Going on a cross-country trip is a memorable experience, and it’s definitely something everyone should do at least once in their life. It gives a sense of freedom like no other, and it’s as much of an adventure as we can get in these modern times. It’s often a cheaper alternative to other forms of holidays or vacations too. There’s little need to book expensive plane tickets, you can manage with cheaper hotels, and you can even bring your own food.
Whether you plan to buy an RV bus for sale or you’re using a regular car to go on an adventure of a lifetime, you still need to prepare adequately. Below are a few tips to get you started.
Make Sure Your Vehicle Is Clean
It’s always good to start fresh. So before you start your journey, make sure your vehicle, where you’d be spending most of your time, is cleared of trash and other unneeded items. Throw away old takeout boxes, even candy wrappers and receipts. Vacuum the dust and dirt off, and wipe down the seats. And even throughout your trip, make sure you regularly keep your car clean. Make sure to be responsible, collect your trash in a trash bag, and throw it in the bin when you reach a pit stop.
Do a Deep Check Before Traveling
Just as you don’t want to be staying in a messy vehicle, you also wouldn’t want to drive a faulty car that can potentially break down on you in the middle of nowhere. So, at least a week before your trip, take your vehicle to your mechanic and have them do a thorough checkup. This way, you’d know what kind of maintenance you’d have to do before your trip.
Apart from your car’s fluid levels, battery and brakes, make sure that you have your documents prepared. Your license, registration, and insurance should be at the ready just in case. Another one to add to your checklist is your budget. Being short on cash can be troublesome, especially if your route goes through rural parts where cards might not always be a prime choice.
Always Keep Spares (Extra Spares too!)
In line with getting your car checked, you should also be ready with spares. Having a spare tire or two can help, especially when traveling long distances. While there may be gas stations along the way, keeping a gallon with you will help keep you going. Do so, especially if you’re traveling to less dense areas where the stops might be far and few in between. Make sure to bring spares for the people riding with you as well: extra water, snacks, and even medicine will do a lot to keep your experience positive.
Plan Your Route
It would be no fun to get lost when you’re going somewhere. Getting lost is an adventure on its own, but not when you’re consciously trying to get to a location. That’s why planning your route is important. It allows you to plan almost everything else in your journey, too, and you can avoid traffic and make your journey more seamless. Being familiar with the route also allows you to take, quite literally, the ‘scenic route’ and enjoy the view as you travel.
Plan Your Rest Stops
Just as you need to plan your route, look over areas where you can take a breather, too. This is very important as you don’t want to be stuck driving a car for more than three hours. Your passengers will thank you for it too. Your pit stops can either be dedicated rest areas for travelers, so you can stretch your legs and walk around a bit. You can also choose to rest in beautiful or interesting areas, making your pit stop two-fold in its purpose.
Follow Driving Safety Guidelines
Whoever the designated driver is, there should be an agreement among everyone joining that they will all follow the law. As a result, the driver will drive safely, and the passengers will be undisruptive. Following driving and safety rules on the road should be non-negotiable. Whether you are traveling alone, with friends, or with family, safety should always be at the top of your priority list. By following safety guidelines, you’re reducing the dangers of your trip and making sure that everyone gets a good experience.
Hopefully, these pointers can help you prepare for your next (or first!) cross-country road trip. It’s definitely an experience to behold, and it’s something you won’t regret doing. So enjoy your trip, and always remember to keep safe.
