Road trips are an incredible way to let go of your responsibilities and see much more of the country while you’re at it. They provide a more personal journey toward your destinations than air travel, and you’ll have far better opportunities to meet people along the way. You can forge new friendships and create unforgettable memories all while seeing and doing things you’ve dreamed of.
A road trip doubles as a relaxing vacation and a way to improve yourself and gain a new appreciation for the world around you. Road trips have also been increasingly popular in recent years thanks to their convenience, cheaper costs compared to flying, and the ability to avoid the airport.
Many people have ideas for the ideal road trip, but all too often they stay in their heads. It’s important that you take opportunities to live your best ideas when you can, though you’ll naturally need to be prepared. Here are some of the most important things to consider before embarking on your road trip.
Destinations
You can’t have a road trip without places to stop, and there are plenty of options out there for a perfect, peaceful vacation destination. If you’re planning a shorter trip, this part is generally easier since you can pick places relatively nearby. If you live on the East Coast, for example, why not plan a stop at the Outer Banks strip of barrier islands? Of course, there are plenty of other beautiful beaches you can visit if you’re looking for a coastal trip.
If you’re planning a longer journey, like a cross country trek, you’ll need to plan your route much more carefully and plan convenient stops along the way. Try to give yourself at least a day at every major destination to ensure you can appreciate it.
Travel Costs
As with any vacation, you’ll need to calculate how much you’ll need to spend on travel. The best time for a road trip is when gas prices are low, naturally, and assuming you have a car with good fuel economy, you could make a drive from New York to Los Angeles for $174. You’ll need to research food and lodging costs in the areas you plan to travel to as well, so you can get the most accurate estimate of your expenses.
Vehicles
A road trip never starts without a reliable vehicle or multiple depending on your party size. Many consider rental cars for road trips, and you’ll certainly need something with good MPG. If you’re looking for a new car anyway, however, you might consider a loan for a green car with the best gas mileage and half of the greenhouse gases. There are many options for fuel efficient cars to let you choose your ideal make and model year. Great fuel efficiency will save you money and stops on a long trip.
Road Worthiness
No matter what kind of car you take, don’t forget to triple check that it’s ready to go. This includes all basic maintenance and fluid upkeep, but it also means you need to make sure it’s packed with everything you could need. Spare tires, a jack, first aid kits, and jumper cables are all basic necessities to decrease your odds of getting stuck in the middle of nowhere. You might consider becoming a member of a roadside service like AAA as well, so you won’t have to depend on strangers if you do need help.
Overall Wellbeing
You’ll be spending a great deal of time in the car on a road trip, and you’ll need to look out for yourself and your passengers. Make sure you’re stocked up on healthy snacks and entertainment before you leave and don’t forget to plan some rest stops along the way. This includes places to sleep since tired driving can be dangerous. Keep good posture, stay hydrated, and use the radio to keep yourself entertained and awake to fully enjoy your trip.
