With nearly 320 million vaccine doses administered, people are starting to travel around the country. Even though the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said people can safely travel by air if they are fully vaccinated, many people are still wary of the emergence of COVID-19 variants in different parts of the world. Due to this, people may opt to take to the open road and go on an adventure after staying at home for around a year.
If you are planning to go on a road trip this year, you should make the necessary preparations to make the trip memorable and problem-free. Here are some things you can do to prepare for an upcoming road trip.
Make a Detailed Plan
The first thing to do is to make a detailed plan. You should organize the trip and avoid making spontaneous decisions until you plan everything. Last-minute trips can be exciting, but it may not be advisable at this time.
You should check your route and make sure you will not have to deal with any major issues along the way. Downloading a GPS app on the phone is also a good idea. You can also bring a trusty physical map in case the phone service is spotty along the way.
Checking for road construction projects along the way can save you a lot of time getting stuck in traffic. You should also take into account the weather in the areas along the route.
Have the Car Checked
Another thing you should do is to go to your mechanic and have the car checked. This is important even if you just replaced your tires or had the oil changed in your car. Visiting your mechanic reduces the chances of issues emerging in the middle of your journey. Your mechanic can also give you a list of tools to bring to your trip just in case you encounter minor issues along the way. Unless you have the proper training and experience, it’s best to let a mechanic conduct the checks on your car.
Let the mechanic inspect the brakes, oil, heater and defroster, battery and ignition system, antifreeze levels, thermostat, windshield wiper, wiper fluid levels, air and fuel filters, and hazard lights. You should also ask the mechanic to install a dashcam in case you do not have one yet. If you do, you should make sure it is working properly or is up to date. Having the device in your car allows you to record and have ready evidence of anything that happens in your road trip.
Bring an Emergency Kit
You should also make sure that you have an emergency kit when you go on a road trip. It should contain everything you need for an emergency while on the road. Aside from a first aid kit, your emergency kit should include a reflective triangle or flares, flashlight, fire extinguisher, ice scraper, jumper cables, car cellphone charger, and a blanket.
You should also make sure the spare tire has air and the carjack is working well. A tire repair kit may also be useful in case more than one tire blows. Passing through areas where the weather is cold also requires warm clothes and matches in your kit. Having an emergency kit in the car allows you to be prepared for anything that may happen along the way.
Be Sensible
If you’re planning to go on a road trip over the weekend, you should be sensible about your destination. Traveling from the east coast to the west coast can take four to six days, which makes it unrealistic if you plan to take the trip over the weekend. You should also avoid driving 14 straight hours since you will not enjoy the trip and will become exhausted once you reach the destination.
Going on a road trip means stopping over in interesting places along the way. When you plan the trip, you should take note of the places where you can stop and rest for a while. You should also look for places where you can spend the night. You should be sensible about the trip and avoid making unrealistic goals while traveling.
Know Your Fellow Travelers
If you are taking the trip with friends, you should make sure you know them well. You want to avoid any issues in case you get pulled over for a traffic stop. If any of your fellow travelers will share driving duties, make sure they have insurance that can cover them in case of an accident.
Going on a road trip is something that people should experience. Aside from getting to see the country up close, you also get to reflect on everything that happened over the past year.