Tips for a Comfortable Road Trip

20 Jun-2019

Road trips are one of the great American pastimes — there’s a reason so many songs romanticize hitting the open road with your favorite people. But the difference between a trip everyone remembers fondly and one that tests everyone’s patience usually comes down to planning. A little forethought (and a good sense of humor) keeps the miles fun. Here’s how to set your group up for a comfortable ride — starting with the right van from Chicago Van Rentals.

Give everyone room to spread out

The single biggest factor in a happy road trip is space. When people aren’t elbow-to-elbow, the whole mood changes. Our fleet ranges from smaller passenger vans to 12- and 15-passenger Mercedes-Benz Sprinters and Ford Transits, so there’s room for the whole group and their luggage without anyone riding with a bag on their lap. When in doubt, size up — the extra legroom is worth it on a long haul.

Plan your stops in advance

Don’t take the arrival time on Google Maps at face value. Build in meals, gas, and a few chances to get out and stretch — a good rule of thumb is a short break every two to three hours. You’ll arrive in a far better mood after moving around a bit, and you’ll actually get to see some of the places you’re driving through instead of blowing past them.

Pack smart snacks and plenty of water

You don’t have to eat perfectly on vacation — a stop at a local favorite is part of the fun. But a cooler of fruit, nuts, cheese, and veggies will keep energy steadier than a run of drive-thru meals. Caffeine helps the driver stay sharp; just balance it with plenty of water so nobody’s running on empty.

Share the driving

Long legs are easier when no one person carries them alone. Every Chicago Van Rentals booking includes up to three drivers free (additional drivers are $20/day), so you can swap off, stay fresh, and keep the trip safe.

Use the van’s comfort features

Our Sprinter vans are built for the long haul — reclining seats, a TV and gaming, navigation, and USB charging at every seat. Keep the cabin organized with a designated spot for bags and snacks so the aisle stays clear, and pack for the weather: Midwest conditions can turn quickly, so check the forecast and bring layers before you go.

Choose Chicago Van Rentals for the comfortable option

For years, Chicago Van Rentals has kept groups across the Chicago area moving in comfort — whether it’s a special occasion or a big group excursion, our well-serviced fleet gets everyone there relaxed. Planning a trip? Call (773) 800-9898 for a free quote on the right van for your group.

Choose the right van for your road trip

For a comfortable ride, our Mercedes-Benz Sprinters lead the way — the luxury Golden Chariot or the roomy 15-passenger Sprinter, both with advanced safety features like Crosswind Assist and Lane Keeping Assist. Watching the budget? The Ford Transit is the most affordable way to keep your group together. Perfect for family road trips and national-park getaways — and unlike many big rental chains, you can take ours across the USA and into Canada. Browse the full fleet.