Taking a road trip is one of the best ways to travel. You get to avoid the stress and long lines at the airport, enjoy the freedom of the open road, and pull over whenever the mood strikes. But some people are simply better road trippers than others. Luckily, we’ve got some top tips to ensure your next road trip is a success:
Make a plan
Most of the time, you’ll have a time limit for your road trip. That’s why it’s a good idea to plot out where you’d like to sleep each night before you set off. Make sure you drive less than seven hours a day but don’t keep a strict schedule. That way, you’ll have a loose plan without being tied down to specific tasks.
Stay entertained
These days, there are so many options for entertainment, you’ll never have to play “I spy” again (unless you want to). Before you leave, download some interesting podcasts or a new audiobook. Make sure you can connect your phone to your car for music, and even if the scenery is starting to blur together, you’ll stay entertained along the way.
Hire a car
It may seem crazy to hire a car, but it’s often a good idea. That’s because the wear and tear on your own car can make car hire a much more affordable option. When you rent a car you can also often drop it off in another city. That means you can easily travel from the South Island to the North Island in New Zealand (for example), hiring the car in Christchurch, taking it across the ferry, and then saying goodbye in Auckland.
Keep it clean
Sure, you can let your car fill up with napkins, receipts, fast food wrappers, and empty bottles. But a few days into your trip and you’ll begin to feel stressed-out and gross as you drive around in a rubbish bin. Every day, grab a plastic bag and fill it up with the junk from the back seat. You’ll find your road trip a much more enjoyable experience when you’re not dealing with chaos the whole way.
Divide it up
Some people are excellent at navigating, while others can barely navigate their own neighborhood. If you’re travelling in a group, decide who will do what before you leave. That way, you can make the most of each person’s expertise, ensuring everything is done efficiently and reducing the chance of an argument.
What are your top road trip tips? Let us know in the comments below!
