We all love road trips, They’re a great way to see new places and have new experiences. But they can also be a pain if you’re not prepared. No matter how many times you’ve been on the road, there are always little things you learn along the way. Whether it’s a new shortcut or a better way to pack the car, these road trip hacks will make your next trip go even more smoothly. After reading this article, you’ll know the best tips for everything from saving money on petrol to surviving long road trips. Check out these ten road trip hacks every traveller should know, whether you’re planning your first road trip or you’re an old pro!
Pack efficiently to save space
Packing light has never been easy, whether you’re planning a month-long cross-country road trip, a spring trip to Kashmir, or a weekend trip to Ladakh. Learn to roll your clothes, tuck your belt into your shirt, choose your clothes carefully and pack what you need. Wear the shoes that take up the most space and pack travel-sized toiletries and towels. Use packing cubes and light suitcases and make the most of unused space when packing.
Plan ahead
Plan your entire itinerary, including any rest stops or pit stops. Plan a budget for your vacation. It is the most critical phase and can affect the rest of your trip-planning process. When organizing your trip, consider the weather and other local factors. Always mind that some periods of the year are less expensive than others. Once you’ve decided on a location, go to your government’s website to learn about security, entrance and exit regulations, health conditions, local laws, and culture.
Download Google Maps for offline use
Download Google Maps to use it even when you are offline if you don’t trust your data connection or prefer to have backups to feel comfortable. All you need is enough storage space on your phone. The procedure for downloading Google Maps is straightforward: Navigate to the area you want to save on the map, type ‘ok map’ into the search option, and click ‘Download.’
Leave before the fall of dawn
For longer trips, it is preferable to depart in the wee hours of the morning. You’re likely to cover a significant portion of the distance, and as a plus point, you’ll have more time at your destination. Make sure to Set an alarm for 4 am. and get on the road if your travel isn’t too long. It is a golden hour; you’ll encounter less traffic, possibly catch the sunrise, and begin your day with vigour and a sense of adventure.
Keep a ready emergency medical kit
Your car should always have a medical kit in it. Also, have supplies on hand ready to use during an emergency. For the first aid kit, you’ll need standard medical supplies like pain relievers and ones for headaches and stomachaches. Be ready for both before and after when using the car sickness kit. You’ll also keep a trash bag, napkins, travel wipes, hydration drinks, and light snacks in your car. Always keep motion sickness medication in your medical kit.
Switch the wheel for a safe journey
On your first road trip, it may be a good idea to change your driving style occasionally. Drowsy driving is not a good idea. Ask another passenger to take the wheel if you are too exhausted to drive the car. If no one else is around, pull over and rest at a nearby rest area. Taking the wheel in this situation is not beneficial for you or the other passengers. Never drink and drive or use medication that alters your concentration and vision.
Carry a power bank and a portable charger
Your phone is your entertainment provider, buddy, tutor, and guide in the modern world. Doesn’t the idea of lugging around a dead phone without a charger nearby seem like a nightmare scenario? Always keep a portable charger and a power bank on you if you need to handle such situations. Buy a portable power bank that can provide at least three charging cycles.
Keep all the documents ready
Get your critical papers in order, including your driver’s licence, auto insurance documents, and owner’s handbook. Before you leave, save all your essential documents, such as ID cards and itineraries, and send them to your email address. While travelling, there is a danger that our wallets or important papers could disappear. In this manner, you will own a copy exclusively.
Food and supplies
Choose whether you’ll eat at a rest stop or in the car on a road trip. Make sure to add wholesome snacks and refillable water bottles to your master list as you plan it. Sure, go ahead and grab a candy bar, but try to restrict your intake of processed foods. Water in bottles is another option. On a long journey, you might run out of supplies. Replenish your supplies wherever you can.
Maintain your car
Drive as efficiently as possible. Gently accelerate and maintain a steady speed. Be aware of traffic and maintain the tyre pressure to reduce fuel consumption. Check your automobile before you get behind the wheel. Check the battery, tyre pressure, brakes, lights, air conditioner, fuel, engine oil, coolant, and other components. Following this will save you money too.
