Road trips are one of the best ways to see the world.
When you’re behind the wheel, you have complete control over your travels—which roads you take, when and where you stop, how fast you go. And driving is an excellent way to meander off the beaten track.
Road trips are great for whimsy and excitement. There does need to be some planning involved before you hit the open road, though.
Here are nine helpful tips to keep in mind when preparing for a road trip.
1. Clean Your Car
Before leaving for your trip, you should clean your car inside and out.
Take your car through a car wash or give it a lather at home before traveling. And don’t forget the wax job. Waxing your car’s exterior adds an extra layer of protection to your paint job as you drive through bugs, mud, and other elements.
Make sure you also clean out and vacuum your car’s interior. A clean car makes for a more comfortable trip. Nobody wants to travel while surrounded by trash and grime.
2. Do Routine Maintenance
Perform routine maintenance to ensure your car is road-ready ahead of your trip.
Before a long drive, you’ll want to check your oil level. If you’re close to your next scheduled oil change, you should do that as well.
You should also review and top off other fluids including coolant, brake fluids, and windshield wiper fluid. And while you’re under the hood, take a look at your air filter.
Next, check your tires’ air pressure and tread wear. Compare them to the requirements for your car and consider new tires if necessary.
Finally, make sure your car lights and signals are working.
3. Know Where You’re Going
Before you hit the road, figure out where you’re going and map out your route. This will make your trip easier and minimize your chances of getting lost along the way.
Compile the addresses and locations of everywhere you’re going. Then, plug them into Google Maps or some other route-making app.
Remember to bring a paper map or download your maps so they’re accessible offline in case you hit a patch of road with no cell service.
You can also plan stops for restrooms, sightseeing, and meals in advance.
4. Find a Road Trip Buddy
Are you traveling solo? Consider bringing a friend with you.
There’s safety in numbers, especially when you’re on the road. Plus, they can help you with the driving so you’re not doing long stints behind the wheel, which can be tiresome.
If you’re planning a trip with a group, talk to your road trip buddies in advance to make sure you’re on the same page as far as when you want to stop and how you split up the drive.
5. Prepare for Emergencies
Make sure you’re ready for any roadside emergency you might encounter.
In case you get a flat, you’ll want a spare tire and jack. Also, a tire gauge will help you determine if your tire has the appropriate pressure.
Other items that might come in handy include jumper cables, spare headlight bulbs, a quart of oil, a gas can, a funnel, a flashlight, and a small, general toolkit.
Also, bring a cell phone charger that plugs into your vehicle so you can charge your phone from the road. Communication is important while you’re traveling to new places.
Before you leave, update your car insurance to make sure it covers your road trip.
And in case of an accident, have an attorney in mind that you can call. For instance, if you’re road-tripping through South Carolina, SCinjurylawfirm.com can help you following an auto accident.
6. Pack in Advance
When packing for your road trip, don’t leave it until the day you hit the road. By packing in advance, the first day of your journey will be less hectic and stressful.
Consider where you’re going and what you might need for your vacation plans. Beach gear? Skis? Formal wear? Or just casual wear?
You don’t want to overpack and weigh down your car. Plus, if you overload your vehicle, there might not be enough space in your backseat for your travel companions.
7. Plan Your Road Trip Soundtrack
For some people, music makes the road trip. Because you don’t know the radio stations in the places you’ll be traveling – and you also don’t know when you’ll hit a dead zone – you should put some thought into your road trip soundtrack in advance.
Download music, create playlists on apps, and bring CDS by your favorite artists.
And remember, you’re not limited to music. Podcasts are great to listen to on long drives as are books on tape.
8. Don’t Forget Your Snacks
Snacks are another fun part of road trips. The possibilities are endless.
You can go the healthy route and bring some easy-to-eat fruits and veggies, nuts, popcorn, string cheese, or protein bars.
Those who are less concerned about how healthy their snacks are might consider bringing chips, cookies, or candy.
Also, keep a small cooler in your back seat for water and other beverages.
You’ll save money if you pack your own snacks and drinks. Plus, you never know if your stomach might start rumbling while you’re on a long, empty stretch of road with nowhere to stop.
9. Download Useful Apps
It wouldn’t be the great American modern road trip without apps.
Before you hit the highway, there are many useful travel apps to download.
Apps like Waze, Tripit, and Roadtrippers help you find various routes to your destination with points of interest along the way. Waze also shows you traffic accidents and slowdowns in real-time.
HotelTonight helps you identify places to stay along your route, while Gas Buddy locates nearby gas stations and their fuel prices.
And there are a host of apps that help you find anything you might need while traveling, from vegan restaurants to quirky roadside attractions.
Done Preparing for a Road Trip?
Get ready for fun and adventure. Now that you’re done preparing for a road trip, you’re ready to hit the highway!
Check out our blog for more useful tips that will enhance your life.
