By Erin Thompson on July 14, 2020 in Life Hacks
Head count? Check. Suitcases? Check. Full tank? Check. Still feel like you are missing something? Let us help by giving you some tips and ensure your next road trip is the best one yet!
You have a lot to remember before leaving for your destination! Make sure to plan ahead. It may seem obvious, but a small notepad will help you tremendously in keeping the car and family organized! You can create a checklist and cross items off as you go. Try to pack early so that the night before the big trip you can get plenty of sleep, we don’t want you to fall asleep at the wheel. When driving, sit straight up so you’re aware of all surroundings, and if possible, take a larger vehicle. This will guarantee your taller passengers are comfortable and give you an advantage over any wildlife that may be lurking at night. And please, don’t try to be the driving hero--everyone needs sleep at some point! Assign driving shifts and sleeping shifts to make sure everyone arrives safely.
Snacks are essential for a road trip. You don’t want to have to stop at a restaurant every time you get hungry. These snacks will keep you satisfied until you’re ready to stop and get a real meal. The only thing they’re missing is Oreos! When dinnertime finally comes, we suggest eating local! Don’t settle for the chain restaurants you’ve visited a million times at home. Some of the best places to eat are the local hole-in-the-wall spots. Those ‘mom and pop’ restaurants will give you the at-home feeling while traveling on the road. Planning your food stops ahead of time will keep your trip on track and guarantee some quality grub. No repeat McDonald's visits this trip!
Although it is important to stay hydrated, try to reduce the number of sugary beverages you drink on the road because you might not always have access to a restroom! Think about planning your rest stops in advance and drinking lots of water the hour before that stop. Take care to move and stretch your body whenever possible. Sitting in the car for long periods of time can get uncomfortable, so it’s important you keep those muscles stretched. When you stop to pump gas or potty break, try doing slow neck rolls, toe touches, and jumping jacks!
We all know, quality music is crucial on a road trip! You’ll have loads of time to listen to your favorite tunes, so make sure you download plenty before you leave. If you don’t have Bluetooth, don’t forget a USB cable! Also, it’s a good idea to check the radio stations as you travel through towns. You’ll likely hear music that you normally don’t play at home. Give it a chance, you may grow to love it!
Take roads less traveled. Yes, highways are the quickest way to reach your destination, but you miss out on a lot. Meeting locals and discovering new roads are a few of the benefits of taking a road trip! Roadtrippers is a great website to check out peculiar roadside sites for camping, outdoor recreation, local attractions, or cultural stops. The app lets you edit your route to include all the places you want to see while keeping you on schedule. It’s a great way to plan the ultimate trip before you leave! If you are visiting one of our say states check out these fun places to visit.
If you follow these road trip hacks, it might lead to a newfound joy of the road. Last, but surely not least, did you check to make sure you have car insurance before you left? No worries, share your experiences with us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.