Hitting the open road with the wind in your hair and the sun on your face is one of the best feelings in the world, so it’s no wonder so many travelers opt to experience road trips, as opposed to flying overseas. That feeling of freedom as you escape city life for an adventure off the beaten track is like no other, and the best part is, you can plan your route your way. There’s no mad dash to the airport, no flights to catch, and no coaches to squeeze onto; just you, your car and the road ahead.
As long as you follow these tips, you can ensure your road trip is a smooth journey instead of a bumpy ride.
Choose Your Car Carefully
Your car is your noble steed, which means it needs to be reliable if it’s going to get you from point A to point B. Remember, you’re going to be spending long hours on the road, so check everything is in peak condition, from your gears to your tires. Also, check that you have enough space if you’re traveling with friends, and make sure to give your car’s interior a good clean. If you’re not sure your own car is up to the challenge, or you need a bigger vehicle, then you can always rent a car from Advantage Rental Car.
Pick the Right Travel Buddies
Road trips are all about experiencing freedom, letting go of your stresses and embracing what comes your way. However, this isn’t always easy to do if you’re traveling with an opinionated backseat driver, a passenger who needs a toilet break every half hour, or someone who decides to take over the playlist. Basically, you need to ensure that whoever accompanies you on your road trip is going to be able to help you, rather than be a hindrance. For instance, it helps if one of your companions can read a map, or can bring suitable snacks and refreshments for everyone, or knows how to change a tire. As long as you and your friends are on the same page, it’ll be a fun road trip for everyone.
Keep It Simple
Don’t overcomplicate things by planning out a full-length itinerary for your trip; remember, road trips are all about spontaneity. Obviously, it’s good to have a loose plan in place, so you have a vague idea of where you’re heading, but you don’t want to have your trip ruled by a checklist – it takes all the fun out of it! Plus, you will likely come across all sorts of surprises during your travels that you will want to check out, so try to keep an open mind. Sometimes it pays to go off course.
Bring a Map
This probably seems obvious, but by map, we mean an actual, physical map, as opposed to using your phone. This way, you can track your progress during your journey, marking your route with a pen as you go along. It’s a fun way to record your route, and it’s also something you can show to your friends when you return home, so they can know exactly where you’ve been.
Carry Cash
Again, slightly obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people rely on card nowadays. Make sure you have some cash on you for toll roads, or if you stop off somewhere that doesn’t accept cards.
Get Recommendations from Locals
If you’re looking for the best eating spots or tourist attractions, don’t rely on Google or guidebooks; ask a local. Not only does this help you come out of your shell, but it will ensure you find some hidden gems that you would’ve missed out on otherwise.
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