It’s here – summer is upon us which means you can finally get down to planning that road trip you were talking with your friends about all winter long. There’s nothing else quite like leaving your cares behind and hitting the open road for some summer adventure, but to make sure you get the most out of your trip we’ve created this list of ten tips to help you prepare. Minor road trip mishaps might make for some great stories but others can just be devastating and easily avoided! So, roll down your windows and fire up your favorite summer playlist – here’s our guide to making sure your road-trip is unforgettable.
1. Basic Car Maintenance
There’s a good chance that you’re going to be racking up quite a few kilometers and the last thing you want to deal with is a breakdown. To ensure that your vehicle is going to be safe and reliable for your trip we recommend visiting your local car dealership before you leave so they can check essentials like fluid levels, brakes, and tires. It’s also a good idea to double check that you have a spare tire and tools available in case you get a flat. If you’re buying a used car before the trip we suggest looking at something certified pre-owned so you know it’s been thoroughly inspected and still has some warranty.
Don’t forget about your documentation! Bringing your driver’s license along is pretty obvious, but you should also double check that your insurance and registration will be valid for your trip. You might also need your passport if you’re driving outside of the country.
2. Give Your Car A Wash
You’re going to be spending a whole lot of time in your car so you’ll want to keep it as clean as possible. Bringing a garbage can, some trash bags, and cleaning wipes can help keep the chaos under control as your trip progresses, but keeping the exterior clean is important too. Regularly clearing the bugs and grime for your car will keep it beautiful for longer but you also want to make sure your headlights stay clear for safer night driving.
3. Take Advantage Of Credit Card Points
This is a road-trip after all so you’re probably going to be spending a decent chunk of change on gas, groceries, and accommodations to name a few. Whether you’re collecting travel points or redeeming cash you’ll want to take full advantage of the money you’re spending. Many credit cards offer more points for gas and grocery purchases.
4. Don’t Forget To Eat & Drink
One of the great joys of travelling is enjoying the new food and places to eat along the way. However, with much of your time spent in the vehicle don’t forget to bring lots of water and travel snacks so you stay hydrated and fed without having to stop as frequently.
5. Emergencies Happen – Be Prepared
Does your car have a first-aid kit? If it doesn’t then you should put something together before you go, even if it’s just something basic to handle any minor scrapes and cuts. All travellers should have health insurance or some other form of travel insurance if you’re travelling far from home. Lastly, you’re moving around a lot but try to make sure someone else is updated on where you are just in case something happens.
6. Entertainment:
You were so excited when you left but after hours of driving you’ve become painfully bored – sound familiar? Even if you’re driving through beautiful landscape you might want a few more ways to keep your mind busy during your trip. Bring along your new book, watch movies, pay car games with your friends, listen to music – just don’t forget to bring chargers!
7. Navigation
One of the most frustrating things that can happen on a road trip is getting lost. Make sure you have directions and contact numbers written down for your hotel, accommodations, and other points of interest so you always get there safely. If your vehicle doesn’t have GPS you can use Google Maps on your phone or invest in a portable car navigation system to make sure you get where you’re going.
8. Breaks/Timing
Yes you have a destination, but don’t be afraid to time out of your driving schedule just to have fun and soak up the scenery or landmarks along the way. You don’t want to be so exhausted and irritable from a long drive that you don’t enjoy the journey. If you’re traveling with friends then you can take turns driving or stop at regular intervals just to stretch your legs.
9. You Can Still Be Spontaneous
A lot of these tips are about planning and preparedness but that’s just to ensure you have your bases covered so that you can fully enjoy what your road-trip is supposed to be – an adventure! Now that you’ve read through our 9 tips we’re sure you’ll have your best summer road-trip yet.