From preventive maintenance to packing your car with all essentials, there are plenty of ways to get yourself ready for a summer road trip. With that in mind, consider the following tips to help you prepare for the ride before you hit the open road.
Service Your Vehicle
The first thing on your to-do list is to make sure your vehicle is healthy enough to take on an extended trip. Have a mechanic check your fluid levels, brakes, tires, windshield wipers, and any other components you think should be serviced.
Furthermore, while we hope you won’t experience a blowout or flat, we know these things can happen at the most inopportune times. So it’s a good idea to carry around a spare tire and the proper tools just in case. Also, don’t forget to pack jumper cables in case of a battery fail.
Plan Your Route
To avoid overextending your road trip and spending extra cash at unnecessary stops, it’s important to plan out your route. Sometimes people have different ideas about where they want to go, so discussing and agreeing on your stops ahead of time will make it easier to stick to that plan and avoid arguments on the road.
You also don’t want to miss out on points of interest because you failed to plan a good route. Fortunately, there are plenty of travel apps to help you stay on track. With TouristEye, you can build a wishlist for places you want to visit and discover local attractions worth checking out. What makes this app special is that you can view your list offline when no network is available.
Keep an Open Mind
Sometimes plans change, and it’s nice to be prepared for that when it happens. If a passenger suggests going somewhere that’s not on the route, don’t be too quick to say no. Instead, consider whether you have some extra time to spare and the resources to get there before you give your reply. It could be a good opportunity to explore something new and exciting that you might have otherwise dismissed.
Pack Essential Snacks
To save time and money during your road trip, consider bringing along a few Ziploc bags or Tupperware containers with your favorite snacks. If traveling with little ones, easy-to-eat foods include fruits, raw veggies, cheese sticks, trail mix, and cereal bars. You can even bring along cookies or other sweet treats to help settle your children when they get fussy or to reward them for good behavior.
Stock up on Entertainment
Electronic devices are often the main source of entertainment for children and adults on a road trip. After all, smartphones and tablets are great for accessing the internet, streaming music, and watching videos. Just don’t forget to bring along a car charger to keep them up and running during the long journey.
You can keep the kids entertained with their favorite toys, board games, and coloring books. If you want to catch up on some reading, bring along a favorite book and a clip-on light for when it gets dark out.
The next time you head out on a driving adventure with family or friends, follow these tips for a perfect summer road trip!
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