Traveling by car is one of my favorite ways to see new places, meet new people, and experience adventure. That anticipation as you travel to a new place is only surpassed by the exhilaration of arrival. What to do? Where to go? These are the difficult choices of a road trip! However, it’s easy to get frustrated on a road trip. You break from your routine (which is part of the allure), sometimes leading to disorganization and even arguments with your travel companions. These are some road trip tips and tricks to keep you happy and healthy.
Be Spontaneous
I once made a living as a project manager, so planning is in my nature. I’ve had to learn the hard way that on a road trip, it’s best to wing it and throw your schedule to the wind (not literally, please don’t litter)! Unless you’re traveling with several small children or pets, you can almost always find accommodations, even without reservations. The only time I’ve ever had problems finding last minute accommodations is during holiday weekends.
I suggest spontaneity because once you get used to it, it’s far more relaxing. You don’t have to rush to your next destination. Many of my favorite places, like Chincoteague Island and Bodrum, Turkey, I discovered by accident. I ask locals where to go instead of following travel guides. Also, if you’re running late or want to stay an extra night or two, you don’t have to reschedule a bunch of other reservations. For many people, winging it feels scary. But I always say that life begins at the end of your comfort zone! Give it a try!
Stay Organized
When you’re on a road trip, you need to find a place for everything and keep everything in its place. Otherwise, you’re always searching for your dog’s leash or phone charger. As your packing, think logically about the things you may need to access more often and pack them to be easily accessible. I also always have a garbage bag handy and a bag for dirty or wet laundry. Pack a bag with snacks and always have your safety items within range, such as a first aid kit or pepper spray. Lastly, consider using plastic tubs and fill them by category. For example, put all of your food items in one tub and cooking gear in another. The plastic tubs allow you to see what’s inside without having to pull everything out.
Resist the Urge to Over Pack
Less is more when it comes to road trips. Overpacking generally leads to rapid disorganization or trouble finding things. Have you ever noticed that you usually just wear the same few things anyway? Packing less things is freeing, much like down-sizing or minimizing is freeing in life. It means you have fewer things to keep track of and care for. If you really need it, you can probably find one on the road or do without it.
Forget Your Usual Routine
Do you usually have a bath every night or change into clean clothes every day? Do you take your coffee a certain way, or are on a restrictive diet? On road trips, it’s best to switch it up. Trying to keep to a routine will only cause frustration. Again, get out of your comfort zone. Do you reallly need to put on a clean pair of jeans? Do you have to have that double-tall non-fat vanilla latte?
Self Care is a Must
Try not to welcome spontaneity at the cost of self-care. It would be best if you struck a balance between the two. It’s far too easy to forget about daily exercise and start snacking on junk food. If your road trip is just a week or less, it’s not a big deal. But if you’re on the road for a couple of weeks or longer, that means you must make time to eat right and exercise. If you’re traveling with others, find some time for yourself. Do the things you love, like journaling or going for a long walk.
Separate Your Cash, Credit Cards, and ID
If you keep your cash, credit cards, and ID all in one place, like your wallet, what happens if you lose your wallet? What if it’s stolen? I learned this the hard way on a motorcycle trip. I was traveling solo and lost my handbag when I was 3,000 miles away from home. It was frightening and almost disastrous! Now I always stash some cash, another credit card, and a different ID in separate places and bags.
How long has it been since you’ve been on a road trip? If it’s been a while, maybe it’s time to plan one. Many of my favorite memories and experiences have been on the open road, taking in new landscapes and experiencing new places.