Are you ready to start a fantastic road trip? Travel planning can be complex, and making sure that you’re set up for safe and healthy travel while on the road can be overwhelming. If you follow the tips shared today, however, you might find travel to be more accessible than ever before.
Are you ready to go on the best road trip ever? Let’s get started on improving your travel planning with these great ideas.
#1: Budget Better With Discounts
Road trips are always more exciting when you aren’t stressed about going over budget. Why not budget extra in advance to ensure that you are ready to go?
Consider what memberships, such as AAA, might save you money during your travels. Always ask for this type of discount when checking into a room or grabbing tickets at an attraction; you’d be surprised at how much you might be able to save.
Find out if discounts like the State Farm safe driver discount can apply to your insurance, and use the money saved each month to help you have more available on the trip. Ask about things like senior, student, or military discounts if they apply to your group.
There’s no shame in asking about discounts! They may not always be available but can make a huge difference at times.
#2: Reserve What You Can
One of the most significant differences in traveling after COVID is that many more places require reservations. Part of the fun of a road trip is the flexibility, but spontaneity may cause you to miss out on some fantastic attractions due to this change.
Think about what you absolutely want to do, and find out if reservations need to be made. COVID-19 may have changed the precautions taken at any given location, so it is best to prepare by looking up the entrance policies.
There may not be any changes that will affect your trip, but the only way to be sure is to do your research.
#3: Be Prepared for Problems
It’d be wonderful if nothing ever went wrong while on the road, but there is always a chance that problems will occur when driving to your destination. Starting a road trip without the right emergency kit set up in your car is not great. Make sure to set yourself up for a successful journey.
Here’s a recommended car emergency kit checklist:
- Flashlight
- Cell phone charger
- Water bottles
- First-aid kit
- Rainwear
- Gloves
- Tire sealant
- Jumper cables
- Shovel
- Fire extinguisher
- Roadside flares
Additionally, consider whether there are any specific car or individual supplies that would benefit your emergency kit. Individuals traveling with children, for example, will want to make sure they have everything needed to keep children safe and happy during unexpected delays.
#4: Choose the Right Vehicle and Insurance
Is your car road-ready, or should you consider using another vehicle for your upcoming road trip?
If you use them for a road trip, cars need to be road-ready and ready to drive long distances. All vehicles can break down, but you might already know if your car is more prone to breaking down than others. Older cars can also be harder to fix up on the go or where replacement parts aren’t easily accessible, so consider this while planning.
Before you leave, make sure you check the following:
- Oil level
- Tire pressure
- Tire condition
- Carjack
- Spare tire
- Windshield wipers
- Windshield wiper fluid
- Lights
- Battery
- Keys
- Horns
- Shocks
All tune-ups need to be done before leaving. Consider your average miles driven per year and if your car has had enough maintenance to cover that wear-and-tear. Then, make sure that you have the right car insurance plan to protect you if something should happen on the road.
The most comprehensive car insurance plans have fast coverage options and things that will help you while traveling, so review all of your coverage options before hitting the road.
#5: Take Breaks to Eat and Rest
Finally, don’t drive distracted!
It can feel like you save time by multitasking and staying on the road while you eat, but this isn’t an excellent choice for several reasons. Not only does that distract you from driving, but it also makes you more exhausted because you’re missing out on valuable break time.
Take breaks. Stretch your legs and use the bathroom. Trade shifts. All of these things will help you drive safer, and that’s going to make your entire journey more enjoyable.
Find ways to make every rest stop feel like a better experience, and then you won’t feel any guilt about spending time off the road, either.
Plus, you’ll feel better if you’re well-rested and do not feel like you are stuck on the road for days. Part of the experience is the journey itself, so enjoy it and all the breaks you take!