People who aim to hit the road this summer are advised to plan their trip in advance to make it as relaxing and fun as possible.
Surviving a long-distance car journey can be challenging but car rental experts from StressFreeCarRental.com have put together a list of tips that can help you plan the perfect road trip.
You should leave some room for unexpected adventures and the thrill of uncertainty, but a good plan will make it more likely that you will get through the trip without a hassle.
“Although they’re all about fun and spontaneity, the secret for a good road trip is preparation," a spokesperson for StressFreeCarRental.com said. “You can’t enjoy the ride if you’re constantly stressing about things you could have easily avoided. At the end of the day, when you think back on the journey you want to remember the happy memories and exciting adventures you had with your family or friends, not the stress and petty arguments.”
Have a look at some tips for a stress-free road trip that help you make the most of your experience:
Make sure your vehicle is in good condition
There is nothing worse than setting off for a fun road trip, only to be stuck by the road because of a mechanical issue. Make sure you check your tyre pressure, oil and wiper fluid levels, and don’t forget to fill the tank.
Clean out your car
Decluttering your vehicle before you head out on your journey is a good starting point because rubbish will inevitably start to pile up when you spend a long time on the road. So it is good to at least have a ‘clean slate’ at the outset. Throughout the trip you should also make an effort to clear out the pockets and floor of the car at least once a day.
Agree on the budget
This one may not be as relevant when you are travelling with your family, but it is a crucial step when planning a trip with friends or anyone else who is not in your household. You should take into account how much each passenger is willing to spend on the trip to avoid people being upset. Decide in advance whether you are just buying meals from petrol stations or going to restaurants, and if you want to stay in hotels or camp out in tents.
Put together a playlist
Good tunes are one of the most important aspects of a good road trip. To cater to everyone’s music tastes, you could create a specific playlist for the trip that includes all of the passengers’ favourite songs.
Bring healthy snacks and water
Snacks are another road trip necessity. However, you should try to pack some healthy snacks such as fruits, nuts, granola bars, etc, as junk food will make people feel more fatigued. Remember also to bring loads of water to keep yourself hydrated.
Have stops to stretch your legs
Experts suggest that you should get out of your car and stretch your legs every two hours. This can be planned in an effective way – for example time stops for when you are going to get meals or want to do some sight-seeing.
Bring your charger
Nowadays everything is done from smartphones, which means you will not have to bring a map or GPS device, you are able to Google different places to go and use a translation app to help you communicate when you travel abroad. To rely on this powerful tool on your trip, you must definitely remember to bring your phone charger and a battery bank.
Agree on sight-seeing stops
When you set out on your journey there may be many interesting sights to see on the way, but if you have a set timeframe for your trip then you might have to prioritise some places over others. Make sure to discuss with your fellow passengers which are your must-see sights to avoid seeing disappointed faces in the car.
Don’t drive when you are tired
Driving while you are tired is extremely dangerous because fatigue lowers your reaction time and reduces your ability to focus. It is important to take turns when driving, make regular stops, and have enough sleep before you get behind the wheel.
Pack an emergency
kit
It is always better to be safe than sorry. Although hopefully you will never have to use it, packing an emergency kit including some essential tools and a first aid kit is a very simple precaution, yet it can have a massive impact if an accident should occur.
