Whether you're headed to a relative's house this year or planning an epic beach vacation during the winter months, you’ll probably be spending a substantial amount of time squeezed inside a car. Not only can this be uncomfortable, but it can also take a toll on your overall health. The importance of staying hydrated is often forgotten about when on a road trip, but if not monitored, it can actually be quite dangerous! Here are a few tips to help keep you healthy on the road so that you can enjoy your final destination that much more.
- Try to bring a small cooler or insulated bag with you on the road to keep your water nice and cold. Drinking a cold beverage can help cool your body temperature and give you relief from those rays beaming through the window.
- Better yet, freeze a couple of your water bottles. There will be no need for ice in your cooler and you'll have nice, cold beverages once they begin to thaw.
- While you’re at it, go ahead and pack some fresh fruit in that cooler. By adding some to your water, you’ll be giving yourself an extra nutrient boost that will be sure to keep you alert.
- Whenever you’re feeling the need to pull over for an unhealthy snack or soda, try taking a few sips of water instead. Thirst sometimes manifests itself as feelings of hunger.
- Try one of our delicious vitamin waters. The natural sweetness they provide is a perfect alternative to sugary energy drinks or soda but will still satisfy that sweet tooth while delivering what your body really craves!
- Make sure to plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination. Keeping yourself and your family hydrated should definitely be the number one priority, even if it requires a few additional pit stops along the way.
- Speaking of pit stops, won't you have to stop to go to the bathroom too much? Not necessarily. If you don't typically stay well hydrated, your bladder won't be able to hold much, and you'll have to go more often. Try to hydrate up for about a week before you go, and your bladder will actually be able to hold more, meaning you'll stop less!
- If you leave early and grab a coffee, be sure to drink double the amount of coffee in water so that the coffee doesn't dehydrate you further.
- Fruits like berries and apples provide you with a large amount of H20, vitamins and minerals without having to drink so much water. Just throw some in a baggy and into your cooler before you leave!
- It's a long trip—will you remember to drink all that water? Using tools like these water apps will help you remember to drink by setting a reminder that goes off as often as you like; just don't use your phone while your driving (hand it to your passengers).
Dehydration while driving is much more than just a nuisance. It can cause dry eyes, fatigue, blurred vision, and even double vision. If you’re driving, these side effects could have some very serious consequences. Drinking plenty of water will help to ensure that you are in it for the long haul!
That being said, road trips are all about the journey and having Eldorado Natural Spring Water close by allows you stay hydrated along the way. Explore trails, national monuments and museums all without having to worry about your or your travel companions' hydration. We hope you have fun wherever you go!
Editor's note: This post was originally published in June of 2016 and has been updated since.