Herbie Murray
Sleeping in your car during a road trip can be a convenient and budget-friendly option, offering flexibility and freedom to travel at your own pace. However, it can be challenging to get a good night's sleep in an unfamiliar and confined space. To improve your sleep quality, you should aim to create a relaxing environment by reducing light exposure with eye masks or window coverings and minimising noise with earplugs or white noise. Additionally, consider your sleeping setup, including a comfortable mattress, pillows, and blankets suitable for the weather. Planning is essential, so ensure you research and prepare for a safe and enjoyable experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Benefits | Cost-effective, convenient, saves time, limits pack-up time, allows for an early start to the day, safer than sleeping on the side of the road, gives more options for going off the grid |
| Tips | Plan itinerary around rest stops, bring pillows, blankets, sleeping bags, and neck pillows, bring a blow-up mattress or sleeping pad, park somewhere well-lit with a restroom nearby, use rechargeable lights, bring wet wipes, combine bathroom breaks with gas and stretching stops, work in time for walks and meals |
| Locations | State parks, national forests, hotel parking lots, trailheads, Walmart |
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What You'll Learn
Plan your itinerary around rest stops and overnights
Planning your road trip itinerary is an important step in ensuring a good night's sleep when sleeping in your car. Here are some tips to help you plan your journey effectively:
Rest Stops
When planning your route, identify potential rest stops along the way where you can take a break and stretch your legs. These stops can also be an opportunity to use the restroom, fill up on gas, and grab a quick bite to eat. Combining bathroom breaks with stops for gas and stretching can help you stay energised during the drive.
Overnight Stays
When it comes to overnight stays, consider well-lit parking lots, such as those at hotels or truck stops. While some hotels have strict rules about overnight parking, others may allow it, especially in a bind. State parks, national forests, and trailheads can also be good options for a quiet and scenic night's rest. If you're adventurous, you might even try a freecampsite, although these usually lack bathroom facilities.
Timing and Distance
As you plan your daily itinerary, be mindful of the driving time and the distances you intend to cover. Build in time for walks, meals at roadside diners, or exploring interesting places you pass by. This will help improve your sleep quality and overall trip experience while reducing the risk of drowsy driving.
Packing Essentials
To make your car feel more like home, consider packing pillows, blankets, and a sleeping bag or mattress. These items will enhance your comfort and improve the quality of your sleep. If you're travelling with others, ensure you have enough bedding for everyone, especially if there are children on board.
Personal Hygiene
When planning your itinerary, keep in mind that you may need access to shower facilities, especially on longer trips. Truck stops often offer cost-effective shower options. Alternatively, bring wet wipes for a quick refresh if you're off the beaten path.
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Bring bedding and pillows for comfort
To make your car feel more like your bed, bring bedding and pillows for comfort. A pillow can make a huge difference in your sleep quality, especially if you're sleeping in a moving car. Memory foam pillows, for instance, can be easily adjusted to support your neck, chin, or head. If you're concerned about space, you can opt for a smaller, silk pillow or a travel pillow that can be compressed and clipped to your bag.
If you're taking a road trip with another person, you could bring one set of pillows and blankets to save room space. Blankets will also be useful to keep you warm, especially if you're travelling to a cold place or if your companions like to crank up the AC. A weighted blanket can also help create a calming feeling and reduce stress.
If you plan on sleeping in your car multiple times, you may want to invest in a sleeping pad or an air mattress that can fit comfortably in the back of your car. Sleeping pads and mattresses are optional, but they will make a long road trip feel more like home.
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Consider a blow-up mattress or sleeping pad
If you're planning to sleep in your car during a road trip, you may want to invest in a blow-up mattress or a sleeping pad to make your trip more comfortable. While these are optional, they can make a long journey feel a little more like home.
There are several options available for sleeping pads and blow-up mattresses. Firstly, the Nemo Quasar 3D Lightweight Insulated Sleeping Pad is a good choice if you're looking for something supportive yet easy to carry. It is 3.5 inches thick and has an R-value of 3.3, providing warmth and comfort. The MegaMat Duo is another great option, offering ample thickness for side, back, and stomach sleepers. It stays inflated for several days, but you may need to top it off with a bit of air before use. The Exped MegaMat Auto Sleeping Pad is also worth considering, as it fits well in most SUVs and hatchbacks.
If you're looking for a dedicated camping mattress, the Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D is a popular choice, offering a great combination of foam and air for customized firmness. It has a high R-value, providing warmth, and features a dual-valve system for easy inflation and deflation. The REI Co-op Camp Dreamer XL is a more affordable option that still offers impressive features. For those seeking a lightweight and budget-friendly option, the Klymit Insulated Klymaloft is a good choice, as it utilizes a new inflation valve that makes the process more straightforward.
When choosing a blow-up mattress or sleeping pad, consider factors such as comfort, warmth, ease of inflation and deflation, durability, and compactness. These options can enhance your sleep experience during a road trip, making your journey more enjoyable and restful.
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Park somewhere well-lit with restrooms nearby
When planning a road trip, it's important to consider where you'll be able to get a good night's rest. While you could opt for a hotel, sleeping in your car is a budget-friendly alternative. If you're looking for somewhere well-lit with restrooms close by, here are some suggestions:
Welcome/Information Centers
Welcome and Information Centers are great spots to get some rest. They usually offer free overnight parking, and you can take advantage of their restrooms and other amenities. These centers tend to be well-lit and safe, but keep in mind that they often have limited hours, so plan accordingly if you need access to their facilities after hours.
Walmart Parking Lots
Walmart parking lots are easily accessible across the country and are known for being well-lit and safe. They also provide easy access to restroom facilities and even free Wi-Fi. However, due to the bright lighting, you may find it challenging to fall asleep.
Rest Stops
Rest stops along highways and interstate roads are legal places to spend the night in your car. Many of these rest stops have 24-hour bathroom facilities, and some even offer additional amenities like picnic tables or hot beverages. While most rest stops are safe, some located in remote areas may not be well-lit and can feel less secure.
Gyms with 24-Hour Access
If you have a gym membership, take advantage of it while on your road trip. Many gyms offer 24-hour access, providing you with a safe and well-lit place to park and sleep, along with access to restrooms and shower facilities.
Suburban Areas: Grocery Stores and Shopping Malls
In suburban areas, parking lots of grocery stores and shopping malls can be convenient options. These locations usually have restrooms and may feel safer due to the presence of security cameras. However, it's important to note that sleeping in these areas may not always be legal, and you may be asked to move on.
Hotel Parking Lots
If you're looking for a place to rest for a few hours, hotel parking lots can be an option. Choose a mid-range hotel with a well-lit but not overly secure parking lot. Arrive late, and park away from the entrance to avoid taking spots from hotel guests. While this option may be convenient, it's important to be respectful and leave no trace of your stay.
Remember to always follow local laws and use your best judgment to ensure your safety and comfort when sleeping in your car during a road trip.
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Check local laws and safety before camping; avoid driving drowsy
When planning a road trip, it's essential to prioritize your safety and comply with local laws. The legality of sleeping in your car varies depending on your location and the specific regulations in that area. Therefore, it's crucial to conduct research on the laws and parking policies of the places you plan to visit. Check for signs prohibiting overnight parking and be mindful of private property restrictions.
In the United States, the rules differ from state to state. For example, Hawaii prohibits sleeping in cars across the state, while Georgia allows overnight parking at rest areas. Penalties for violating these laws can include fines or being asked to move on. To avoid any issues, it's best to check with local authorities or law enforcement for specific guidance.
To ensure your safety, it's recommended to park in well-lit areas, such as a parking lot that allows overnight stays, a 24-hour gym, a truck stop, or a campsite. Avoid sleeping on the side of the road or highways, as this can be dangerous and may result in a ticket. If you're travelling with children, consider finding a scenic and quiet location, such as a state park or national forest, to get a good night's rest.
Additionally, proper planning can help you avoid driving while drowsy. Build your itinerary with rest stops and overnight stays in mind. Incorporate time for walks, meals, and exploration, so you're well-rested and can fully enjoy your trip. Remember to bring essential items like pillows, blankets, and sleeping bags to make your car a more comfortable sleeping environment. Recline your seat if possible, and use eye covers and earplugs to block out light and noise for a better night's sleep.
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Frequently asked questions
To sleep comfortably in your car, you should carefully pack items that will make your car feel comfier and more like your own bed. Pack pillows, blankets, and a sleeping bag. If you can, cover the windows of your vehicle with sunshades, clothing, or towels. If you can lay the seats down in the back of your car, you can probably fit a small sleeping pad or air mattress in it. If you can't sleep in the back, get in the passenger seat and lean it right back.
There are several options for parking your car to sleep during a road trip. You can park at rest stops, Walmart parking lots, hotel parking lots, or near trailheads. If you're in a pinch, you can sleep on roads with residential parking or in other parking lots with many cars, but these are the least safe options. When choosing a parking spot, opt for middle-class neighborhoods without permits and big-name chain motels with large lots. Check for signs that prohibit overnight parking, and try to stay away from traffic or store entrances.
Sleeping in your car during a road trip can be unsafe, as cars are easy targets for break-ins. To stay safe, lock your doors and double-check that you've locked them before falling asleep. Park in a well-lit area, near other vehicles or RVs, but not too close. Bring a personal alarm, which can usually be attached to your keychain and will scare off anyone snooping around your car. Put all valuables out of sight, but keep your phone and keys close in case you need to move quickly. Text someone your location, and let them know you'll message them again when you restart your drive.
Sleeping in a car can make it difficult to maintain basic hygiene. Try to find a location close to a toilet, and bring wet wipes to keep yourself clean when you don't have access to a shower. Many truck stops have cheap showers, which can be more cost-effective than a hotel room.
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