Road trips are irresistible and breathtaking. They are convenient in exploring and adventuring most places compared to other forms of travel. That is why you need tips for the first road trip.
A well-planned road trip makes it better since you have a set of goals you are planning to achieve during the trip.
If you are a new driver, don’t make the trip too long since you are not used to such trips.
Let’s check some tips to help you prepare for your first road trip.
1. Clean Up the Car
Before you embark on your road trip, take your time and clean up your car.
Remove all the hotel receipts, napkins, fast food wrappers, some hairs left behind by your dog, or some gum wrappers.
Empty your trash can too to avoid smelly bad smells in your journey.
Cleaning your car will not only leave your car with a fresh feeling but also act as a safety measure; you will not have trash preventing you from clutching the brakes.
Since you will carry food or drinks for your trip, make sure you dispose of the wrappers well.
2. Purchase a National Park Pass
When taking your trip, you would want to get into a national park to enjoy the beauty of nature brought by animals.
You need to get a National Parks Interagency Annual Pass that costs $80 and is valid for a year.
If you have a few friends with you, no need to worry, the pass allows you as the holder and three other adults.
You can purchase the pass from the national park or their online site.
Consider purchasing a guidebook that will give you the way forward on going about in the park or give an outline of the attractions you will find in the state.
3. Check the Car
You would want your car to develop mechanical problems while you are far away from your mechanic, right?
A few days before the trip, visit your mechanic to check whether your brakes, car fluid, and tires are in good condition.
Ensure that your spare tire is well inflated and carry your jumper cables with you in case something happens.
Additionally, check whether your battery has corroded or has any leaks, not forgetting to check if the car lights are functional.
The weather being calm is not enough reason to forget checking your wipers; remember, carry an extra wiper fluid if the weather changes for the area you are going for the trip has different weather.
4. Carry Road Trip Essentials
Apart from checking your car conditions and fueling your car, there are other essentials you ought to remember for the trip.
First, remember to carry a charger for your phone and ensure it’s compatible with your car’s charging system.
If your car lacks a port, it’s good to have power inverters, and you will travel without worries that your phone may go off.
It’s good you carry some toilet paper to avoid the struggle when you get into a public washroom with no toilet paper.
Since COVID 19 is still here with us, don’t leave your sanitizer to help keep your hands clean all through.
If you organize your trip during summer, pack your sunscreen, and if it’s winter, carry along heavy sweaters and put on some driving gloves.
5. Avoid Driving at Night
Road trips are enjoyable when you can see every scene on the way and capture unforgettable moments.
You can enjoy the moments by driving during the day, and when night approaches, park, rest and wait for the next day.
Start your journey early enough to avoid encountering traffic, making your trip boring.
Accidents are likely to happen during the night compared to daytime. Avoid night rides, especially if you are new to the route.
6. Loosen the Plan
Things don’t always go as planned; sometimes, you may find delays that will affect your road trip.
If you over plan the trip, you are likely to miss out on something or get caught up in between some activities.
Your plan should be flexible to adjust. For example, if you find that the road you are using is under repair, you are likely to delay traffic, meaning you must shift one of your activities to a later date.
Don’t be too excited about the trip until you forget to rest during the journey.
7. Have Some Entertainment
How about loading your phone with some entertainment options that will keep you entertained?
The hours of driving will be better and breathtaking with your music on.
With your phone fully charged and an internet connection, you can choose to Livestream your best music on online platforms such as YouTube.
The feeling is even better when you connect the phone to your car speakers via Bluetooth or the USB cable.
However, remember too loud music is dangerous. It can prevent you from hearing any honking from other drivers or get you carried away until you forget you are driving.
8. Divide Labor
I am sure you are not planning to take your road trip alone; you have some friends you want to enjoy the moments with.
In your group, some are good at organizing meals, and another one is good at navigating the maps while others can’t tell the routes.
Let everyone take the best duties to ease work, make the trip fantastic, and leave everyone satisfied.
9. Check Reviews
People who have had experience are likely to give honest reviews.
Seek to know about the places you plan to visit from locals who stay there or people who have been there.
Don’t be afraid to chat with strangers; they may be friendlier than you would have thought and ready to tell you about their community.
They are also conversant with local hotels and will tell you about the best hotels to make reservations for the night.
10. Eat Light
Consider taking light food when you begin your trip to avoid interfering with your digestive system.
Having a stomach upset or a digestive problem on your way will carry away all the excitement you had for the trip.
Taking too much food tampers your digestive system as blood redirects from flowing out of your body and concentrates on your digestive system.
To add to that, taking high-calorie meals triggers your glucose levels, causing tryptophan, an amino acid that promotes sleep.
Sleep will only make you a dull companion on the trip.
Final Word
Now that you are ready for your first road trip, ensure that you have followed the above tips for the first road trip. Have an enjoyable road trip free from accidents and breakdowns. On the other hand, you can consider taking the 6-hour defensive driving course, which will help you immensely on the trip.