How to Road Trip For Beginners

Your bags are packed, you’ve run down your checklist twice, yet you can’t help but worry if there’s something you’re forgetting before embarking on a road trip with your family, friends, or riding solo. I’ve been there, too. In the six years I spent in live entertainment, part of my job was driving to events from the east coast to the Rocky Mountains, and countless small towns in between. During the hundreds - and HUNDREDS - of hours I’ve spent driving, I picked up quite a few tips and tricks to make long drives more comfortable, convenient, as well as how to be better prepared for what may happen on the road. Here, I’ll impart some of this info to you so that you can more easily do what you’re supposed to do on your road trips: have fun!

Your Chariot Awaits

Now, I know it goes without saying, but your vehicle is crucially essential to any road trip. However, sometimes outside circumstances can make this aspect of travel a huge hurdle before you’ve even set out on your journey. And while not everyone can choose between multiple options for which car you travel in, or rent a vehicle that can handle what, or wherever awaits, there are still ways you can care for your vehicle to help the endeavor be less taxing on it. There’s the more obvious getting an oil change and your tires rotated. But should you also check your heating/AC unit, your brakes, radiator, head and taillights, and your car’s six essential fluids? You can click here for more in-depth information regarding vehicle performance standards and quality car care. And be sure to stop for gas whenever possible. Don’t want to get caught uncomfortably low with no upcoming gas station in sight.

“I have something for that.”

            The size of your luggage and contents within vary depending on your trip. But there are some things that are essential for any travel, no matter the destination or distance. I’ve also found in my experience that there’s always an idea or unorthodox technique that’s simply brilliant that I somehow hadn’t thought or heard of before. Like clipping a reusable bag in my glove compartment for trash and reducing plastic waste. Or storing my phone and wallet in a fanny pack so I don’t have to dig in my pockets or lose them between/under the seats. Not to mention things like your jack and spare tire, jumper cables, pressure gauge, and any roadside emergency kit for medical or mechanical issues. You might also find other items useful, like:

·         Wipes or sanitizer

·         Toiletries

·         Nausea relief

·         Multitools

·         De-icer

·         Travel pillows

These items and more can make such a difference in your preparedness and your traveling experience overall in ways both big and small.

Moving Right Along

        While everyone has their own preferences, style, and ways of doing things, each of us want to travel for an enjoyable and memorable experience. And even though we can’t be prepared for everything, we can bring ourselves the peace of mind and assurance that once the time comes, the car is packed, and everyone is buckled up, we’re ready. This will allow us to not only enjoy whatever excitement awaits at our destination, but also the journey getting there.

            Find your own way of making these ideas work best for you. Tweak them to your own specifications if need be. If we put the work in to make our road trip as enjoyable as we can beforehand, we’ll have a far easier time relishing the moment and making memories that last. What could be a better road trip than that?