You know how it goes: The first few minutes of a road trip are exciting, filled with the potential for an action-packed adventure that everyone’s gonna love. After that, it’s all “Are we there yet?” Luckily, these proven tips can make any road trip happier, easier, faster and cheaper!
1. Sniff away stress: Hang a lavender sachet or air freshener from the rearview mirror—this scent soothes jangled nerves in seconds, Miami School of Medicine researchers found. Traveling with the family pet? The scent of lavender also destresses animals during car rides, making them calmer and quieter, reports the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
2. Boost alertness with rock tunes: They’re a driver’s best friend. And no wonder: Numerous studies show fast upbeat tunes—like rock and pop—keep you more alert, says ethnomusicologist Elizabeth Miles, author of Tune Your Brain: Using Music to Manage Your Mind, Body and Mood. Plus: British researchers discovered that you have a lower risk of having a minor accident while listening to rock and pop than if you played classical, the blues, country or easy listening. “Uptempo tunes make you more aware of your surroundings, which helps you drive safer,” Miles explains.
3. Be prepared for the weather: Don’t be surprised by rain, hail or anything else that could make your road trip more treacherous. To get the weather forecast anytime, text the city name or zip code to 42276, The Weather Channel’s forecast system. You’ll get a text message back telling you the weather for the next 36 hours. The service is free; text messaging charges may apply.
4. Sidestep time-stealing traffic: Get free up-to-the-minute traffic reports by calling 866-MY-TRAFC (866-698-7232). Say the city and road you want to know about, then listen to whether the road you’ve chosen is clogged, closed or clear to drive on.
5. Never get lost again: One wrong turn can mean wasting precious hours trying to get back to the right route. Luckily, if you’ve got a cell phone, then you have free GPS that can show you exactly where you need to go. Simply call Dial Directions (347-328-4667), give your location and destination, and turn-by-turn directions will be sent via text message in seconds.
6. Get free 411: Can’t find a house or business? Forget driving around hoping to spot it. Instead, get the address or phone number you need by dialing (800) GOOG-411 for Google’s free information service.
7. Get on-the-go food for less: The Entertainment Book ($15 to $45, entertainment.com)—known for major discounts on fine dining, movies and attractions—also offers big savings on fast food restaurants along your driving route.
[photo: BenedictFrancis]
