Now that summer is getting into full swing, the time for road trips is upon us. So, to ensure you have the most fun, efficient, and memorable trip that you can, here are some road trip travel tips to keep you rolling.
1. Plan. Where do you want to end up, and what do you want to see on the way? Planning not only the destination, but the route, can make sure that you see everything you want to see. The journey can be just as fun as the destination. Also, make sure whatever vehicle or mode of transportation that you intend on using is fully operational, so as to avoid any unneeded hassles.
2. Choose companions wisely. If you are an easy going person who likes to go with the flow and see where your travels take you, it may not be the best idea to travel with someone who likes to keep moving and keep a strict schedule. Find someone who you can compromise with and that you know you can have fun with.
3. Go with the flow. Even if you are the type of person who likes to keep strict schedules, things happen and plans may need to be changed. If you can't be flexible, the first thing that can go wrong could ruin your time. There could be construction, unexpected closings, or you may find something new that seems worth checking out. Don't pass up experiences just to keep on time.
4. Be prepared. You never know what could go wrong, so it helps to be prepared for anything that could come up. Rain? You have that poncho and umbrella. Sun? Sunscreen and a hat. Injury? Grab that first aid kit. Flat tire in the middle of the night? Flashlights and a spare. If you are well prepared, no obstacle will stand in the way of you having a great time.
5. Try new things. Don't be afraid of new experiences. Try that restaurant, go to that show, take a hike. The point of traveling is to see and experience new things, so don't let fear keep you from making memories of a lifetime.
6. Budget. This may sound like a boring thing that no one wants to do, but to travel, you need some money. You don't want to get halfway through the trip and find out that you have no more money. Plan gas expenses, food, lodging, and activities that you for sure want to do, and leave some pocket change just in case.
(Bonus tip: look up tolls, currency exchange tax, sales tax, and any other regional expense changes, so you know how to spend your money wisely)
7. Car entertainment. Bringing music or an audio book helps pass time on the in between driving times. Music is a great way to get people pumped up and having a good time. Have each person make a playlist of music that they love, and then rotate the music so everyone can share. Also, an audiobook is great if people need some downtime, but don't want to sit in awkward silence. Car games can also be a fun way to pass the time. Look up some road games such as the license plate game or the alphabet game.
8. Journal the trip. Though it may seem like homework, writing down details of what you did at the end of each day helps to ensure that no small moment of fun is forgotten. Being able to look back on your trips in journals is a nice way to reminisce.
9. Take pictures. Pictures are a cheap souvenir that can be looked back on years in the future to remind you of the amazing places you visited, with the amazing people you journeyed with.
10. Take your time. Rushing through places doesn't allow to truly take everything in. Also, make sure you keep well rested. Though you don't want to miss out on anything, if you run yourself ragged, things won't be as much fun. Exhaustion can cause bad attitudes, feeling ill, and you just won't be up to doing everything.
By incorporating these tips into your next road trip, your time will be fun, efficient, and memorable. Keep on exploring.
