Many people stay away from the joys of going on long distance cruises because they are either not physically or psychologically prepared for it. While there isn't much we can do about physical challenges, here are 7 tried and tested tips that will help you overcome psychological barriers and prepare yourself mentally to enjoy a long-distance road trip.
- Know the route by heart: Anxiety is a common problem that happens when you anticipate sudden problems to happen that you do not have a solution for. One way to rest your mind and be psychologically prepared is to know the route by heart and assume as you will have been through that road before. This creates a sense of familiarity which is the best thing that will help you eliminate anxiousness arising out of unfamiliarity. These days, you have the option of going on a virtual walkthrough after root Using Google Maps or any other similar application on your laptop or mobile phone to find landmarks another important junction which you are going to actually come across during the trip. Knowing these important landmarks beforehand prepares your mind for the journey ahead.
- Go on an imaginary trip: Another way to prepare mind and rest the anxiety triggers is to go on an imaginary trip along the same route that you are about to embark upon in a few days. Take a piece of paper a shot down the entirety of the trip and mark the amount of time you are going to need to cover at particular section of the trip. Keep the map handy on your laptop come out on your mobile phone, and as you proceed across to waypoints, take notes on the paper regarding where you are going to stop to take a break, or where your refueling points are going to be. Imagine yourself in the situation and pack the bags in such a way that you can reach in and find exactly the thing you need during the breaks- such as hand sanitizers, face masks, hand towels, medicines etc. At the outset, this might seem redundant and rather silly, but believe us an imaginary trip is the best way to reinforce the travel strategy and prepare mentally as well.
- Keep anxiety triggers away: Do you feel anxious at the smell of coffee? Many people are prone to having anxiety episodes when they smell something that they associate with previously experienced anxious moments. It might be a smell, the sight of a certain thing, or even the thought of going on the road trip! Eliminate all of these anxiety triggers and focus on the positives. If the smell of diesel, or coffee come out anything that makes you anxious is known to you- replace it with some better alternative that does not make you anxious.
- Be financially prepared: Financial unpreparedness and sudden expenses can lead to stress and anxiety enter often the most powerful psychological roadblocks preventing people from going on Rd trips. Have ample money in your pocket and keep 30% of the overall travel expenses as an emergency fund so that you have the mental steadfastness of knowing that no matter what, you always have enough money to tackle it. While we strongly recommend you save money at every opportunity possible, do not go on a road trip on a very tight budget because that will definitely affect how you experience and enjoy the ride. An even better safety net to keep your mind away from the psychological stress off dealing with unanticipated problems is to have a comprehensive travel insurance plan that covers everything from mechanical problems in your motorcycle, to health problems, to sudden exigency expenses that you might have to incur if there is a political turmoil at the destination.
- Take someone with you: Is this your first road trip? Or is this the first time you are planning to go on this particular route? While going solo on a trip definitely has its charms, you might not be prepared to do it alone yet! Accept the fact and find somebody who can accompany you on the road trip. A friend, an office colleague, or someone you love might be willing to accompany you on the road trip- which not only gives you an additional sense of stability and safety, it also lets you share your experiences with somebody else.
- Focus on safety: You can never be too safe! And we cannot overemphasize the need for staying safe while going on a road trip. Always make sure to purchase the best quality premium full-face helmet for both the rider as well as the pillion rider along with other riding safety gears such as gloves, riding goggles and boots. Follow all the laws, rules and regulations set in place and keep the speed within permissible limits. Even if you are an experienced writer, never get into the racing psychology and compete with others on public roads. Focus on enjoying the ride and staying safe.
- Don’t exceed the comfort zone: Certain road conditions and situations demand that the writer have prior experience to tackle the problems and challenges. If you have never ridden on a hilly road or on unpaved surfaces before, you might consider trying it out first before going on a full-fledged trip. Always know the limit off the machine you are riding, as well as your own skills – and never exceed them!