Life gets a bit crazy sometimes which is why so many people think about going on a little road trip to get away from the hustle and bustle of life. Why drive and not fly? A road trip isn’t just a good way to get a break though as it’s also a way to possibly extend the trip a bit so you can have that much needed time away.
If you’re thinking of going on a road trip, you should be aware of some of the things you need to do to make sure everything goes smoothly. There’s no denying that in the excitement of the moment things can be forgotten which is why making a list of things to do would be ideal. Do you have a tow strap in case your car breaks down? Are you sure there will be lodging once you reach your destination?
Want to start planning properly now? Let’s go through the top 4 things you need to remember when planning a trip.
Make a List
If you’re worried about forgetting anything, make a list. This is a great way to think through everything you might use while you’re away in order to make sure you don’t leave behind anything important.
You could subsection your list into categories like:
- Clothes
- Electronics
- Toiletries
This can help you add and take away anything easily when you get to packing. It can also be easy to work through your list in sections if you get overwhelmed. A list can also be a great way to stop yourself from getting distracted.
It’s no secret that going through your things at home can lead you down a rabbit hole so having a list already in place will make sure you stick to only packing what you need.
Don’t Leave Things to the Last Minute
It may sound like a simple thing to do but often packing is left until the last minute and then everything goes wrong. Things are forgotten which leads to upset and frustration. Of course, sometimes life can be a little busy but making sure you start packing before the day of the trip is important if you want to be stress free from the start.
If you struggle due to having a busy lifestyle then set aside at least 30 minutes an evening a couple of days before your trip to go through what you need to pack. With the help of a list, it will be easier to pack everything the night before because you would’ve set everything you need aside already.
It would also be a good idea to look into a few things that you shouldn’t do on a road trip, such as:
- Travelling when tired
- Placing feet on the dashboard
- Don’t rely on one GPS source—rather have two mobile devices ready
Discuss rules and guidelines with the entire group or your family, so everyone knows what’s coming before you get in the car.
Check Equipment and Car
Wouldn’t it be a complete disaster if something were to snap or break while driving? It will add stress when there shouldn’t be any. This is why it’s important to check your car and all equipment a day or two before.
If you’re driving a long distance, making sure that everything is in order with your car is extremely vital as it will prevent a breakdown from happening along the way. Also make sure you have:
- Extra gas
- Water
- A toolbox, just in case
- First aid kit
You never know when you may need any of the above and it’s better to be safe than sorry.
If you have to pack a few things externally on a trailer or the roof of the car, check that you have everything you need to safely transport it and that everything is in working order. This list can include:
- Tow straps
- Roof rack
- Tie downs
- Tarp to cover your belongings
Double Check
Before you leave for your trip you should double check everything. This is where your list will come in handy as you’ll be able to look at it and make sure you haven’t forgotten anything. It would also be a good idea to do this the night before to make sure that you have enough time to take care of anything you need to get or still pack.
Final Thoughts
Going away is always fun. It’s a great experience to have with friends, family or alone but it can also be a little frantic. Sometimes the excitement can overwhelm us and so we end up forgetting important things to take with or do beforehand.
Hopefully after reading this article, you will be confident knowing that you’ve packed and checked everything in order to have a great trip. Safe journey!
