Road trips are one of the most popular holiday types. Setting out on the open roads enables you to travel at your own pace, explore new places and create a customized itinerary. If you’re planning a road trip, it’s wise to get organized. It’s not always easy to execute a stress-free, enjoyable road trip. Here’s a handy guide to ensure your next break is memorable for all the right reasons.
Use a suitable vehicle
The first step to planning a successful road trip is to use a suitable vehicle. If you’ve got a reliable car, you may be all set for your tarmac-based adventure. If your lease contract is due to expire before your holiday, or your vehicle has seen better days, you may be exploring different options. There are two main routes to consider. Firstly, you can swap your car for a different vehicle. Secondly, you could hire a vehicle specifically for the trip. This might work better if you want to reduce accommodation costs, for example. Hiring an RV, motorhome or campervan will enable you to stay in the vehicle as well as get from A to B.
If you choose to replace your car before the trip, it’s beneficial to compare offers and deals and decide whether you want to look at new or used cars. New vehicles are less likely to break down and they may have all kinds of impressive features to enhance safety and comfort and provide entertainment. Used cars are usually significantly cheaper than new vehicles. If you opt for a used car, you may find that you can afford a better spec or model, for example. Visit dealerships and showrooms and test drive different makes and models. Take extra care when buying from private vendors or bidding for second-hand cars online. If possible, visit the seller and check everything is as described before you buy.
Plan your route
Road trips are popular because they allow you to discover places at your own speed. You can stop as regularly as you like and reach remote locations. Traveling by road can also save a lot of time if you’d have to change buses or trains or wait for multiple connections. Before you travel, plan your road trip route. Choose a final destination and figure out your itinerary. How many times do you want to stop? Which roads will you take? What do you want to do en route? Where are you going to stay? Your plan should answer all these questions. Think about how you want to spend your time. Do you want to prioritize the final location and get there as fast as possible, or are you planning adventures on your travels?
If you’re stopping frequently on your route, research activities, tours, attractions and excursions. You may need to book tickets or passes online. It’s also helpful to check opening times. You don’t want to pull up after a long journey to find that an attraction you’ve been desperate to see is closed. If you’ve got a bit of time in one place, leave space in your itinerary for spontaneous trips and activities. Ask the locals for recommendations.
Pack wisely
There are two goals when it comes to packing for a road trip. The first is to pack for the journey. The second is to make sure you have everything you need for the rest of the trip. For your travels, you’ll need comfortable clothes, plenty of snacks and drinks and things to keep you entertained. If you’ve got kids, bring lots of toys and books and download movies and fun games. Carry a first aid kit and make sure you’ve got essentials for every traveler. If you’ve got a baby, for example, make sure you’ve got easy access to bottles, toys and a changing bag. For the rest of the holiday, pack according to your itinerary and the weather forecast. Think about what you have planned and check the conditions. You may need layers and waterproofs if the forecast is mixed. Try to save space by using packing squares or rolling clothes and sharing items like toiletries.
Carry out pre-trip checks
Some disruptions are inevitable, but you can often reduce the risk of breaking down or encountering traffic issues by carrying out basic pre-trip checks. At least a week before you go, inspect your vehicle carefully. Check the tires, water and oil levels and make sure you’re up to date with services. If you’re overdue, call and book a service before you travel. It’s also important to seek advice if you notice unusual smells or noises, or your vehicle doesn’t feel right. It’s best to get any issues checked out before you go. If you’re using your own car rather than renting a vehicle, check that your insurance policy is in date.
Just before you set off, check traffic reports. If there’s been an accident, or there are closures due to road works, for example, this will save you from getting stuck in huge queues. Look for information about delays and diversions. Try to avoid traveling at peak times. In most cases, it’s best to get on the road early or wait until the evening to travel.
Schedule stops
Sitting in the car for hours on end can be uncomfortable and tiring, especially if you’re driving. Scheduling stops is a good way to break up the journey and maintain high energy levels. If you’re covering a long distance, breaks also enable you to explore new places and see and do interesting or fun things. Plan your stops in advance. You can draw up a rough plan to decide where you’ll eat, get fuel and stretch your legs. You can also highlight places you want to visit for a longer break, for example, a zoo, castle, country house, shopping center or theme park.
It’s particularly important to think about stops if you’re heading off the beaten track. You may need to find the last major town or service station to stock up on petrol and supplies before you reach more remote areas.
Get some rest
We tend to think of road trips in two ways. We either conjure up the romantic, Hollywood-style movie road trip scene or think about stressed-out parents, warring couples and fed-up kids. The reality of a road trip can hit early in the journey, especially if you don’t get enough rest. When you’re tired, you’re more likely to be irritable and snappy. It can feel like everyone is on top of each other when you’re crammed in a car surrounded by bags and cases. Stop regularly and avoid driving for long periods. Allow time for everyone to get some sleep. If you’re on holiday with young children, it can be helpful to try to stick to their usual nap routine as much as possible.
Create some new playlists
Listening to music can make journeys more fun and help to keep spirits high. Before you go away, ask everyone to make a new playlist. Take turns to put personalized playlists on and add a few that will cater to all tastes. You can also download podcasts and audiobooks to keep boredom at bay.
Be patient
It’s frustrating when things don’t go to plan, but be patient. Heavy traffic, bad weather and unexpected road closures can all be inconvenient, but don’t let them ruin your holiday. If you’re heading towards a long queue, make the most of a bad situation. Get off the road, stop for a drink and a bite to eat and resume the journey once delays have eased. Alternatively, take a different route and visit an attraction or stop for a longer lunch or dinner. Try not to panic or get stressed if you don’t follow your itinerary to the minute. There’s nothing you can do if you are stuck in traffic or you have to take a diversion. Stay calm and try to find solutions.
Enjoy the journey
Road trips are a different type of holiday. Normally, we’re fully focused on the final destination. We can’t wait to get off a plane and get to a beach or step off the train and explore a new city. If you’ve chosen to do a road trip, embrace the adventure from start to finish. Enjoy the journey. Find things to do and places to see on your travels. Make the most of quality time together. How often do you get a chance to sit and talk to your parents, children, siblings or partner for hours without any disruptions or distractions?
Road trips offer golden opportunities to explore incredible places and plan bespoke itineraries. This type of holiday can be magical, but there are lots of pitfalls to avoid. Traveling long distances in cramped conditions can be stressful and there’s always a risk of traffic jams and unexpected delays. To help you avoid or navigate common problems, plan ahead and get organized. Work out your route, schedule regular stops and make sure everyone gets enough rest. Find places to refuel, eat, drink and sleep. Plan your itinerary, pack wisely and make the most of the journey. Chat, listen to music, play games and have fun. Look for things to see and do en route and get everyone involved in the planning process. Check your vehicle in advance. If you’re due to change cars before your trip, explore different options and offers and make sure the vehicle is safe and reliable.
