Road trips can be super fun, but they can also be stressful. It’s hard to find a balance between packing for the perfect trip and not stressing out over the details. That’s why this article is here: to give you some easy ways to go on a stress-free road trip.
Know the Driving Rules of Your Destination
One of the most stressful parts of a road trip is getting pulled over by police. Unfortunately, a lot of drivers don’t know what to do when pulled over, so it’s essential that you educate yourself on your destination’s driving rules before you go.
Should you experience a road accident and don’t know what to do, it’d be best to find yourself a car accident attorney for legal purposes.
Have a Car Maintenance Checkup
Before you drive on the highway, it’s important to make sure your car is in tip-top shape with thorough maintenance. Check all of the lights, tire pressure, fluid levels (including oil), wipers for dirt or snow buildup and have any necessary repairs completed before hitting the road.
Pack Light and the Necessities
The lighter you pack, the less likely you are to get pulled over because of weight limits. Pack only necessities: clothes for three days max with sturdy shoes that can handle a lot of walking as well as wearables like hats or sunglasses that shield from sun exposure while driving at night time.
Plan “Goals” Ahead So There’s No Need To Stop Every Few Miles To Eat/Drink + See Some Sights
Planning your destinations ahead of time will help you stay on track. You should create a list of the places you want to see and check them off as you go.
Have an Itinerary
An itinerary is a must-have when you’re planning on driving for hours and days straight. This should include stopping points, where to sleep (if it’s not your home), food stops and other stops—all of which you should pre-planned for a smooth experience.
Organise All Documents and Copies in One Place
When travelling internationally, you’ll always need tons of specific documents for the country-side customs agents. So, before going out on your next international trip, make sure to organise all necessary documents into an accessible folder or document organiser. It’ll save time at the border crossings.
Stay Connected With Free WiFi Wherever Possible
If you have a smartphone (or laptop), consider using free internet connections instead of paying for cellular data. There are tons of options, like free WiFi at Starbucks and McDonald’s restaurants worldwide, that allows you to stay connected without spending money.
Make Sure Your Car Has Enough Gas Before Leaving on a Long Trip
It sounds silly, but so many people forget to check their gas gauge before starting on a long road trip. And when they get into an area with no service stations for miles, they get very frustrated. Double-check your dashboard (or ask someone else) and make sure you have enough fuel in your tank before heading off
What Not To Do During a Roadtrip
Don’t Drive When You’re Too Tired
When driving, make sure you don’t push yourself to stay up late. Driving while sleepy is super dangerous and can lead to accidents. Instead, make sure you stop for rest or find another way of getting sleep before driving again.
Don’t Drink Too Much Alcohol on the Road
If you’re drinking while driving, then it can lead to accidents as well as impaired judgement. Therefore, avoid drinking as much as possible while on a road trip. Alternatively, you can have one of your friends drive or take an Uber to your hotel if you plan on drinking on any night.
Don’t Go Against Traffic Safety Laws Such As Speeding or Not Wearing Seatbelts
It might seem harmless, but breaking these rules can result in fines, tickets and even detention by law enforcement officers. When this happens, take down the officer’s badge number, and if pulled over for any reason, then be courteous to the arresting officers no matter what.
Be sure to follow all road instructions and always put on a seatbelt when driving for your safety.
Don’t Forget the Essentials Like Your Wallet or Passport at Home Before Leaving
If someone doesn’t have enough cash with them while travelling, they can get into some real trouble (especially in developing countries). So make sure you pack all essential items before heading out, so there’s nothing left behind.
Conclusion
So there you have it, some easy tips for how to avoid stress while driving.
