Road trips can be very exciting and great fun until something goes wrong. Then they can be a nightmare, but more often than not they go well but to make sure your road trip goes without a hitch you need to be properly prepared.
You need to make sure your car is in good order before you leave home. Check all the fluid and the tyres, and don’t forget to check that the spare in the boot is in good order too. It is perfect if you can have the vehicle serviced before you leave, as then all these things will be checked for you.
Of course, no matter how good your car is if someone runs into the side of you, the damage could be extensive. That will not be a problem if you are registered with a company like Compass Cars because, after a no-fault accident, they will get a replacement vehicle to you, no matter where you are. This can really save your trip should the worst happen.
Part of checking that your car is OK to go is making sure your insurance is up to date. You also need to know that if you are travelling into another state, you will still be covered. It is also good to have roadside assistance just in case your car breaks down.
You should plan a route of the trip you are intending and leave a copy of it with a friend or relative. If you have an accident out in the wilds, then at least they will be able to let rescue teams know where you were intending to venture and that will make it easier for you to be found.
If your journey takes in anywhere away from civilization, take paper maps and a compass with you. Not many people bother with these because they have navigation on their smartphones. However, if you are in the middle of nowhere it could be that there is no phone reception, and then you will be glad you have the paper maps with you.
You will be in your car for much of your road trip, obviously, so you want it to be comfortable. Overpack and you and you will be cramped and that could make the journey not so much fun. You do not need a month’s worth of clothes if you are away for just two weeks, and there will be laundry shops you will encounter on the way.
You should pack a bag of snacks and drinks in case you turn up somewhere and all the shops are closed, or for emergency use. Just remember to keep it restocked when you have used some of them.
If your road is taking in towns and cities you have never visited before, be flexible about the time you spend there. It could be that you come across events you would like to stay for, or it could be that you really want to move on. Whichever it is, be prepared to stay somewhere for a shorter or longer period than you first planned.
Road trips can be a great way to see places that you would otherwise miss, and as long as you are prepared for all situations, it will not be the only one that you do.
