How to Survive a Road Trip to a Meet

Photo Courtesy: Paul Waas

By Emily Messina, Swimming World College Intern

Swim meets, while fun and exciting, are also challenging and exhausting. They can be especially long days when they involve hours devoted to the road trip. You spend so much time before-hand trying to prepare your body and mind to be ready to race. But, in a travel meet there are some added elements that go into this. Here are some things to remember as you prepare for a long journey to an away meet:

1. Pack ahead and get to the bus early so you don’t feel overwhelmed and rushed.

2. Find a suitable bus buddy!

3. Do as much homework as you can before you leave.

Photo Courtesy: Warateens

4. Bring way more snacks than you think are necessary.

5. Get some motion sickness medicine – you may not think this applies to you, but you never know!

6. Carry a reusable water bottle and remember to drink it.

Photo Courtesy: Amrae Powell

7. Bring a pillow and blanket to sleep the ride away.

8. Or pack some movies for the whole team to enjoy.

9. Bring crossword puzzles, Sudoku, magazines, or books to pass the time.

Photo Courtesy: Swimming World Magazine

10. Invest in a portable phone charger.

11. Headphones, Headphones, Headphones.

12. Roll your muscles out and stretch when you get off the bus.

Just getting the blood flowing mid-trip on the way to Virginia Tech. Locals not sure what to make of it. pic.twitter.com/EmdmparhWs

— Rick Simpson (@VUSwimCoachRTS) November 16, 2016

Road trips to away meets can be a fun time and a great way to bond as a team. However, it is important to get organized and prepare for the trip. The more you go to away meets and take long road trips, the easier it becomes to prepare. You figure out what things are necessary to bring to make your journey as comfortable as possible. Plan ahead, pack accordingly, and enjoy the ride. Safe Travels!

All commentaries are the opinion of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Swimming World Magazine nor its staff.

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