How to Prepare for a Road Trip
Road trips are an amazing way to explore the world, and they come in all shapes and sizes.
You may want to travel closer to home and find out what there is to offer on your doorstep, or head to another country and see new sites.
If you are planning a road trip in the near future and want to know how to prepare, then here are a few things to consider.
Plan your route
Having a loose plan for your road trip is a great way to ensure that you have enough time to visit each place you want to go to.
A basic skeleton plan, including start and end dates and non-negotiable destinations, is a good place to begin.
Some key considerations for your trip are:
When do you want to travel?
Is the journey or destination more important?
How long do you want to spend driving?
Check your car
It is essential that you perform the proper checks on your vehicle before heading on a road trip. If you don’t, you may run the risk of breaking down during your journey.
You should also take seasonal weather into account, such as icy winter roads, which could increase your risk of an accident if you aren’t prepared.
There are several maintenance checks that you should do, including:
Tyres – your tyres should be inflated for the correct pressure, and you should check the tread depth. The minimum tread is 1.6mm, so if you are almost at the limit, then you may consider purchasing some cheap tyres to replace them.
Fluid levels – you should check the fluid levels in your car, including the oil, coolant, washer and brake fluid.
Lights – having working lights on your car is key to ensure that you are easily spotted by other road users. Check the front ones yourself and get someone to check the rear lights for you.
Start packing
Of course, you will need to pack all the clothing and supplies necessary for your road trip. However, there are other essentials that you should bring with you:
Important documents – bring along your driving license and car and travel insurance details if necessary. Contact the international drivers association to get an international permit if driving in a foreign country.
Sat-nav – bringing a sat-nav and charger is a much easier way to get directions than using a map. It will also be able to remind you of the speed limit and help you find service stations.
First aid kit – a first aid kit including bandages, antiseptic and plasters should be kept in your vehicle in case of any minor accidents.
Share the drive
Driving for extended periods of time is tiring and takes a lot of concentration, so sharing the drive between yourself and another available driver is a great way to ensure that you are driving safely.
Studies have found that around 20% of crashes on motorways are sleep-related.
If you are taking a solo road trip, then you should be sure to take regular breaks to help restore your concentration.
The UK government suggest taking a 15-minute break every two to three hours, so you should look to pull over safely and take a short walk to get some fresh air or have a snack or drink.
Wrapping up
When it comes to planning and preparing for a road trip, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Every trip is unique and requires some level of planning and preparation.
However, with the right approach, you can make sure that you have all the right supplies, and you can make sure that you have a safe and enjoyable journey.
From checking your car to packing the right items and researching your route, there are plenty of ways to make sure that your road trip is a success.
So, don't be intimidated by the prospect of a road trip, because with the right preparation, you can make sure that you have an unforgettable experience.
