Going on a road trip unprepared is somewhat similar to having an announced guest visit your house. You don’t have control over anything, and confusion, second-guessing, and anxiety are your friends for the day.
While little odysseys like these trips are refreshing and rejuvenating, being physically and mentally unsuspecting can waste time and money and take the spirit out of the adventure.
Hence, if you’re planning on leaving your house for a long drive to a faraway destination, here are a few things you need to tick off your list before you set off.
Vehicle Maintenance
Even if you’re only planning to drive a couple of blocks, always prioritize vehicle maintenance before leaving the house. Check your tire pressure and stability, ensure your door locks work efficiently, refuel your car, get it washed, and if your trip requires it, get necessary modifications.
As per necessary interior equipment, load the car with snacks, drinks, etc. If you’re planning on taking your children, install Child Car Seats – Maxi-Cosi to ensure your child’s safety and protection during the journey. In addition, always pack electronic devices or games to keep the children occupied during the trip.
Make Reservations
Wherever you choose to stay, book the place a couple of days or at least a week before your trip. You do not want to reach your destination on short notice only to find that you don’t have an appropriate place to stay. If you’re bunking with family or friends, ensure they know well in advance and can accommodate your family. Making reservations and planning in advance ensures that you’ll get to enjoy the time you assigned explicitly to the trip, and sticking to your plans will save you a lot of time wandering around looking for accommodation.
Make Pit Stops
One crucial element that people tend to disregard is planning to stop while on your journey. Pit stops give you and your children an opportunity to take a rest, use the toilet or refuel your vehicle. When mapping out your trip, ensure you mark out various pit stops and take frequent breaks.
You cannot stay cramped up in the car for too long, as this can slow you down and increase the amount of time it takes you to reach your destination. Hence, to avoid any miscalculations, stop every one or two hours for at least a couple of minutes to freshen up and continue the trip.
Emergency Medications
One thing you do not want to forget on a road trip is medication. You or people accompanying you that are claustrophobic get motion sickness easily or have severe headaches from driving too long. This factor becomes ten times more critical when your company for the whole trip is below 12.
Not everyone can survive a long drive, but sometimes it’s absolutely essential to get where you need to go. In addition, finding a pharmacy while on the road can often be difficult. To avoid any mishaps, always keep extra medication in your vehicle, and be prepared for any issues that may arise.