A road trip can be one of the best and most freeing ways to explore new locations. Picture the music up loud, the windows rolled down, and the open road ahead of you. The possibilities are endless.
While this is an ideal way to travel, it can easily turn stressful if you make avoidable mistakes along the way. You are human after all, and mistakes happen. But if you can learn how to best prepare, you can get ahead of the game and make a smoother, more memorable journey. Whether you are exploring scenic backroads or hopping between small towns, you want to know what common pitfalls to avoid.
Here are the top road trip mistakes to avoid, and what you can do instead.
#1 Not booking accommodation (and just “figuring it out as you go”)
One of the biggest assumptions that people make when taking a road trip is that no planning is necessary, and you can just go out onto the open road and trust that you will just come across a place to stay last-minute. Many people think they can just grab a motel or pull up on the side of the road to sleep. However, this isn’t always the case, especially if you are going to be in a popular destination, like a national park, during peak season. Many places have restrictions or are fully booked.
When you plan your trip, you should also plan your overnight stops ahead of time. Even if they are just loose plans. You don’t have to create a rigid schedule, and still embrace the freedom of a road trip, but by booking accommodation, you can keep your nights stress-free. If you are road tripping with an RV, then you can find a scenic RV resort to stay at, which offers a range of amenities, comforts, and security.
#2 Overpacking and creating too much clutter
A road trip should be a fun and freeing experience, not one that gets stressful and feels claustrophobic. Many travelers will overpack their vehicles because you don’t have to think about what you are carrying, like they would if they were going to an airport. Some will also just pack “just in case” items. This can make it uncomfortable and stressful.
Instead, take time to pack strategically. Write a list of essential items, review it, and cross out anything you don’t think you will use. Keep items such as coats, maps, snacks, and chargers easily accessible.
#3 Ignoring vehicle maintenance
Regardless of the age or type of vehicle, or even the success of other road trips you have had in your vehicle, a huge mistake would be to skip the basic maintenance before you head out on a trip. This can lead to breakdowns and, worse, accidents.
Schedule a pre-trip checkup with your local garage to ensure everything is in good condition.
These mistakes are easily made, but they are also easily avoidable. Factor these into your plan to create the foundation of a successful road trip.
