Road trips are one of the best and most exciting forms of vacation. Whether it is a several hours drive or a thrilling cross-country trip, it can be one of the most memorable experiences ever. However, you need to ensure that it is not unforgettable for the wrong reasons.
These ten tips will help you avoid boredom and confrontations and will make your road trip perfect.
- Make a plan with your passengers
One of the main issues that might arise during road trips is the dispute between passengers. Even if you are traveling with your special one or close friends, there still might be some disagreements if you have not agreed on the plan in advance. Otherwise, everyone’s mood will be spoiled, and you might have to drive in silence. Therefore, it is better to make a plan with your passengers to avoid unpleasant situations.
What kind of trip will it be? The one where the destination is more important, so you are trying to get there as fast as possible, or the one where the journey and explorations are the main points. You will have a great time if everyone is on the same page.
- Prepare a budget
Budgeting is crucial when you are going on a road trip. If you are traveling with others, you must agree on the budget together. It might not be the exact figure you are spending, but you need to decide how and where are you spending the money.
For example, decide on the following:
- If you are going to stop in a hotel or a hostel, or maybe you will camp by car;
- Where are you going to have lunch
Then, when you work on the budget together, everyone will have the exact expectations, and there will be no tension whatsoever.
- Take your time to make a perfect playlist
Another thing you need to prepare in advance is the playlist. Do not depend on the radio only, as you might be traveling on the roads where the signal is not that strong. And it is never fun to sit in a car in silence.
Downloading several playlists will save you a lot of trouble. Choose the songs you and your passengers love, include upbeat songs to keep the energy level high, and maybe ask them to prepare their playlists too.
- Decide where you stop
It is a good idea to decide on the key places you will stop during the trip. Check out the sight seeings and choose what you will see during your road trip. It will be much better than driving countless hours on the road. You and your passengers will have a great time visiting different places and will not miss any must-see places.
- Plan for some extra time
We talk a lot about planning, but road trips do not always go according to plan. There might be roadside attractions you or your passengers want to see, do not miss the opportunities because you want to follow the timeline. Road trips must be adventurous and joyful.
If you plan the extra time for situations like these, you can enjoy additional stops more.
- Get locals’ advice on the best spots to stop
You might google the best places to stop before your trip, but locals always know just the perfect spots. Locals can teach you where to find the best coffee, a delicious meal, or simply what to see in the area. They know the place better than any review website you might find on the internet.
- Have some cash on you
You must know that credit and debit cards are not welcome everywhere. You might need some cash to purchase items in the villages or even in some small cities. To be on the safe side, it is better to carry some hard cash with you.
- Don’t forget the snacks
Do not forget to take some snacks with you. However, going on a road trip does not mean taking a vacation from your healthy habits. So bring the snacks you enjoy, but do not go overboard with junk food. Instead, take some fruits and veggies and do not forget water. Snacks like this will keep you energized during the whole trip.
- Trip early and drive during daylight
It is always better to start your road trip early morning. This way, you will avoid the traffic before you leave the city. At the same time, driving in daylight is much safer. Keep the evenings and nights for a good rest and sleep. Moreover, based on where you are going, you might run into some wild animals during the night.
- Have some exercise breaks
Sitting in the car for a long time can be mentally and physically tiring. So do not wait until you get to your next destination to have some rest. Instead, have some exercise breaks to move your body a bit. It will keep your energy level high, and you will be in a much better mood.