Hittin’ the road soon? Here’s everything you need to know to plan for the perfect trip.
Road trips. They’re an American classic. Living in a country as big as the United States, a five-hour plus drive at some point in your life is inevitable. So, whether your next road trip is one out of obligation or leisure, here are seven questions to ask yourself before you embark on your next trip to ensure it goes as smoothly as possible.
What kind of road trip am I going on?
Are you trying to turn a six-hour drive into a three-hour drive, or are you ready to stop and smell the roses? By figuring out what kind of road trip you’re taking, you can better plan for what’s ahead.
If you’re wanting to reach your destination in as little time as possible, then figure out when and where you’ll need to stop for gas and bathroom breaks. If you want to stop for a meal, factor that into the equation as well (or pack your own food if you don’t).
If your road trip is more than just a means to get from A to B, you’ll have to do some research to figure out where you want to stop, if there are any historical spots or lookout points you want to visit along with potential meals and snacks.
How long is my trip? What time do I want to leave? Will I most likely be able to avoid rush hour?
These are all questions to consider when planning your road trip. Nothing’s worse than hitting traffic that could have been avoided had you arrived a bit earlier or later in the day — especially when you’ve already spent hours in the car!
Use Google Maps (or any other favorite mapping tool) to help you navigate peak traffic hours, the best route and potential stops along the way.
What do I want to listen to?
A road trip provides ample time for you to listen to an audiobook that’s been on your list, a podcast you’ve been wanting to check out or a new album that you haven’t had the motivation to sit through.
If your road trip involves driving through areas with minimal service, consider renting a book on tape from your library or downloading your content beforehand.
In case you finish your book, podcast or album, be sure to craft a few playlists to listen to on your journey. I recommend creating several playlists with different genres and vibes: something chill, something upbeat and energizing, and some old, feel-good favorites.
What kind of snacks should I bring?
A part of any good road trip is snacks. Feel free to bring chips and candy if that’s what you want, but be sure to also bring some healthier options as well. The most important thing is to get something that will be easy to eat in the car or while driving (and without getting too messy).
Not only will bringing your own snacks to curb your appetite, but it will also save you from any impulse buying at gas stations. If you’re in a hurry to get to your destination and don’t want to sit down to eat, consider packing meals to eat on the go. Simple sandwiches (think PB&J), apples (sliced or whole) and protein bars are good options.
As you embark on your next journey by car, consider these questions to make the most of your time on the road!
The Beat @APU 