As we embrace the warmer weather, hundreds of thousands of Americans will pack up and go on a road trip. With more people hitting the road, the chances that something will go awry rise.
However, for intrepid travelers who’re hitting the road this summer, there are steps to take that will ensure the trip goes as smoothly as it can.
Where Ya Headed?
Before coming up with a timeframe or budget for your trip, you should have some idea of where you’re going. If you live in the East, you might want to take a trip to Carlsbad, CA. If you’re in the west, how about something on the East coast – like NYC? Think about creating a Google List of places you’d like to visit. Once you’ve done that, you can begin to plan your route.
If there’s no place, in particular, that’s calling to you, why not pick a place based on your zodiac sign, or even start visiting states one by one until you’ve got the lower 48 under your belt?
The Money
If you’re making this trip with your family, sit down and determine how much money you can afford for the trip. Your budget will have an effect on things like your dining options, sleeping accommodations, the length (time) of the trip, and the distance you’ll be able to travel. It will also determine whether you’ll drive your own vehicle or rent a larger one.
Choose Your Companions
If you aren’t traveling with family, just like the Doctor, you might want to choose a few companions to share your journey. One fun thing to do is to each have a travel journal that you record interesting things in. When you return from your trip you can compare the journals and relive the trip through shared memories. Either way, having friends or family along on your trip will make it even more special and memorable. Remember that you’ll be stuck in a vehicle with your companions for hours on end, so choose them wisely.
Get the Car Ready
Maybe you’ll decide to rent a car. Maybe you’ll take your own. If you’re going to take your own, you need to get it ready for your road trip. At least a week before hitting the road, you’ll want to take your vehicle to the shop for an inspection. You really don’t want to be stuck with a breakdown on the side of the road a hundred miles from civilization or have to listen to squealing and grinding brakes for thousands of miles.
Even if you’ve made the decision to rent a vehicle for the trip, you’ll still need to get all your supplies in order before heading out. You should have the necessary tools (and the know-how) for changing a tire, as well as a roadside emergency kit, a first aid kit, a flashlight, and water bottles at a minimum. It would also be a good idea to have a blanket or two, some snacks, jumper cables, and a phone charger (not that any of us leave home without one). For messes and spills on the road, you’ll need paper towels, wet wipes, and trash bags.
Make the Playlist
This might be the most important part. Go to Spotify and create a playlist with your travel companions that all of you can add your fave tunes to. Before leaving, make sure to download your playlist so that you’ll be able to listen offline. No one wants the music to end just because you lost the signal on those back roads.
Now you’re ready to go. Make sure that you drive safely and have a good time!
