You don’t just wake up one morning and decide to take your family on a long car trip. You must first plan for the trip and make sure everything is in order. You also need to give your family time to prepare mentally. While most people miss out on this point, it is equally important to prepare adequately for a long car trip. We’ve compiled a list of the essential things you need to do before you go for that long ride.
- Preparation before the trip
- Preparation during the trip
- What to carry on the trip
Prepare your vehicle
You will be spending most of the time in your car, and as such, you want to make sure the vehicle is in perfect condition. While it is possible to check on your car yourself, it is always advisable to have an automotive technician to conduct a thorough check. Some of the things you should diagnose include air conditioner, brakes, the tires – don’t over-inflate, and the wiper blades on the windshield. Also, you will have to check on your fuses on horns.
Aside from checking and putting your vehicle in the best condition, you will want to carry some spares – just in case your car broke down on the way. For instance, you will need to carry extra tires to help you when you get a flat. Again, you will need things like a fire extinguisher, flashlights, screwdrivers, among other things.
Despite all your best efforts, accidents can still occur. If you find yourself in a situation like this, then it is good to know that there are companies out there that can fight for you, such as Brown and Crouppen.
Plan your drive
There is no way one person is going to drive for the whole trip. If he or she has to, you will need to take frequent breaks in between. It is never recommended for anyone to drive when he or she is tired. This could spare chances of getting an accident during the trip – no one wishes to have a sad ending. In this case, you should at least carry someone who knows how to drive and take turns driving.
Again, sitting for long in a vehicle can be tiresome. Since this is a long drive with your family, and you will probably have kids, you should think of making several stops at designated points. Decide in advance where you will stop, perhaps to refuel your vehicle or stretch your legs a bit before embarking on your long drive. You may even go to a hotel and put something in your stomach, perhaps a drink while your vehicle’s engine is cooling off.
How you will make the long trip short
If you plan on just sitting inside the car, doing nothing, then the trip is going to be much longer than you expect. However, you don’t have to idle around during a road trip. Come up with a list of songs that you will listen to as you travel. You can try some gospels or other slow jams that make you feel relaxed. You can also carry some books and read them throughout the trip or play some games on your phones (apart from the person driving – of course!).
