A road trip across America produces memories that last a lifetime. If you are looking for an adventure will leave you with fond memories, a road trip like this is one of the best things that you can do. Road trips make vacations adventurous and allow you to customize your trip completely. America offers innumerable destinations that can cater for a broad range of interests. Nature lovers, admirers of architecture as well as those who love cultures will find such a trip to be full of fun. Such a trip starts with proper planning to ensure everything will fall in place during the trip.
Photo Credit: Alex Dean
Step # 1
Start by purchasing roadside service insurance. This will cater for the risk of getting stranded on the roads which you are unfamiliar with. This insurance package covers towing and repair services. Without this cover, your budget for the trip may be ruined meaning you may not enjoy your trip as planned. Before setting out on the trip, make sure your policy has been upgraded to cover for this.
Step # 2
Take your car for comprehensive service and maintenance checkup in a reputable repair garage. This will ensure it is in proper condition and that you have all the things you need for your road trip such as an extra tire and first aid kit. Let the mechanic understand you are embarking on a journey that will cover more than a thousand miles.
Step # 3
Purchase a paper map to guide you during you during your road trip. A GPS or computer software is good but may fail you. A map is good even if you take it as a backup.
Step # 4
List the places you would like to visit and come up with a realistic timetable. Be conservative in your time plan since you don’t know the challenges you may face or the hours you will spend on the road. In case time will run out, cut out one or two destinations in order to have enough time enjoying the best destinations you visit.
Step # 5
Plan for overnight stays. Though it is hard to drive for long without finding a motel for accommodation, it may happen since you will be in a place you are unfamiliar with. When mapping your road trip, figure out the number of miles you will be covering each day and tentatively tick the towns where you think you will spend the nights. Research about those small towns to make sure they have accommodation facilities.
Step # 6
Take with you a lengthy playlist of your favorite songs for your MP3 player. This will be good for entertainment and chasing away boredom while driving. You may also add a book on CD to break things up.
Step # 7
Keep a safety kit as a precaution in case of any mishaps during the trip. A flashlight, an extra phone battery, non perishable food, water, winching equipment and a first aid kit are some of the basic things you must put in place.
Step # 8
Stock beverages and snacks in a small cooler. Loading tons of food may become a hassle and messy. Wherever you will go, there will be lots of food.
Step # 9
Allocate time for any unexpected occurrence. A road trip is full of adventure and mystery. You don’t really know the time you will need for the trip. You may go to unplanned places and leave out the ones you had planned to visit. Nevertheless, a well-planned road trip will always be successful, adventurous and unforgettable.
During your trip, make sure you always leave your car locked at all times. Do not leave valuables in the vehicle. Whenever you feel sleepy, pull over and take a nap.
John is a passionate writer about travel and road trips experiences across America.
