Road trips are a unique and wonderful way to see the world, whether alone or shared with friends. There is a certain allure to the open road that can’t be understated; something to the freedom of approach to a given journey, being able to choose which place to visit next and how to get there.
Even so, road trips come with their own challenges, and anyone intending to embark on a long trip by car needs to be prepared. Here are some simple things you can do to get ready for a road trip.
Clean and Tidy Your Car
Given that you will be spending extended periods of time in your car covering miles, it makes sense that one of your first steps would be to clear out and clean your car’s cockpit. Start with throwing away any accumulated rubbish in footwells, cup-holders and the glove box, before checking the seat and door pockets. Remove the car mats, and either beat or vacuum them outside – then vacuum the seats and floor inside the car before putting the mats back. A brief spray and wipe of the dashboard surface and door handles, and your car interior will feel good as new. While you’re at it, you might as well give the exterior a bit of love as well, even if just a quick wash to get rid of any accumulated grime. Find good Anaheim road trip service party bus for you.
Make Essential Checks
More importantly, though, you’ll want to make sure that your car is in the best possible shape for driving. Start by asking yourself the simple question: “when is my MOT due?” You might find your MOT due to run out during your extended trip, making it essential to book yourself in ahead of leaving. Simple checks you can make yourself include ensuring all the external lights and lamps are functional, as well as spending some time checking your tyres. Make sure your tyre treads are above the legal threshold of 1.6mm, and check the tyre pressure as well to ensure everything is as it should be.
Draw Up a Schedule
With the car more or less sorted, you can now turn your attention to the specifics of your journey. Consider drawing up a detailed schedule, stipulating the distance you’ll be driving each day, the places you’ll stop on the way and designated re-fuelling points to make sure you don’t run dry in the middle of nowhere. If you’re driving abroad, make sure your schedule lines up with any ferry or Eurotunnel tickets you have already purchased – and if more than one of you is going to be driving, plan who’ll be behind the wheel and when to switch to remain safe on the roads.
Pack!
The one thing that remains before you set off on your grand adventure is to pack! Naturally you’ll need the standard fare for any holiday or camping trip: clothes, extra pairs of underwear, towels, currency, and so on. But since you’re driving, you will also want to pack some crucial items to help you out on the journey. Make sure your car has a spare tyre, for one – but also make sure you have an emergency kit for the weather you’ll be encountering. If it’s going to be cold and snowy, pack de-icer and snow chains; if it’s going to be warm, you might want extra water and umbrellas for sun-shielding if you need to change a tyre.