Get your motors running and head out on the highway! Yes, that’s right, vacation time is right around the corner, and for many of us, this means heading out onto the open road for the great American road trip. Sadly, a lot of people have forgotten the joys of traveling in their own car, preferring to hop onto a plane and to a far away destination abroad instead. Well, more fool them, as flying is overrated. Driving allows you to get up close and personal on your journey. Taking a road trip gives you a greater feeling of freedom and the opportunity to be spontaneous with the many diversions you’re able to take.
While a road trip is all about new experiences and driving off the beaten path, there is still a little planning to be done to help you make the most of your journey. Make sure you follow the advice below.
Get your car ready
If your car isn’t up to scratch, you aren’t going to get very far this summer. Make sure you maintain it before heading out on your road trip, from your tire pressure to the oil levels, it needs to be roadworthy.
Your car will need to be tooled up with extras if you are planning to tow a trailer or bring bikes along for the ride. Visit a company such as Partsengine who stock many of the items you will need, such as hitch racks and towing accessories.
Don’t forget to check your motoring documents, such as your driving license and insurance cover. You may not be driving illegally on the road, but your paperwork needs to be up to date in the event of an accident or a spot check by the police.
Pack your bags
There are many items you will need for your road trip journey, but the following are essential travel items:
Bring plenty of water, to keep you hydrated and cool as you travel under the scorching heat.
Make sure your cell phone is charged up before the ride, but still bring a portable charger as you never know when you may need to make an urgent call.
While you might want to explore the unknown, you are wise to bring your GPS tracking device with you, just in case you get lost, especially at night.
A woolen blanket is not only suitable for any impromptu picnics you have, but it will also keep you warm under the cool night sky, as well as any unexpected weather conditions.
Finally, bring something inspirational to read, such as the classic road trip novel On The Road by Jack Kerouac, and take inspiration from his travels across the United States.
Where to go
Will you head down the famous Route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica or the great ‘blues highway’ Highway 61 connecting New Orleans to Wyoming? Maybe you could visit the Grand Canyon at Monument Valley, or anywhere in between.
Whatever you decide, we hope you have a fantastic time on your road trip, filled with many new experiences and travel adventures.
