Hi lovelies,
We have all seen the movies when the heroine (or hero) is driving down a long, empty road. There is the perfect soundtrack in the background, the views are stunning. And, of course, they stay in multiple motels along the way. Who doesn’t want to do that once in their lives?
Well, here is your quick guide to the perfect road trip.
Loosely Plan
Most people heading on a road trip have a finite amount of time to do it. They likely have a rough destination or round-trip in mind too. Well, you should follow suit here. Have a rough plan, but nothing rigid.
To make it feel a little bit more like an adventure, and less like a perfectly executed plan, play it a little loose. Plan things like how many hours a day you’ll drive, and roughly what times and perhaps a few stops on the way too.
Pack Light
While it might be tempting to take clothing for all eventualities, try and pack as lightly as possible. Comfortable clothing is a must for driving and getting great rest. But head off with the idea that you are going to be collecting things from your travels.
Things like a handmade blanket, or jars of honey. Simple things that you can take home to remind you of your perfect road trip - while you ‘loosely plan’ the next one.
Money
While most gas stations do take plastic, there might be occasions where the system is down, or they don’t have the connection to run the tech. You are going to be buying a lot of gas, so try to have a range of notes, coins and your card ready at all times.
Coins are particularly great for vending machines if you happen to get peckish while you’re topping up the car.
Car
You need to make sure that your vehicle is in excellent condition. While you are in the city, you can probably be assured that if you breakdown there will be services or people to help nearby.
But on long stretches with not many stops breaking down is the last thing you want. It is also wise to have printed copies of your insurance documents, and the number for a great firm with great lawyers - because you never know what might happen. Remember to have water, windscreen wash, a sponge and a spare tyre too.
Location
If you are going by yourself, or even just you and a friend then use a location tracking app and link it to someone back home. iPhone has ‘find friends’, and android phones can use Google Family Link has the ability to track people’s whereabouts too.
An alternative to this is sending a text message to someone each evening with your location, check out time and the next check-in point. On the off chance that anything happens, it is better to have people in the know and a track record of where you have been.
Music
If you are driving for 80 hours, try to get a playlist with all of the songs you love (there are probably hundreds when you get into it), aim for 82 hours of music. Shuffle will be your best friend here too.
You can use your mobile phone and hook it up to a Bluetooth speaker or your car. If you want to be even more stripped back, then get plenty of CDs instead!
You will need plenty of water and healthier snacks in the car too, so bring along an extra bag for rubbish so you can dispose of the wrappers properly.
Photo credit: Photo by averie woodard on Unsplash