Taking your first road trip can be an unforgettable experience, but it's essential to be prepared. While any long journey overland promises plenty of excitement and benefits, they're not without challenges. It's more than just jumping in your car and hitting the road.
Fortunately, getting ready doesn't have to be overwhelming. Focusing on a few practical tips can make the process smooth and stress-free. With the proper preparation, you'll be on the road, enjoying your adventure in no time.
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Why a Road Trip?
Before we get into the details, it's worth pondering why you should consider a road trip in the first place. Friends and family could've been on a few before and kept telling you to give it a go. There are more than a few reasons for this. It's one of the more accessible vacations you can take, and you'll have a lot of control over where you go and when.
On top of that are a few other benefits, like:
- Seeing More of the Country – On a traditional vacation, you often only experience a small part of your destination. But with a road trip, you can explore many sights along the way. The unexpected places you discover can be especially appealing and are often worth the detour.
- Having More Room for Luggage and Souvenirs – Packing for a vacation that involves flying can be challenging, especially when you want to bring souvenirs home. However, this is easier on a road trip because you have more space to carry everything with you.
- Saving Money – One of the more notable benefits of a road trip is you'll save a lot of money. Flights can be expensive, and you'll save money even when you factor in the cost of the gas. You can even bring food to save more money than you would've thought.
- Being Able to Bring Pets – Pet owners know how challenging and costly bringing their furry friends on vacation can be. However, this becomes much easier on a road trip. However, this becomes much easier on a road trip. Although you’ll still need to find pet-friendly accommodations, you won’t have to deal with the hassle of bringing a pet on a flight.
- Spending Quality Time with Companions – On a road trip, you’ll spend a lot of time with your travel companions, giving you the perfect chance to bond and enjoy quality time together. It’s an opportunity to create lasting memories, share conversations, and have fun.
These benefits might be enough to convince you to take your first road trip. However, it’s not just a matter of jumping in the car and taking off—you need to be properly prepared. While you might think this requires a lot of time and effort, it doesn’t have to.
With a focus on a few practical tips, the process can be surprisingly easy. Below are seven specific tips that can make a big difference, helping you enjoy your first road trip more than you might expect. It’s worth exploring each one.
7 Road Trip Tips
1. Inspect Your Car
Given how much you'll be relying on your car during your road trip, ensuring there are no mechanical issues before you get going is important. A little effort can go a long way. Usually, this means having a mechanic inspect your car for any problems with the engine or other systems.
Even if your car seems fine, you don't want to be surprised by an undiagnosed problem once you're already on the road. A quick check-up will only take a little time and can save you a lot of stress during your trip.
2. Get Your Home in Order
Although this isn't directly related to the trip, ensuring your home is secure and taken care of before you leave is essential. Making sure it's locked up is just the start. Taking out garbage and recycling, doing the dishes, getting rid of food that'll spoil while you're gone, and other routine tasks may be required. When you return home, you don't want to deal with any unexpected smells (or bugs).
Consider giving a trusted neighbor or family member a key to bring in the mail and water plants, and generally keep an eye on your home every day or two. Consider putting at least one indoor light on a timer so it turns on at night; an easy way to deter potential thieves.
3. Have Emergency Contact Information
Something can always go wrong on a road trip, just as with any vacation. Still, the added concern of car trouble makes preparation even more critical. It's wise to be ready for any situation. Keep emergency contact information for medical professionals and others on hand. Don't forget to have the number for reliable roadside assistance services. Even if you don't need them, these resources can be invaluable if an issue arises.
4. Download Your Entertainment
Entertainment is essential for any road trip, and while much of it will come from chatting and playing games with your companions, you’ll also want other options. For example, when you’re at your accommodation, you might want to watch a movie or TV show. This can be tricky in remote locations or without a reliable internet connection, so planning ahead is wise. Download shows, movies, and other entertainment before you hit the road to ensure you’re covered.
5. Get Plenty of Sleep
Driving while sleep-deprived is dangerous, so getting enough rest each night is crucial. If you share driving duties, you can catch up on sleep during the day but don't neglect your nightly rest. Aim for at least eight hours of sleep to ensure you're alert behind the wheel. Prioritize sleep in your schedule to avoid feeling drowsy while driving, and you'll stay safe on the road.
6. Book Accommodation in Advance
Choosing the right accommodation can make or break a successful road trip, so it’s important to plan ahead. Book all your accommodations before you set off to ensure you have a place to stay each night. Waiting until the last minute could leave you without a spot or stuck with options you don’t like. Booking in advance also helps you plan your route and activities more effectively.
7. Don’t Forget to Budget
While road trips are generally more affordable than other types of vacations, they still come with expenses. Accommodation, gas, food, and similar costs can add up, so it’s important to budget for them. Set aside some funds for any emergencies that might arise. Plan a budget that covers all your needs for the trip. It doesn’t have to be large, but it should be enough to cover everything comfortably.
Wrapping Up
After your first road trip, you'll quickly understand why many people love them. It can be an incredible experience that you're sure to enjoy. However, don't just jump in the car and go—proper preparation is key to making the most of it. Luckily, getting ready doesn't have to be time-consuming or complicated. With a few practical tips, you'll be on the road and having fun in no time. Given all the benefits a road trip offers, there's every reason to try it.
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This story is published in partnership with Action Towing.
Planning a trip? Go Backpacking recommends:
- G Adventures for small group tours.
- Hostelworld for booking hostels.
