Road trip ready: Getting ready for a journey by car

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Road trips are one of the best ways to travel. You can allow yourself to be more spontaneous, stop and go as you please, which will turn the usual vacation into a veritable adventure. If you want to visit a spot that wasn’t on your itinerary, you can get there easily and spend as much time as you want. What’s more, you can actually get some educational value out of your holiday. When you’re on a road trip you can go off the beaten path and see some places that aren’t normal tourist destinations. You can also have the unique experience of interacting with the local communities and gain some insight into what people live like where you’re visiting. Some rural areas, for instance, are not easily accessible unless you have your own means of transportation, and they can hold some real natural and architectural gems you won’t want to miss out on.

However, just like for any other trip you want to be well-prepared before heading out your front door. Because road trips tend to be on the grittier side and you’ll often go off the grid during them, you need to make all the prior preparations to make sure you travel in comfort. Here are some of the aspects you should keep in mind.

Going Via Recreational Vehicle? Start Here

Cars and recreational vehicle are probably the two most widely used transport types when going on a road trip. The RV is a car of sorts but is a lot larger and allows you and your passengers a lot more comfort. They’re great for long road trips where you’re worried about finding hotels or where you want to go off the beaten track and explore more of the world. A lot of people like to look at RV rental rather than purchasing an RV, but you need to make sure you look into the vehicle itself and make sure its fit not only for safe driving, but good for long-distance trips as well as bumpier roads depending on where you’re going. You also want to spend some time in the rented RV before you set off, getting used to the turning circle and how the vehicle handles. It’s better to know the braking distance etc. Before you actually set off to travel otherwise you could end up in an accident. On that note, always take out RV rental insurance too.

Get your car ready 

Since you’re getting ready for a long-haul drive it’s important for your car to be in perfect working order. Don’t be discouraged if your vehicle isn’t brand new. However, if your car has been gaining in years, you want to have a mechanic conduct a thorough examination before you get the ignition running. Some of the parts you’ll want to get checked are: 

  • The tires: Tires see a lot of wear and tear that you should check for regularly. However, it’s all the more important when you’re preparing for a road trip. Getting a flat tire in the middle of the city can be uncomfortable, but one in the middle of nowhere can be potentially dangerous. If you have to change them, you should do so with the terrain you’re going to drive on in mind. This means that all-terrain tires that offer increased traction should be your go-to option. They’ll work for towns and dirt roads alike. 
  • The systems: Make sure your engine is healthy, the breaks are strong and the heating and cooling systems are a breeze. Double check to be sure that all the lights work well. If some of them appear dim, don’t wait for them to die out, replace them to avoid problems in the future. 
  • The motor oil: This is a factor that’s heavily dependent on the season during which you plan to travel. If you’re going somewhere where it’s chillier, consider an oil change. Keep in mind that motor oils are rated by their viscosity, so you should opt for an alternative that’ll hold up in lower temperatures. 

Drive safely 

It can seem like a no-brainer but you should make sure you drive in perfect safety. It’s easy to forget about safety when you’ve been on the road for long enough. You can get frustrated with someone else’s driving and attempt some dangerous manoeuvres, or you may feel tired and want to cut some corners to reach your destination faster and be able to rest. Both these situations are common among drivers, but that doesn’t mean they’re not also dangerous and can put you and anyone else that’s travelling with you in jeopardy. 

Before you get into your car, be sure to get a good night’s sleep. Starting off in the morning already feeling exhausted is something you want to avoid at all costs. Add planned rest stops to your itinerary and take them as often as you need. You can arrange them so you stop and rest with interesting landmarks nearby. You should try to integrate a longer break between one and three pm, as that’s when people tend to feel drowsiest. Sitting up straight, chewing gum, playing upbeat music or having an energising scent such as peppermint nearby are some things you can try to stay alert and be sure you don’t make any mistakes behind the wheel. They keep your blood flow steady and help your head feel clear. 

While you take all necessary precautions, in some cases an accident can still happen due to another driver’s negligence. If this happens you must know that you have the option to start an accident compensation claim in the UK. You’ll get the benefit of having a specialist lawyer work on your case so you are eligible to receive the maximum amount permitted by law. The expert advice will also help you get a good idea into the type of evidence you should bring to court to support your case. This can include photographic evidence, eyewitness accounts, CCTV footage if it’s available, as well as medical bills and receipts that can show the physical damage you sustained. 

Pack light

As with all other holidays, you’ll probably be fretting quite a lot about what to take with you. If you’re a chronic overpacker, a road trip may just be the cure. That’s because having to fit everything in your trunk means you’ll have to reduce the amount of items you carry along. When it comes to clothing, pack items you’re comfortable in. You’ll spend quite some time sitting down, and the places you visit are likely to not be the poshest. That’s why you don’t need to worry about carrying formal clothing in tow. Choose athleisure pieces, jeans and basic tops. Depending on the weather, you’ll want to pack something for chillier afternoons or evenings. It’s not fun coming down with a stuffy nose or a scratchy throat during your trip. 

There are many things to keep in mind when starting on a road trip. However, if you plan in advance you’ll have nothing to worry about and be able to enjoy your downtime to the fullest. It can also be the perfect opportunity to bond with your family and friends. Being in the car for hours on end means you’ll inevitably strike up some interesting conversations. All things considered, you’re sure to make some unforgettable memories.

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