A long road trip has the potential to be a trip for the ages, one that you’ll back upon for many years to come. However, a trip of this magnitude only has the potential to be memorable for all the right reasons; there’s also a chance that things might not go as well as you’d hoped. It all comes to your preparation. If you take the time to get everything you need before you set off, then you’ll be in a good position to enjoy everything that comes your way.
In this blog, we’re going to look at some of the key things you’ll want to have before you buckle up and hit the road.
A Reliable Vehicle
If your car comes to an abrupt stop, then so will the fun. While your vehicle may handle your local roads just fine, remember that you’ll be putting its performance to the test when you’re out on the open road, driving many hundreds of miles. To give it the best shot of making it through unscathed, take it to your local mechanic before you set off. They’ll be able to give it a look over to check that everything is in full working condition. Plus, you’ll feel more relaxed when you’re out there if you know that your car doesn’t have any underlying problems.
Well-Packed Bags
Space is at a premium in your car when you’re going on a road trip. While it can be tempting to bring everything that you may need, it’s best to focus on having more space in your vehicle. The more you bring, the more cramped your car will be. And that will ultimately impact your comfort levels. So be smart about what you bring. You’ll likely need fewer clothes than you think you will, and in any case, you can always wash them somewhere along the line if it’s needed. Rather than focusing on outfits/what looks good, focus on layers. Will you be ready for whatever weather comes your way?
The Essentials
You’re going on a road trip so you can have fun, but let’s not forget that safety comes first. When you’re many miles away from home, any number of things can go wrong. You can’t always control what happens, but you can control how you react. If you have a well-stocked first-aid kit, then you can handle those minor injuries that may come your way. You’ll also need to have a quality spare tire in the trunk, and some back-up chargers, too. One of the exciting things about taking a road trip is that you can end up far off the beaten path, in the great outdoors, away from civilization. This is an appealing prospect, but one that you must treat with respect. When you’re so far away from other people, you’ll no longer have the protection of their expertise, and may have to fend for yourself.
A Great Playlist
Let’s make no mistake: a great playlist is positively an essential component of any road trip. They can set the tone. They can provide group singalongs. They can pull you up when you’re beginning to feel a little over the whole thing. While there’s space in the trip for silence, during which you do nothing but listen to the passing cars and the lonely highways, it’ll be the anthems you’ve pre-picked that function as the soundtrack to the trip. It’s a good idea to make a playlist of your personal favorites and some all-around classics, especially if you’re traveling with other people. If you’re using an online streaming service for your music, be sure to save the music offline so you can enjoy the tunes even if you’re out of service.
Downtime Entertainment
There’s plenty of fun to be had on the road. Simply looking out at the passing landscape can be entertaining! However, if there’s one thing to know before you set off, it’s that not every mile of your trip will be filled with majestic landscapes. So don’t discount the importance of having entertainment options on your smartphone, too; they are an excellent way to pass some time when you’re in the passenger seat and driving through a less-exciting section of the landscape. Strategy games and online trivia games will help to keep the fun alive and be sure to make the most of introductory offers when choosing your game. When you’re feeling refreshed, you can get back to playing I-Spy and those other classic road trip games.
Adaptable Driving Skills
We mentioned earlier how your car will be suited for driving in your local area but may struggle in more difficult terrain. This can also apply to your own driving skills too. While you’ll likely be a highly-adept driver, it’s worth keeping in mind that, depending on where you’re going, you may need to review some of your driving skills. It’s a different experience driving in the mountains than it is driving in an urban area. Wherever you’re going, read up on the conditions (including terrain/what weather to expect), and make sure you have the driving chops to make it through safely.
Camping Supplies
Camping while you’re on your adventure is a good way to keep costs down, and also, it can add another dimension to the fun you’re having. So take a look at packing camping supplies, such as a tent, sleeping bags, and a stove with you. Even if you’re not planning to camp, it’s a good idea to have a stove and a couple of camping chairs with you, so you can enjoy those beautiful views with a cup of coffee.
A Sense of Adventure
Finally, don’t forget your sense of adventure! There can be stressful moments when you’re on the road, but they should be the exception, not the rule. Overall, it should be a fun adventure. So when you’re setting off, be sure to bring positive energy and be ready to roll with the punches. If you can do that, you’ll ensure that your road trip is one to remember, and only for good reasons.
