Roadtrips have long been a favorite way to travel for many people whether it is with friends, family, or even a solo trip. Hitting the open road means freedom to explore and enjoy the scenery. Keep these 10 helpful tips for planning your road trip adventure in mind as you get ready to head out on your way.
1. Make Sure Your Vehicle Is Ready
Long distance travel can definitely take a toll on any vehicle. You will want to be sure yours is in the best shape possible before you go. Be sure to have your tires, brakes, and battery inspected. Get an oil change if it’s been a while. This proactive step can keep you safer and avoid unnecessary hassle when far from home. Regular vehicle maintenance is also important even on normal trips.
2. Collaborate With Your Passengers
If your trip includes other people, you will want to be sure to talk about expectations ahead of time. Share your idea of the ideal trip. Ask everyone what their must-see sights are. It’s even wise to talk about the type of road trip experience everyone likes best. Some people like to reach their destination as quickly as possible, while others want to enjoy the ride and explore new places. Some compromise will be required. Planning ahead will ensure everyone gets to enjoy the trip with minimal road bumps
3. Discuss Budget
You’ll also want to be upfront about your budget. Traveling with your immediate family may require a discussion about limits and expectations. Even if you’re on a getaway with your buddies, you will want to have a general idea of everyone’s budgetary preferences. Some folks may want to save money by packing their own food. Other parties might prefer to try the local fare at every meal. Again, it’s best to know these things ahead of time and to try to make accommodations for everyone. Everyone can have a better time when finances are set straight away and can prevent any unnecessary financial stress.
4. Plan Your Route
Before you go, you’ll want to have a road trip plan. Looking ahead can allow you to plan for lodging and anticipate any issues such as construction or detours. Setting up your route also lets you determine the most efficient course that includes everyone’s must-see stops. Winging it could cause you unnecessary frustration.
5. Inform Your Bank of Your Plans
If you’re someone who doesn’t travel often, your bank or credit card company might mistake your out-of-town financial transactions as fraud. This could lead to your access to funds being frozen, which would be disastrous when you’re so far from home. A simple check in with your financial institutions can eliminate such a risk.
6. Pack a Variety of Snacks
Nothing’s better than a variety of junk food when on a road trip. However, too much indulgence could cause sugar highs and cranky passengers. This is especially true if you’re bringing kids along for the ride. Try to pack a variety of nutritious snacks or roadside meals. This will help to keep everyone’s mood bright and their energy high. These are things you’ll appreciate on a busy road trip.
7. Have Plenty of Entertainment
Another way to improve the mood of your road trippers is to bring along lots of entertainment options. Roadtrip games like I Spy are old standbys because they’re fun and require no extra supplies. However, modern technology can do wonders for keeping passengers, both young and old, entertained during long car rides. Download movies, shows, and games on your electronic devices. Have everyone bring along their favorite reading material, music, or podcasts as well.
8. Fuel Up Often
Don’t neglect to fill up your tank, even if you think you have plenty. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so top off every time you stop. You can also use these regular stops to stretch and refresh before heading back on the road.
9. Pack a Travel Kit
Another way to stay prepared and safe is to include a travel kit in your vehicle. This kit should have things like a blanket, extra clothes and snacks, jumper cables, flares, and device chargers.
10. Have a Safety Plan
Finally, you’ll want to have a safety plan in place for emergencies. Installing GPS tracking on your vehicle is an affordable way to make sure loved ones always know where you are, even if you’re in an isolated area in the middle of nowhere. You may also want to keep a paper map on hand in case you end up in an area with no cell tower access. Be ready for extreme weather, as well.
Closing
We hope that these tips will help you plan the best road trip possible. While you can anticipate everything, being prepared will give you peace of mind and allow you to avoid any issues.
