You’ve done your research and have chosen the perfect destination, Googled every possible attraction that you want to visit along the way, and even decided on where you’re going to grab a bite to eat and thought about the places you’ll want to do a little souvenir shopping. It’s an excellent start, but here are a few more things to consider when you’re planning a road trip.
Road Trip Preparation
Before starting your adventure, you may want to get a full-service maintenance check on your vehicle to ensure you don’t run into any car troubles along the way. This checklist can help make sure your road trip is a success:
- Clean and remove garbage from your vehicle.
- Check all lights and features on the vehicle to ensure everything is functioning properly.
- Check the oil, water, coolant, and tire pressure.
- Make sure tires are in good condition, and that you have a spare tire and changing tools.
- Check brakes and brake fluid.
- Fill up windshield washer fluid.
- Check the windshield wipers, air filter, and spark plugs.
- Make sure you have a spare key, the owner’s manual, and insurance/registration information.
Preparing Yourself
Now that your car is prepared. Make sure you are physically and mentally prepared for a long drive. Long trips are incredibly taxing, and those who fail to take care of themselves often end up in an accident or in need of a personal injury attorney.
Before hitting the open road, you’ll want to make sure that you get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep. You should avoid drinking alcohol the night before, and drink plenty of water to make sure you are properly hydrated. All these actions can help you focus and maintain a clear head.
Once your trip is underway, make sure you are taking breaks every so often. If you’re feeling groggy, pull over in a safe location and take a 20-minute nap. Just be sure to fully wake up before you get back behind the wheel. Also, never drive when you’re too tired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Tips for Saving Money
You’ll naturally want to stop and eat at that special location you found on Yelp, but eating out at every meal can get very expensive and may not be the healthiest option. You can save money by preparing meals, drinks, and healthy snacks for the day by storing them in a cooler. You can also take a thermos of coffee instead of stopping at Starbucks.
Be Sure to Check Your Car Occasionally
Make sure you’re checking your vehicle’s fluids and functions, so that everything is in good working condition. You can stop at a gas station or rest stop and check oil levels as well as tire pressure, which can sometimes be affected during long periods on the road. Don’t forget to fill up on gas when you can since some stretches of road in the U.S. are near barren.
How About Some Fun?
The internet is filled with fun road trip games that you can play to pass the time. If you’re traveling with children, you may want to get them a portable gaming device to keep them occupied and hopefully provide some quiet time for you. Putting together a playlist of your favorite tunes is also a great way to stay entertained, not to mention keep your mind engaged and ward of sleepiness.
