Almost every other person I talk to wants to take a road trip at least once in their lives. But in reality, only a few do. It usually because they are bogged down by responsibilities and don’t find the time. Let me tell you that time is never going to come. Unless you take control and carve out the time for your first road trip.
If you have finally managed to do that, the excitement might be very high. Channel your excitement and use to plan your first road trip to avoid any major glitches down the road:
Plan Your Route
If this is your first road trip, I would recommend keeping your route simple and your destination close-by. Start with your end destination in mind. Take out a map and create your route. You won’t be traveling to your end destination in one go. It’s not possible, and besides what’s the fun in a road trip when you don’t make any stops.
Decide how many miles you can drive in a day. Don’t get excited and drive more than you can. You need your rest. Select your rest steps according to your daily mile limit. A good idea is to search the internet for motels and lodgings before you start the road trip. Read up on their reviews and the amenities they offer. Just don’t make any bookings in advance. You don’t know if you might need to make any unscheduled stops along the way.
Create Your Budget
Once your destination and route are planned, the next step is to work on your budget. Your budget will probably depend heavily on the amount of savings you have. Allocate money for gas, rooms, and food.
If you are low on budget, opt for cheaper motels and restaurants. You can even get an RV to save money on lodgings, and cook your food on your own. Cooking your own food is not only cheaper but also healthier. You might not even find good quality food in your usual road-side motels.
If this is supposed to be your big road trip, I suggested settling your debts before leaving. This way you can start your road trip with a clear mind and de-stressed mind. You can choose from these Best Debt Settlement Companies (Our Top 4 Debt Relief Picks for 2018) if you need to create a payment plan for your previous debts.
Get Your Vehicle Trip Ready
Your vehicle is the single most important part of your trip. Choose your vehicle carefully. Some good cars that are suitable for a road trip are convertibles and small SUVs. You can also take a motorbike if you are planning to take the trip alone. But with a motorbike, you will be quite limited with the luggage you can take.
Choose a vehicle that has a good gas mileage. You will probably be spending a good portion of your budget on gas, so the better the mileage the lower will be your expenses.
If you plan on taking your own vehicle, take it to your mechanic for a tune-up. Ask him to check for any problems. Let him know you are going on a road trip. He should be checking the fluids, bearings battery, belts and hoses. You should most definitely keep a functional spare tire with you. A good option is to change your oil and make sure all lights are in working order.
Select Your Entertainment
A road trip can easily become boring. It isn’t like the road trips you see in the movies. The long stretch of road can even put you to sleep. To avoid this, compile CDs of your favorite music. You can even save some on your cell phone. Jazz up your trip with some good music. If you are taking friends or family with you, you can also bring books and magazines to keep them entertained.
Pack Smartly
Pack for comfort. You are probably traveling for adventure. You wouldn’t possibly be attending weddings or formal parties. So keep your clothes casual. Don’t fill up your car with extra luggage. You might be needing space later.
Pack a few snacks and water bottles, in case you don’t hit a rest stop when you need one. Some other useful things to pack are a first aid kit, safety supplies, flashlight, extra phone battery, and some spare change.
Don’t Stress Out
The most important thing is to have fun. A road trip might sound intimidating during the planning stage, but it’s one of the most refreshing journeys of your life. The simple task of driving on a long road clears out your mind and de-stresses you. Make the most of your journey. Make a few unscheduled stops to take pictures or just enjoy the beautiful backdrop.
