Would it not be thrilling to grab a backpack, get few friends around, take a car, and hit the road? Every adrenaline addict out there has aspired to go on a road trip. It fulfills the need for adventure. For every story-teller out there, it gives a tale to narrate. Like an explorer gets an opportunity to discover new things, people on road trips get a chance to gain new experiences. Although, there are a few things that individuals must keep in mind before hitting one. An unplanned road trip might result in unfavorable consequences instead of the adventure desired. This is how one prepares for a road trip:
Decide the Destination:
It might seem alluring to randomly drive a car but there will be confusion with no particular destination. Do you have any vacation spots that you wanted to visit for a long time? Well, a road trip is the best way to finally execute that journey. Plan out the destination, the total number of days required to get there, and the necessary items needed. It would be wise to keep some extra days and items in hand in case of any delay. Map out the route to reach for the journey’s end. Choose the resting spots and decide the total hours for driving each day. Journeys do not always go as planned. Sometimes there a change of route or unusual traffic. There might be other events taking place too. To deal with such impromptu events, keep in mind all the possibilities that might occur.
Take care of the transportation:
You can choose to drive a car over and over without servicing it. You can also choose not to clean the car and go on a road trip. Though, it is assured that you might regret your choices later. The first step for any road trip is to ensure the right mode of transportation. Check its engine, tire, and seat to make sure they are clean. A car with wrappers and leftover packets will create more fuss than fun. Uncomfortable seats might cause more body ache and exhaustion. It is advised, to keep a mechanical check on the car before deciding to take it on a road trip. Instead of a small car, individuals can also drive a van or a minivan. One can decorate it with lights or as per one’s desire. It will create more excitement to have a car and adorn it according to free will.
Plan a budget:
One of the most important aspects of any journey is the total expense. Before rushing into any road trip, plan a budget. This must include the day-to-day and weekly items. Such as the cost of the fuel, food, and drinks, night stay at hotels (if needed), medications in case required. To be on the safer side, you can also keep some extra cash in hand. This is always suggested because in all possibility budget may spike higher than planned. Such as when you decide to have that extra doughnut or buy handicrafts from that particular roadside stall. Apps like GasBuddy can also help you to find the cheapest gas station based on your location.
Minimal packing is the key:
If you are going on a road trip, it is pretty evident that you should only take the basic items. The unnecessary load will only usurp more space. Keeping the season into account is one way to start packing. For instance, if one is traveling during summer s/he can pack flip flops, a few t-shirts, bottoms wear, sunglasses, etc. An emergency kit with an extra charger, flashlight, medicines, and paper towels is also needed. Road trips might get a little monotonous sometime later. Download music and podcasts to keep yourself entertained. Further, it would be better to keep the luggage at the bottom of the car’s trunk instead of the roof.
Get friends/family aboard:
Solo road trips can be fun too. On the other hand, road trips are an amazing way to get to know someone better. For those, who haven’t met their friends for ages or have been too occupied with work. Take a break and go on a road trip with your friend circle or family. Catch up with what has been missed. Road trips not only help explore new places but also oneself and others. Divide the tasks, one can drive. The other can navigate through maps. More people can join in and take care of the food and luggage. On a road trip, each individual can do the chores as per their likes.
Conclusion:
Now it is finally the time to get on board and hit the road trip. With the busy lifestyle, individuals might suffer from burnout at times. Thus, a road trip is the best way to rejuvenate oneself. Rest and spend some time with those who matter. Likewise, road trips are also more pocket-friendly than regular ones. It is so because such trips usually do not involve the expense of fancy hotels or trains or flights. Get more friends or family around and hit that trip.
To read more, click here.
Discussion about this post