The past year made it impossible to meet your family and friends, let alone travel to exotic locations. During the pandemic, many people realized the potential of a well-planned road trip.
A road trip may not seem as exciting as jet-setting to Bora Bora, but it is a lovely way to see the country you grew up in. In addition to being budget-friendly, driving to places also offers unparalleled flexibility.
Are you going on your very first road trip? Here are some expert tips to have the best time and avoid certain bumps along the way.
Plan the Route
There is no doubt that you can get in your car and see where the roads take you. But a little bit of planning doesn’t hurt, especially if you are going on a group trip. We are not asking you to plan an hour-by-hour itinerary. Instead, plan the places you want to visit and the best way to get there. This will also ensure that you don’t exceed your budget.
Carefully Pick Travel Buddies
Speaking of group trips, give some thought to the people you want to invite. In comparison to other traveling styles, you and your friends will spend significantly more time together. You need a group of people that don’t fall apart because of a minor inconvenience.
Choose a Comfortable Ride
Your mom’s old van that you got at sixteen may get you to work every morning. But is it good enough for a cross-country road trip? The last thing anyone wants is their car breaking down in the middle of nowhere. You’ll be better off renting a reliable and comfortable ride for the trip.
Don’t Overpack
Not to be dramatic, but you cannot pack more than one bag. There is only one trunk, and it will fill up faster than you realize. Make sure you only bring the essentials and avoid packing things that you can get on the road.
Be Prepared for Tickets
While the basic traffic laws are applicable throughout the country, there are certain regulations that vary from state to state. Since you’ll be driving a long distance, we recommended looking into the unique traffic and parking laws of the states you’ll be visiting. It’s also a good idea to download the WinIt app to speedily deal with unfair tickets.
Enjoy Local Culture
Going on a road trip only to stay at a fancy resort is a majorly missed opportunity. Why not make the most of this time by exploring the local culture? Try staying at a local Airbnb or kitschy bed and breakfast. Sometimes, a roadside motel can be fun too!
Get a GPS
While maps on your smartphone will come in handy for navigation, they aren’t always reliable in areas with poor internet connectivity. Rather than getting lost in an unfamiliar city, get a dependable GPS for your car.
Create Playlists
Listening to your favorite music and singing at the top of your lungs is one of the best things about a road trip. You and your friends should create playlists for the journey. Other than that, you can also think of car games.
Pack Snacks
It’s possible that you will be driving through an isolated area with not a single soul in sight. That’s why it’s important to stock up on snacks and beverages at gas stations. Having snacks on hand will also be helpful if you’re unsure about the food quality in some places.
Wrapping Up
We’ve all seen countless movies on the lifelong connections made on road trips, which isn’t just a cliched trope. Treat yourself to a few days of spontaneity and laughter on an impromptu road trip!
