How to Sleep Comfortably in a Car ~ You Are Genius

This is for people who want to travel cross country without hotels, want to save on rent, or just don't feel like driving home after a long day. Just follow these steps.

Steps

1
Plan ahead. Station wagons are the most useful cars anyone can own -- they can carry luggage or passengers, are fuel-efficient, and are by far the most comfortable. Also, make sure the back seat goes completely flat from the back of the front seats to the end. A minivan is another good choice - most have tinted windows in the back for extra privacy.
2
Keep your car clean. All the emergencies supplies you really need are some essential tools and fluids, and a backpack for one set of clothes (unless you are traveling), and a towel. A clean car is a pleasure to sleep in -- a large space to sleep provides a surprising amount of comforts.
- If you are going in the summer, public beaches are a great place to shower, or any public bathing facility, pools, etc.
3
Don't underestimate a sleeping bag. Sleeping bags are the greatest inventions in sleeping technology, ever. A $60 sleeping bag will keep you warm in -20 winter outside. In a car you can get by with a 20 degree F sleeping bag. If it gets colder, then just add an extra layer of clothing to your sleeping attire. There's no need for a sleeping bag with a temperature rating less than 20F.
4
Avoid purchasing a cold air respirator. These are usually difficult to sleep with and a waste of money. There is no easy way to sleep in sub-zero temperatures, but a source of warm air might cause you to wake up with a sore throat. It might be helpful to compromise (between fresh air and warm air) and make a "tent" out of a heavy blanket near your face. If you have a beanie that is long enough you can just pull it over your face also.
5
Get a tarp. They are only $5 and will keep prying eyes away -- no one ever sees a tarp and suspects that someone is sleeping in their car, unless the windows are fogged. Plus, this will allow you to sleep in public places (libraries, shopping center lots, etc.). A tarp is also stiff enough to allow for ample ventilation.
6
Lull yourself to sleep by thinking about how sweet a bachelor's life is. Also, wearing noise reducing ear-muff helps out exponentially and allows you to sleep anywhere, even at an airport or train-station.
Tips
Some possible places to sleep:

The parking lot of Wal-Mart. A lot of stuff goes on in Wal-Mart, it's open 24 hours so there will always be cars there, and its relatively safe. Park near the back, but not in the middle of nowhere, blend in with the employee cars. The tarp should be sufficient for privacy.

Any 24 hour shopping center is nice -- Hannaford's, Price Chopper, etc. -- any place that does inventory at night. People who work third shift are pretty cool in general.

Stay away from Hotels -- cops tend to make rounds there up to twice a night. They might bother you if they see fogged windows. Plus, hotels sometimes take license plates.

A library is nice too -- under the rationale that you were reading a book and went out for a nap -- plus, a library is a great place to spend a day, although it would mean associating with the local homeless crowd .. so, dress nice. The key is to think of some stories or situations where you wouldn't just be a hobo.

Truck stops are usually safe places to sleep - well lit, open all night with restrooms, park in the auto lot to stay out of the way of big rigs. Quite often you will find people in motor homes doing the same thing.

Cops are nice! Just be cool and be honest.

Don't sleep without a pillow, you could get serious cramps in your neck.

Don't forget to lock your doors!

Make sure you have a blacker or a cover incase you get cold.

Think of your bed at home and imagine you are in it.

If you are somewhere without shower facilities, some moist wipes can help you get that fresh feeling. Look in the travel toiletries section of your favorite big box store; many will sell a resealable pack the size of an envelope for around $1.

Bring a black washcloth and spray bottle during the summer. When you wake up, moisten the towel and spread it out on the dashboard. After about an hour of driving, it will heat up. This will also work during the winter if you put the towel on your heating vents.

Keep a map so you know where to find these places in whatever town you are in, and try to plan ahead, so you save gas and time.

Bring a blanket to make sure you're warm.

Be sure not to forget to lock your car, YOU are not safe in a parking lot.

Warnings

Safety should be your top priority, and this is by far the most important safety measure:always be sure to lock all of your doors.

A car cover will provide protection against the cold, and it will provide privacy. However, if it is hot outside, do not use one without good ventilation. Also, never run your car while it is covered as you could get carbon monoxide poisoning.

EditThings You'll Need

A station wagon, or other car

A decent sleeping bag. Get the heavy (therefore cheap), warm ones, since portability is not an issue, and you can always unzip on the warm days

Alarm clock (if you don't have a reliable cell phone, kitchen timers are great)

Ear plugs, blindfolds, etc.

A 6' x 8' tarp

A pillow or other item that can be used as one such as a balled up sweatshirt

Article Info

Categories: Road & Rail Travel

Recent edits by: Rain Whisper, El León, Madison Finn

article resource http://www.wikihow.com/Sleep-Comfortably-in-a-Car