Is a long weekend approaching? If you don’t have anything fun planned, you can try going on a road trip. It might happen that you haven’t planned a road trip before. You have to think about so many things, from car rental insurance to the route. But there’s nothing to be perplexed about. Just in case you need help with car rental insurance, you can check out this page. Other than that, we have jotted down tips to remember when you are planning a road trip for the first time.
1. Figure Out Where You Want To Visit
You need to figure out first where you are planning to take the road trip. People usually prefer going to the city outskirts for a road trip. You can ask people to recommend interesting places nearby. Otherwise, you can do some research yourself and figure out a place on your own. While choosing the place, think about the distance and safety.
If you have plans of coming back the same day, you should not choose a place that’s too far. Driving a long distance and coming back again might be too hectic for you. Besides, if you are taking kids with you, the place should be kid-friendly. Your kids should not feel bored while you relax on the road trip.
2. Think About The Vehicle
Another essential thing to consider while planning the road trip is to choose the vehicle. The vehicle should allow everyone to be comfortable throughout the journey. Therefore, choose a spacious vehicle as per the number of members going on the trip.
You can take your own vehicle or rent one from a reputed car service provider. If you are targeting to rent a car, check the condition of the car beforehand.You should also focus on getting car rental insurance. It will protect you as well as the car rental service from medical expenses in the event of an accident. The insurance will also cover damages to the car.
If you are taking your car, it should be in a condition to run such a long distance. You should take the car for maintenance and repair before taking it out on a long trip. If the car breaks down in the middle of the road, you might find yourself stranded in a deserted area. It is also essential to clean your car before going on a road trip. You will definitely not want to travel inside a smelly car for a long time. Lastly, don’t forget to stock up essential car accessories such as custom-fitted seat covers.
3. Decide The Road Trip Route You Want To Take
You might have different routes for reaching a particular place. Some people prefer taking the short route to reach the place more quickly. If that’s your goal, you should choose the route with the least traffic. Some people go for the long route because of the scenery. The scenic beauty that you get on some routes is worth the time it takes to reach the place. If you want to visit some spots on the way, you need to plan the route accordingly.
4. Think About The Stops Where You Can Take A Break
You will have to stop the car after a few hours to take restroom breaks. It will be beneficial if you think about the spots beforehand. You should also locate some restaurants on the way where you can have your breakfast or lunch. The vehicle you are taking should be filled with fuel. But you should also know about nearby petrol pumps on the route in case the fuel gets exhausted.
If there’s only one person who can drive the car, taking breaks in between the journey becomes more important. The person driving the car should not be exhausted as it can lead to accidents. It is prudent to take turns to drive the car if more than one person on the trip can drive. But do not stop the car at random places after every few hours as it will cause a delay in reaching the place.
5. Think About What To Carry
If you are setting up a road trip plan, you should focus on packing light. Fill up your bags with essential things before loading them with things you won’t even need on the trip. You can arrange for some dry food items like chips and cookies to munch on in the car. Do not forget to carry a first aid box and some other medicines for quick remedy in case of an emergency. Don’t forget to charge your phones and create a good playlist for the road. You should also carry a charger and power bank in case the battery of your cell dies.
While planning the itinerary of your road trip, you should remember the following suggestions. However, do not be too strict with the itinerary and be ready to be flexible if something does not happen the way you expected.