We can find freedom in all places. But it’s easier to find in some spaces than others. A road trip, for example, is arguably the freest experience that’s available to anyone with a vehicle (or just a licence to drive a vehicle). It’s a way to throw off the bowlines of the everyday, see new places, expand your mind, and refresh your energy. If you’re planning to take a road trip this summer, then take a read of the below, where we’ll outline some of the best tips to ensure that you stay safe and have fun while on your trip.
Have a Loose Plan
A road trip is about freedom. And as such, you should feel as free to go wherever you please as possible. However, there is, of course, some value in having a loose plan. This will put you on the right path to enjoy the journey as much as possible. There are plenty of outstanding road trips in the United States, but you don’t necessarily need to pick a specific route. Instead, you can pick a region to explore; for example, you might want to visit the Pacific Northwest or Southwest. Once you’re in the region, you can improvise where you visit somewhat, though it’s a good idea to have a list of some of the essential spots that you want to see.
The Logistics
The preparation that you undertake before setting off will influence the success or failure of the journey. If you fail to prepare, then prepare to fail, is what they say! So it’s important to ensure that the logistics of the journey are watertight. For example, do you have everything you need for your trip? Conversely, are you packing too much? Think of factors like where you’ll stay, what you need to take and what you can buy on the way, and how you’ll divide the driving.
Safe Travels
You’ll have a much more enjoyable trip if you have peace of mind that you’re as safe as can be. There’s a lot that can go wrong when you’re out on the open road for such an extended period of time, so it’s important that you’re taking all the essential safety precautions. The first step is to ensure that your vehicle is in tip-top condition. Get your motorcycle or car seen by an expert before you begin your trip. If you’re using a motorcycle for your road trip, then ensure that you always use a full face helmet. As well as the obvious safety precautions, you should think of some of the things that could negatively influence safety. For example, if you’re using a roof rack, then you’ll need to ensure that it’s securely attached and not overly loaded.
When to Drive
There are twenty four hours in the day, but that doesn’t mean that you have twenty four hours of driving time available. It’ll be much safer, not to mention more enjoyable, if you stick to daylight hours for your driving. This will significantly reduce the chances of running into difficulties, and plus, you’ll be able to enjoy all the beautiful landscapes along the way, too. As well as thinking about when you should drive, you should also consider how long you’re driving. If you’re not used to driving six hours a day, then you shouldn’t start with six hours a day. Take notice of your tiredness levels and as soon as you begin to feel that your concentration is beginning to lapse, then pull over for the day.
For this reason, it’s good to have a flexible time frame for your journey. You shouldn’t be racing against the clock! It’s all about the journey, not the destination.
Driving In Different Terrains
In all likelihood, you’ll spend the majority of your time behind the wheel driving in one particular landscape. And again, in all likelihood, that’s probably an urban area, where the roads are well-paved and set up for easy driving. But when you’re out in nature, things can be very different. Driving in the mountains, for example, can be a much different experience. It’s good to think ahead of time what types of landscapes you’ll be driving through and then look up how to drive in those terrains. You should also look at how to drive in different weather types if you think you’ll come across inclement weather, such as rain, snow, or fog.
Exercise and Stretching
It’s easy to get locked into the car for hours on end, especially if you’re switching drivers along the way. But think about this: you wouldn’t sit at a desk for eight hours and expect to feel good. So why would things be any different in a car? When you’re stopping for breaks, don’t just grab a meal and eat in your vehicle. Use this as an opportunity to engage in a little exercise and stretching. A brisk walk or intense stretching session will loosen up your body and make driving much more enjoyable.
Basic Maintenance
It’s always possible that something will go wrong with your car. That’s true no matter where you’re driving. But if you’re in a city, you’ll likely have a number you can call, and someone will be there to help you pretty swiftly. When you’re outdoors, it’s less likely that there’ll be anyone nearby. And that means that even minor issues can become big problems. As such, it’s beneficial to learn some basic car maintenance tasks, such as how to change a tire. This might just save your trip, and plus, it’s a useful skill to have anyway!
Roll With The Punches
Finally, remember that while your road trip will be mostly fun, it’s unlikely that every moment is fun from beginning to end. There’ll be low moments. You could end up lost, late, or grow tired — and when you do, it’ll be tempting to take your bad mood out on your fellow passengers. Resist this temptation! Instead, remember that no great journey is smooth at all moments, and roll with the punches.