While many people jet off into the sunset on a fun-filled holiday, others prefer to hit the road and go on an exciting adventure. Still, while a road trip should be filled with fun and excitement there are lots of things that you need to do before you hit the open road.
With that in mind, here are 10 factors to consider before going on a road trip — these are the same ones we considered before our “Fall in the Mountains” trip!
We’re going on a road trip!
Know Where You Are Going
First and foremost, it’s important that you know where you’re heading to. The last thing you want to do is leave things to chance, so identifying your destination, how long it will take to get there, as well as factoring in the weather conditions can be hugely beneficial, helping you to be prepared and ready to go.
Plan Your Itinerary
While you may have a destination in mind, there may be lots of exciting activities and attractions that you can check out along the way. Creating an itinerary can be a great way to outline all the things you want to do. If you’re on your own, the world is your oyster, however, if you’re traveling in a group, you may need to compromise a little to ensure everyone gets the most out of the trip.
Prepare Your Car
Once you’ve established your end destination and itinerary, getting your car ready and in working order should be your next step. If you’re taking your own car (rather than renting one) you will need to check out the engine to ensure there’s no damage or work that needs doing.
If you spot any problems, it’s always best to take it to a local garage for repair. Also, have a look at your tires to make sure the air pressure is good. We love our local Kia dealer for all of our pre-trip car prep.
Get Insurance
Whether you’re only heading down the road or on a long-distance road trip, it’s crucial that you have car insurance in place. You may want to consider checking out companies like Quotezone who compare quotes from a range of providers, helping you find the best car insurance quote on the market. If you would like more information.
Travel in a Group
While it can be fun to travel on your own, having a companion by your side can make the time go much quicker. Driving long distances can be boring, so bringing a friend or family member with you can make the world of difference. What’s more, you will be able to take driving in turns, allowing you to get some much-needed rest.
Pack Lightly
The last thing you want is to have a car filled with junk that you don’t need. Instead, try and pack as lightly as you can and only bring what you absolutely need. Cars already feel cramped, so having extra clutter lurking about will only cause more discomfort.
Create a Budget
Working out how much money you’ll need for your road trip is important. Whether it be for food, staying over in a hotel overnight, or petrol, working out your costs before you head out is crucial. If you’re traveling by yourself, the overall costs can be huge, making it more beneficial to travel in a group.
Bring Entertainment with You
While your eyes should obviously be on the road at all times, having a bit of entertainment in the background can be a huge help. Having some sort of music playing can help keep you relaxed and focused on driving. Whether it be music you’ve downloaded or a CD, having your favorite tunes playing whilst you’re on the road can make the experience that little bit more enjoyable.
Take Food and Water
Keeping your energy levels up throughout your road trip is important. The last thing you want is to feel sluggish and rundown, especially when you need to be focused and alert on what’s ahead of you, therefore, packing plenty of water to keep hydrated, and having snacks on hand to satisfy your hunger will be hugely beneficial. Also, make sure to stop off at service stations along the way, giving you time to recharge, eat, and use the toilet.
Get Enough Sleep
If you’re heading out on a road trip that is going to take more than a day’s travel, you will need to sleep at some point. Whether it be stopping at a hotel overnight to get some much-needed rest or having someone else take charge of the steering wheel, getting some shut-eye during your road trip is crucial. If you find it hard to switch off, a sleep mask may be able to help you.
Going on a road trip should be something to look forward to, rather than dread. Whether you’re heading out on a solo adventure, or traveling in a group, there are various things that you need to do before heading out the door. Having an itinerary in place, getting your car inspected for any damages, as well as having the right insurance in place are just a few key factors that you will need to take into consideration before your road trip can begin.
