The end of the year beckons, and what better way to celebrate than by going on a road trip with your closest friends or family? You can’t deny the appeal of a road trip – it’s the type of things you know you’re going to talk about for years. There’s something about exploring remote areas of the country kilometers at a time that speedier travel can’t match.
However, you’ll have to do a bit of planning if you want the trip to go as smoothly as possible. That’s not an issue, though. The amount of fun you’ll have on the trip far outweighs the energy you’ll put into getting ready. Here are a few tips that will make your road trip one to remember:
Check Your Car
Long-distance trips can be very demanding on your car. Make sure the vehicle you travel in is in optimal condition. A few weeks before the trip, have a mechanic check the car’s brakes, tires and fluid levels. Make sure there’s a correctly inflated spare tyre in the vehicle as well as jumper cables and an emergency triangle. If you’re using your vehicle, make sure your car insurance is in order in case of an emergency. Request an online insurance quote if you’re not already covered, as you don’t want to be on the road with no protection.
Clean Your Car During the Trip
Most people are sensible enough to clean their car before a long trip. But as the trip proceeds, caution is slowly thrown to the wind. Before you know it, there’s a napkin under the car, a cubby hole full of fast-food wrappers and a cup holder full of receipts. Even if you can tolerate a bit of messiness, the accumulated junk will eventually drive you mad and can even be a danger to you and your passengers.
This can be avoided easily. Dedicate between 15 minutes a day clearing the car of any junk that’s accumulated during the day (either before or after each day’s journey).
Stay on Budget
No matter how tempted you are to splurge on a particular item, a road trip is not the ideal time to do that. Follow a strict budget and make sure you have a bit of cash on hand. A lot of unexpected things could happen during your trip – your car could break down, or you might need to stay at a hotel for an extra night. You never know when you’ll need to spend more than you originally planned. It’s also a good idea to carry a credit card ready in case you don’t have enough cash on you.
There’s no better place to clear your mind than the open road, especially at the end of the year. It’s the perfect way to unwind before closing off the year and replenish your energy for the new year challenges that lie ahead. If you ever find yourself wondering what to do at the end of the year, gather up a few of your mates and take a long trip to wherever the road leads you. Remember to live your way!
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