With rising costs and increasingly invasive security, air travel has lost a lot of its appeal. You can avoid these hassles by taking a road trip. This article will help you plan and enjoy a memorable car trip.
The first step is to decide where you’re going. This can either be a big trip or simply a visit to a far away friend or family member. If you’re not sure, keep in mind how far away a potential destination is, how far you’d drive each day, and how much time you have. If you’re on the East Coast and only have a week, a trip to California probably isn’t feasible.
Once you know where you’re going, plan your route. Decide if you want to take highways or backroads. If you’re a member, visit AAA. They’ll provide you with books about the regions you’ll pass through and even a booklet of personalized maps just for your trip. When thinking about your route, think about the destinations along the way to help you plan which way to go.
Before leaving, make sure your car’s in good shape. Get an oil change, especially if you’re planning to take a true cross country trip. An oil change will also reveal if there are any other problems that need to be looked at before you set off.
Part of the fun of a road trip is that you can get out any time you want to. Plan stops during the day. For museums and other attractions, keep opening and closing hours in mind. Depending on when you’re driving through, there may be some things you won’t be able to see. Scheduling stops helps you plan your route and break up your driving day. Allow plenty of time to reach your destination and enjoy it. A leisurely pace with scheduled stops will give you something to look forward to as you drive and will take advantage of traveling by car.
A route and scheduled stops will help you get where you’re going, but don’t be afraid to stop if you see something interesting! A sign for a roadside attraction or an impulse stop lets you really enjoy the road trip experience. You’ll get to see and do things you could never do if you flew by plane, and you’ll be able to discover things that you didn’t even know were out there.
For hotels, you can either book things in advance or look for a place to stay on your way. You may find better deals if you book ahead, but you’ll give up some flexibility. If you’re looking for hotels as you go, you may sometimes have difficulty finding a room. If you feel too tired to drive, let someone else take the wheel. Don’t sleep in your car to save money. If you’re traveling alone, take a short break at a rest area until you feel ready to drive to the next hotel, but don’t try to spend the night there. Sleeping in your car isn’t safe and in some places it can get you a ticket.
It’s important to have fun and try new things, but remember to stay safe. If you have any doubts, don’t stop at a roadside attraction or stay at a motel that seems slightly off. Your trip will be much more fun if you trust your gut and stay spontaneous without taking chances.
Taking a road trip can be a great experience. You’ll save money, see new things, and be in complete control of your pace. Now that you’ve read this article, you’re ready to set out on the road!
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