For some, road trips are the ultimate vacation. Leave behind the daily grind of work and daily life, and explore new places with family and friends while you’re at it! But road trips aren’t just fun – they can also be quite stressful. Here are 10 tips to help make your next road trip as stress-free as possible, so you can focus on what really matters – making memories to last a lifetime!
1) Choose your vehicle carefully
Choose your vehicle wisely, because you’ll be spending plenty of time in it. If you’re looking for a car, consider something spacious and comfortable like a Prius or Camry. For an RV, try to find one with a kitchenette and enough beds to accommodate all of your passengers. Keep in mind that it’s also important to take into account your vehicle’s fuel efficiency when deciding on what type of car or RV to purchase.
2) Map out your route
Start with a plan. Pick out a destination and make sure to map out your route before you get on the road. This will help you avoid getting lost, running out of gas, or driving in circles trying to find an address. Don’t forget about time zones and daylight saving time!
3) Prepare your vehicle for the trip
One of the most important tasks to take care of before leaving is to make sure your vehicle is in good working order. You want to be sure that your car is clean and well maintained, but don’t forget about other things like checking tire pressure and making sure you have enough gas. You might also want to pack an emergency kit which includes items like a flashlight, jumper cables, a first-aid kit, and bottled water.
4) Pack essential items
Pack an extra set of clothes, just in case. Pack toiletries and a toothbrush, so you’re prepared if you run out. Pack a few snacks, enough to last you a day or two. Bring your phone charger and any other necessary electronics. And don’t forget your camera!
5) Bring along entertainment
Bring along plenty of entertainment to keep you occupied during your trip. You never know when you will have time to stop and you don’t want to be bored. Bring a book, a magazine, a deck of cards, or some games along with CDs or an MP3 player loaded with music.
6) Plan for rest stops
- Bring plenty of snacks. You don’t want to get off at a rest stop only to find that it doesn’t have any food or drinks. To be safe, bring a few granola bars or protein bars, some fruit, and water in case you find yourself in this situation.
- Bring an iPad or tablet with games or books loaded up so that you can entertain your kids when they need a break from driving.
7) Pack snacks and drinks
Pack snacks and drinks, some form of entertainment (a deck of cards or a pack of playing cards), and games for when you get bored. Bring enough food to last two days in case you’re out longer than expected. Make sure everyone has a full tank of gas before going on the road so that you don’t have to stop as often. It’s also wise to bring your phone charger, just in case!
8) Dress for comfort
- Make sure you pack clothes that are comfortable and take into consideration the weather.
- Pack snacks, drinks, and emergency supplies (just in case).
- Put a first-aid kit in your car or bring it with you if you’re driving a rental car.
- Get gas before you start your trip to avoid running out of fuel on the road!
9) Be aware of the weather
Be aware of the weather! A few inches of snow or a couple days of rain can put a damper on your plans, so be sure to plan accordingly. For example, if you’re travelling from San Francisco in June and heading north to Seattle (on Highway 5), make sure that you stop at Crater Lake National Park before hitting Oregon’s east side and it starts raining. And while we’re talking about driving in winter conditions, pack an ice scraper and some kitty litter in case you find yourself stuck on the side of the road after hitting a patch of black ice.
10) Enjoy the journey!
Road trips can be great, but they are a lot more fun when you’re prepared. Be sure to pack plenty of as much as possible. Bring plenty of snacks in case your stomach starts growling and make sure to stop at least once per hour to stretch your legs and get some fresh air.