As we pass the year’s halfway mark, we may find ourselves sleeping in more, doom scrolling and struggling to get on with duties and chores. One word can describe this feeling of perpetual fatigue: burnout.
You are not alone. One study found that about seven in 10 workers go through this occupational phenomenon each year. You can spot the signs by checking in with yourself. Do you feel tired even after a full night’s sleep? Do you have negative feelings or feel detached from your job? Are easy tasks taking longer than they should?
“Many people find that the mid-year period feels heavier than other months. This is an ideal time to take a breather and recharge our minds and bodies by getting away from the daily routine,” says Keletso Mpisane, Head of Blink by MiWay.
What better way to get some rest and reset than hitting the road alone or with loved ones? Cheaper accommodation rates make this an ideal time to visit a cosy cabin in the Drakensberg or take a road trip along the sublime Garden Route.
However you decide to get out of town, here are a few tips and tricks to help you plan the perfect mid-year road trip.
- Get your car checked by a mechanic before heading out
A road trip is the worst time to have car trouble. Making sure your car service is up to date before heading out of town will help you avoid frustration down the line.
“Your mechanic should look at your oil levels and check your tyres,” says Mpisane. “They must ensure your brakes are working well and check that there is enough cooling fluid. Lastly you want to make sure the windscreen doesn’t have any small chips that could turn into cracks.”
- Know your travel goals
Be clear about what you want to achieve by the end of your mid-year getaway. Is the goal to spend time with friends who make you feel recharged? Are you travelling alone so you can unplug and get some much-needed rest?
“Being intentional about the kind of experience you’d like to have will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed by decision-fatigue,” says the Blink by MiWay Head.
“This means making a list of everything you need to pack and plotting out your route, including rest stops so you have enough time to take in the beautiful South African countryside.”
- Keep road trip essentials on hand
There are a few handy tools that can get you out of almost any situation on the road. This includes packing a first-aid kit, making sure your car has jumper cables and all the tools needed to change a tyre.
“Some car wheels are fitted with a special key called a lock nut, which helps remove the tyre and replace it with a spare. Make sure you have the lock nut on hand whether you are changing the tyre or getting help from roadside assistance, because you can’t remove a flat tyre without it,” advises Mpisane.
- Make sure your interior is road trip ready
A clean car makes for a clear mind. Filling stations usually have a carwash attached so it’s advisable to pay for a quick clean before you set off.
“This is also the best time to curate your road trip playlist with your friends or family. Road trips are an ideal time to listen to audiobooks or the longer podcasts that have been taking up space on your phone,” says Mpisane.
You can easily save on data costs by downloading the playlists.
You should make sure your navigation app has an offline map saved to your phone because cell reception can be unreliable while in rural areas.
- Give yourself enough time
This applies both to having enough time to get to your destination and to return home. The mid-year reset should be devoid of the pressure and stresses we face in our daily lives, giving yourself enough time is the best way to do this.
Taking a scenic detour or just stopping to have lunch and smell the roses could be just the thing that helps you feel rejuvenated and ready to bounce back for the rest of the year.
“Whether you are travelling for 50 or 500 kilometres, giving yourself time and grace will help you end your trip on a high note,” concludes Mpisane.