We all love road trips. It’s fantastic to get the chance to see more of the world, and maybe even to bond with friends and family! Of course, it can be a little stressful to plan a road trip since you need to consider so many different things. Are you going to stay in a camper like kimbo campers, for instance, or are you going to travel in your car and stop in a tent for the night? What about what you need to bring? There’s a lot to think about!
Thankfully, we’re here to make planning your road trip a little bit easier. Here is our guide to planning a road trip when you are a total beginner!
Actually Plan the Trip
There’s nothing wrong with a little bit of spontaneity every once in a while. Of course, that is unless you’re a beginner. Spontaneous road trips where you see where the wind takes you is more for the seasoned traveller than someone going on their first road trip. For that reason, it’s a good idea to make sure that you plan.
For instance, work out where you will be starting and ending your trip. Figure out what routes you will take, and figure out where you may need some extra time to take a trip off the beaten path. Do your research and make sure that you aren’t driving for more than 4 to 6 hours every day.
Have a Budget
What good is it to visit new places if you can’t pay for anything when you get there? Make sure that you are outlining a budget for yourself before you get on your trip. The budget can differ depending on who you are travelling with, the distance of the trip and how long it is. It can also be influenced by what you plan on doing, what accommodation you use and the cost of things like food and drink. Of course, car fuel and maintenance is another factor to keep in mind.
Make sure that you have a budget lined up first of all, and make sure that anyone you are travelling with is on your wavelength. Have some extra money for emergencies too. We all like to think that nothing will go wrong on a road trip, but there’s no way to predict the future.
Check Your Car Safety
If you’re going to be driving, you need to make sure that your vehicle is safe for travel. Inspect around 7 days before you intend to go on your trip. Make sure things such as lights and brakes are working fine, and make sure that your car can actually handle your trip.
In addition to that, make sure that you are packing some emergency supplies, such as jump leads, first aid kits, battery phone chargers and more. Oh, and you’ll want a map and a GPS – just in case!
Pack
Now that you have covered the basics, you need to get packing! Bring some clothes, a tent if you need one and any other luxury items that you may need. Bring the essentials like hygiene products, water bottles, flashlights, and any official paperwork you may need.
Get Your Snacks
You’re going to need to get some food ready for your trip. This can be done the day before the trip or on the same day. You don’t want the food to go bad, after all. If you have perishable food, it’s a good idea to make sure you have a cooler box or something else that can keep the food fresh while travelling.
Time to Go!
Now you’re all ready for the adventure of a lifetime, and it’s time to leave. Make sure that you follow your plan – though it’s okay to have some slight deviation! It can also help to have some cash with you for campsites and supplies in smaller villages. You should make sure that you have some rest stops on the way, but otherwise, you can enjoy your journey!
Conclusion
That’s everything that you need to know about planning your road trip. It can be a little daunting at first, but you are sure to have a fantastic time with careful planning and preparation. Hopefully, this guide has helped you to prepare. Good luck, and have fun on your journey!