The last Tuesday in January marks National Plan For A Vacation Day, and while taking a cross-country trip just for fun might not be an option during a pandemic, there’s nothing wrong with planning a road trip now and implementing it later. Whether you’re an experienced traveler or you’ve never taken a trip beyond the county lines, here are some simple dos and don’ts to help get the ball — or wheels — rolling on your next road trip.
Do: Know your car
If you’re planning a road trip, there’s one element that’s inarguably crucial: having a mode of transportation. Whether you have a car, van or camper, getting your vehicle looked at by a mechanic before heading out might help you avoid a middle-of-nowhere call to AAA.
Do: Budget ahead of time
Road trips might be a cost-effective and fun way to reach a destination, but it’s easy to end up spending more than anticipated. Write down all of your expected costs for hotels, campsites, site-seeing and gas before you leave to ensure you have the funds ready. Additionally, if you’re planning on using a debit or credit card, consider checking in with your bank before you depart to avoid your card getting flagged.
Do: Pack snacks
To continue with the theme of budgeting, food can be expensive if you’re trying to buy it all while on the trip. Packing snacks or quick and easy meals like sandwiches, wraps or protein bars can help you avoid spending money on fast food.
Do not: Entirely wing it
While having a spontaneous adventure can be fun, you might be able to avoid some unnecessary stress by planning an outline of your trip ahead of time. Some things, like certain hotels, campsites or attractions, might require advanced registration or reservations. If you have a goal other than just driving and seeing where the road takes you — and there’s nothing wrong with that — do a little research ahead of time to limit stress while on the road.
Do not: Go past your limits
Driving is a pretty unavoidable part of a road trip (unless you’re strictly a passenger), and while it might be tempting to try to push yourself to get to a destination, try to be realistic. Stay on the safe side and adjust your plans as necessary — it’s not worth it to push yourself and risk the dangers of fatigued or distracted driving.
Do not: Drive straight through
This may be a personal suggestion, but part of the fun of a road trip is the sense of adventure and seeing new places. If you’re driving along and spot a sign for something you’re interested in, if it’s realistic to stop, do so. Especially when you’re driving long distances, making little pit stops along the way might end up being some of your favorite parts of the trip. Planning is important, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the ride.
