Are you hitting the road to get out of the house? Since our vacation choices are limited this year, many people are choosing to get in the car to explore our country. Plan to get the most out of your trip, and you'll come home refreshed and with a new perspective. Take a look at the tips below to make sure you have the best time.
Five tips for a smooth road trip:
Pick the right people, budget.
You want to have fun, but don't want to spend too much. Know how much money you're working with, so you're not coming home stressed out about finances. Just as crucial as your funds are the company you choose to be within the car for hours. It's great getting to know a new person, but ensure you have similar interests and goals for the trip.
Mapping the destination.
Not getting lost is key when going on a road trip! Even though we have great technology nowadays, we should plan for a backup. On my last trip, I downloaded offline maps to refer to when there’s no service. A physical map is great when unplugging (just make sure your crew knows how to read a map, haha). Try planning your next trip with roadtrippers. Use this online database of unique off the beaten path places to make your trip an adventure.
Packing Essentials.
Making your trip enjoyable can depend on what you pack. Try minimizing what you bring...what do you really need? Try to let go and be without so you can enjoy the trip. A few helpful things I brought on my trip were a reusable coffee mug & water bottle, a travel pillow & blanket, a compact towel, and travel light. Check out this article on Road-trip Essentials for more tips.
Create your playlists.
Make an offline playlist that contains music that everyone will enjoy. Playlist ideas include artist, decade, and genre. Also, discuss different podcasts the whole car can get into. Don’t underestimate the value of silence. Sometimes the sounds of the open road are what helps to write the memory.
Safety first.
Safety should be a top priority. Give someone your itinerary, check-in w/people or do daily social media post with check-ins. You can unplug, but be sure to communicate with at least one person during your journey in case of emergencies.