The road trip. It’s a vaunted male ritual. One that creates friendships, cherished experiences and memories that can last a lifetime. Yet, it’s not all fun and games. To have a successful road trip requires careful planning. Planning a road trip is about more than just planning the music and snacks. You’ve got to think about more than that, see beyond the entertainment and the comfort for the travels, and look into making sure that the trip is actually possible in the first place.
We know that it’s the boring part, and part that many people would probably prefer to avoid. But it’s a necessary evil. We’re going to be having a look into some of the different things that you should be thinking about if you’re planning a road trip, aside from the music and the snacks. Want to find out more? Let’s get into it.
Sort Your Vehicle
First up on the list, we’re going to talk about sorting out your vehicle for your trip. Are you going to be taking your regular car? If you are, you need to make sure that there’s enough space there to carry everything you want to take with you, and fit all of your passengers in. You should also be taking it to a garage to get it checked out before you set off on your journey. Some people may think that this is overkill and paranoia, but it’s important to know if there are any issues with the vehicle before you set off. There is no quicker way to derail a road trip than a breakdown on the side of the road. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, right?
If you’re not taking your normal car, then what are you going to be driving? That’s something you need to sort out before you go.
Plan Your Destination
The next thing we’re going to look at is planning your destination. Where do you want to go? What do you want to do while you’re there? What places do you want to see along the way? Is there a specific route that is going to be best for you based on the terrain that you will find, what kind of vehicle you have and more.
You need to create a route, and there are apps that can help you do this, or you can simply look it up and write it down. Whatever works for you! As long as you’re comfortable with your route, that’s all that matters.
What do you want to do when you reach your destination? Are you headed to a music festival? A natural wonder? A big game? You’ll need tickets, find parking, possibly lodging. These are all the logistics you should lay out ahead, so your not sleeping in your car or worse yet, be on the outside looking into what you went to see.
Who Are Your Cohorts?
Just as important as your vehicle, route and logistics are your companions. If flying solo, be sure to let someone know your whereabouts. If being joined by buddies, careful on selection. Every group has one “Frank the Tank”, be sure not to onboard a wildcard who you have to babysit or worse yet, can get you in a bind. On a more serious note, if traveling with an older parent or relative, be sure to ensure they have the necessary accommodations.
Are You Towing A Trailer?
If you’re going to be heading off in your car but towing a trailer, you need to ensure that you’re prepared for this. You should ensure that you have all of the correct trailer towing accessories, and if you don’t currently, purchase them before it’s time to go.
Consider what size your trailer is, as this will help you figure out what you need for your trip. If you find yourself stuck, look it up online.
Now see some of the different things that you need to plan before you head off on a road trip. This was a more practical post we’re afraid, but it’s important information to know.
This article is a partnered post that contains affiliate links.