Everyone should go on a road trip at least once in his or her life. Road trips are just a technique of travel where you have a start and endpoint. However, you plan to make many stops in between to experience and enjoy what the distance has to offer. You can choose to camp, stay in a hotel, or sleep in the car. It’s all part of the trip! Road trips can, however, fail sometimes without proper planning. So here are a few tips on how to have a great road excursion.
Start Early
Unless your plan is to drive at night, always start your journey at least an hour earlier than the planned time. Starting early gives you and your crew time to get things together and get a move on. It also gives you time to make any last-minute purchases, changes and adjustments. Starting early also ensures you are fresh and set for the trip ahead.
Have Spare Parts
Almost all road trips have a broken down car situation during the trip. Especially when you are going to a place for the first time. Make sure then to have spare wheels, tools, engine and brake oils etc. This will save you a lot of time and money if a break down occurs.
Go With a Group
Unless you are a sworn solo traveller, always go on a road trip with a troop. A group gives you a feeling of safety, company and as the saying goes; two heads are better than one. When you stumble into a problem, it will be easier getting a solution as a group than when alone. Groups also cut down on costs because of cost-sharing.
Designate Roles
Once you already know who you would want to travel with, make sure everyone has a role. Delegating responsibilities makes it easier to get everything done. It also gives the whole crew a sense of purpose and belonging.
Have adequate Supplies
Road trip supplies highly depend on the type of trip you aim to undertake. However, basic supplies include enough water and food, warm clothes, money, fuel for the car, and entertainment. Other variable supplies include camping gear, photography kits, cooking supplies etc.
Take Breaks
If your road trip covers a lot of miles, make sure to take breaks at least every two hours. This allows you to exchange drivers, stretch your limbs, go to the bathroom, replenish supplies and simply see different parts of the road.
Have Maps
Your road trip would be pointless if you did not have maps to guide you on where you were going. You can have physical and digital maps for best accuracy. Maps also help you discover new areas to explore that might not have been in your original plan.
Have relevant Documents
In the event that your road trip involves crossing country borders, make sure you have the relevant documents for each member of your crew. This may include passports, visas, car insurance, car logbooks or rental receipts and levy payments.
Be open
Most of all have an open mind and heart during your road trip. Embrace the different climatic conditions, ways of life, people, food etc. A road trip will be a total fail, if you approach the adventure with a ready to complain spirit. Instead be open to adapt and enjoy and your trip will be forever memorable.
