Road trips are so much fun with friends and family. It teaches us to enjoy the journey and not worry about the destination and that the journey is just as important and full of experiences. Imagine playing music, the cool wind on your face, and the company of your loved ones. What else can a person want at the moment? To make this moment even better here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind:
1. Plan the trip and stops
Any activity starts with planning first especially when you are on a budget. Planning smart is the key. So, make plans regarding every activity. Keep it detailed and have a clear picture of where to stay, how to travel (rental car, own car, train, plane, or ship), and keep in mind the time you want to spend traveling. Planes, ships, and trains have their designated stops which you don't have any control over but when it comes to road trips, plan your stops wisely. Make regular stops so that the driver does not get tired and the passengers can get space to stretch and walk around. Things to keep in mind:
- Does the place where you are stopping have a hotel or not?
- Does your stop have restaurants nearby?
- Are there any garage or car repair shops?
- Do the stops have stations to refill gas?
2. Check and repair your car
Before going on the trip get your car checked out. The things that should be checked and kept in mind are:
- The air pressure of all the tires is optimum.
- Airbags, breaks, and gear should be functioning well.
- The fuel should be full.
- Have a spare tire and a stepney in your car.
- Have your car door lock checked.
- Make sure any other mechanical error is not there in the vehicle.
3. Have an emergency kit
Always carry an emergency kit with you. Emergencies could include accidents, natural disasters, health issues, etc. Be prepared for any such situation. Pack the following things for sure:
- First aid kit – The kit should be customized and should have all your medicines. Include band-aids, medicines (for digestive problems, antibiotics, betadine, paracetamol, aspirin, cold medicines, allergy medicines, etc), gloves, mask, emergency number book, etc.
- Carry ready-to-eat food and healthy protein bars. They would be helpful if the glucose drops or you get stuck in a situation.
- Carry fluids like energy drinks, glucose, water, and other packed or homemade drinks.
4. Be clear about your itinerary
If you get confused about what activities you should do, you can end up either spending more money or missing out on fun activities. Know what your destination and your journey offer. Plan accordingly and make all the bookings in advance. This saves not just money but also time. If you can avoid delays on the trip then it would become easier to save more money on accommodation, travel, and food.
5. Pack accordingly
Carry minimum baggage! The lesser baggage you carry freer you can be to enjoy and not worry about your belongings. Make a list of the most important things. Things that are your priority pack them and try eliminating the rest. Have more space in your car so that you can lie comfortably and enjoy yourself. Don't forget to carry a map in case the phone dies.
6. At least have two people who can drive
On long road trips, driving can be tiring. Sitting for long hours can cause back pain. Make sure to switch and let others drive. Resting and having enough sleep is important for the driver as most accidents are caused by sleep-deprived drivers according to surveys.
7. Rent a car
If you own a small car or no car, rent one. Renting cars for road trips is economical. You can choose any car which would be suitable for you concerning space and its features. The charges are on daily basis along with refundable security. Bring along as many friends as you would like and rent the car accordingly. Car rentals are located almost everywhere.
8. Take care of the budget
Budgeting is very important when it comes to traveling. Money is all you need sometimes to stay out of dangerous and uncomfortable situations. If you are traveling that puts you more at risk. Following are the ways by which you can make sure that you don't go broke while traveling:
- Pre-book all the activities, accommodations, car rentals, and flights.
- Always buy travelers insurance to insure the safety of your luggage and yourself. There are different types of insurance curated for your unique needs and wants.
- Inform your bank that you are leaving for a trip so that they don't freeze your account on detecting money withdrawal from a faraway location.
- Carry your credit card, debit card, forex card, and even cash.
- Keep your money and cards in different places and not just in one bag or purse. It can get stolen and then all of the money you have will be gone.
- Put trackers on your luggage and device so that if stolen or lost can easily be found.
- Most important of all is the thorough planning of the budget to be spent on the trip. Prioritize spending money where important.
- Look for deals and discounts everywhere beforehand.
These guidelines are what ultimately you will need in your journey. So let Dora the explorer in you explore around but with safety, care, and planning. Good luck with the next adventure.
