All traveling can be stressful, but road trips especially. You’re cramped in a car. You might have kids or dogs who are driving you crazy. You might be with family or friends that you only see a few times a year, and the pressure is on to make it a lovely time. This is why we came up with a list of useful tips and tricks to make your next journey more enjoyable.
Lots of these tips can be applied to other forms of traveling as well.
Plan your route in advance
The key is to plan ahead! Even if you’ve done some version of this trip before, it’s always important to plan your route in advance so you know what lies ahead of you—and what might slow you down. We love using Google Maps as it allows you to see not only where you are heading, but also keep you updated with the traffic.
Researching the route allows you to see which rest areas are available, where gas stations are located, and will help you map out your driving time. The next thing you need to do is make sure there are no toll roads on your route (unless you want them). Most toll roads charge upwards of $10 per toll! Some routes can have 3-4 tolls in one stretch of highway. so make sure that these aren’t included in your route.
Don’t forget to keep emergency numbers handy, in case you find yourself in a dangerous situation.
Make sure your ride is in good shape
Make sure that your vehicle is up for the challenge and is a reliable car. There’s nothing worse than being broken down by the side of the road in some random town, in the middle of nowhere. You want to make sure that your car is well maintained, and checked out by a professional mechanic before hitting the road. You may need to get new tires or change the oil; these are small things that will make a big difference in how your car runs during your road trip.
Pack snacks and drinks
If you’re traveling with others, it’s important that everyone agree beforehand on what kind of snacks and drinks they want available for the journey. If you know someone has allergies or dietary preferences, be sure to accommodate for them. Some good suggestions for healthy snacks include granola bars, fresh fruit, trail mix, and popcorn. Everyone should also stay hydrated along the way!
Create a playlist
There’s nothing better than listening to good music on the road. Whether it’s an upbeat playlist for when you want to sing along or a mellow one for when you need to relax, music is essential for any road trip. If you want to learn new things, listen to some podcasts about topics that interest you. You never know what you might stumble upon!
Dress for the occasion
When it comes time to start your trip, you will want everyone in your vehicle to be as comfortable as possible. If you are planning on driving long distances, it is a good idea to dress in clothing that is loose fitting so that it does not restrict blood flow or cause chafing. One of the most important things to remember is to wear shoes that have enough room in the toes for a comfortable fit. Stay away from wearing high heels, or sandals if you are driving.
Feel free to save and download this checklist for your next road trip:
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