How to Stay Rested En-Route Home for Thanksgiving – Comfy and Safe Car Travel Tips

How to Stay Rested En-Route Home for Thanksgiving – Comfy and Safe Car Travel Tips

With the holiday season fast approaching, many Americans are facing long car journeys home, but what are the best ways to stay rested when traveling those long hours across state lines?

According to the AAA, almost 113 million Americans will travel more than 50 miles away from home over December. So, the experts at MattressNextDay decided to reveal the top tips on how to stay rested when en route to see your loved ones this Thanksgiving.

How to travel in comfort this festive season 

Traveling by car during the holiday season can be daunting, especially if you’re faced with a long journey. Whether you’re a passenger looking to catch some much-needed rest or a driver seeking a stress-free trip, these expert tips from MattressNextDay will help you make the most of your car journey.

1. Adjust the Lighting

If you’re hitting the road during the daytime and want to get some sleep, consider packing an eye mask. Just like on a plane, an eye mask can help block out light and create a more comfortable sleep environment.

If you’re embarking on a nighttime journey, and it’s safe for the driver to do so, dim the internal lights to reduce distractions and make the car more comfortable and relaxed for rest.

2. Fold Down Your Seats

Many cars come equipped with fold-down rear seats that can effectively double as a bed for a quick power nap. Prioritize safety by keeping your seatbelt fastened and create a flat surface in your car’s boot by folding down the rear seats. To enhance your comfort, wrap yourself in a blanket to replicate the feeling of being in bed.

3. Create Your DIY Pillow

If you don’t have a neck pillow handy, roll up a jacket or bring along a blanket to support your neck and head, ensuring a more comfortable resting position during your long journey.

4. Share Driving Duties if Possible.

When traveling with a group, it’s only fair to take turns behind the wheel. Allocating 2–3-hour shifts to each traveler ensures that everyone gets a much-needed nap while covering those long and tiring drives home.

5. Plan Your Caffeine Consumption Cleverly

If you anticipate needing an energy boost during your drive, treat yourself to a cup of coffee. However, be mindful of the timing, so caffeine doesn’t interfere with your ability to sleep once you’ve reached your destination.

Martin Seeley, CEO at MattressNextDay said:

“Long-distance travel is often associated with the excitement of reaching a destination, but the journey itself can be physically and mentally draining. It’s crucial to understand that prioritizing sleep and rest during long-haul journeys is not only a matter of personal well-being but also a responsibility to ensure the safety of fellow travelers on the road.

During long-distance travel, especially by car, sleep deprivation can impair our ability to concentrate, react quickly, and make sound decisions.

Proper rest is a preventative measure against the dangers of drowsy driving.
Planning breaks during long journeys, sharing driving duties, and taking advantage of safe rest areas are essential practices. Moreover, creating a comfortable sleeping environment in the vehicle, using seatbelts even while resting, and keeping internal lighting dim, when necessary, all contribute to safer and more comfortable travel”

If you want to find out more about tips around sleep, please visit:
https://www.mattressnextday.co.uk/snooze-news/post/how-to-rest-en-route-comfy-travel-tips