Due to COVID-19, a safe way to vacation is to partake in a road trip. Here are five things to know for any fun voyage with your car!
1. Car
Get your vehicle looked at ahead of time to ensure a smooth trip. Make sure there’s the best fuel efficiency from your car by changing your oil regularly to ensure it is full of coolant and wiper fluid. Getting a maintenance check beforehand can prevent any leaks of oil or gas before polluting the world and that your car is good to go!
2. Plan ahead
Get on Google Maps or whatever travel site you prefer to use, I highly recommend checking out Jetset Times curated travel guides and make a list of places you want to visit. Then, make a map with all those locations in a logical path so you have a route to take. Factor in your hotels and possibly rest stops for those well-needed breaks. Print your map and have it on you in case of emergencies. Technology is a great resource but sometimes it’s easier to have a hardcopy.
3. Listening
Plan out what you are going to listen to in the car. Are you going solo? Then maybe prepare long playlists, podcasts, or audio books. Are you going in a group? Choose some of the music ahead of time and have fun with it. My friends and I like to make 30-minute playlists that each have a theme varying from “Songs with the word Cloud in it” to “Songs from 2008.”
4. Spend the night
Figure out where you are going to stay well in advance to ensure accommodations are available. If you’re feeling adventurous, try camping. This can involve pitching a tent or camping within your own car. Either way, you can save money and offset some carbon emissions coming from your vehicle.
5. Pack Snacks
This is a no brainer, but it’s very important and how you go about storing the snacks is crucial. Go for more healthy foods over the sugar loaded junk food normally associated with road trips. This means fruit and vegetables (dried, normal, or in a smoothie,) granola with nuts, and energy bars. This will alleviate the fatigue and frequent need to use the restroom. Pack these snacks in a cooler to keep them longer and have a bag for trash nearby. Remember, drink lots of water to stay hydrated! Wholefully has more snack ideas.
