Going on a road trip can be everyone’s dream budget trip, where one can enjoy the flexibility and tranquillity of driving their own car.
To further reduce the budget of a road trip, or under some unexpected circumstances, one might need to sleep in their own car.
So how to sleep in the car comfortably and safely becomes a concern.
There are some preparations one should take to ensure sleeping in the car does not compromise their safety or sleep quality.
Make safety your No.1 priority
On top of sleep quality, your safety is your primary concern. A car may not provide as secure a place as your house, but its security can be greatly improved when precautions are taken.
The first thing you need to do is find a quiet and secure place to park the car. Overnight parking is not allowed at many locations so you need to check the local traffic regulations to avoid receiving a fine or having your car towed.
Park your car away from main roads, entrances and exits. Do some research on the local area before deciding on the location.
Always turn the engines off and lock your car. Keep your keys in a secure place and make sure valuables are well hidden.
To allow fresh air into the car, open the windows or the sunroof just slightly.
You may need to wake up every couple of hours to warm up the car under very cold weather conditions.
It is also very important to park your car under cover on a warm sunny day so that the car does not get too hot. People have died inside hot cars in some extreme cases.
Take your valuable possessions with you when you get out of the car and always stay vigilant of your surroundings.
Comfortable bedding is essential
To turn your car into a mobile bedroom, the first step is to make it look like a place where you can sleep in comfortably.
A pillow and a quilt is a must, otherwise you are very likely to experience soreness in the neck and low body temperature.
When the weather is cold, do not rely on the air-conditioning in the car; bring some extra blankets or a sleeping bag to wrap around yourself and keep warm.
Recline the front seat so you can lie down, just like you normally would when sleeping in a bed.
Alternatively you can curl up in the back seat, which may not be so different from sleeping in a couch.
If the car model includes this function, you can fold down the back seat to create some extra room.
If you are sleeping when the car is in motion, do not forget to sit up and buckle your seatbelt. You can rest your head on a pillow to add more comfort.
Create a familiar environment
If you are one of those who have trouble falling asleep at an unfamiliar environment, creating a home-like atmosphere can help you fall asleep faster.
Some simple tricks like turning on soothing music and reading a bed-time story in the car can help you get used to the new sleeping environment more quickly and more comfortably.
Turn off the lights in the car at night and cover up the windows if you are sleeping during the day. It gives you both privacy and a healthy sleep environment.
Do not forget to pack some water and food with you, as you will always need it.
Follow the above steps so you can turn your car into a safe and cosy mobile bedroom, but a hotel or your house is always your top option for a worry-free night’s sleep.