Many people are planning to travel this year as travel restrictions have started to ease up. According to Expedia’s 2022 Travel Trends Report, 68% of Americans are planning to travel this year and are planning to go big on their next trip. However, majority of individuals who participated in the survey are more comfortable going on domestic trips and are choosing to go on road trips rather than flying to a destination abroad. Road trips are fun because they offer a great sense of freedom and adventure. With just a few keyword searches, you’ll be able to find great destinations and basic tips on planning a road trip. As for how you can have a truly fun and successful road trip, here are great tips you should follow.
Be Flexible
Have a clear plan and itinerary to ensure that the trip is organized. The first thing that you have to do is make sure that your vehicle is in good working condition. If you haven’t used the vehicle in a while, check to see if there’s enough gas or if the gas seems to smell off, since gasoline has a shelf life and should be replaced before it goes bad. Next, check to see if your car will fit everyone and all your belongings– if it’s too small, you may want to consider renting an SUV or an RV instead. Then, plan your route and stops, as well as your budget.
Once you’re on the road, try to be flexible with your plans. You may go in another direction and end up in a different place. You may also end up staying longer than planned at a certain destination. However, this is usually where the fun and adventure come in. If plans change, don’t be bothered and instead embrace them. This may lead to an extended vacation, but it is not actually a bad thing. According to HomeToGo’s CEO, pent-up demand for travel led to travelers taking longer vacations. This can be a chance to truly unwind and enjoy the outdoors.
Eat Local
It is a basic road trip rule to pack food, but it’s not advisable to stuff your car with too much food. According to travel experts, eating while driving may be an excellent way to pass the time, but it’s not very productive and could cause digestion problems and affect your ability to concentrate. It would be best to stop when you’re hungry at a restaurant, convenience store, or a truck stop. It’s a good chance to eat local food, which is one of the biggest perks of a road trip. This definitely brings a great sense of adventure. Look for the best local restaurants by using Google Maps. You can also ask the locals for their best food for better results.
Pack Light
When going on road trips, people tend to bring as many things as possible because they think they can fill a car with everything they may need. However, travel experts say that it is better to pack light. This ensures that your vehicle is not cramped, avoiding stress and discomfort while traveling. Packing light also ensures that you can travel with ease, not to mention it would be easier to secure your belongings. You can travel light by bringing just a few things like outfits that are interchangeable and easy to wash, and pack just one pair of footwear to swap out with the pair that you’ll wear during the long drive.
Going on a road trip this year may be just the thing to get rid of the pent-up stress from being cooped up in the last two years. To fully enjoy your road trip, keep in mind the tips above and have fun with your family and friends while you’re on the road.
