Road trips are one of the most freeing and exciting ways to vacation in retirement. There's nothing quite like the open road, whether you're visiting family, heading to the beach, exploring a national park, or finally taking that bucket-list trip down Route 66.
But for many seniors, a long day in the car can be more challenging than it was twenty or thirty years ago. Spending several hours behind the wheel can be rough on your back, neck, hips, and energy levels. It’s challenging to sit for hours, stay focused in traffic, not have access to bathrooms and daily comforts – all while trying to arrive at your destination feeling refreshed.
But that doesn’t have to mean your road-tripping days are over. You might just need to make a few adjustments before your next adventure.
In this guide, we'll share our favorite road trip tips and long distance driving tips to help you stay comfortable, alert, and safe on the road. From planning your route and packing the essentials to reducing fatigue behind the wheel, these simple tips can help you enjoy every mile of the journey.
Long Road Trip Tips: Plan Ahead
The number one way to ensure the success of a long road trip is preparation. The more prepared you are before you leave, the more enjoyable (and less stressful) your trip will be. Here are our best long road trip tips to help you plan for your journey:
1. Have Your Vehicle Checked Before You Leave
A car inspection is a must before your trip. It can help prevent unexpected delays, reduce your risk of serious accidents, and give you greater peace of mind. So, before any long road trip, schedule a maintenance appointment and have your mechanic inspect:
- Tires and tire pressure
- Brakes
- Battery
- Oil and fluids
- Windshield wipers
- Air conditioning
- Headlights and brake lights
- Anything else they recommend
It's also smart to bring a roadside emergency kit with you on your trip. A well-stocked roadside emergency kit should include:
- A spare tire and jack
- Jumper cables or a portable jump starter
- Flashlight with extra batteries (or a rechargeable flashlight)
- Reflective warning triangles or road flares to make your vehicle more visible
- A basic first aid kit
- Bottled water and nonperishable snacks
- Phone charger or portable power bank
- Blanket or lightweight emergency blanket
- Ice scraper (if traveling in colder weather)
- Small tool kit with screwdrivers, pliers, and an adjustable wrench
- Tire pressure gauge
- Work gloves
- Rain poncho
- Paper towels or cleaning wipes
- Emergency cash in small bills
- Printed roadside assistance and insurance information
2. Pack a Small "Easy Access" Travel Bag
Along with a roadside emergency kit, you should also pack a bag for comfort and safety. Keep a small bag on hand with the essentials so you don’t have to dig through luggage every time you need something. Having everyday essentials nearby means fewer stops and less frustration. This bag should include:
- A week's worth of prescription medications in original labeled containers (or at least enough for the trip plus a few extra days in case of delays)
- Medical devices
- Spare eyeglasses, contacts, and eye drops
- Phone charger
- Plenty of water bottles
- Healthy snacks
- Sunscreen and a hat
- Tissues
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Lip balm
- A printed list of medications, allergies, and emergency contacts
3. Don't Travel Alone If You Don't Have To
Road trips are often more enjoyable with company, and they're safer, too. If possible, travel with a spouse, family member, or friend who can:
- Take turns driving
- Help with navigation
- Watch for changing road conditions
- Keep you company during long stretches
Even if you're capable of driving the whole way, having another licensed driver on board gives you flexibility if you become tired or encounter bad weather. There’s safety – and enjoyment – in numbers!
4. Avoid Overscheduling Your Trip
It's tempting to squeeze several destinations or stops into one trip, but trying to cover too many miles in one day increases your risk, like drowsy driving or increased pain. For a safer, more enjoyable route:
- Build extra time into your itinerary.
- Plan shorter driving days.
- Leave room for unexpected stops.
- Give yourself permission to change plans if you're tired.
Remember… Life is about the journey, not the destination!
5. Plan Your Stops Before You Leave
One of the easiest ways to reduce stress is knowing where you'll stop before you even start driving. Planning ahead also means you're less likely to desperately search for a bathroom or gas station. Map out places where you can:
- Use clean restrooms
- Fill up on gas
- Eat a healthy meal
- Stretch your legs
- Rest if needed
National travel centers, welcome centers, grocery stores, and large shopping areas often have cleaner, more accessible restrooms than smaller roadside stops.
6. Bring Healthy Snacks and Plenty of Water
Skipping meals or getting dehydrated can leave you feeling sluggish behind the wheel, which makes driving significantly less safe. So pack foods that provide steady energy, like mixed nuts, fresh fruit, cheese sticks, whole-grain crackers, trail mix, and low-sugar protein bars. Keep water within easy reach and sip regularly throughout the drive.
One important note: while it may seem tempting to drink less water to avoid bathroom breaks, your body needs water to stay alert on the road. And holding your bladder for long periods isn't a good idea. It can contribute to urinary tract problems and other long-term concerns. So, drink water, take bathroom breaks, and don’t rush past all the sights!
If you're traveling through long rural stretches where restrooms may be hard to find, some travelers keep a disposable urinal or pee bag in the car for emergencies. Hopefully you'll never need it, but it can provide extra peace of mind.
7. Dress for Comfort
Comfortable clothing can make a surprisingly big difference during long hours on the road. Don’t waste your energy on fighting your outfit. Consider wearing:
- Loose-fitting clothing
- Supportive walking shoes
- A lightweight jacket for changing temperatures
- Compression socks if recommended by your healthcare provider
Compression socks help improve circulation and reduce swelling during long periods of sitting, so they’re worth asking your PCP about before road or air travel.
8. Upgrade Your Seat
Your car seat may be fine for running errands, but eight or more hours behind the wheel is another story. Many adults find that ergonomic seat cushions, lumbar supports, or coccyx cushions (such as those from companies like Cushion Lab and similar brands) help reduce pressure on the hips, lower back, and tailbone during long drives.
Also, while driving, adjust your seat so your knees remain slightly bent and your back is fully supported. Even small adjustments can make a long day much more comfortable.
9. Carry Important Medical Information
Hopefully you'll never need it, but it's always wise to travel with a list of:
- Emergency contacts
- Medications
- Allergies
- Medical conditions
- Your doctor's contact information
- Health insurance cards
Keep this information somewhere easy to access, not buried inside luggage. It's also a good idea to add emergency contacts and your physician's office to your phone favorites or speed dial. Many EMTs will look at the emergency card on your phone for health and contact info.
10. Let Someone Know Your Travel Plans
Before leaving, share your itinerary with a trusted friend or family member. Tell them where you’re going, where you'll be staying, approximately when you'll arrive, and major stops along the way. If plans change, make sure to tell them. Having someone know your general location provides peace of mind for you and your loved ones, especially during longer trips.
Road Trip Safety Tips
Comfort matters, but safety should always come first. These road trip safety tips can help reduce fatigue and reduce your risk of accidents.
11. Take Frequent Breaks
One of the most important long distance driving safety tips is to stop regularly, even if you don't feel tired. Experts generally recommend taking a break every two hours or 100 miles. During each stop:
- Walk for five to ten minutes.
- Stretch your back, shoulders, and legs.
- Use the restroom.
- Drink water.
- Give your eyes a break from focusing on the road.
These short breaks help improve circulation, reduce stiffness, and restore alertness before getting back behind the wheel.
12. Never Drive Drowsy
If you're struggling to keep your eyes open, drifting out of your lane, or finding it difficult to concentrate, it's time to stop driving. Rolling down the windows or turning up the radio might help for a few minutes, but they won't replace real rest. If you're feeling tired, pull over somewhere safe, switch drivers if possible, or call it a day and find a hotel. Arriving a little later is always better than putting yourself or other drivers at risk.
13. Keep Your Phone Charged, But Out of Reach
Your phone is an important safety tool in case you need directions, roadside assistance, or help during an emergency. Keep it fully charged and consider bringing a portable power bank for longer trips.
But while driving, keep your phone out of your hands and use hands-free navigation to keep your attention on the road. Never text and drive.
14. Check the Weather Before You Leave
Heavy rain, strong winds, snow, or extreme heat can all make driving more challenging. Before you head out (and before each day's drive), check the forecast along your route. If severe weather is expected, don't hesitate to delay your trip or adjust your plans. Flexibility is one of the best ways to stay safe on the road.
15. Trust Your Instincts
You know your body better than anyone else. If something doesn't feel right – whether you're feeling unusually tired, uncomfortable, dizzy, or overwhelmed – listen to those signals.
There's no prize for pushing through fatigue. Taking an extra break, shortening your driving day, or asking someone else to drive can help you arrive safely and enjoy the rest of your trip.
Enjoy the Journey, Even When It's Close to Home
Not every adventure has to involve hundreds of miles on the highway. Sometimes the best road trips are the ones that take you right across town to meet friends for lunch, spend the afternoon at the beach, visit a local museum, or explore a nearby community you’ve been curious to visit. Road trips don't always have to cross state lines – sometimes the best memories are made just a few miles from home!
If you're more of a local adventurer, GoGo Rides can help you stay active and independent without the stress of navigating traffic, finding parking, or driving at night. There's no need to download an app or learn new technology. Just call, schedule your ride, and enjoy the journey… while someone else handles the driving.
Hit the Road with Confidence
The best road trips aren't about how quickly you get there; they're about enjoying the experience along the way. With a little planning, the right supplies, and a realistic schedule, driving long distances can remain a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable way to travel after age 60. So, pack your bags, map out your route, and enjoy the adventure. The open road is waiting!
And if you're looking for trusted rides closer to home or while you're visiting a new city, GoGo Rides makes it easy to get where you need to go without the stress of driving yourself. No scheduled routes or times; you have control over where and when you want to go, giving you complete autonomy and independence.
With reliable, comfortable transportation at your fingertips, you can spend less time worrying about how to get there, and more time enjoying your trip. Learn more about GoGo Rides here.
