A road trip offers you the freedom and flexibility to visit new places, stop whenever you like and enjoy the journey instead of rushing to the destination.
However, preparing for one, especially your first-ever road trip, can be quite daunting. You will be, after all, entering the unknown.
That is why it pays to do a little preparation before you go, so your experience is as enjoyable as possible.
With that in mind, here are seven things to consider.
1. Ensure Your Car Is Ready for a Long Journey
A reliable car is one of the most important parts of any road trip. The last thing you’ll want to deal with when you are hundreds of kilometres from home is a worn tyre, weak battery, or cooling problem.
For this reason, it is a good idea to arrange a service for your car. If you’ve recently had one, make a point of checking the engine oil, coolant, windscreen washer fluid and tyre pressure yourself. Also, make sure all lights work, inspect the spare tyre, and double-check that your registration, insurance and roadside assistance are current.
As much as you might like your car, you should also think honestly about whether it can handle the kind of trip you want to do. An older car, for instance, that you mainly drive in the city may struggle with rough roads, steep hills or a heavy load.
It may be worth upgrading to something better suited for road trips. If you want to do this but have had financial trouble in the past, an Azora car loan with a bad credit history may be a good solution.
2. Plan Your Road Trip Route
A road trip in the true sense of the word means jumping in your car with a full tank of petrol and just driving where the mood takes you. However, while there is something romantic about doing this, it is also worth planning a general route for where you want to go.
The best way to do this is to begin with the places you most want to see. Then identify them on a map and draw your route accordingly. Apps like Roadtrippers can help you plot a journey from A to B. However, download an offline map before leaving for reference, in case you end up in an area with patchy mobile reception.
3. Determine How Far You Should Drive Each Day
One of the most important things to remember about a road trip is that it is not a race. Obviously, you’ll only have a certain amount of time. But the journey is just as important as the destination.
Many first-timers make the mistake of trying to cover too much ground day-by-day. Indeed, driving for upwards of ten hours a day may look possible on paper. However, it can leave you tired and unable to enjoy your destination.
As a general rule, aim for around four to six hours of driving each day. It is also worth stopping at least every two hours to stretch, use the bathroom and rehydrate.
If you’re driving on unfamiliar roads, such as winding coastal routes or gravel tracks, allow extra time. Ideally, finish driving for the day before dark. This is especially important in areas where wildlife may cross the road.
4. Create a Budget
Road trips can be as cheap or expensive as you want them to be. But people are often surprised by how much they spend on a trip because they don’t plan for or track their expenses.
It is worth creating a budget to comfortably cover your trip. Typically, this should cover:
- Accommodation
- Meals, snacks and drinks
- Tolls and parking
- Entry fees and activities
- Camping or national park charges
Additionally, set aside a contingency budget for unexpected expenses, such as emergency repairs. A damaged tyre or an extra night in a motel can significantly impact a tight budget if you haven’t set aside funds for it.
5. Packing
When it comes to road-tripping, you need to strike a balance between packing enough to be prepared and not overpacking.
You’ll obviously need to pack for the weather and activities you have planned. But avoid bringing more clothes than necessary. Having too much luggage in the car reduces space and makes it harder to find what you need.
Other things you will need to bring include your:
- Driver’s licence
- Insurance details
- Required permits
- Toiletries and skincare products
- First Aid Kit
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Esky with food and drinks
- Phone chargers
6. Accommodation
Some road trippers prefer to find accommodation as they go, which adds a certain adventure to proceedings. However, if you’re unlucky, you may find yourself driving around, struggling to find a place as the light starts fading.
For your peace of mind, booking a place to stay in advance can save you money, reduce stress, and give you a clear endpoint for the day. It is especially worth doing this if you are visiting popular coastal towns and national parks, which may fill up weeks in advance.
Several accommodation sites offer you free cancellation within 24 hours of your booking. This gives you the security of having something booked, with the freedom to stay flexible with your plans.
7. Stay Comfortable During a Long Drive
If you plan to do a lot of driving, make sure you are as comfortable as possible. Adjust your seat before setting off, and position the mirrors so you don’t have to twist your body to see surrounding traffic.
Ideally, wear loose, comfortable clothing and use the air conditioning or heating as needed. You should also drink water regularly. But avoid sugary drinks and large amounts of caffeine.
Where possible, keep the cabin tidy. Loose bottles, bags, and food containers can become annoying or dangerous if they roll beneath the pedals.
