Summer=Freedom, and nothing says freedom like the open road. Summer is a great time to take a road trip or two, to visit a college friend, attend a music festival, or just for an adventure! No matter your reason for hitting the road, there are some things you should keep in mind before and during your travels.
1. Know where you are staying. As tempting as it is to “wing it,” it’s safer and more efficient to know exactly what your lodging plans are. If you are staying at a friend’s house, tell them roughly when you’ll arrive so they can look out for you. If you are staying in hotels, motels, or B&Bs along your journey, do your research first! Where exactly is the hotel? Does the motel get good reviews online? What amenities do they have? Is the area safe? Are they reasonably priced? Is everyone you are traveling with okay with these lodgings?
2. Take a buddy. Even if you are meeting someone along the way, encourage new friendships and bring someone along for the whole journey. It’s safer to have someone to watch your back while you travel, and more fun as well.
3. …maybe take two? If you aren’t meeting up with anyone, bringing a few friends is a great plan! Plenty of people to keep up the conversation and to split gas and hotel room costs.
4. Budget. Bring the amount of cash you want to spend. Limit the goodies, and focus more on experiences. Plan ahead of time how many souvenirs you will allow yourself; my rule is one “fun item,” one book, and one sugary treat. Watch your spending on food; go for a sandwich shop sometimes instead of a sit down dinner.
5. But be safe too…bring an emergency only credit card or at least a debit card with a decent amount of dough on it.
6. Work in the spontaneity. Sure, you should know where you’re going to sleep at night, but ask the locals what their favorite day time spots are and check them out along your route. If you see a cute vintage clothing shop or an interesting looking art museum, stop and check it out!
7. Have a GPS and a map. The GPS can malfunction, and the map can get lost, so it’s always good to have both. Know the general direction of where you are going and the major highways or roads you should take before you leave the house.
8. Check in. Call or text your parents or someone back home every so often so they know you’re doing okay.
9. Charge! Bring a car charger and a wall charger for your phone. If you have a computer charger, bring that too. Try not to lose them.
10. Have an emergency kit. This should include such things as tire sealant, flares, blankets, band aids, snacks, and water. Be sure to bring along your medical insurance card, your id, and any medication/emergency medicines.
11. Check your car before you hit the road! Fill it completely with gas, check the tires and lights, and make sure you have a spare tire.
12. Don’t be afraid to mess up. If something goes wrong, don’t feel dumb for needing a parent’s guidance; pick up the phone if you’re truly unsure of yourself.
13. Bring books, music, and other things to entertain yourselves. Site seeing can be fun, but it can get monotonous, especially on the return trip.
14. Have fun! Even though you should be safe and moneywise, the whole point of a road trip is to escape for a while. Do what you need to do, but don’t overschedule or over plan.