Five Easy Tips For A Perfect Summer Road Trip

As petrolheads, we would suggest you go on a road trip this year. You can do it this summer, but the idea is valid all year round. While it is statistically less safe than traveling by plane or train, you get to see more, and the trip has the potential of being something much more than a vacation.

If you manage to select a nice route and good company, you might sign up for an adventure that will make it fun to travel, even if it involves many hours spent in a car. The same experience cannot be replicated by plane, and train tracks might not always be available to take you to your desired destination.

The biggest advantage of a road trip is that you can choose the time of departure. From wherever you leave, you can go wherever you like. Mass travel solutions usually compel you to follow their schedule. However, leaving whenever you want is not the only cool part about a road trip. Now, let’s help you plan.Where do you want to go?

Travelling without a destination is possible, but it is not for the faint of heart. We might add it will also take serious determination to travel, and it must be accompanied by a strong instinct for adventure.

Moreover, if you are into that kind of experience, you should get advice from someone who has traveled the world on a small budget. Fortunately, some of these people have recently written books on the matter, and you can read their stories and tips for a couple of dollars.

On the other hand, the “amateur” traveler can plan a road trip without too much hassle. First of all, you must figure out a destination. It must be a place where it might be too complicated to reach by plane or train, or that must be experienced in such a way that the trip is worth it.

Think of something on the line of Route 66 – an iconic road with things to see on the way – places worth stopping for a few minutes or hours, but not spending an entire day there.Who is driving and who is coming with you?

Once you have a destination in mind, it is time to check Google Maps to see how far it is from your residence, and how long will the trip take.

Unless you drive without stopping, which is a terrible idea and contradicts the point of a road trip, double the travel time estimated by Google. Better yet, triple or quadruple it, so you do not have to hurry at any moment, allowing you to enjoy the trip.

Once a route has been split into segments, which are to be comfortably driven one day at a time, you must figure out if you can drive the distance yourself, or if you need someone else to help split the distance.

We are not talking about making a road trip alone, but the situation explained above could be a problem if your significant other does not drive. If this is your situation, consider asking another couple to join your trip.

Hopefully, one of them is willing and able to drive. If the planets of the galaxy align, you will also be able to trust the person with your vehicle, or the other way round. Naturally, you can also invite passengers who cannot drive to join you on a road trip.Is your car ready and suitable for the task at hand?

A road trip needs a vehicle, and many people use their daily driver for this kind of thing. Others use they second car (or third, if they are lucky) for the job. Nevertheless, traveling long distances takes a toll on a car, and you must be sure it will be ready for everything the road will throw at it.

Do not even consider making a road trip with a car that does not run properly. That is just a recipe for a ruined vacation. Some people do this regardless, and the result can sometimes turn into an adventure, but it will be a pricey affair, so we suggest getting things in order before you start a trip.

Make sure your tires are flawless, and that your spare tire is properly inflated. Check for a jack in your car, as well as lug nut key. A visit to the workshop for a fresh oil change, as well as an overall check of the car is profoundly advised.

Do not forget to inspect coolant, brake fluid, air conditioner operation, and to ensure the electrical system is in full working order. Otherwise, consider using a friend’s car, or renting a vehicle from a reputable business.

Make sure you have valid insurance (including travel insurance), and that every passenger has appropriate documents with them – do this before leaving your house.Playlist and luggage

Now that you know what car you are going to use on your trip, it is time to check your trunk. You must figure out a way for everyone’s luggage to fit, so make sure everybody in the group packs light for the trip. At the end of the day, you will work out a solution. There’s also a possibility of renting a supplementary luggage box, if your vehicle is compatible with one.

Since the passenger list is settled, you must designate who will be responsible for the playlist. Starting a road trip without any tunes could turn into a disaster, as radio reception is not perfect on every road.

We suggest a selection of multiple CDs or USB sticks (whatever suits your vehicle), so that everyone in the car gets to listen to their favorite music at a time.

At this point, it would be a grand idea to make a shopping list, and determine what snacks you should pack for the road. Crackers and chips will make a mess in the car, and they will make everyone thirsty.

We are not even going to imagine what happens to the interior if the passengers touch the upholstery with dirty hands. Dried fruit and sandwiches are the way, if you ask us, but go easy on the sauce and avoid mayonnaise unless you can keep the food fresh with a cooler. Pro tip: most of them do not work so well on long distances. Drive, rest, and enjoy

You have your friends ready, the car is set, and your beloved band is playing. The cooler has plenty of water and soda, and you did not forget to bring snacks. All you have to do is get a good night’s sleep ahead of your trip. Driving tired is extremely dangerous, as it can even lead to you or your friend's untimely death. This will ruin any journey, mind you.

Once you have made your first full-stop on the day of your trip, remember that you must drive the next day, so go easy on the alcoholic beverages. Thankfully, you do not have a particular departure time each day, but wasting half a day because of a hangover has the potential to ruin a vacation, so drink responsibly.

Since you are not in a rush, stick to the speed limit, and enjoy the sights. By this point, you have already visited a website specialized in travel advice, so you know what’s there to see.

Your passengers have received the information on their e-mails, so it will not be a problem if you forget your itinerary at home. The same does not apply for your money, wallet, or ID, and it is best to keep those handy at all times. Drive safe and enjoy your holiday, you have earned it!