How to Prepare for a Road Trip?

With the rise of pandemic COVID- 19, it is difficult, not to mention very dangerous if you travel for a vacation anywhere by any means of transport. However, compared to other means, traveling by car for a short  are much safer because you stay in an enclosed private space for most of the time.

And while your wanderlust cannot be quenched truly, it does get appeased a little while after you’re done with the road trip.

All things aside, there’s also absolutely no denying the lure of the roads and traveling long distances by car provides a very soothing experience to a soul, especially if you’re traveling wither alone or with a companion.

The scenic vistas passing you by will play the role of calming and comforting your soul and allow it to be healed intrinsically. And you might think that things are better left unprepared before going, but we assure you, everything changes for the better once you’ve pre-planned for the trip. To help you make this journey easier, here are a few tips to keep in mind before taking your road trip.

1. Prep up your car.

Prepare your car for the trip by servicing it or having your mechanic check the car’s fluid levels, brakes, tires, and potential trouble-causing components.This should be done at least 2 weeks in advance to avoid any mishaps near your journey date. Clean up your car beforehand, including any unwanted papers, receipts, bills etc. lying under your car seat or glove box compartment.

Before starting your trip, ensure you have a full tank of fuel and keep a can of engine oil and radiator coolant in the trunk for back- up. And make it a habit that you fill your car’s fuel tank to at least half its capacity while you’re on the roads. Only buy fuel from company-owned fuel stations and use the back- up options to make sure that your journey goes smoothly.

Learn how you can change your car’s tyres. Have a puncture repair kit, a spare inner tube along with extra hosepipes and fan belts handy, in case a situation arises and you have to use it. This is because most highway car repair shops do not have facilities to repair tubeless tyres.  

Always carry duplicate car keys in your pocket or wallet. It will be handy if you accidentally lock yourself out of the car with the keys left inside. Also, carry your original or photocopied car documents for the journey, including registration book, tax receipts, insurance etc. to help you in tricky situations.

Have fog lights fitted in your car if you’re travelling in locations with extreme weather conditions. It can also serve usefully when your headlights malfunction. Research about the 24- hour roadside assistance toll- free number if it is available and save it in your mobile.

2. Other essentials to remember.

Always carry cash with you at all times, because credit and debit cards don’t work for roadside stalls and shops. They only accept cash. It also makes payment at road toll booths much easier.

A mobile phone with roaming facility is also extremely important as it serves as your map, entertainment and what not. Carry a power charger or power bank with you to keep your phone’s battery full, along with a camera to get some beautiful pictures to store your memories.

Prepare a first aid kit along with regular medicines for common illnesses like car- sickness, cold, headache and upset stomach. Bring an extra pair of prescription glasses if you wear it.

Bring snacks, chewy car sweets and drinking water to ease up the hunger pangs during the journey. It will also help in case you can’t find a restaurant nearby to stop over for food. If there are babies travelling with you, remember to pack some baby food, finger food and fruit juice with you as well. You can also keep some toys to keep the kids occupied during the journey.

3. Plan ahead.

Plan a loose schedule for the road trip. Research some good restaurants on your way. Take a proper good night’s sleep before you start the journey and take a break every 90 minutes to get out, stretch or have a food or washroom break. Wear comfortable clothing and start your trip as early as possible.

However, if you need to travel longer distances, we recommend covering it by air. Book air tickets with best airfare and cheap flight deals with us. 

Also Read: Love Road Trips? Here Are The Best Road Trip Routes To Take In India