Whether you are visiting a friend on the other side of the country or looking to disconnect from work, a long road trip would be an experience that’s worth your while. Anyone can go on a road trip, but there’s a lot that goes into planning a memorable one. Regardless of your destination, you can make the most of the journey by applying the right tips and bringing along the most essential items. Before hitting the road, here are a few things you wouldn’t want to leave home without:
1. The Perfect Vehicle
No matter the distance you will be covering, you need to drive a vehicle that meets your needs. If you are planning to take the journey off-road, consider driving a 4X4, RV, or SUV since these are designed for rugged terrain and long-distance traveling. For casual road trips, any type of vehicle would do although you will need to invest in several modifications to make it road-worthy.
There are several improvements to consider for your car so it will perform better on the road or off the road. Install the right types of tires depending on the terrain. If you are opting for a camping trip that will take you through muddy terrain, shop around for all-terrain tires.
Apart from these improvements, you should also take your vehicle for regular maintenance. An oil and fluid change can help prevent mechanical failures and other similar situations that will put a damper on your trip.
2. GPS
Wherever you are going, you need to know whether you are taking the right routes. Many vehicles already come with GPS features that integrate with apps like Google Maps or Apple Maps. In case your vehicle doesn’t have one, you can always hunt for GPS devices you can easily install on the dashboard.
When picking a GPS device, consider the size of the screen. Larger navigation systems can give you a comprehensive view of the roads you are taking, but they take up too much space on your dashboard and limit your view of the road. Unless you have vision problems, choose a GPS device that offers a smaller display.
In addition, choose a GPS device that’s simple and comes with preloaded maps. These maps should include destinations and landmarks that are regularly updated so you will always know what’s ahead. Before buying, make sure to read the reviews and learn the features it offers. The best system is one that maps out possible stopovers and gas stations that are present along the route you are taking.
3. Solar Chargers
If the road trip involves camping out for the night, it pays to bring along a portable solar charger. This consists of a solar panel that stores energy you can use to charge LED lights and mobile devices. Some brands are light enough to carry by hand but cannot charge numerous gadgets.
When buying a portable solar charger, consider the number of gadgets you will be using throughout the trip. The more devices you use, the more power you will need. Look for a solar charger with batteries of at least 150 amps. This should be enough to last the trip.
In addition to the capacity, you should also check if it’s light enough to carry around and simple enough to install. If you do not have many gadgets to charge throughout the journey, use a solar charger with a lighter battery pack.
4. Sleeping Quarters and Tents
Consider yourself lucky to own an RV, as it already has everything you need to make the trip comfortable and safe. However, that shouldn’t stop you from making improvements that will make your current vehicle ideal for unexpected camp-outs.
You can also convert your car into a camper by removing or folding the backseats so you will have extra space for a mattress. You may need to swing the rear door wide open if it gets stuffy. On the other hand, you should bring along extra blankets in case you are traveling to colder places or regions.
If you have room in your budget, you can check for car camping tents on the market that are easy to set up wherever you stop over. Roof tents are popular options because they can be installed in just about any type of vehicle. If you are looking to purchase one for your car, visit this website and shop around for quality roof tent systems and accessories that fit your needs.
5. First Aid Pack
Regardless of how experienced you are, nothing can prepare you for potentially hazardous situations that could endanger your life and the lives of others. While you can’t prevent these situations from happening, there’s always something you can do to prevent casualties.
Having a first aid kit wherever you go will make all the difference in saving people who were injured whether through an on-road collision or a hilltop hike that has gone wrong. The kit should include essentials such as a roll of bandages, gauze pads, disinfectants, and antibiotic solutions.
Your first aid kit should also consist of anti-allergy medication, cold packs, and antibacterial wipes. A list of emergency numbers should also come in handy in case you are dealing with more serious situations such as snake bites and fractures.
6. Travel Documents
Don’t let the excitement of going on a road trip cause you to overlook important factors, especially if you are traveling across state lines. You should always bring along documents such as your state license and registration.
The same can’t be said if you are traveling to Mexico and Canada where border checks are required. U.S. citizens will need to show their passports at the Canadian border Mexican authorities, on the other hand, will require you to fill out an immigration form unless you are traveling to Cancun. Knowing what documents to provide should help you enjoy your road trip free of legal complications.
There’s always a perfect time for a long trip. You just need to know what to bring along with you before taking on the road. Consider a checklist of items that will make your journey worth every moment!
