Who in this world doesn’t like a good road trip? Everything from the long drives to seeing multiple sites on the way to your destination is very fascinating. However, for a road trip to deliver on its fun and promises, you need to be in a position where you have properly prepared for it otherwise you’ll meet several hiccups that will have you filled with regret and worry. With that said, let’s dive into the most essential road trip preparation tips that will make sure that once you’re on the road, everything is as smooth as it can be.
Clean And Check The Car
No one wants to take long drives in a car that smells like a barn. It's for this reason that you must take care to wash the car thoroughly both inside and out. After all, road trips tend to take quite some time, and if the trip is going to take some time, the best thing you can do is make the car clean and comfortable for yourself. A quick car wash and deep vacuuming should do the trick for you.
With that same mindset, make sure to check over the basics of your car as well. Ensure the tire pressure is adequate, the oil is at the right level, the fuel is enough for the trip and there is water in your radiator tank. The last thing you want is a breakdown on the road.
Make Plans For Your Home And Pets That Will Be Staying Behind
Pets are extensions of our family and we know that most of you love your furry friends deeply and truly. That is why it’s essential that if you’re not traveling with them, you should make plans for them as best you can. Either look for a pet care center that can babysit for you or leave them in the care of a neighbor with plenty of food, toys, and any other tools they may need. The last thing you want is to worry about them when you’re supposed to be enjoying the time away.
On that same note, make sure that your house is secured and locked. Be sure to turn off all faucets, and all gas appliances and to switch off any other appliances that you deem necessary. On top of that, lock the house and premises so that robbers and thieves won’t have a field day at your expense.
Carefully Plan Outfits For Each Day To Minimise Luggage
I don’t want to be the one pointing fingers but it is quite likely that one of the people going on that trip is an overpacker (cough cough, maybe you?) It is because of this very reason that blind packing does not work. Figure out how many days you’ll be away and plan an appropriate outfit for each day. That way, you won’t carry clothes that you won’t wear and you’ll avoid overloading the car with unnecessary baggage. As strict as this sounds it’s necessary. But don’t end up being too rigid either, carrying one extra outfit or two for emergencies is encouraged.
Pack A Separate Toiletry Bag
In our experience, packing a separate toiletry bag makes your journey slightly hassle-free. Throughout your trip, it's likely that your currently well-organized suitcase won't be so anymore. That’s why it's necessary that if things do come to that, your toiletries are packed in a separate, easy-to-access bag. Also, having a toiletry bag also makes it easier to pack your other bags in the car the night before so when you are done with hygiene needs on departure morning the only big bag left you need to carry to the car is the bathroom bag. Talk about efficiency, am I right?
Pack A Trash Bag Or Two For Dirty Clothes
This tip is not entirely meant for the road trip, but given that you’re driving towards a particular destination, it will come in handy nonetheless. It’s wise to carry a trash bag that you can use to pack your dirty clothes in when you’re on vacation. I don’t know about you but if I’m on vacation, the last thing I want to do is laundry, so it’s wise to pack your dirty clothes separately and then just wash them when you’re back home.
Prepare The Road Trip Entertainment
Depending on where you’re headed, the road trip can become just a long and exhausting trip if not adequately planned for. That’s why it's crucial to pack some entertainment for your journey so that you can have a good time on the way. Your entrainment might range from an amazing playlist to keep the driver comfortable and happy on the journey, to a book that you as the passenger might read as you drive. If you have kids in the car, small, manageable toys, and coloring books will make the journey less troublesome. The older kids are likely to just prefer watching Netflix movies on their tablets, iPads, or phones. You can even have activities that keep everyone in the car engaged and happy so that it’s one big old family fun time.
Don't Go Hungry, Prepare Some Tasty Treats
If you’re driving far enough and for long enough, you're going to get hungry. There’s no two ways about that. In such a case, you need to prepare your road trip snacks ahead of time so that you can avoid unnecessary stops and just eat on the road or at least at a set point. Be sure to pack healthy snacks like cheese, ham, crackers, fruit, and raw veggies. If you have small kids avoid packing foods that will make a mess if not handled properly Things like sauces and dips come to mind. Do this and you’re guaranteed a quiet, happy trip that everyone can enjoy.