How to Plan a Road Trip
Looking for a cheap vacation? Why not consider a road trip? It’s inexpensive and lots of fun. The very nature of a road trip suggests spontaneity. Just climb in the car and off you go! However, it’s better to plan your travel a little bit first.
The first thing to do is to check out your vehicle. Is it due for any maintenance? Check the fluids and the pressure in the tires. Check the spare tire and the jack. Take a few simple tools, a flashlight and light bulb replacements. You don’t want a breakdown in some distant place. A few bungee cords can come in very handy if you happen to find something that you just have to have but won’t fit in the trunk.
Do you need any prescription medications? If so, plan for your needs before you go, just in case your requirements are not available locally. Plan for other non-prescription items too. Contact lens cleaner, for example, may be much more expensive on the road. Be sure to bring a simple first aid kit.
Next, where do you want to go? You have a lot of flexibility here. Maybe you have a loose idea about ending up at your cousins’ place several states away. Take some time to research what might be interesting to see in route, even if your route is not perfectly direct.
Even if you don’t have a fixed itinerary, you probably still have at least a rough idea where you are going. Let someone know you plans, and check in with them occasionally. It’s a good idea to check out your cell phone coverage areas too. You may not want anyone to actually be able to find you, and that’s certainly up to you, but at least know your options.
You don’t have to plan where to stay as much as how you will stay. That is, will you camp all or part of the time? If that’s a possibility, go through your equipment list before you leave. The same applies to activities. If you fish, pack your fishing equipment. All these things could be expensive on the road.
Pack the correct clothes. This is not difficult if you first plan what you will be doing. Along with your clothes, be sure to pack your other items. This means more than just the obvious items like your toothbrush. Something as simple as the kids’ favorite snacks and cereals can make a difference.
Your trip will have some drive time, so you should think of a few entertainment items as well. Electronic games, music and perhaps a portable DVD player are good for passing the hours. Be sure you bring either plenty of batteries, or the needed adaptors, or both.
Your road trip can be cheap and still be a great deal of fun. Some advance planning does not mean your road trip must lose its spontaneity. It’s just that a little work in advance will help your road trip go smoother and after all, that’s the idea. The goal is to get away for a while without spending a fortune.