When going on a trip, it can be easy to get overwhelmed by everything that needs to be done. The time you’re spending away from home will likely have an effect on your finances, as well as your relationship with extended family members and friends who may not understand the reasons behind your travel plans. With these travel tips in mind, you’ll not only have a smooth and successful road trip but also know everything that’s going on while you’re gone.
Plan your route.
In the old days, you could just get on the road, not create any maps and hope for the best. That’s no longer as fun as it may seem, so before you leave check out our top pick for the best road trip apps for smartphone to help manage each stage of your journey as well as your itinerary and maps. If you want to stay on track, create a plan of which route to take and when to leave so that you don’t waste time getting lost along the way.
Try to leave three hours ahead of your scheduled arrival time so that you can get an early start, and also leave early to catch any traffic issues or traffic jams. If you’re traveling with kids, ask them when they want to start eating and note this in your itinerary so that everyone knows where they are supposed to be when it’s time for dinner.
Have a good phone connection and data plan.
If you’re on your travels with a smartphone, make sure that your phone has a good signal and data plan so that you can use mapping software and other helpful apps to navigate. Cord cutting is pretty popular now, but it’s actually kind of cool to be in touch with the beats of the road while you travel. While most people don’t want to limit their mobility while they’re out of their homes, using a good map app can help alleviate any concerns you may have about getting lost along the way.
Don’t forget games and entertainment.
When traveling for hours, having something to keep everyone entertained is important. Try to have some great games that you can play together and take advantage of the time in your car to bond. If you have young kids, bring something they can show off while they’re on their trip, and if it’s a long road trip, throw in a movie or two if there’s time.
If you’re gearing up for a long-distance trip, the above travel tips will help you make the most of your time on the road. Whether it’s a day trip or an escape to another country, sunblock and bug spray are key. Pack some snacks in case hunger strikes and have your phone ready to document all of your adventures so when you get back home, you can finally tell everyone about how cool that part was.