An easy and helpful guide to planning a road trip

There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road with a full tank and an appetite for adventure. In fact, road trips are so much fun that it is no wonder that they have become vacations in themselves! No longer are road trips reserved just for long-distance travel; instead, they are now one of the most popular ways to enjoy a few days or even a few months off.

Whether you’re looking for ways to spend a staycation or how to liven up a long journey, planning a road trip is an essential step in making the most out of your excursion. With these top tips, you’ll be hitting the road in no time!

Choose your vehicle 

Before you go anywhere, you’ll need to need to work out which method of transport you’re going to use. Cars are ideal for longer trips as they are relatively comfortable, while motorbikes are perfect for shorter adventures. Make sure that your vehicle is serviced and in great condition before you set off to avoid any unexpected issues or breakdowns on the way. You may also want to consider using a coach so that you can really kick back and take in the scenery on your trip.

Plan a route

The second step in planning your trip is to work out the route you are going to take. Whether you have a few days or a few months, you can pack in a lot of sightseeing and adventure, so it pays to do some research on the different routes available to you. If you’re heading somewhere with a fixed destination, you don’t have to take the most direct route to get there. Look for landmarks, hotels, restaurants, and activities within the approximate area of where you’re heading and plan your route around those instead. If you don’t have a fixed destination, think of some of the places you’ve always wanted to visit and go from there! 

Set a budget 

A budget is a super important part of planning a road trip because you don’t want to run out of gas or money for accommodation halfway through your journey. Work out how much you need for overnight stays, food, fuel, and any other activities you might indulge in along the way, and try to stick to a daily spending budget so that you don’t run out of cash. 

Download apps

It always pays to be prepared on a road trip, so it’s worth taking the time to research and download the apps you might need while you’re traveling. Traffic apps like Wave and Google Maps are great for getting you from A to B in the most efficient way, while accommodation apps like Airbnb and Booking.com will help you find somewhere to crash when you arrive at your destination. It’s also worth thinking about entertainment - after all, if you’re taking it in turns to drive then there will be plenty of time when you have nothing to do! Book apps like Aldiko and Book Funnel are great for avid readers, while gaming apps like PokerStars Casino, 8 Ball Pool, and Fruit Ninja are ideal for keeping yourself entertained. Music is also super important for road trips, so spend time making sure you have downloaded all your favorite songs so that you never run out of tunes.

Pack your bags 

For any trip, you’ll need the standard items such as clothing, toiletries, and chargers, but it’s also a good idea to pack a car safety kit as well, in case you break down. These kits usually include items to help with flat batteries, flat tires, and basic first aid. Of course, no trip is complete without snacks, so pack some finger foods that are relatively easy to eat on the go. Sliced veg, chips, popcorn, and crackers are all healthy alternatives to junk food. You may want to pack a cool bag and cutlery for impromptu picnics along the route.

With a little planning and forethought, your road trip might well be the best journey you’ll ever take. Just remember to take lots of pictures and videos on the way so that you can remember your excursion. Happy road tripping!