Going on a road trip is always a good idea. It’s spontaneous and less stressful than other kinds of travel. Still, there are a lot of things that could go wrong if you’re not well prepared. Imagine that you’re on the road, hundreds of kilometres from home and civilization, and then you realize that you forgot your phone charger. This is the worst feeling yet it happens more often than not. To avoid such headaches, it’s crucial that you go through a list of hacks that ensure you’re good to go on a road trip.
From servicing your car to making a list of conversation starters, here are some road trip hacks you should know.
Plan your route in advance
Before hitting the road, it is important to plan your route well and identify rest stops, gas stations, and attractions along the way. Check where fuel stations are located so that you know where to refill when you run low on fuel. This also ensures you know a place where you can get a mechanic in case your car breaks down. You can save the locations on Google Maps which allows you to access them easily.
Pack a car emergency kit
As they say, it is always better to be safe than sorry, as such it is important to put together a car emergency kit containing essentials such as a spare tire, jumper cables, flashlight, first aid supplies, basic tools, and a roadside assistance contact number. Such that in the event of an incident or accident you will be prepared.
Service your car
One of the biggest mistakes people make when planning a road trip is forgetting to inspect their car. Most people assume that their car is in tip-top condition for a road trip either because they recently serviced it or because their car hasn’t had any major mechanical issues. However, it’s better to be safe than sorry. You should always take your car for inspection before any long trip. It’s especially important to check your tyres, brakes, fluids, air conditioning, steering and suspension as these can cause a serious accident when they’re not working properly. You should also take short breaks every 2 hours and drive for less than 8 hours a day.
Activities for the kiddos
Kids have short attention spans and they need to be entertained all the time or else they will get bored and start throwing a tantrum. When going on a road trip, make sure you pack enough activities for them to do. From skipping rope to colouring books, pack any and every stimulating activity you can think of.
Take regular breaks
Long hours of sitting in a car can be tiring and uncomfortable for both the driver and the passengers. As such, it is important to take regular breaks to stretch your legs, relax, and stay energized. You can find scenic spots or rest areas where you can take short walks to rejuvenate before continuing your journey.
Bring a car phone charger
Ensure you have a reliable car phone charger and a phone mount to keep your device charged and easily accessible for navigation purposes. This way, you won’t have to worry about your phone’s battery dying during the trip.
Bring travel pillows and blankets
Can you imagine being stuck with grumpy passengers for hours? It’s not only annoying but also it can make you, the driver, distracted. Happy passengers make a road trip enjoyable. Therefore, it’s important to make sure that your passengers are comfortable. Pack blankets and pillows so your passenger princess/prince is more comfortable.
Stay clean
Dirt can easily pile up when you’re on a road trip. Consequently, driving in a dirty car is very uncomfortable which can kill the mood and make the road trip less enjoyable. You need to stay on top of the waste situation throughout the trip to keep your car clean and smelling fresh. Carry wet wipes, disposable utensils, serviettes, trash bags and a car air freshener to help you and your passengers maintain a level of cleanliness.