{"id":80988,"date":"2023-01-09T21:19:40","date_gmt":"2023-01-09T21:19:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.verveavenue.com\/?p=80988"},"modified":"2023-09-06T23:01:38","modified_gmt":"2023-09-06T23:01:38","slug":"27-road-trip-tips-for-a-safe-and-fun-mega-journey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.verveavenue.com\/27-road-trip-tips-for-a-safe-and-fun-mega-journey\/","title":{"rendered":"27 Road Trip Tips for a Safe and Fun Mega Journey"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Ahhh! The open road. Packing up the car and heading to far-away destinations can be a happy experience or a holy horror. Prepping for a mega road trip is essential. So, lucky for you, I am spelling out my 27 road trip tips for a successful journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is just one of those road trip safety tips<\/strong> that everyone needs to do. Make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape. Check the levels of oil, windshield washer fluid, and antifreeze coolant. Also, check the tire pressure on your road tires and spare tires. Maybe get new windshield wipers or a tune-up if needed. Simple checks and maintenance before your trip can help you avoid later expensive repairs and tow fees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An epic road trip starts with a Road Trip Playlist. Just a quick search on my Spotify for road trips pops up several existing playlists with songs like “Running on Empty” (don’t do that) and “Highway to Hell” already cued up. I’d recommend any tune that energizes you and keep you awake for the long trip ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I am a nut about planning ahead. I create a Google Map with stops pre-analyzed. Since I like to stop every 2-3 hours, I look for towns I can zoom in on and find restaurants, gas stations, etc. Then I create that as a stop. Which leads to number 4.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Print out directions to where you are going and plan to stop. I will take the Google Map I created above and print out the directions and the map. This way, if my navigation on my phone gets wonky, I still know where I am going.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the first things that come to mind when taking a long trip is the SNACKS! M & M’s, Doritos, and Milky Way bars are some of my favs. Sugary, carb-laden snacks will lead to sleepy drivers, though. So, think about snacks that will keep you alert. Gum, jerky, trail mix, string cheese, peanut butter pretzels, grapes, nuts, popcorn, and protein bars will give you a boost. You can also check out our no-bake protein ball recipe<\/a>. These snacks also tend not to put you in a sugar coma. Staying hydrated with plenty of water is also a must.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I like nice bathrooms. Just a fact. And it is known worldwide that some gas stations and rest stops can sport some not-so-nice bathrooms. But truck stops are another story. And they are not just for truckers. They are bigger and better. Lots of clean restrooms. The aisles are filled with a wide array of snacks and other essential items. So don’t rule out a truck stop. If you want to try one out, some big-name companies include Pilot Travel Centers and Flying J.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So it is harder to see at night. If you are like me, when night falls, oncoming headlights get a giant ol’ halo around them. So, that makes it extra hard and dangerous. When planning a trip, I tend to try and end my drive day before sundown if I am in unfamiliar territory. It’s just one of those long road trip tips<\/strong> that makes sense, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stopping to pee? Get gas. Stopping for a snack? Get gas. You don’t always know how long it will be before encountering another gas station. Especially if you are traveling backroads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How often should you stop on a road trip?<\/strong> Well, the simple answer is often. A danger to some travelers in a car for long trips is deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This condition happens when a blood clot forms in a large vein. That clot can break off and travel to the lungs (which can be fatal). You can combat this by stopping every 2-3 hours and exiting the vehicle to stretch, walk around, and get your blood pumping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No joke. I make videos on my phone when I am traveling without my husband. How to change a tire, find my oil dipstick, find my radiator, and add windshield washer fluid are just a few I keep in my arsenal. I keep these videos downloaded on my phone to access them without cell service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cell coverage is usually pretty good if you stick to the main highways. However, all bets are off if you are on a back road. For this reason, it is a must not to rely solely on car navigation. Have a printed-out copy of where you are going and any contact information for where you are staying. I also recommend you share this list with friends or family not going on the trip in case of an emergency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chances are, you don’t take long road trips every day. So, if you have the time, why not find places to stop along the way? You may never be going that way again! I like to do a Google map of my trip and blow up different areas of the route to find out if there’s anything worth seeing. Clicking the More button on the Google map will take you to a flyout menu. You can pick “Things to do,” such as Attractions, Events, Parks, and Museums. And voila! They show up along your route.<\/p>\n\n\n\nCheck your Vehicle out Ahead of Time<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Have your Playlist Locked and Loaded<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Plan Where to Stop Ahead of Time<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Print out your Directions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Be Smart About Your Snacks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Truck Stops Rule!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Try Not to Drive at Night<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Get Gas Often<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Stretch Your Legs Every 2-3 Hours<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Know the Basics of Your Car<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Print out your Basic Directions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Figure Out Roadside Must-Sees<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Know who to call in an emergency (AAA or other Roadside Assistance)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n