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A road trip anywhere in the world is always heaps of fun, but a staycation road trip is often one of the most exciting and interesting adventures you can take. Seeing the world is great, there’s no doubt about this, but taking a trip without leaving the country can introduce you to everything you’ve missed. We regularly neglect to see the sights close to home, instead preferring somewhere exotic. However, this means we sorely miss out on unique landscapes and destinations. If you’re planning a road trip and want to save some cash, a staycation adventure is the best solution, so here are some essentials you need to remember.
A Suitable Vehicle
You can’t take a road trip without a suitable vehicle. This means that your trust three-door without power steering may not cut it. You may need something more dependable. To find the right vehicle for you, whether a car, jeep, or van, consider the terrain you’ll travel on, the size you need and the weather you might encounter along the way. There’s no need to splash out on a brand new car, but you can click here to find a reliable used car that can get from A to Z. if you’re traveling with friends and family, pool your money together to make it more affordable.
A Plan
No matter where you’re going, you need a plan to make sure you get there. Sure, the road trip is supposed to be all Kerouacian, without rules or logic or time constraints. Still, you don’t want to waste too much time umming and ahhing about where to go next. If you have a plan, even if this plan is a very basic outline of where to go, it will be easier to get yourself on the road and stick to a schedule, at least for the first few days.
Flexibility
What if the plan fails, though? This is always a danger. You might encounter extreme weather that makes certain routes or destinations inaccessible. You may have an emergency that requires you to get somewhere quickly. Maybe you reach a town and realize it’s nowhere near as exciting as you anticipated. This is where the ability to be flexible comes in, and it’s one hallmark of a successful road trip. If you can be as flexible as possible, you will have more fun on your adventure.
The Know-How
Depending on where you take your road trip, whether in the UK, the US, Australia, Canada, or maybe Iceland, you will spend some time driving down a long and lonesome road. This is peaceful, it’s relaxing, it can be a little eerie, too. The problems begin if you break down or crash, especially in cold, wintery weather. Do you know how to fix your car if you get stuck in a bind? Basic car maintenance is essential when taking a road trip, as you will save money and prevent yourself from being stranded, potentially in the middle of nowhere and well after dark.
A Place to Sleep
In most places, you should come across a hotel, motel, or Holiday Inn anywhere you go, but this doesn’t always happen. It might be tempting to drive until you reach civilization, but it is too dangerous to drive when you are tired. Because of this, you’ll need somewhere to sleep. Pack a sleeping bag and a tent, or sleep in your car if there is enough space. You might always want to bring a portable toilet and shower to keep you fresh along your travels.
Plenty of Entertainment
As enjoyable as road trips can be most of the time, they can also be painfully dull in other places. If you’re traveling with kids, there’s a risk they will get restless, and this could lead to distracted driving. Make sure you bring something to keep them entertained, such as games, books, and music so you can focus on the driving.
Something to Keep You Going
If you’ve never taken a long trip before, you probably don’t expect it to be too exhausting. After all, you’re sitting down all day and you can take a break whenever you like. However, you still need to focus on the road, and this can be more exhausting than you think. Bring plenty of snacks and refreshments, such as coffee or energy drinks, to stay alert, and don’t forget to take breaks and change driving duties.
Emergency Items
Part of the fun of road trips is the excitement of adventure. You will stop somewhere, get out of the car, and go exploring, getting back to your vehicle before sundown. However, accidents can happen when venturing off the beaten track. This is why First Aid knowledge is so important, as it will enable you to treat minor cuts and injuries. Safety should be paramount on any trip, so bring a medical kit, and brush up on your training. You can also bring navigational tools like a compass, while a map, GPS, and portable chargers will all make the journey more successful.
A Change of Clothes
It’s easy to neglect personal hygiene when on the road. You are always moving, which means you can forget to take a shower, or even brush your teeth. If you’re camping, you may not even get the chance to do so. This isn’t the end of the world, but it can be uncomfortable, especially if it lasts for a few too many days. Bringing a change of clothes may not be the same as a shower, but it’s something to tide you over until you can find a place with warm running water.
Road Trippin’
Hitting the road and driving all day (and even all night) brings you a level of freedom that you can’t get from catching planes or waiting for buses. You can go wherever you like on your schedule, staying as long or as little as you like. But, if you want your road trip to be a success, you must have everything you need. This includes a vehicle, of course, but also enough knowhow to fix the vehicle, as well as much more to ensure you and your party stay safe and happy.
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