Bladder Control on Long Drives: Essential Travel Advice

There have been a few times when I felt like my bladder would stretch beyond capacity and burst inside my body. However, there is one time that stands out more than most. On the first anniversary of my marriage, my spouse and I decided to visit Orlando, Florida, for the first time together. Little did she know that it would soon become an obsession, and I would want to go every year or maybe even move there.

During this time in my life, I was very successful in losing weight with diet, exercise, and a pill called Xenadrine which was a diuretic. I also drank a couple of 20-oz Diet Mountain Dews that morning. Needless to say, fluids would eventually need to exit my body. We were driving through South Carolina when the urge began to build. It’s one of those times when you say to yourself, “I can make it one more exit”. Well, the last time I said that, I must have missed the sign that said next rest area 1000 miles.

We finally made it to the Georgia welcome center, and I must have urinated for 20 minutes. If you have kids, stop at every rest area; it’s good for you to stretch your legs and for them to empty their bladders. Otherwise, they will need to go 20 minutes before you get home, and there is nowhere to stop except that gas station where people are murdered in. Plus, you don’t want them to pee on the side of the road and end up in jail for public urination.

Best Travel Snacks for Long Drives

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A tanker full of coffee? Grab a nozzle!

In this part of the country, I look out for Pilot or Flying J. I prefer those stores because they have relatively clean restrooms and various beverages and food selections. Flying J Pilot stores have coffee that will flap your eyelids to your forehead like the old vinyl window shades at your grandmother’s house. I mix Pilot Dark roast with their Intense blend and throw in a Stok espresso shot it’s enough to keep you awake far beyond your destination.

Back in the college days before I drank coffee, it was Pepsi Big Slams and No-Doze for the long road trips. As long as I can remember I would choose a Pepsi product, Slim Jims, and white cheddar popcorn. Maybe some Doritos now and again. One of the biggest problems with eating chips in the car is never enough roof clearance to tilt the bag and drink the crumbs. Well, maybe if you buy small bags.