Top 11 Road Trip Tips

There is no doubt about it: road trips are the ultimate adventure. No matter where you’re headed, and whether you plan to drive straight through to your destination, stop along the way to sleep at hotels or motels, or even camp out in your car, you just can’t beat the excitement of a road trip. To make sure the whole trip goes smoothly, here are some tips to take into consideration before and after you hit the road.

Clean Your Car

There’s no doubt you’ll pick up wrappers, receipts, and more along the way, so you’ll be much better off if you clean out all this junk from your car before you head out. There’s nothing better than getting into a clean car, from the freshly vacuumed floor to the empty door pockets and clean cup holders. You won’t regret taking the time to clean everything out before you get started and add more junk to the pile.

Get Your Vehicle Checked

Bring your car to the shop for a complete once-over before leaving on a long road trip. Have the mechanic check everything from the tires to the oil and the battery. If you’re headed someplace warm, you should also have the air conditioning checked. You don’t want to drive into 90-degree temperatures and realize that your a/c needed a charge.

Come Up With a Plan

It’s always a good idea to have a plan and to work it out with your fellow passengers. Do you want to take your time getting to your destination and see some sights along the way, or do you need to get somewhere as fast as possible? Make sure you are all on the same page.

You’ll also want to plan your general route, keeping in mind that it might need to change if you run into traffic or road work. 

Create a Road Trip Playlist

If you’re traveling alone, create a playlist of all your favorite tunes, and if you’re traveling with family or friends, work together to come up with a playlist that you all enjoy. Having this set ahead of time will not only make the ride more relaxing or hyped-up if that’s the type of music you like, it’s also safer. You don’t want to be fiddling with your phone while you are driving. 

Plan for Extra Time on the Road

As mentioned before, it’s a good idea to have a general plan, but leave some extra time for unexpected experiences. You don’t want to have to pass by one-of-a-kind roadside attractions because you just didn’t leave enough time. Stopping at these types of attractions also gives you a chance to get out of the car and stretch your legs and move around a little. 

Pack Snacks Before You Leave

The right food can make or break your trip. Pack enough snacks to last the whole trip, and make sure you have a good variety. Some junk food is expected, but don’t go overboard. You might regret not having enough healthy snacks once you are on the road for a while. Fill up several water bottles before you leave so you don’t have to buy plastic bottles on the road. This is not only cheaper, it’s better for the environment. 

If you need to stop for snacks along the way, don’t buy them at a gas station. Use your phone or maps to find a grocery store. It will have a better variety, and you’ll save money.

Don’t Let the Gas Gauge (Battery) Get Too Low

The best way to ensure you never run out of gas or electric power is to fill up or charge up every time you stop. If you always have a full tank or battery, you won’t run into any problems if you have to drive through an area where there are no gas stations. 

Avoid Rush Hour Traffic

If you can, plan your route to avoid rush hour traffic, especially in cities. Another important tip is to avoid dinner and lunchtimes if you stop for food. You don’t want to waste time on your trip sitting in traffic or waiting for a table. Eat meals before or after busy times, and travel during the slower times on the highway. It’s easy to avoid traffic jams with a GPS with live traffic information. If you do find yourself in a situation where the traffic gets backed up, make sure you have WAZE on your phone to help with navigation. 

Book Attractions Ahead

If there are certain attractions you want to see along the way, book your tickets ahead of time. Depending on where you go and what time of year it is, many attractions will sell out. Having tickets will keep you on track and ensure that you don’t miss your must-sees. 

Take Lots of Pictures

Make sure to document your trip by taking lots of pictures along the way. When you’re telling friends about what you saw, you’ll want to be able to show them. When you look back on the trip a few years from now, having the pictures to go with the memories will bring it to life. 

Prepare for Extreme Weather

Whether you’re traveling in the winter when you could run into a snowstorm or in the summer or spring when you could encounter thunderstorms and heavy rain, be prepared. Pack the right type of clothing for the weather, and make sure you have extra clothes if you need to change into something dry. 

Bring chains if your road trip takes you through snowy areas, and make sure your vehicle not only has good tires but snow tires if you need them.

Follow these tips for your next road trip, and it’s sure to be a success. Before you head out, stop by Koons Woodbridge Buick GMC to find the perfect road trip vehicle. Whether you want a large SUV with room for all your friends and gear, or something smaller and fuel-efficient, you can find what you need. 

Image via Flickr by Lars Plougmann  | Licensed by CC BY-SA 2.0

Tags: Auto Service Tips, Road Trip
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