With summer approaching and the holidays right around the corner, you may be heading off on a summer roadie. We’ve put together some tips on how to make your roadie stress-free and enjoyable.

Stay hydrated

There is nothing worse than getting a headache from not drinking enough water on a hot day. Make sure you have plenty of water in the car, or grab some bottled water from the gas station.

Pack some snacks

No one wants to be ‘hangry’ on a roadie so make sure you pack some snacks to curb your hunger before you stop for a meal. Grab some snacks that are easy to eat and make sure you have a couple of healthy options in there too like fruit, nuts or muesli bars.

Share the driving

If you’re doing a long roadie, ask if someone can take over the driving so you can rest for a couple of hours. Fatigue is extremely dangerous while driving, so if there is no one to take over, plan an overnight stay to avoid any accidents.

Bring sunscreen

The New Zealand sun is so brutal that you need to make sure you are wearing sunscreen even when you’re in the car. Cover your arms and legs if they are exposed to make sure you don’t get burnt on the trip. Wear some sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun.

Prepare your tunes

You can go in and out of reception on your roadie so if you listen to the radio, make sure you have a playlist prepared so you avoid any silence. If you only listen to your pre-made playlists, make sure your phone is well charged or bring along your charger to avoid your phone dying mid-drive.

Plan your route

Plan your route in advance so you know exactly what roads you need to take. Gather information about which routes are well-used to avoid any unnecessary delays. Have someone in the car on directions so you don’t get lost and miss an exit. Make sure you plan some stops along the way so you can enjoy the scenic views and stretch your legs.