The holidays are approaching and for a long time the idea of taking a road trip seduces you. If you plan to travel alone or with the family, a car trip will always be an extraordinary experience. The landscapes, the places, each stop, the family experience and an endless number of experiences that will add to this event. In addition, you must take into account many details to prepare for a long car trip, but with attention you can cover them all.
Keep in mind that if you overlook something, certain consequences could arise. However, preparing all the necessary details for a trip like this can be laborious but not impossible.
If you travel with the family, occupy each member with a specific task so that you do not forget anything important; So, so that all the responsibility does not fall on your shoulders, assign separate tasks to each of the people who are going to travel. If the whole family is involved in a joint organization, things will go better.
It is also possible to organize everything carefully if you are traveling alone, but you will have to invest more time and effort. For a vacation, a move or a job change, a long car trip will always be a great experience because the essential part is that your vehicle is in optimal condition, you cannot leave any detail to chance.
Next, we indicate the steps that you must take into account to make your trip as safe as possible.
Instructions for preparing for a long car trip
There are several aspects that you should consider, taking into account that it will be a long trip aboard a vehicle. This post shows you a detailed guide of each component necessary for your great trip.
Planning long car trip
- The main thing is to draw the route you want to travel.
- The objective of a car trip is to walk through beautiful natural and urban landscapes.
- Whether it is a move or a business trip, it is still important to draw a route.
- Remember that by planning the route you will avoid most setbacks on the road, as some can always arise.
- Thanks to satellite systems, designing the ideal route is easier.
- With a tourist map you can visualize the routes to reach your destination, taking into account landscapes or distances.
- Take into account the distances for the cost of gasoline that you will require, before refueling at a station.
- Marking the route of your march will also allow you to choose the tolls, and rest points where you want to stop.
- If the journey is too long, you should choose inns to rest or places to pitch tents to sleep.
- Determining your meal times is also essential, as well as stocking up on the road of the necessities that arise.
- In your route you must include restaurants or grocery stores and calculate the distances between them.
- Bringing snacks and groceries is the best option to avoid extra stops.
- Determining the dates of the trip is very important, both departure and arrival.
- If you choose a daily day you will surely find lighter traffic.
Car check
The vehicle is definitely the most important element of your trip by car, do not overlook any detail.
Going through the mechanic for prior maintenance is indicated, because this way you can prevent any eventuality.
- A vehicle in perfect condition guarantees the safety of all travelers.
- But because it is a long-haul trip, even in the most capable vehicle can suffer inconveniences.
- You measure oil levels and check engine details.
- Check the brakes.
- Make sure the windshield wiper works well.
- Check that the steering is in good condition and the entire lighting system is very clean
- The tires must be in the best condition, correctly aligned and with the ideal air pressure.
- Adjust the angle of your rearview mirrors so you don’t have any blind spots.
- Check that the battery is at its highest capacity.
- You should also check the internal part of the vehicle to ensure convenience and comfort on the journey.
- Check the position and firmness of the seats, that the seat belts work well.
- If you bring babies, don’t forget a special chair for them.
- Whether you are traveling alone or accompanied, make sure you have several copies of the vehicle keys.
- Distribute the copies among the members of the trip or always have a copy in your pocket.
- This is in case you lose the key at a stop or leave it forgotten inside the vehicle.
Equipment for a long car trip
Packing your bags is also a fundamental task, for clothing take into account the weather and the number of days the trip will take you.
- Clothing appropriate to the weather of the road.
- Personal hygiene utensils: soap, toothpaste, towels and toilet paper.
- A first aid kit is essential inside the suitcase.
- Valid identification documents and circulation permit.
- Water and snacks for the road.
- A traveler’s map.
Moments for rest
A road trip always involves traveling long distances. For your safety and that of travelers you must take necessary breaks to maintain lucidity while you are behind the wheel.
- If it’s a vacation, the goal of a car trip is not to get there fast but to enjoy the journey.
- Organize moments of rest every couple of hours or every time your body requires it.
- Get out of the vehicle ,walk to stretch your legs and enjoy the scenery, that would reduce visual and body fatigue.
- Sleeping breaks are also essential if the trip spans several days.
- Verify that on your journey there are inns or places where you can sleep.
- Another interesting option would be to stop at places where you can set up tents and rest under the moonlight.
What do you need to prepare for a long car trip?
For planning you need:
- A traveler’s map
- That the vehicle has a satellite system to facilitate the route.
For transport:
- A vehicle in perfect condition.
- Take it to the mechanic before the trip for a checkup.
- For a move you will need several vehicles.
- A heavy-duty vehicle to transport the furniture and another in which you and the other members will travel.
- Special chair for babies (optional).
- Several copies of the vehicle keys.
- A pair of spare tires.
- A container in case you need to transport extra gasoline.
For the equipment:
- Appropriate clothing according to the travel destination.
- Personal hygiene utensils.
- A first aid kit.
- Identification documents.
- Water and snacks for the road.
- A traveler’s map or GPS.
- Spare batteries for cell phones and flashlights.
- A phone charger.
For resting:
- An inn, a hotel or somewhere safe to park.
- A camping store.
- A pillow to rest your neck.
Tips for preparing for a long car trip
Going on a long car trip can be a great experience, but if you’re not careful it can be frustrating. Prepare your car to travel with these recommendations that will guarantee a comfortable and safe journey for all travelers.
- All kinds of tools and extra parts for the car.
- A manual lift or hydraulic jack, screwdrivers and wrenches for nuts, oil, water for the engine and an extra battery.
- Always drive in the right lane when traveling on major highways.
- It is advisable to start the trips at night.
- The little traffic at night and a pleasant climate help your body to tire less quickly.
- When traveling during the day, protect your vision with dark glasses to avoid eyestrain from the sun.
- If you travel during the summer, pack a cooler with soft drinks.
- Avoid unnecessary excess baggage.
- Wear comfortable clothing.
- If you travel in company, change the shift to drive from time to time.
- A repertoire of music enlivens the journey.
- Remember, that the first aid kit contains medicines for dizziness, muscle pain, fatigue, cuts and stomach upsets.