There are many great ways to explore the world. Some people like to zip off to far corners of the planet. Others like to have luxurious breaks in cosmopolitan cities. And then there’s the matter of road trips, which provide travelers with an opportunity to hit the open road with a sense of freedom and adventure.
There’s a lot of merit in taking this type of vacation, but it’s also true that they require a little more care and thought than other travel methods. In this post, we’ll run through eight tips that will ensure that your road trip runs smoothly from beginning to end.
Prepare Your Vehicle
Your vehicle is going to play a starring role on this trip, so it’s important to check that it’s in tip-top condition before you set off. Nothing will disturb the peace of your visit quite as much as breaking down when you’re in the middle of nowhere. If you’re planning on taking a long road trip, have a mechanic look over your vehicle and perform routine maintenance.
It’s also important to keep in mind that your car may not be suitable for all terrain types. If your vehicle was designed for city driving, then it may struggle in mountainous areas. In some cases, it can be better to rent a vehicle for the trip; you’ll pay more, but you’ll have greater peace of mind.
Pack Smart
Most people have to pack smart when they’re flying due to airline luggage weight restrictions. While you won’t be forced by a company to travel light when you’re taking a road trip, it’s still recommended that you do so. For starters, you’ll find that it’s more enjoyable to be in your vehicle for hours on end when you have space. In addition, carrying a lot of weight can significantly impact your MPG rate, which means you’ll end up spending more on gas on your journey.
There’ll be some things that you need to take with you. But the things that you’re taking because you think you might need or want them? Leave them at home. The principle ‘less is more’ very much applies to road trip packing.
Bring Layers
It might be hot where you currently live when you depart on your road trip. But here’s the thing: your road trip won’t take place where you currently live. You may well be driving into areas that have vastly different climates. California might be an oven in June, but if you drive into the mountains of Colorado, you may come across snow. It’s always to pack a few extra layers, just to ensure that you can stay warm on those chilly evenings. Packing a couple of blankets is recommended, too.
Stick to A Well-Traveled Route
Part of the fun of taking a road trip is that it allows you to venture into territory that you wouldn’t normally be able to access. Still, it’s generally advisable not to be too ambitious when deciding on where to go. You’ll be much safer — and have just as much fun — if you stick to the well-traveled road trip routes, of which there are many in the United States. Going into uncharted territory increases the amount of planning and safety equipment you need to have, and in any case, normally isn’t worth it anyway; if that part of the map was so amazing, it would already be an established road trip route.
Camping v Accommodation
Unless you’re traveling in an RV, you’ll need to think about where you’ll sleep each night. You’ll have a different experience — and a different final cost — depending on whether you sleep in a tent under the stars or in paid accommodation. In general, it’s usually best to do a mix of both. Staying in a tent can provide some lifelong memories, and offers an experience that you just can’t get elsewhere. But equally, setting up a camp every single night can be a bit draining.
It’s recommended to camp some nights and then book yourself into a hotel/motel when you need some home comforts.
Road Safety
Most people who go on a road trip have no negative experiences whatsoever, but it’s important to be aware that there is a risk. The longer you spend on the roads, the more likely it is that you’ll need to get in touch with a truck accident lawyer to get compensation for an injury that you’ve suffered. You can keep yourself safe by taking some proactive steps to minimize the risk of an injury.
Most of it just comes down to basic road safety tips, but you should ensure that you’re getting plenty of rest. Most accidents occur because the driver is tired, and when you’re spending so much time traveling, it’s likely that you will be tired from time to time. When you can feel your energy getting lower, be sure to stop driving. The road isn’t going anywhere; spend a night getting a good night’s sleep, and you’ll be fresh and ready to hit the road again. Plus, your trip will simply be more enjoyable when you’re fully alert!
Length of Time
You’ll need to think about the length of your road trip. It’s best to strike a balance between long and short. If it’s too long, then you’ll likely end up spending more money than you’d like to, and you’ll probably be eager for the trip to be over by the end anyway. On the other hand, if your trip is too short, then you won’t be able to fully sink into all the freedom and enjoyment of a road trip.
Keep Things Scheduled But Flexible
It’s good to have a schedule when you’re going on a road trip, but this should only be a loose schedule. As we said, road trips are fun in part because of the freedom they allow, and if you have a strict schedule then you won’t have much freedom. Have a route, but allow yourself to change your plans if you have a new idea while on the road.
