Ah, the epic road trip. Nothing beats getting out on the open road for hours on end with nothing but your car, your music, and some great company. Whether you’re sticking to the main routes or going off highway, a road trip provides the opportunity for spontaneous new adventures from the comfort of your vehicle. If you’re planning a road trip in the near future, the tips below can help you prepare.
Create a Loose Plan
Part of the excitement of a road trip is the spontaneity. However, while winging it can be good fun, it’s also important to remember that road trips can come with their own share of risks. To ensure that you’re still embracing the spirit of the journey, create a loose plan that isn’t too strict, but that still means you’ve thought the process through.
This is especially important if you’re traveling with multiple passengers who may or may not agree with your itinerary. Make sure you’re on the same page and include everyone in the decision as to where you’ll go and for how long.
Assess Your Vehicle
This goes without saying, but before you embark on your trip, it’s important to get your car checked for repairs. You want to avoid breaking down in the middle of nowhere with no repair shop in sight. Take your vehicle in for a tune-up and clean it inside and out to ensure that you’re not only comfortable, but also safe.
Bring Music – Lots of It
One of the best parts of a road trip is, of course, the music! Whether it’s your favorite playlist or even a random selection of artists, music creates a soundtrack for your journey. If your passengers are also keen music lovers, you could even plan out the style of music you want to play for specific types of scenery.
Be Prepared for Contingencies
Your plans can go wrong no matter what kind of traveling you’re doing. To ensure you’re prepared for any contingencies, discuss alternative plans with your travel mates and consider what you’ll do in the case of an emergency. It’s also a good idea to pack emergency kits and additional supplies in your trunk in case you do break down or have an accident. Other eventualities to prepare for include not being able to reach an intended destination.
Document Your Travels
If you’re going to be stopping at a lot of places along your trip, it’s also a good idea to memorialize the experience by keeping a travel journal. You’ll likely be taking lots of photographs, which can be included in the journal too. While you’re at it, you could even use Vistaprint coupons from https://valpak.com/coupon-codes/vistaprint.com to purchase a custom photobook to document your trip.
Go Offline
If you’re feeling a little adventurous, you could also experiment with going offline to see where your travels take you. Rather than relying on Google Maps to guide your way, try going old school and use a paper map instead. Going offline means you shut out the world of social media and email so that you can enjoy your surroundings and the open road.
