There are some road trips that take months of planning and budgeting but there are times when you simply want to get in the car or campervan and drive. It could be the weather forecast is looking good, or you suddenly need some time out or a friend calls and asks if you want to head away tomorrow.
But even if it is a spontaneous road trip, you still ned a bit of planning to make the most of your time away. Here are some tips.
Research a little
Spur-of-the-moment still requires some thinking. Consider the routes you want to travel, where you want to end up on a specific day, and what attractions you want to see. Create a flexible timeline and travel when the roads are likelier to be less busy, such as early morning. From there, think about the things that might require a reservation, such as hostels, hotels, pubs, restaurants and entertainment. The trip will feel a lot less chaotic in the long run if such points are accounted for.
Car hire
A road trip is incomplete without a fun car to drive. Depending on where you’re going and how many people are joining you for this spontaneous adventure, the type and size of the vehicle is going to change. That’s why it’s best to use resources to hire a car that allow you to compare models and rates. You’ll be able to get a vehicle that suits your budget and aspirations.
In Case of Emergency
Whether you’re renting a car or using your own for the adventure, you should be prepared for things that might go wrong such as a dead car battery, injuries, and so on. One of the most common issues people have is encountering a flat tyre. Doing an online search for tyres in your area can show reputable repair firms, for example searching Tyres Chippenham would be a good way to get a mobile tyre fitting. Work on building up an emergency kit that can cover common car problems, such as jump leads, flashlights, and a spare petrol canister. Also pack a first aid kit, map, emergency blanket and a compass. Check out other best survival products.
Know Your Budget
Although staycation road trips are less costly than international travel, you need to live according to your bank account. Keep in mind all the costs, such as the car hire, petrol, food, lodgings and attractions. Once you have an idea about how much each day will cost, you can then figure out ways to save money, such as cooking your own meals, buying from supermarkets, staying at hostels and avoiding more touristy destinations.
Download Useful Apps
Apps are an excellent way to prepare without doing too much overthinking. For example, you can download Google Maps to keep you on the right route, roadtrippers.com for attractions and things to do, Spotify for driving music, Booking.com and Airbnb for last minute accommodations. Be sure to get offline options too, just in case you find yourself in places without a signal.
Last-minute road trips are a breath of fresh air in a world where everything is set to the pace of a clock. While spontaneity adds spice to life, there are some things that shouldn’t be left to chance. Keep these tips in mind when you are thinking about a spontaneous road trip so you can get the most out of the journey.
