Traveling by car is a great way to explore new places, making your own schedule and choosing where to stop and what to see. The ability to move with your own vehicle gives you freedom of movement but also adds some considerations to the issue of organization that can seem…mountainous. Check out this guide for some tips we apply to our road trips that will make your life easy and the trip fun!
✅ Plan your route properly. Search Google Maps for points of interest to stop at on your way from your starting point to your final destination.
✅ If you cross borders, make sure you have obtained the special green car card.
✅ Make sure you have recently performed the necessary services and established checks on your car (MTCO - exhaust gas card)
✅ Check if your car has a box first aid, warning triangle, high-visibility vest, fire extinguisher, flashlight, jack, wrench and an inflated spare tire (which you should know how to change if necessary)!
✅ Check the air in the tires, the water in the windshield washer reservoir, the wiper blades.
✅ Have the car manual. It is particularly useful in case a light comes on on your dashboard and you don't remember what it means, or for instructions regarding possible malfunctions.
✅ Maps. Download at least 2 apps on your phone (that will work offline).
✅ Personal items. Baby wipes, hand sanitizer. You'll definitely need them!
✅ Car charger, mobile phone stand.
✅ Bottles of water and some snacks so you don't have to stop for supplies every now and then.
✅ Music. A very important element to make driving time enjoyable. Make a long list of songs you love on your CD or flash drive.
✅ Chewing gum and energy drinks. They are very important to keep you alert and not sleepy.
✅ Garbage and vomit bags. Since you are conscientious and don't like leaving trash, you will need them.
✅ Keep the interior of your vehicle as clean as possible. There is nothing worse than traveling in a dirty environment with bad odors.
✅ Neck pillow, for those who want to take a nap in the back seat.
✅ If you stop at a parking lot or a roadside attraction, make sure not to leave bags or other valuables in plain sight. A broken window from a would-be thief is the least you need on a road trip.
If you are traveling in winter: Blanket, umbrella, folding snow shovel, gloves, ice scraper, chains (in some countries they are prohibited and you must have winter tires)
If you are traveling in summer: Mosquito repellent, sun protection, extra pair of sunglasses, portable cooler.
No matter how well prepared you are, there are always unexpected events on the road that can change your plans. Delays at borders - tolls, construction or accidents that may have closed the road, a sudden change in weather, a flat tire, etc. The key in case something like this happens is to keep your cool and in a good mood.
And above all, don't rush! If there's something interesting you'd like to stop and see, do it. It's all part of the experience...
Have a good trip!
