This spring break I'm in Florida training with my team to start off our spring season (shout out Villanova Rowing!) Because there are 50 rowers not including coaches and trainers, we had to take a coach bus instead of a plane. This means two 18 hour bus rides in the span of a week. After successfully surviving the drive down, I wanted to share some tips with the internet:

1. Fist things first, find a bus buddy

The entire mood for the bus ride is determined by who you sit with. Make sure if you're planning to sleep the whole way, you don't sit next to Chatty Cathy.

2. Make a plan

If you have a 8+ hour ride ahead of you, don't watch all of your movies in the first half of the trip, space out your entertainment so you don't end up with three hours left and nothing to do but look out the window.

3. SNACKS

Have a nice blend of sweet, salty, and healthy snacks. If you go in with just chips, you'll be craving vegetables a few hours in.

4. Make the most of your stops

Go to the bathroom. Even if you don't think you need to, go anyway.

5. Figure out how much sleep you need

If you're traveling at night, try to take a nap or two along the way. If you're traveling during the day, try to stay awake so you'll be able to sleep when you get where you're going.

6. Stretch if you can

Staying in the same position for hours can get pretty uncomfortable. If you're on a bus, try to get up and walk down the isle every hour or so.

7. Figure out the aux cord

Make sure everyone either gets the aux for a little while, or is happy with what's being played. No one wants to be stuck in a car or a bus without a good jam session.

8. Hydration

While it can be tempting to not drink any fluids so you don't have to stop for the bathroom as often, hydration is essential for your health and saving ten minutes isn't worth it.

There's no perfect way to get through a long car ride, but hopefully, these tips will get you through. All you really need is some good books, good music, good snacks, and great travel buddies.