Solo Road Trip Advice or Tips & Tricks

Lcuriousdog on 02/02/2022 - 17:14

I'll be needing to drive about 9 hours or so by myself and keen to hear any tips or tricks. Going from Sydney to Sale, Victoria.

I've been on family road trips in the past but that was when I was much younger and didn't really pay attention to the planning or actual driving part of the journey. Further I've only been driving around local metropolitan roads and expressways so not used to long stretches of country road.

Looking for perhaps ideas or recommended practices, things to take along which proved handy in your experience, maybe good snacks to eat while driving?

Any other related discussion also very welcome. Thanks for reading.

Travel

Comments

  • HelpMeiCantSee on 03/02/2022 - 08:17

    Just smash it out. Fill up as you leave, won’t need to again unless you have a micro tank.

    Drive at night, you’ll be there 3 hours sooner than if you went in daylight.

    Buuuut, I suspect you haven’t done long drives before, so avoid any advice from me lol. I guess take it easy and enjoy the drive is about all I can offer :)

    • curiousdog on 03/02/2022 - 12:09

      Wow, if it's saving that much time I might consider changing up my schedule

  • Krankite on 03/02/2022 - 08:41
    +4

    Here's my tips:
    * Put about $100 cash in the glove box in case of emergency i.e. Eftpos outage, lost wallet or illegal poker game.
    * Watch your speed when entering a town it's very easy to speed when going from 100 to 50.
    * Leave early so you have lot's of time if you need a rest
    * Have proper sitdown meals, either in a park or at a restaurant this forces you to have a proper break and get out of the car
    * Let someone know when you are leaving and when you expect to arrive, you can also setup location sharing on your phone but I wouldn't bother unless going truly remote.
    * Don't get frustrated by the slow drivers and end-up doing something stupid, being stuck behind a caravan for an extra 5k isn't going to make much difference in the long run

    • curiousdog on 03/02/2022 - 12:10
      +1

      Gotten way too used to the conveniences of card/mobile pay these days, good tip on the cash and appreciate all the other advice too

  • Bestbibby on 03/02/2022 - 08:59
    +1

    Hi
    I like to download talking book to listen to while driving long distance. Also take notice of place names as you go through them just in case you need to tell nrma ect where you are. If you need to stop at toilets make sure there are safe eg more than just one car stopped. If possible use services station ones. Send a couple of text msg with time and where you are to friend or family. Sometimes the don’t go through if in a black spot until you get better reception. That way if any problems do happen it’s easier. I have travelled a lot on my own and broken down once and had no ph service but was able to dial 000 took hrs to get help but that was middle of NSW. Always carry drinking water and know roughly where you are. Enjoy

    • curiousdog on 03/02/2022 - 12:12

      Great advice, thank you. I've let a couple of people know of my plans and will take the time to check in regularly, cheers.

      Got 10L of water and a couple of 1.5L bottles as well.

      Man I hope the toilet situation is ok - probably will slowly sip on water as I have a small bladder.

      • Grunntt on 03/02/2022 - 12:41

        Just to be on the safe side - keep the empty bottle handy just in case there is nowhere safe to pull over right when you need to.

        • Hangryuman on 05/02/2022 - 09:55

          when you need to go, look for the P sign

  • 2esc on 03/02/2022 - 09:23
    +2

    Most trips take longer than you think ( fuel, toilet, stretch the body, unexpected fatigue).

    Sydney to Sale I would plan to stay one night somewhere maybe Merimbula or Eden. Depends if you have the day to spare. If you can use it as a mini holiday see part of the country you haven't seen or experienced stay a couple nights at different places do it cheap tent it.

    Just remember what's the rush don't be a hero and drive fatigued.

    • apsilon on 03/02/2022 - 10:14

      This is a good suggestion if you have the time. I've done it over two days as there's heaps of towns along the coast and spots to check out but you could even stretch it out further if you wanted to. I can't remember the town but I had one of the best fish and chips in my life along that route. Plenty of fishing trawlers at the wharf and the seafood was amazing. Stayed the night in a cabin at a caravan park.

      Normally you could stop and do the Bega cheese factory tour but I believe that's closed currently which is a shame as their shop is the only place you can buy their heritage reserve vintage cheddar. Few touristy attractions along the way if you're into that sort of thing and even more if you're willing to detour off the main road.

    • curiousdog on 03/02/2022 - 12:14

      Great suggestion, thanks for the tip. Unfortunately for the trip going there I don't have the day to spare. If it's really dire then i'll consider taking a break overnight but trying to avoid that if possible. Perhaps on the way back though! Cheers

  • MontyMacaw on 03/02/2022 - 09:24
    +2

    In the unlikely event of an accident follow the instructions of your flight crew. Take note of the nearest exit then sit back and enjoy the ride.

    • curiousdog on 03/02/2022 - 12:15

      Jesus (or other being) take the wheel!

      • Hangryuman on 05/02/2022 - 09:57

        Jesus saves, all others pay to play

  • NelgCip on 03/02/2022 - 09:29
    +1

    Suggest to get your car service before your trip if you have done it lately.

    Make sure that you have plenty of petrol and be mindful of the next petrol station.

    Have a good rest the night before and leave early if you can.

    Take plenty of stops so that you can stretch.

    Have light lunch so that you don't feel sleepy.

    Last of all, be safe and enjoy your trip.

    • curiousdog on 03/02/2022 - 12:16
      +1

      Great advice thank you. Gotten the car serviced recently, all check!

      Topping up on petrol on the way out of Sydney and then following all your other points as best I can, cheers

  • Joey2scoops on 03/02/2022 - 09:38
    +2

    Stay away from fast food wherever possible. Burgers and stuff like that can make you feel a bit drowsy. Stick to smaller portions of "healthier" choices. Loading up on caffeine will just make you make more toilet breaks .

    • curiousdog on 03/02/2022 - 12:17

      Oh man, hope the food options along the way are ok!! Might pack a few sandwiches or some backup food and healthy snacks to munch on. Appreciate your advice

      • Brick Tamland on 04/02/2022 - 13:02

        The food options aren't very good on the major freeways (in VIC at least) as you only really have the service station stops with the usual Macca's and KFC options. At any rate, just make sure you stop even to just stretch your legs and get a snack. I generally never buy energy drinks but they can be good for long trips. Not healthy but anything that keeps you alert is good for the purpose of the trip.

  • Darayus on 03/02/2022 - 11:31

    Not sure which car you are driving, so make sure your car is drivable before long journey and ask your mechanic to do all necessary checks including tyre alignment etc.

    Leave very early say 2 am, because the road is cool and you can beat city traffic and you are much ahead of the pack. I do this regularly for my long drive and I am at my destination before sunset.

    Take an extra water bottle and also plan where you want to fill your fuel based on apps available.

    Be road alert and think positive.

    • curiousdog on 03/02/2022 - 12:20

      Got the service done recently so should be all good to go, thanks for the advice.

      2am might be a bit of a stretch but planning to leave as early as I can reasonably manage. It makes sense though, and something I might plan around for the return trip, or future trips if needed.

      Extra water always a good option as well

  • Grunntt on 03/02/2022 - 12:38

    Audiobooks are my usual goto for any trips further than the local shops.

    My last trip of over 8 hours gave me the opportunity to refresh my basic French language 'skills'.
    I highly recommend Michel Thomas' Foundation French audio course. (straight through it takes about 9hrs).
    I worked through it travelling both directions and felt like I had a constructive trip. It at least gave me enough so that I could be mostly understood when I went to New Caledonia.

    • curiousdog on 03/02/2022 - 13:22
      +1

      Awesome idea, just downloaded some audiobooks of literature that I wanted to catch up on.

      Appreciate your recommendation! Using travel time to learn new skills or refresh existing ones seems very productive, love it

      • Grunntt on 03/02/2022 - 13:28
        +1

        Gave me something else to keep me awake and focussed too.
        Makes the trip feel a lot shorter.
        As the course was one where you repeat what is said/asked it means I couldn't just drift off.

        The best part was seeing my wife's face when I had a conversation with a bus driver in New Caledonia - I had overlooked (deliberately) telling her that I had been doing this.

  • OzHunterNSW on 03/02/2022 - 16:01

    Come on… do you have a licence… you do realise you would have to periodically fill up with fuel.
    How far do you think you are going…. you can do that small trip in a day.
    Where do you think it is…. central Australia….
    We are a populated country…. your phone will work. Your radio will work…

    NOW… go out and buy yourself a TOM TOM GPS

    • HelpMeiCantSee on 04/02/2022 - 09:21

      Not necessarily. I can get almost 2500km between fills…

    • 2esc on 04/02/2022 - 09:49

      Actually there's sections between Eden and Orbost where there's no phone service and that's a blue tick phone with Telstra. Optus and others you will get less service unless of course its changed dramatically in the last 12 months along that route

      I live in Wellington Shire, Gippsland, Victoria once you get any reasonable distance from a major town service might be sketchy.

      Your phone will not work in valleys and a lot of hilly county.

    • Hangryuman on 05/02/2022 - 10:05

      TOM TOM GPS - ha yeah I remember those - had one in my car and also in a rental car in England in 2011 'at the next roundabout' - every 200m in England it seemed at times

      Now I have HERE maps aka HereWeGo downloaded on my iPhone for navigation without internet (where Google Maps drops out) - I believe it was bought by someone like VW/BMW for installation in German cars

      not perfect - it can give wrong directions occasionally, but I love the display of both current speed limit and current speed, with speed camera warnings, and pleasant UK male voice which I find relaxing

      compared to the irritating won't-shut up American female voice on Google Maps that would repeat directions three times too much and drive me crazy - so in Google Maps I turned the voice off.

  • TheBilly on 03/02/2022 - 16:47
    +1

    I usually drink a lot of water as you are then forced to take a slash frequently forcing you to stop and take a break.

    • capslock janitor on 06/02/2022 - 12:38

      dont over-hydrate, you'll still live on smol sips

  • Proteus on 04/02/2022 - 13:16
    +2

    Never overtake unless you have a clear view of what is ahead (e.g. don't overtake while going uphill or around a corner)!

  • geoffs87 on 04/02/2022 - 13:53

    True crime podcast makes my regular 9hr drives go quick!

  • windrc on 04/02/2022 - 14:18

    Read through this similar post?
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/677753

  • Jackson on 04/02/2022 - 14:24

    Sale, Victoria

    The best advice you can get: she's not worth it

  • photonbuddy on 04/02/2022 - 14:55

    Everyone has contributed to hints and tips for the drive …

    The night before, prepare for the trip.

    Don't have caffeine in the afternoon.

    If your the type that finds it hard to get to sleep when something big is happening, allow an extra hour or 2 in bed so you can actually get a good nights sleep.

    If you set-off well rested, you shouldn't have any problems making it, especially if you have a break every 2 hours. You'll find most services on the way will be spaced out pretty close to this drive time.

  • redvaldez on 04/02/2022 - 14:56

    With respect to overtaking, my rule of thumb is if you pull out to overtake, would you still be able to safely make it around if a car popped up at the end of the horizon at that moment? If the answer's no, then it's not safe, and you'll need to wait for a safer bit of road. Also, just because there's dashed white lines doesn't necessarily mean that it's safe or that you've got enough road to get around your target.

    While it doesn't strictly relate to highway driving, one aspect of defensive driving I've been taught is that if you are approaching an intersection with other cars about to turn or waiting to enter, take your foot off the accelerator and hover over your brake pedal - that's a significant part of your reaction time slashed in case of emergency. It's something I practice on rural roads because there isn't that much turning traffic (so you don't have to do it often) and a collision at 100km/h isn't going to be pretty.

    If you don't have daytime running lights, then I would drive with your headlights on for extra visibility.

    Your speedo is probably out by 4-6km/h. Use that information as you will.

    Use cruise control. You don't want to be playing leap frog with other cars because you are up and down on your speed.

    Be real with how you are feeling fatigue wise. Some trips I could go 3 hours easily without a break, other times I'm pushing it to reach 2 hours.

    I am cautious with fueling up in some areas, in case the servo is closed or out of fuel - you should always have enough fuel to make it to the next town/servo if you can.

  • AustriaBargain on 04/02/2022 - 15:00

    Download your Spotify/Apple Music playlists in case there is stretches of road without internet.

  • jv on 04/02/2022 - 15:12

    Solo Road Trip Advice

    Wear clean underwear.

  • hopper on 04/02/2022 - 15:48

    Drove from Brisbane to Melb Last year same time. ( started mid friday, slept at dubbo lodge and reached melb mid saturday)

    make sure no luggage behind the seat to u can recline if needed
    try banking some bars for instant energy if needed
    don't take unwanted breaks which might kill time.
    Eat , fuel up, Pump air and rest up in each break, and stretches.
    if ur car has cruise control its a bless. so try to use it.
    make sure ur phone has charing cable and download songs for the road trip

    and finally take pictures in each break.

  • dtc on 04/02/2022 - 16:08

    Podcasts pass the time and keep you more alert that music. Yes, if you are into the music its fine, but after a while most music becomes background noise and your mind wanders and your driving wanders.

    Podcasts (or books) mean you have to focus a bit more and your mind stays alert. It doesnt detract from your ability to focus on driving, it just keeps your mind awake and not wandering

    So many good podcasts around. Line up a few and let them run

    If you do need a burst of energy, by all means put on Prince or whatever and charge through some songs

  • trapper on 04/02/2022 - 16:20

    Listen to a couple of Joe Rogan podcasts.

  • StalkingIbis on 04/02/2022 - 16:31

    fatigue crashes usually happen in the last stretch, when youre too tired but just want to push on cos youre almost there.

    Recognise the signs:
    - fewer and larger corrections in steering
    - trouble focusing

  • lazarski on 04/02/2022 - 17:34

    An energy drink works if you need it for a time

    Call someone to talk or get them to call you at times

    stay in the left lane unless overtaking

  • Haha Hihi Hoho on 04/02/2022 - 18:06

    i drives Sydney to Sunshine coast every December and always drive overnight. i find that music is not good enough to keep me awake, so i like to download some audio books, if you dont want to spend there are some free audio books in youtube. GTA radios help to keep me awake. stop every 3 - 4 hours max, no matter how confident you feel, and bring some fruits (bananas are easy to eat while driving)

  • dannyeei on 04/02/2022 - 18:09

    Audiobooks are your friend! Pick one that interests you - and if you’re looking for a suggestion “American Kingpin” is great!

  • airtime on 04/02/2022 - 18:42
    • Ensure you get 8 hours sleep for the 2 nights before the trip
    • Don't embark on a long journey feeling fatigued at the start
    • Ensure your vehicle is well maintained and servicing is up to date
    • Check tire pressures, fill windscreen wiper water tank is full - you will want to use it to clean windscreen from bugs and road grime
    • Check windscreen wipers are functional
    • If you don't drive long distances often, plan for breaks every 2 hours
    • Ensure you have plenty of water to drink during the journey. More water = hydrated and your body will naturally want to stop more often to pee
    • Be aware how your body reacts to sugar / snacking and take that into account - try not to disrupt your normal blood sugar rhythms by snacking on lots of sugars
    • Be aware of how tired / fatigued you feel. DO NOT try to push through tiredness. Eventually everyone who does that will experience a micro-sleep which can have catastrophic consequences for yourself and other road users
    • Stop and have a snooze if you feel tired
    • If you find your self turning up the radio volume, turning the air-con to cold, stop and rest instead
    • Listen to chat radio or audio books rather than music
    • Drive defensively, don't get agro, drive smoothly
    • Ensure you have good driving skills required for such driving - know how to safely - overtake, drive in the rain / reduced visibility (that includes being blinded by the sun)
    • Be prepared to break the journey into 2 days if your body is telling you it has had enough, avoid "have to get there today 'itis"
  • 91rs on 04/02/2022 - 19:13

    Going to go against the "lots of breaks" line a few have said.
    Take what you need, i'd look to stop no more than 2-4 times if you're doing the trip in one day for a total of say 90mins or less.
    Adding a few longer 30min breaks etc will make your trip become a whole lot longer, which risks fatigue and may entice you to rush the last sections especially if it's starting to get dark.
    Maybe even stay the night somewhere that's 60-70% or so of the whole trip and then just do the short leg the next day.
    Then do the reverse on the way back unless you feel up to the whole trip?

  • bah humbug on 04/02/2022 - 21:49

    I find it helps if every so often you lower the windows for a bit, to change the air in the car & to invigorate yourself. Helps if you are getting a bit drowsy too

  • trev likes bargains on 05/02/2022 - 00:49

    Drink plenty of water so that you have to pee. That will make you stop for a break.

  • whatgift on 05/02/2022 - 01:03

    Podcasts - so many to choose from on all topics, download them to your favourite podcast app. I like to listen to a few episodes in between playing music, which keeps you energised.

    I don't bring snacks on trips any more, it gives me a reason to stop and get food along the way. You can discover some great cafes or just some good food at a service centre.

  • bakemon0 on 05/02/2022 - 09:56

    if you're able to, check the oils and fluids in the car and top them up if needed, it might not be essential but you might as well do it

    • Hangryuman on 05/02/2022 - 10:12
      +1

      ha - reminded me of selling my car I'd had 12 years from new to an attractive young female when I was headed off to Europe last century

      I told her it was 'as is' - no warranty - especially as I was leaving the country for the foreseeable

      she was 'yeah yeah thank you where's the keys'

      anyhoo I didn't hear anything until a year later when I came back and a mutual friend told me the story

      apparently blithe young thing had promptly got in the car to drive it 1000km interstate

      half-way a red light came on the dashboard

      not knowing what it was she kept driving

      apparently it was a broken fan belt - the engine overheated and by continuing to drive she trashed the engine

      apparently she was outraged and wanted her money back - but I was nowhere to be found …

      ¯_(ツ)_/¯

  • gimli on 05/02/2022 - 11:25

    Done sydney to melb many times.
    That part is pretty easy. Hume high way is super straight and has two lanes most of the way. But also makes it easy to drift off if you are tired etc.
    The bit Sale is also has some country roads for the last 100km or so. But I don't think anything to crazy. Don't be afraid to take it slow if you need to.
    Tips
    1. It's easy to drift above the speed limit if you don't use cruise control and they always have cops along the way.
    2. Plan fuel stops petrol can be expensive
    3. Coles express has great coffee from the coffee machines.
    4. Plan stops around things you like. (e.g. I would stop to get a coffee, lunch at maccas/hungry jacks, frappe at maccas etc. Not healthy but its one off!)
    5. Make sure you got some podcasts, audiobooks, music playlists to keep you entertained.
    6. Have fun!

  • mvinaus on 05/02/2022 - 14:41

    I love that drive, even if it take 9.5 hours or so. My experience tends to be straight after work so may be slightly different as the majority of my drive is at night.
    My 2c:
    Check temperatures, you may have black ice at times. Bairnsdale has 24/7 fuel, many other towns close up shop at 10pm. There is a >100km stretch between Bombala and Cann River with no fuel at all.
    Toilets exist in Cooma, Bombala, Cann River, Orbost and Bairnsdale at least. The advice about other cars being stopped for safety is a great idea theoretically however in reality is useless. I often don't see another car driving between Cooma and Orbost (another reason I love driving at night!).

    Make sure you have enough distance on your towing insurance, there are several spots that are >100km from a mechanic.

    There are several large black spots even with Telestra but less than you think.

    I find the road between Bairnsdale and Sale the most dangerous, as it straight and boring and you are tired from the trip.
    Wildlife exist and are plentiful. Brumbies, kangaroos, wombats, deer can all wreck your car if you are inattentive, that and random tree branches on the road after a windy day.

  • toomuchdogfur on 06/02/2022 - 15:15

    Learn how to top off your car's basic fluids (engine oil, coolant and windscreen washer tanks).

    If you haven't driven a long distance (>2 hrs) in your current car before, consider bringing a litre of its engine oil and coolant, or at the very least know exactly what oil and coolant type it needs (in case you need to get some from a nearby servo or car shop).

    I had no issues driving many cars over long distances, but my recent one unexpectedly consumed nearly all its oil on a road trip - it didn't do this in regular driving! Best be prepared so it's less to stress about if it happens.

  • capslock janitor on 11/02/2022 - 10:46

    how it go op? road trip lehhgo mad invite

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