Also use the canary in the coal mine approach. If you see cars ahead of you suddenly braking, it is likely a speed trap. Brake just in case.
posted by JohnnyGunn at 8:46 PM on June 22, 2010
Heat will tire you. I had a wash cloth I would dunk in the ice from the cooler to put on my neck. Really helped a lot. Set goals. I want to be in this town by x o'clock. It will force you to focus on pace. Use cruise control if you have it. Really helps keep legs from tiring and cramping. I would find natural driving partners. Other drivers going your pace. Taking turn leading and pacing would really help. Radar detector. Also use the canary in the coal mine approach. If you see cars ahead of you suddenly braking, it is likely a speed trap. Brake just in case.
posted by JohnnyGunn at 8:46 PM on June 22, 2010
Seconding Ashley801's suggestion to get an in-car charger. I just did two days of driving (about 7-8 hours each) and my mp3 player with my audiobooks and podcasts died about an hour before I stopped.
Stocking up with snacks is good if you want to stick to healthy stuff like fruits and veggies. If you are planning on going with junk food, that's freely available in any convenience store along the way. My family has used jawbreakers, mainly the "Atomic Fireball" kind, to help stay alert during long drives.
posted by weathergal at 8:46 PM on June 22, 2010
Stocking up with snacks is good if you want to stick to healthy stuff like fruits and veggies. If you are planning on going with junk food, that's freely available in any convenience store along the way. My family has used jawbreakers, mainly the "Atomic Fireball" kind, to help stay alert during long drives.
posted by weathergal at 8:46 PM on June 22, 2010
As soon as you feel a little drowsy, pull over at the first safe opportunity. Close your eyes for maybe two or three songs without going to sleep. I find doing this, typically every 2 to 4 hours, allows me to drive a loooooong time. I did Fort Worth to Cedar Rapids on back-to-back days (28 hours on the road over two days) and that was the single biggest help to being able to drive long stretches.
posted by Doohickie at 8:49 PM on June 22, 2010
posted by Doohickie at 8:49 PM on June 22, 2010
I did a cross-country drive recently. (I didn't do it alone)
This is what I found helpful:
- Stop and stretch every 2 hours or so. It will help keep you awake and from getting bored. It also helps for restocking water bottles and rearranging snacks to be in closer reach.
- Halfway through the trip, all of our snack bags were falling all over the place in the space between the two front seats. I'd recommend jerry-rigging a cardboard "center console" if you don't have a proper center console. It will keep your snacks nice and tidy and upright for easy reach while driving.
- About snacks: I love beef jerky. Chew it slowly. Enjoy the flavor. You've got plenty of time. The chewing and enjoyment will keep you awake. (If you're into beef, that is)
...also with the snacks, I picked things that could stand upright for easy reach while driving (no unrolling bags or risk having bags fall over and spill); examples: goldfish crackers, pringles can. Also things that aren't too sticky or leave residue on your hands.
- Bring plastic bags to use for trash
- Have extra shoes/socks in easy reach. I got caught in the rain once getting gas and my feet got soaking wet. Definitely needed a change to be comfortable driving again.
What I brought along:
- A cooler with soda and water. Saved money from rest stops. Whenever I'd take that break, I'd put things in closer reach.
- A flashlight
- Scissors/Utility knife
- Packing tape
- Car phone/ipod charger
posted by watch out for turtles at 9:20 PM on June 22, 2010
This is what I found helpful:
- Stop and stretch every 2 hours or so. It will help keep you awake and from getting bored. It also helps for restocking water bottles and rearranging snacks to be in closer reach.
- Halfway through the trip, all of our snack bags were falling all over the place in the space between the two front seats. I'd recommend jerry-rigging a cardboard "center console" if you don't have a proper center console. It will keep your snacks nice and tidy and upright for easy reach while driving.
- About snacks: I love beef jerky. Chew it slowly. Enjoy the flavor. You've got plenty of time. The chewing and enjoyment will keep you awake. (If you're into beef, that is)
...also with the snacks, I picked things that could stand upright for easy reach while driving (no unrolling bags or risk having bags fall over and spill); examples: goldfish crackers, pringles can. Also things that aren't too sticky or leave residue on your hands.
- Bring plastic bags to use for trash
- Have extra shoes/socks in easy reach. I got caught in the rain once getting gas and my feet got soaking wet. Definitely needed a change to be comfortable driving again.
What I brought along:
- A cooler with soda and water. Saved money from rest stops. Whenever I'd take that break, I'd put things in closer reach.
- A flashlight
- Scissors/Utility knife
- Packing tape
- Car phone/ipod charger
posted by watch out for turtles at 9:20 PM on June 22, 2010
Sunflower seeds!
Get a pack of sunflower seeds in the shell. They're salty and you kinda cut up your mouth so it keeps you awake. Plus a typical pack is only around 180 calories, and will last you 8-10 hours at least in my experience.
posted by ista at 9:24 PM on June 22, 2010
Get a pack of sunflower seeds in the shell. They're salty and you kinda cut up your mouth so it keeps you awake. Plus a typical pack is only around 180 calories, and will last you 8-10 hours at least in my experience.
posted by ista at 9:24 PM on June 22, 2010
Here's an AskMeFi question about good podcasts. I'm a fan of The Moth, This American Life, RadioLab, Savage Love, All Songs Considered, and The Tobolowsky Files. If you like The Moth, you can also get CDs of it to fill in more gaps. I find that the short format is perfect for driving. Once upon a time, I heard a few Wiretap episodes that I enjoyed, should you feel patriotic.
You may be able to download audiobooks from your local library! This is, hands down, one of the coolest 21st-Century-meets-18th-Century things I've seen. It may require a little bit of software install and some MP3 player finagling, but it seems like it could be worth it for your length of travel.
Ashley801 suggests a cigarette lighter adapter for charging things. I'm going to one-up that and say a power inverter gets the job done as well: you plug your regular phone charger or laptop or TV or whatever has a standard plug. Bam. Car power.
posted by knile at 9:36 PM on June 22, 2010
You may be able to download audiobooks from your local library! This is, hands down, one of the coolest 21st-Century-meets-18th-Century things I've seen. It may require a little bit of software install and some MP3 player finagling, but it seems like it could be worth it for your length of travel.
Ashley801 suggests a cigarette lighter adapter for charging things. I'm going to one-up that and say a power inverter gets the job done as well: you plug your regular phone charger or laptop or TV or whatever has a standard plug. Bam. Car power.
posted by knile at 9:36 PM on June 22, 2010
Do WHATEVER YOU CAN to break up the return trip into two days. I drove from New Jersey to Michigan and back, and New Jersey to Indiana and back. Both were 12-14 hour trips that I did in one shot out there, but for the life of me, could not accomplish a return trip the next day or the day after. In both cases I got about 75% of the way back, but had to stop due to exhaustion. It was pretty scary but I was determined to get back in one shot so I was stubborn about fighting through. Bottom line, plan for a two day return trip. If I ever drive out there again I'll probably make it two days both ways, just to take it easier.
Other than staying awake, I didn't have much problem making the drive. I have a favorite talk radio show, so a bunch of podcast episodes, plus regular ipod listening, plus satellite radio all kept me ok. Nowadays I'd probably bring a couple audiobooks. I drank alot of coffee back then, thanks to a Starbucks at every other rest stop.
posted by tremspeed at 10:59 PM on June 22, 2010
Other than staying awake, I didn't have much problem making the drive. I have a favorite talk radio show, so a bunch of podcast episodes, plus regular ipod listening, plus satellite radio all kept me ok. Nowadays I'd probably bring a couple audiobooks. I drank alot of coffee back then, thanks to a Starbucks at every other rest stop.
posted by tremspeed at 10:59 PM on June 22, 2010
I used to make a 6 hour drive pretty frequently. Around hour 4 I'd have some serious heart-to-hearts with myself out loud. Therapuetic! Also kind of insane, but don't fight it.
Also: Audio books, Podcasts.
posted by GilloD at 11:27 PM on June 22, 2010
Also: Audio books, Podcasts.
posted by GilloD at 11:27 PM on June 22, 2010
OMG, snack bags! Some fruit that you don't have to peel (I like grapes), trail mix for grazing, something a little junky just because you can, some chocolate, and a couple of sandwiches. Freeze a couple bottles of water, throw it all in a cooler bag with another ice pack for good measure. A thermos of iced tea (I would time drinking tea for when I know a rest stops is close by). Bring a garbage bag and a tea towel.
And moist towelettes are your friend.
I also have a driving shirt for hotter days. It's long sleeved white linen and this makes a HUGE difference in keep you cool (covering yourself in white) and also protects the arm closest to the window from getting burned.
Seconding sunscreen.
Sometimes on long drives audiobooks can make me sleepy. Even This American Life might be somber enough sometimes to slow me down too much. Get comedy podcasts and keep laughing.
posted by mooza at 2:24 AM on June 23, 2010
And moist towelettes are your friend.
I also have a driving shirt for hotter days. It's long sleeved white linen and this makes a HUGE difference in keep you cool (covering yourself in white) and also protects the arm closest to the window from getting burned.
Seconding sunscreen.
Sometimes on long drives audiobooks can make me sleepy. Even This American Life might be somber enough sometimes to slow me down too much. Get comedy podcasts and keep laughing.
posted by mooza at 2:24 AM on June 23, 2010
nth Audiobooks. I usually choose some trashy pulp thriller to keep me in the story but not make me think too much.
If I am trying to "get some thinking done" I like to have a voice activated recorder with me so I can record my thoughts. ( I delete most of them later, but I am able to remember the few that are good.)
Clean your windows obsessively, especially when driving at night. Reduces glare from oncoming cars that tires the eyes.
Also recommend moist towlettes. Dad trick -- baby wipes are way cheaper than the individually packaged ones and you can get some that don't smell like babies.
Give yourself plenty of time by leaving early so you can take frequent breaks. Circulation is your friend. I recommend scouting some spots along the to stop and take a nap/rest. I am personally a little skeeved out by highway rest stops, so I will favor state and city parks, especially ones that have campgrounds or where sleeping will not make you look like a vagrant.
Don't drive while sleepy. Worse than driving while intoxicated. A good trick is to eat sunflower seeds to keep from getting drowsy. I don't know how it works, but using your mouth to open the seeds, eat them, and spit out the hulls give your head just enough to do that I don't start getting sleepy.
posted by cross_impact at 8:41 AM on June 23, 2010
If I am trying to "get some thinking done" I like to have a voice activated recorder with me so I can record my thoughts. ( I delete most of them later, but I am able to remember the few that are good.)
Clean your windows obsessively, especially when driving at night. Reduces glare from oncoming cars that tires the eyes.
Also recommend moist towlettes. Dad trick -- baby wipes are way cheaper than the individually packaged ones and you can get some that don't smell like babies.
Give yourself plenty of time by leaving early so you can take frequent breaks. Circulation is your friend. I recommend scouting some spots along the to stop and take a nap/rest. I am personally a little skeeved out by highway rest stops, so I will favor state and city parks, especially ones that have campgrounds or where sleeping will not make you look like a vagrant.
Don't drive while sleepy. Worse than driving while intoxicated. A good trick is to eat sunflower seeds to keep from getting drowsy. I don't know how it works, but using your mouth to open the seeds, eat them, and spit out the hulls give your head just enough to do that I don't start getting sleepy.
posted by cross_impact at 8:41 AM on June 23, 2010
I've done 15 hour drives from LA to Portland and back a few times and it's not that awful. I would say make sure you have fun music to listen to, maybe not the stuff you normally have on but the stuff that you know all of the words to and can sing along to, loudly.
I also keep the windows cracked a little bit or have the AC on, I feel that if I'm a little chilly I'm more alert and less likely to fall into a daze.
And rest stops are great, but also whenever you stop for gas, if you can, stretch your legs even if it's just walking around the quickie mart. Same goes for your food stop, dont just do drive in, take the time to go inside and rest your driving muscles a bit.
And I'd add that when you get to your destination, no matter how late it is or how much you want to catch up with your sister, take a hot bath just to get a jump start on sore muscles.
posted by sweetmarie at 3:45 PM on June 23, 2010
I also keep the windows cracked a little bit or have the AC on, I feel that if I'm a little chilly I'm more alert and less likely to fall into a daze.
And rest stops are great, but also whenever you stop for gas, if you can, stretch your legs even if it's just walking around the quickie mart. Same goes for your food stop, dont just do drive in, take the time to go inside and rest your driving muscles a bit.
And I'd add that when you get to your destination, no matter how late it is or how much you want to catch up with your sister, take a hot bath just to get a jump start on sore muscles.
posted by sweetmarie at 3:45 PM on June 23, 2010
Definitely clean your windshield outside and inside to cut down on glare. It's amazing how fatiguing glare is.
A good 'feeling drowsy' trick is to drink a small cup of coffee, then nap for the 20 minutes or so that it takes the caffeine to kick in.
posted by dws at 11:18 PM on June 23, 2010
A good 'feeling drowsy' trick is to drink a small cup of coffee, then nap for the 20 minutes or so that it takes the caffeine to kick in.
posted by dws at 11:18 PM on June 23, 2010
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posted by cecic at 5:04 PM on June 22, 2010