Long road trips can be very exciting, but they come with a lot of responsibility. Safety and comfort should be the top priorities; getting to your destination is just as important as making it through the long drive it takes to get there.

While it feels great to be spontaneous, it would be in your best interest to plan in advance.

Below are a few quick tips of how you can prepare for it:

Pack In Advance

Even if you are busy or feeling lazy, always pack your bags a few days before the big trip. Pack according to your plans – whether it’s a fishing trip, a wedding, a family reunion, a surf trip. Check for weather changes and bring what you need for the cold or the heat. Packing early instills a sense of calmness and preparedness and it definitely keeps you from forgetting things.

Set an Itinerary

Itineraries are very helpful to make sure you make the most of your trip. They also serve as a guide for the long drive. Plan ahead and prepare your route, know your exits, rest stops, and gas stations along the way.

Get a Headcount

The final headcount will help with fitting everyone’s bags into your car as well as the delegation of tasks. Your group can decide on who will take driving shifts, help with navigation, prepare the snacks and beverages, etc.

Doing these things will surely help you prepare for a road trip! But that’s just the first part – how about surviving the long drive itself?

Everybody knows that long drives are more fun if you are with friends, family, or your significant other. They can help the driver navigate through the freeways, take a rest stop, or handle the snacks and music.

Surviving long drives is a feat, whether you are going on a work trip or vacation. Here are ten ways to prepare for that long trip you’ve got coming up:

1. Get Plenty of Sleep Before The Drive

People underestimate the importance of sleeping eight hours each night, but this is really what doctors recommend. In order to be at your healthiest state before the drive, get at least seven hours of sleep for the days leading up to the trip. This will build up your energy reserves and boost your immune system as well. The best idea is to go early in the morning after a full night’s sleep rather than going at night after a whole day at work unless you are sharing the drive with somebody else.

2. Check Your Car Before Leaving

You never know what can happen on a long drive. Whether you have a new or an old car, mishaps and accidents can happen. It is always best to check your car at least two days before you plan to leave. Mechanics can check for anything that looks like it might give way or need replacing. This way, you don’t have to worry about any car issues when you’re headed to your destination.

3. Wear Comfortable Clothes and Shoes

 

Comfort is key for a long road trip, especially for the driver. Hard-soled shoes or boots are necessary; save the flip flops and open sandals for when you reach your destination. Wearing tough shoes also protects your feet in the case of accidents or if your vehicle breaks down in the middle of the night.

4. Stay Hydrated

Hydration is very important to stay awake and alert throughout the drive. Drinking water will help you focus and keep drowsiness and dehydration at bay. If you can, avoid acidic beverages like coffee or energy drinks. These will give you a burst of energy that will quickly fade. Unless you really need coffee, stick to maybe one or two cups throughout the whole drive.

5. Prepare a Healthy Snack Box

Vitamin-packed healthy foods will get you through the trip, whether you are driving or not. Smaller snacks like this will sustain your energy for longer and prevent you from getting hungry or hyperacidity while on the road. It would also be a good idea to skip the fast-food stops for snacks. The big oily meals might make you sleepy or groggy.

6. Take Rest Stops and Bathroom Breaks

Rest stops are essential! Be sure to stretch, walk, and get out of the car for a bit. It will surely help if you’ve got a great view or if it’s time to eat a full meal. Bathroom breaks are also important so be flexible to make stops whenever somebody needs to use the restroom.

7. Have a “Road Trip Playlist” at the Ready

Everybody loves listening to music and a good playlist can boost your mood during a long trip. It would be even more exciting to play songs that everybody knows, or perhaps something nostalgic, to really enjoy the drive up ahead. The music should keep you happy, help you stay awake, or be catchy enough to sing along to!

8. Listen to AudioBooks or Podcasts

Podcasts are a new form of entertainment that you can easily enjoy while driving. If you are with a group, choose an appropriate podcast that everyone can relate to and enjoy. Maybe something that suits the age group, everyone’s hobbies, or something global that will excite anybody.

9. Play Road Trip Games

An old-school form of entertainment is to play thinking and discovery games. This will come in handy if you have kids, teenagers, or a large group in your car. The most popular would be the ABC game where everyone takes turns finding all the letters in the alphabet outside the car. You can also play question-and-answer games with movies, history, and other exciting trivia.

10. Bring Flashlights, Batteries, and Chargers

Lastly, anything can happen during a long trip, especially if you are going to be on the road at night. Bring flashlights and batteries just in case you will need a light source during your drive or even on the trip. Chargers and power banks are also essential for everyone’s gadgets, especially your smartphone, speakers, laptops, or even a GPS.

These simple tips will surely help anyone get through a long drive! Take your time to prepare for the trip well and you can expect to enjoy any road trip with friends, family, a beloved pet, or even just by yourself.

With flight schedules reforming and quarantines easing after about two years in the pandemic, the tourism industry is now showing signs of returning. But just because you want to have a good time traveling doesn’t mean your healthy lifestyle should go by the wayside.

Eating healthy foods to stay in shape while traveling doesn’t need to be complicated.With preparation and a little willpower, you can plan for nutrient-rich and delicious options so you can enjoy your vacation or business trip without worrying about packing on extra weight.

Here is my list of 12 top foods to eat to stay in shape while traveling:

Best Foods to Eat While Traveling

1. Steamed vegetables. You can prepare steamed vegetables before your adventure or buy them during your travels whenever possible. Choose vegetables, like celery, cherry tomato, cauliflower, blanched broccoli and carrots, because they are important sources of many nutrients. It’s a good thing, too, that most supermarkets now have packaged, pre-cut fruits and vegetables that you can buy and take with you if needed.

2. A staple food for many cultures around the world, brown rice is a good source of complex carbs and dietary fibre to fuel your body with glucose. Whether you’re dining out or cooking for yourself in an accommodation that includes a kitchen, don’t miss the health benefits of brown rice.

3. Persimmon is a versatile fruit full of beneficial plant compounds, fiber, minerals and vitamins. They are extremely good for you as they aid in the creation of red blood cells, reducing your risk of altitude or motion sickness.

4. A homemade egg salad or sandwich is a light and delicious food that can increase your protein while keeping unhealthy fats at bay. More so that an egg contains high levels of lutein, B vitamins, choline and lutein.

5. Tofu makes a great anti-inflammatory diet. It is a good source of complete protein, which means it has a well-balanced amino acid profile. It also contains potassium, manganese, copper, iron and fiber. Talk about an all-in-one travel food!

6. Yogurt. As you are trying a lot of foreign or new foods, indigestion is not far away. This is why probiotic yogurt is one of the best foods to eat while traveling as it helps combat an unhappy stomach. Yogurts also contain good bacteria that support a healthy digestive system.

7. Portable and nutritious, nuts make healthy grab-and-go snacks for travel. No wonder they are a travel staple. You can simply pack nuts in a reusable storage container so you can snack throughout your vacation.

8. Apples are a rich source of polyphenols – micronutrients that work with other dietary reducing agents to protect the body’s tissues against pathologies and oxidative stress.

9. Dark cherries are the ideal mid-flight snack for those having trouble falling asleep on planes or during travel. That’s because they are a wonderful source of melatonin, which helps ease your nervous system and help you fall asleep.

10. Tuna fish contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. It may help reduce the level of LDL cholesterol and omega-6 fatty acids that can accumulate in the arteries. Tuna also contains a good amount of vitamin C, manganese and zinc – all of which can help boost your immune system as you travel.

11. Beetroots, often referred to as beets, are a versatile type of vegetable. They boast a good nutritional profile, like being low in calories but high in minerals and valuable vitamins that your body needs to stay healthy. If you’ve never tried a beet salad, you don’t know what you’re missing.

12. A healthy food list for travel wouldn’t be complete without including bananas in the list. Bananas are a great source of energy and are also a muscle relaxant. They are rich in magnesium and potassium as well as help support the production of melatonin in the body. You can start your day with a banana, have it as a mid-day snack, or eat it before bed to help you sleep.

Of course, don’t forget to stay hydrated. I’m sure you’ve heard it before, but just to emphasize its importance: proper hydration comes with plenty of health benefits so you can combat the negative effects of travel (jet lag, forced socialization, interruption of routines, lack of sleep, inconveniences, loss of familiar surroundings, different time zone, etc.). Always choose water over sodas or sugary fruit drinks.

Along with good nutrition, you can also be diligent about your workouts. You may want to perform a few basic workout moves while in small spaces using a portable suspension trainer. Even doing some stretches after a long day of adventure can help you stay in shape and fit while traveling.

Other Fitness Tips for Travelers

To help you feel and look your best during and after your travels, here are other tips you can do to stay in shape while traveling.

• Carry a water bottle with you
• Plan meals to prevent overeating
• Choose a hotel with restaurant menus that cater to a variety of preferences
• Get the reality check (read nutritional information)
• To have more control of your caloric intake, ask for dressing and sauces on the side
• Pack the right clothes and shoes – so you can still workout
• Do bodyweight exercises: squats, jumping jacks, sit-ups and lunges

New Year’s Eve is the biggest party of the year. It’s a celebration that brings people together to celebrate all the potential that a new year offers. It’s a day of hope and celebration.

And it’s not too far away either!

Soon, people from around the world will be ringing in the new year soon with fireworks, festivals, friends, parties, and songs. It’s a fun holiday that knows no nationality.

If you’re ready to stay up past your bedtime and indulge in the revelry, here are my top ten best places to go for New Year’s Eve in 2022:

 

1. New York City

Times Square has been a focal point of New Year’s activity for more than a hundred years. Around one million people will crowd into the square to watch the famous ball drop. On top of that, around a BILLION more people will watch from home, making this one of the biggest events of the year — every year!

If you want to watch the ball drop in person, be sure to arrive early (people start gathering in the afternoon to get a good spot) and dress warmly! However, there are lots of parties throughout the city and most New Yorkers try to aim for some of the downtown clubs and bars or a house party!

2. Sydney

Australia is one of the first countries in the world to experience New Year’s Eve making Sydney the first major city in the world to greet a new year (sorry New Zealand, you aren’t as big!).  The city hosts one of the largest firework displays in the world. They last almost a full fifteen minutes and are best viewed from one of the boats in the harbor or surrounding hills. After the display, the celebrations usually last until dawn. Locals love enjoying this day as it’s also in the middle of their summer so the weather is always great! Unsurprisingly, accommodation disappears fast so be sure to book well in advance if you want to spend the New Year down under!

3. London

London rings in the new year with an astonishing fireworks display that’s launched from the London Eye. The fireworks can be seen from rooftops and balconies all across London, so you don’t need to leave your hotel to get a good view. If you want to get out there and really experience the display, the best views are from Westminster Bridge and the north embankment of the River Thames (opposite the London Eye).

4. Paris

Paris is the perfect destination for a romantic New Year’s Eve getaway. It has high class dining, clubbing, fantastic fireworks, and the chance to sip Champagne on the Champs-Elysees. Around midnight, you can watch the Eiffel Tower’s light show. Another great place to spend the evening is Montmartre, as it offers spectacular views of the entire Paris skyline.

While you won’t get the same level of epic fireworks as you would in Sydney, there are still great parties through the city and many people light off their own fireworks from the Champs-Elysees. The city stays open late!

5. Ko Phangan, Thailand

Over 20,000 young people cram on Haat Rin beach in Thailand to celebrate the New Year. Backpackers and travelers from around the world dance, paint themselves up, and drink buckets of alcohol from dusk until the first dawn of the new year. They fill the beach and it’s one of the wildest outdoor parties there is on New Year’s.

If you’re looking to start the new year on a beach and plan to be in Southeast Asia, this is one of the best and most fun places to be. I’ve spent three New Year’s here and loved every single one!

6. Kiribati

What better way to ring in the New Year than to be the first person to do it? This spot in the Pacific is officially the first place in the world to see the New Year. It’s like going into the future! Tourism here has picked up in recent years as the locals have tried to capitalize on that interesting fact but the island remains mostly an untouched getaway. There’s not much to do here and accommodation isn’t by any means luxurious but what better way to spend the new year than on an island in the South Pacific? Be sure to plan this well in advance as few flights go here and limited accommodation makes its difficult to find spots.

7. Tokyo

If a single night of partying isn’t enough for you, head to Tokyo. The capital city of Japan starts celebrating on the 29th of December, giving you a few extra days to let loose and give the year a proper send-off. Not only do they start early, but the party almost doesn’t stop. New Year’s celebrations here continue until January 4th. While most of the major tourist sites in the city are closed during this time, the streets of Tokyo (as well as all restaurants and clubs) are packed with locals and visitors alike. The city offers up numerous fireworks displays, dancing, and all the karaoke you can sing!

8. Las Vegas

The city that parties every night throughout the year certainly knows how to throw a New Year’s Eve bash to remember. There are so many clubs, hotels, bars, and casinos to choose from in Las Vegas, Nevada, that it’s almost impossible to not celebrate in style. Outdoors, “The Strip” is closed to traffic so everyone can watch the grand fireworks displays high above the city’s neon lights. If you want to wade through the crowds, make your way downtown to Fremont Street and join the massive block party, complete with confetti, a massive wine toast, concerts by big-name rockers, and a five-block-long illuminated canopy 90 feet overhead, on which state-of-the-art sound and light shows are shown.

9. San Juan Del Sur

This holiday hotspot in Central America is a surfing and beach mecca for travelers of all ages and styles. During New Years, the city is bursting with tourists and locals who come from the surrounding area to enjoy time on the beach, with their families, and party hard (Nicaraguans sure know how to have fun!). This is definitely a place to go if you’re looking to get bit crazy and then nurse your hangover on the beach the next day. There’s usually a giant beach party where locals and tourists mingle, dance, drink, and countdown a new year together!

10. Edinburgh

When it comes to New Year’s Eve celebrations, Edinburgh is one of those places that can’t be beat. Their Hogmanay is one of the most fun parties I’ve ever been too. Each year, over 100,000 people take part in the two-day celebration that involves a Viking procession, fireworks over the castle, bonfires, concerts, and a carnival. It’s out of this world fun. It gets super crowded and you’ll need tickets to the shows so be sure to book in advance. You can even walk the viking procession to the bonfire!

Some of America’s favorite holiday spots can be found in cities and coastal towns from east to west. Families and friends spend summer vacation at the coasts or in some of the most popular destinations across the US map. Most Americans fly south for the winter, but others find the best holiday celebrations in the city during the cold winter months. Some of the top American holiday destinations can be found on our list:

 

1. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

One popular east coast beach vacation destination is none other than Myrtle Beach in South Carolina. Myrtle Beach is a spring break favorite for college students, and it also draws a family crowd during the summertime. Some people like to get together with family and friends to rent a beach house for the week with the sandy Atlantic shores right out the back door. The waters here are warm for swimming, and the sunrise is incredible!

 

2. Atlantic City, New Jersey

Atlantic City is a one-of-a-kind place to gamble all your worries away with slots machines and cards at the casinos. The boardwalk is just as famous as the town itself with street names and places found in the popular board game Monopoly. That’s because it’s based on Atlantic City with a real life Park Place to compliment the Boardwalk. Atlantic City is situated along the Jersey Shore with fabulous ocean views and late nights out on the town.

 

3. Orlando, Florida

Between Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld—what’s not to like about Orlando? Many Americans love to spend summer vacation with the family in the sunny weather with some of the most entertaining theme parks in the world. That is because these monumental parks draw an international crowd that come to see favorites such as the Hogwarts Castle at Universal Islands of Adventure or Disney’s Epcot Center and Animal Kingdom. Rides, shows and islands of fun can all be found in Orlando.

 

4. New York City, New York 

Many Americans cannot resist a chance to see the Big Apple lit up at night. The theater performances, comedy clubs and nightlife in NYC only scratches the surface of what this metropolis has to offer. Some like to see the stunning skyscrapers like the Empire State Building and Lady Liberty at the edge of bay. Others cannot resist the many art museums such as ‘the Met’ or the Museum of Modern Art. But Rockefeller Center at Christmas and Times Square on New Years Eve stun the crowds with vibrant lights and lively celebrations.

 

5. Napa Valley

For those of you who consider yourselves wine connoisseurs, taste your heart away in Napa Valley just outside of San Francisco! Napa Valley is California wine country—home to a range of vineyards and tours that offer wine tasting. Just outside of San Francisco, there are many ways to see the vineyards with the wine train, bus tours, and bicycling the trails, while you learn about what goes into each and every bottle.

 

6. New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is the life of the party every year during Mardi Gras—also known as the Carnival season or ‘Fat Tuesday’. This city goes all out and throws the biggest celebration on the block throughout the bars and clubs of Bourbon Street. New Orleans is home to live jazz music, Cajun cuisine and stunning architecture all year round. The charm of New Orleans is in its delicious and fresh seafood, colorful streets and rich history that draw many visitors to its place along the Gulf of Mexico.

 

7. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana and Idaho

Yellowstone National Park is the location of America’s first national park and the largest collection of geysers on the planet! Many Americans come to this park to see Old Faithful—a giant geyser with a timely eruption period. There is no better place to explore the great outdoors than with a little camping and hiking along the trails here at Yellowstone. A trek through the forest is also worth it with flourishing wildlife and cascading waterfalls throughout the park.

 

8. The Grand Canyon 

The most clique family vacation in American history has to be the Grand Canyon. We’ve seen it on National Lampoon’s Vacation and can’t help but wonder if or own vacation to the Grand Canyon can ever be that hilarious. It’s sure to be memorable either way with a close look at the colorful geologic layers etched into the earth from on the back of a donkey down the canyon. Just north of the Grand Canyon is the famous Horseshoe bend of the Colorado River that makes for a stunning sight!

 

9. Southern California

Southern California has it all—the gorgeous beaches, the amusement parks, and the nightlife and entertainment. From San Diego up to LA, Americans love to vacation in sunny SoCal. When it comes to San Diego, the endless stretch of sandy beaches meets rock cliff coves creates the most amazing sunset scenery. In Anaheim, families spend summer vacation at Disneyland and California Adventure. Los Angeles also has its fair share of beaches, museums and unique nightly entertainment at the clubs and theaters. The best part—fresh avocados and cheap authentic Mexican food!

 

10. The Hawaiian Islands

Who could resist the tropic breeze, the swaying palms and the lush flora that paints the volcanic islands of Hawaii? Americans escape to Hawaii to enjoy the island lifestyle and sunny weather all year round. The crystal clear waters are great for surfing or scuba diving, and by night the entertainment is hot. When in Hawaii, be sure to experience a luau with a feast of food and dancing island girls by the fire. Hawaii is a great place for exquisite chocolates, Hawaiian BBQ and fresh fish at dinnertime.

 

11. Seattle

Seattle is the sleepy city on the water with stunning views of the Olympic Mountains and the Puget Sound in the distance. This favorite destination of the Pacific Northwest paints a picture perfect skyline with the Space Needle and mount Rainier to the eastern horizon. Many like to visit popular city favorites such as the venders at Pike Place Market and art at Seattle Art Museum. Just outside of Seattle, families enjoy camping, hiking and kayaking in Washington’s many forested parks.

 

12. Alaskan Cruise 

Some Americans would rather flock to some place warm in the south while on vacation. But, there is something irresistible about the sights from a boat on the Pacific Ocean with an Alaskan Cruise. See the  ice-capped mountains and gorgeous Alaskan landscape along the coast. These cruises leave from Seattle and take you around Glacier Bay to witness magnificent snow and ice features, as you make your way up to Alaska.

 

13. Key West, Florida

Key West is the bottom of America, and the closest thing to the Bahamas in the US! You won’t get any nearer to that tropical island feel than when you are in Key West. This chain of land situated at the edge of the Caribbean is one of the most amazing beach destinations in Florida. Key West has it all, the white sand, the turquoise waters the palm trees and Sunset Festival—a unique celebration each night when the sun goes down.

 

14. Washington DC

A trip to Washington DC is filled with museum hopping, monument stopping and unique sightseeing  across streets of polished architecture. There’s so much to learn between the Smithsonian Museums, National Monuments and War Memorials that it would take days to see it all!  Some favorites are the Lincoln Memorial with reflecting pool and Washington Monument—a giant obelisk towering over the scenery. Of course, it’s difficult to resist a peek at the President’s home, so stop by the White House while in DC.

 

15. Las Vegas

Las Vegas remains one of America’s most treasured vacation destinations. That is because, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. This place is rightfully named ‘Sin City’ and has seen more shotgun weddings, than any other place in the US. The casinos, shows and nightlife are sure to keep you entertained for days on end. It’s also a great idea to choose wisely where you stay—there are so many themed hotels with attractions on-site. There need not be an occasion for any American to go to Vegas—only a reason to get out and enjoy the party!

 

16. Miami, Florida

Miami is the place to find all the beautiful sunbathers of Florida lying along the beaches. The famous Southbeach draws many Americans here for vacation, while the city itself heats up with bumping music in the clubs at night. Miami is home to an eclectic mix of Art Deco-stye architecture and sculptures along the city streets. The Little Havana district of Miami also offers visitors a look inside Florida’s Cuban influence with restaurants and specialized boutique shops.

 

17. The Outer Banks, North Carolina

Both the Outer Banks and Nag’s Head along the North Carolina coast make the perfect vacation destination for easterners. Americans love to get together with family and friends to rent out a beach house with stunning balcony views along these Atlantic shores. Here at the Outer Banks, there are opportunities for horseback riding and sightseeing at elegant estates at water’s edge.

 

18. Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is a Northern California favorite vacation destination for it’s unique activities and entertainment all year round. Here at Lake Tahoe you will find skiing, hiking the trails, swimming and snorkeling along the shore. One of the most unique things to do in Lake Tahoe is trek to the top of the hill to see the the elegant architecture of Vikingsholm. Lake Tahoe is a world class ski resort, and many Americans come here to enjoy a nice lodge vacation with plenty of time on the slopes.

 

19. Orlando, Florida

What would a Christmas be without spending at least on December 25th at the most magical place on earth.

 

20. Santa Claus, Indiana

Yes, really. There really is a town called Santa Claus and it happens to have one of the coolest and most inviting theme parks in all of America! Really, it does!