People love to go on road trips, especially when the weather starts getting nicer. You might be heading to visit a friend or check out a state you’ve never visited. Maybe you and a pal are going to visit every underrated attraction in the country or play the slots in Vegas for the first time. Whatever the reasons, there are a few things you’ll want to accomplish pre-trip. Here are five ways to prepare for your adventure.
Get your car checked out first
Your vehicle might be the most important part of your road trip. If it breaks down mid-trip and you find yourself stuck in a strange place, you’ll start to panic. Don’t let things go wrong with your vehicle while you’re away from home. Take it to a body shop and make sure it’s in good shape before you leave.
If you’ve been in an accident recently, you might need car door damage repair. Don’t skip important repairs just to get out on the road. A great body shop can fix dents and will reasonably charge for repair costs. Also, make sure you have car insurance and collision coverage so you have nothing to worry about during your trip.
Pack smart!
Yes, you’ll have an entire car, but that doesn’t mean you need to bring your entire wardrobe. You only want to bring the best travel clothes with you. Consider what you’ll be doing and what fabrics will best suit those activities. If you’re heading to cold climates, bring a merino wool base layer. If your trip is work-related, pack comfortable and wrinkle-free travel clothes that also look amazing.
The right pants and tops will still look fantastic, even after you’ve spent a few days traveling. Even if you’re not planning to attend any work meetings while you’re gone, having at least one nice outfit will ensure you’re ready for anything. Pack items that are great for everyday wear and make you look and feel amazing.
Create a rough (tentative) schedule
When you’re headed out on a road trip, it’s a good idea to create a general schedule and share it with family or friends who are staying home. This will help them know where you roughly are and if something does go wrong, they’ll know it. Even if you aren’t sure exactly where your trip will take you, try to provide a guess of where you’ll be and when. Let them know that the schedule is flexible and plan to check in once a day with at least one person at home.
Research where you’re headed (before you get there)
While it can be tempting to just get in the car and drive, you’re sure to have more fun if you do a little research. Looking up where you’re headed or places you’ll pass can help you find exciting and cool places to visit. You can also lookup gas stations, so you never have to worry about running out, and local body shops in case you need repairs while you’re out. A little research will make your trip more comfortable and fun.
Pack an emergency kit
There’s a good chance something will go wrong during your road trip. You want to make sure you’re prepared for any scenario, so create an emergency kit. It can include first aid items, like bandaids and pain relievers, as well as flares, a spare tire, and a flashlight for if you run into any trouble on the road. Pack some extra granola bars and bottles of water in case you don’t have access to food or drink at some point. Having an emergency kit could make a huge difference in your safety while traveling.
Road trips can be extremely fun if you’ve properly prepared. If you follow these steps, you’ll be ready for an amazing adventure.
