They say the greatest things in life happen spontaneously, with little or no planning involved. We see it all the time in movies; characters heading off on an incredible road trip without a destination and without even looking back. In real life however, it doesn’t always work that way! While the wide open road is a draw for so many, heading off on a road trip requires a lot of planning and some common sense – sorry to burst your bubble! If you want to have an amazing road trip that unforgettable for all the right reasons then there are plenty of things you should do to prepare.
From planning your route to ensuring you know what to do if you’re involved in a car accident – check out prezlerlaw.com if you’re looking for legal representation – here you’ll find 4 things you should do to prepare for your great American road trip.
Forget about your own car
Sure it might seem cheaper to travel using your own car, but if you’re taking your friends along it won’t take long for everyone to get a little edgy and grumpy at the lack of space. Consider hiring a campervan or motorhome so you guys can travel the backroads in absolute comfort. It doesn’t have to have the latest in motorhome technology, just plenty of space for you and your friends somewhere to keep your stuff and somewhere to sleep at night! You’ll save money on accommodation!
Know how to change a tyre
If you get a flat, and it’s 100 miles to the next gas station, would you know what to do? Ensuring you have the knowledge needed to successfully change a tyre so you can limp on to the next town is essential. Without it, tempers will flare, frustrations will bubble to the surface your entire road trip will be in jeopardy. Take a class in mechanics or ask someone to show you how.
Don’t just rely on GPS
Whether you’re using a GPS that’s part of your vehicle or the map service on your smart device, its always worth remembering that these options aren’t fool proof. Investing in some old style paper maps will ensure you don’t go too far off route if your tech doesn’t come through. Be smart and plan for the worst case scenario.
Prepare an emergency kit
Not knowing what will happen on the road is all part of the appeal of a road trip adventure. However, you should still be sensible and prepare for anything. Put together an emergency kit that contains items that will come in handy if you’re stranded or if you have an accident. Blankets to keep warm, a first aid kit, snacks, a spare (fully charged) phone, contact details of a recovery company, a torch, bottled water etc. It’s also a good idea to write down the phone numbers of friends and family, so if your smart phones no longer work you can still get in touch with your next of kin.