There are several things that you can do to make your next road trip the best one yet.
When you make a few simple changes to your approach, the Great American Road Trip can be even better. No matter where you are planning to visit, how long you are going to stay for or how long your drive is going to be, there are several things that you can do to make your next road trip the best one yet.
Make a plan but be flexible
If you are traveling to a time limit, then it’s a good idea to have a plan in place that you can stick to. Ideally, plan so that you are driving for eight hours or less per day and decide where you are going to sleep each night before you set off. It’s good idea to be flexible, too, since the chances are that while you are on the road, you’re going to discover new destinations that you might decide you want to visit.
Get some games for the road
Road trips can be exciting, but all that driving can quickly get boring. Make sure that you are entertained along the way with a lot of games that you can play on the road. Come up with games that you can play together as a group, or if everyone else wants to just relax and sleep, make sure that you have something fun for you to do like playing at USA real money online casinos on your phone.
Consider getting car wi-fi
If you’re worried about the mobile signal where you are going, getting Wi-Fi for the car can be an ideal option. This will help you out massively when it comes to using your phone to navigate or if you want to research a destination before you decide whether or not to drive there. You can get cheap car Wi-Fi hubs that can plug in to the USB or car lighter socket in your car to provide you with a stable connection wherever you go, without the need to worry about using up your phone data or walking around looking for a signal.
Ask locals where to eat
Once you’ve arrived at a destination and are looking for somewhere to grab a bite to eat, it’s a good idea to ask somebody who’s local to the area for their recommendations. Not only can this be a good way to make some new friends while you are on the road, but locals will help you find a better, cheaper dinner than anything you will find in a guidebook or online.
Keep somebody updated
Safety should always be a main priority during your road trip, so it’s a good idea to tell somebody like a family member or friend where you are, where you are staying for the night and where you’re planning to go the next day. While there’s a low chance that something sketchy is going to happen, it’s always good to have a public record of where you are and where you’re going, just in case.
Make some new friends
A road trip is a great way to make new friends and meet new people, so practice making some new friends wherever you go. Don’t be afraid to approach people in bars or outdoor spaces who look like they’re not busy and might be willing to strike up a conversation. Getting to know some of the local people is not only a good way to make some new friends and get the chance to join in with social activities, but they know the area best and can also introduce you to some of the best things to see and do that you might not have even considered.
Get a gas card
If you’re planning to travel and visit a lot of different places on your road trip, you’re going to be using a lot of fuel, so consider getting a gas card. This can be a great way to earn cash back on hotels, get discounts in restaurants or on groceries, and access free fuel points to keep the overall cost of your trip down as low as possible.
Bring some cash for tolls
Toll roads can appear in the strangest of places, and they might be more expensive than you were expecting. While the good news is that more and more toll roads now accept payment by card after the COVID-19 pandemic, there are still many that are cash only, especially in the more rural areas. Keep your center console stocked with coins and dollars so that if you do pull up to a toll road, you can easily pay to get through.
Pack light
No matter where you travel to on your road trip, chances are that you are going to find a few things that you want to take home with you. If you’re going with a group of friends and there’s limited space in your car or truck already, then pack light so that by the time you’re on the way home, you’ve got enough room to be comfortable while storing all your new purchases in the trunk.
Bring a real map
While Google Maps and Waze are great for getting real-time driving directions and finding the best routes, it’s definitely going to be a lot of fun to plan out your progress on a real paper map. Bring a big map and a pen or Sharpie and track your route on the map as you go along. Even if you’re using navigation software for your directions, your map will be fun to look back on.
Head to destinations without researching
With so much information at our fingertips, the idea of pulling up to a destination without reaching it can seem ludicrous. However, this can be some of the best fun of your road trip. When you don’t know what to expect, you can’t be let down by what’s there, and it can be an ideal way to find some of the best local spots instead of heading straight for the biggest tourist attractions.
No matter when or where you are planning your next road trip for, keep these tips in mind for an amazing and memorable time.
Photo by Yoal Desurmont on Unsplash
