Preparations and Planning
Taking a road trip can be an invigorating and adventurous way to explore a new place or even just to spend time together as a family. But it can also be quite a large undertaking and requires some planning before heading off onto the open road. Luckily, no matter the duration or destination, the planning the process for a successful road trip can be boiled down courtesy of these six steps.
Step 1: Choose a Destination The first step to planning any road trip is of course deciding where you will be going. Consider factors such as the distance you’re willing to drive, the attractions and landmarks you’d like to see, the budget you have to work with, as well as the time you have available. It can also help to do some preliminary research of the area when picking a destination to get an idea of where you’d like to stay and potential attractions you’d like to visit.
Step 2: Purchase the Necessary Gear Before taking off, be sure to purchase any items you might need regarding vehicle upkeep, such as proper oil and windshield fluid, as well as car accessories like a phone mount or even an air freshener. It can also be beneficial to bring along items such as travel pillows, sunglasses, an extra pair of shoes and personal hygiene items.
Step 3: Choose Accommodations Once you’ve decided upon a destination and given yourself time to shop for the necessary items, time should be given to researching accommodation options. This could be anything from camping in a tent to renting an Airbnb. Be sure to book a room or campsite you in advance to make sure everything is just the way you want it for your stay.
Step 4: Map Out Your Route Mapping out a route is an often overlooked step when it comes to planning a road trip but is just as essential as picking a destination and booking accommodation. Things to include on the route should be the main destinations and attractions you’d like to explore, as well as rest stops and meal times. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to check the condition of the roads you’ll be travelling and look into potential road closures due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
Step 5: Gather Necessary Documents When on a road trip, it’s best to prevent potential issues and delays by having all of your documents in order. Ensuing that everyone has a valid driver’s license and passport - if travelling out of the county - and a registration and insurance information for the vehicle are all necessary items to bring along.
Step 6: Pack the Car Just before getting on the open road, make sure the car is packed up with the necessary items for the journey. These might include an extra phone charger, picnic blankets, snacks, and a first-aid kit. Additionally, it can be helpful to bring along a cooler filled with water, soda, and any items that need to be kept cold.
Enjoying the Open Road
Now the on to the fun part - hitting the open road and taking in all you can during the journey. Though things may not always go as planned, here are some tips and tricks to help ensure your road trip is as enjoyable as possible.
Take Breaks Taking regular driver breaks and stopping for rest every few hours is essential for staying safe and maintaining a steady pace throughout the duration of the trip. This can be anything from grabbing an early dinner at a roadside diner or stretching your legs at a scenic vista point. Not only is this great for the driver, but often times these rest stops have plenty of memory-making activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Experiment with Music or Podcasts Having the perfect playlist or podcast for the duration of the trip can make for a much more enjoyable drive. This is a great way to stay entertained when passing through sparsely populated areas and to also set the mood for any given situation. Whether it’s a podcast to learn something new, or an all-time favorite album to relive some memories, having the perfect audio setup is a must.
Discover Local Specialties When travelling to a new area, be sure to check out some of the local specialties and delicacies that the area is known for. This could be anywhere from a new type of cuisine to exploring an obscure tourist attraction. Looking into the attractions that make a given area unique can be a great way to make long car rides that much more memorable.
Find Somewhere Unique to Stay In addition to looking for interesting attractions to explore, it can also be helpful to try and find a unique place to stay for the night. This could be anything from a one-of-a-kind Airbnb to a quirky bed and breakfast. Not only does this make for a memorable adventure, it can offer a great way to support the local economy on your travels.
Final Thoughts
Taking a road trip can be a great way to explore a new destination or to just get out of the house with the family. By making sure to plan ahead and take the journey at your own pace, it can be easy to make the most out of any road trip experience. With these easy tips and tricks, you can hit the open road and get ready to make some great memories!