Photography by Austin Neill
Whether you’re hitting the road for a weekend getaway or embarking on a crosscountry adventure, a road trip is a fantastic way to explore new places and create lasting memories.
Here’s our essential guide to help you have a fun, safe and smooth journey.
Plan Ahead
A successful road trip is all about balancing spontaneity with preparation. Spontaneity is important – and adds a little fun – but a little planning goes a long way toward making your road trip safer, more enjoyable, and as stress-free as possible, no matter the duration. Once you’ve decided on your destination, plan some breaks along the way, aiming for every 1-2 hours to stretch your legs, get some fresh air, and prevent fatigue. Identify some stops on your route that you’re looking forward to seeing, which could be parks, historic sites, famous attractions or some cute towns you’ve never been to. If you’re planning to stay overnight in hotels or motels, book in advance when possible. If not, have a few options researched so you can avoid scrambling for last-minute accommodation. Always be prepared for unexpected detours and familiarise yourself with alternative routes in case of bad traffic or road closures. Consider a plan-B route, which could be via the countryside or along the coastline. Finally, make sure you’ve budgeted enough for petrol and any overnight stays along the way.
Photography by Katie Drazdaus
Photography by Joshua Hibbert
Prepare Your Vehicle
A reliable vehicle is key to a successful road trip, so be sure to start with a thorough check. This includes fluid levels, such as engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid, and transmission fluid. Next, check that your windscreen wipers, airconditioning and heating are all working. Check your tyre pressure, make sure you have enough tread on each tyre, and check that your spare tyre is in good condition. Remember to include all the tools you’ll need to change your tyres if you’re unlucky enough to get a puncture. If you’re not comfortable changing a tyre, then sign up for roadside assistance just to cover yourself. Next, test your battery, especially if it’s a few years old, and also test your brakes, headlights, taillights, and indicators. If you’re not confident doing these checks, then take your vehicle to a mechanic for a pre-trip inspection.
Photography by Benjamin Brunner
Photography by Snowy Kate Ibragumova
What To Pack
When it comes to packing for your road trip, the key is to strike a balance between essentials and comfort. For essentials, bring along a first aid kit, sun protection, tissues and toilet paper, a torch or headlamp with extra batteries, non-perishable snacks and refillable water bottles so everyone stays hydrated. As for comfort items, think neck pillows and blankets, as well as entertainment and technology – think books, magazines, a music playlist, or some pre-downloaded podcasts and audiobooks to help make long stretches more enjoyable. Essential items like food, drinks, maps, chargers and cables should be within easy reach for a smoother drive.
Photography by Mitchell Hartley
Photography by Jairph
Photography by Negley Stockman
Safety And Emergencies
Before you set off, always share your plans with friends or family members, telling them your route, planned stops, and when you’re due home. Make sure you take your ID, insurance information, any required medications, cash and all your debit and credit cards. While you might expect your car or phone GPS to work well the entire trip, be ready in case of a bad signal, especially in remote areas, and always take a printed map as a backup, or consider downloading offline maps to help you stay on track. Don’t forget to bring a charger, cords and a power bank to keep your tech fully charged at all times, especially if you’re going to rely on using the map on your phone. And finally, always check the weather forecast before you set off and plan for all scenarios.
Photography by Avery Evans
Photography by Maxim Hopman
Photography by Snowy Michael Skok
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