10 Roadtrip Tips for Successful Trip

1) Figure out who is going because company matters.

A road trip is only as awesome as the people you share it with.Make sure you have your squad along so that you make  great team in the car. Make sure that the group is compatible by doing a mini road trip before embarking on something longer. The last thing you want is to deal with grouchy people and contention for hours a day with no room to hide from it all.

2) Determine the level of anxiety and spontaneity.

Every person chills differently. Some people like to go with the flow. Others are very particular about everything. Figure out the level of spontaneity for the trip before you leave. What things are absolutes (dates, locations, etc.), and what things are flexible? This will save you from arguing or scampering while on the road.

3) Music,music and  music is all you need.

 you never know you are with a radio person or a jazz lover.Of course, taking turns picking can be fun, but if your friend(s) or spouse HATE the music (or sports channel) you LOVE, it can cause headaches. TIP: I am a total cheapskate, so I would much rather purchase used CD’s (especially from the nineties and early 2000’s) on Amazon than pay full price on iTunes. (Example: Backstreet Boys CD for $3.98 + free Amazon Prime shipping) Plus, if you have a pre-iPhone car, you won’t have to burn the CD’s either.

4) Know your navigation style.

Use GPS and Smartphone(iPhone 7 all the way, man!) for most of your trips,take an old-fashioned Atlas trip too. Determine your navigation style and plan for backups. Have extra phone chargers and backup maps. You never know what will happen.

5) Don’t forget your first aid kit.

 You need over the counter pain medication, nausea medication, allergy medication, feminine hygiene products (if you are female, of course), and all of your prescription medications for the duration of your trip plus a few extra days.Take some chloraseptic spray and nighttime medicine as well. Being sick on a road trip is terrible.

6) Refill your water bottles.

 Don’t waste room in your vehicle with cases of water. Get a nice water bottle and refill it at every gas station. Some gas stations only have hot water for coffee and tea. Just fill your bottle with ice and then add the hot water for a wonderful icy water. Drinking water is a great way to stay refreshed and energetic on a road trip. Stay hydrated.

7) Wear comfortable clothes and slip-on shoes.

Favorite road trip outfit is black yoga pants, comfortable shoes, and a t-shirt.  Don’t forget that you will be in a lot of pictures on a road trip, so try not to dress in your pajamas… unless you just don’t care. Then, go for it.

8) Go off the beaten path.

Follow the random road signs that lead to outlooks and overviews. Stop at the 50’s style restaurant with a dinosaur sculpture garden. Never settle for ordinary on a road trip. Unique places (and pictures) are what make a road trip memorable.

9) Use your smartphone!

Use zomato as it will give you complete details and smartphone to find free campgrounds, cheap hotels, and unique places of interest. The options are limitless.

10) See with your eyes. Remember with your camera.

 Some people say you should put the camera down and just revel in the moment but travel pictures are some of my most prized possessions. Still, it’s important to balance photography with experience. And if you aren’t going to pull out your fancy DSLR  for each photo, make sure that your phone has a decent camera.