If you’ve made a bucket list for 2016 and not included a road trip across America, you must be crazy. It’s an experience that encourages exploration which can show you America from a fresh perspective. It’s a journey unlike any other and many people would love the opportunity to experience it for themselves. While you’re probably eager to get your motor running, here are some things you need to know before you go.
Do: Plan before you set off
While over-planning can take the fun out of this experience, doing some planning can be beneficial. Planning an approximate route can give you a start and end point, which makes it easier to organise car hire, parking and flights. It also makes it easier to find vacation rentals in Los Angeles, Nashville or any other cities you intend to visit along the way. Just make sure the accommodation has secure parking available. Additionally, you should also research tourist hot spots and places where you can buy food, water and petrol.
Don’t: Forget car insurance
From accidents to breakdowns, anything can happen during your road trip. So you need to make sure you have the right cover or it could bring your trip to an abrupt end. When hiring a car from a rental company, ask about their insurance cover before you get there. You need to know what the insurances policy covers, who can drive and whether it is valid when travelling out of state. There are many U.S road trip insurance companies so it shouldn’t be difficult to find one that suits.
Do: Pack some snacks and entertainment
During your road trip, you could be travelling for extended periods of time down long stretches of road. So always make sure you have plenty of snacks, water and entertainment available. You could bring CD’s or audiobooks for everyone to listen to. If you aren’t driving at the time, you could read books or magazines to stop you getting bored. Invest in a cooler and fill it with sandwiches, water and snacks. This will keep your energy levels up and make you more alert when driving. If you get stranded or break down, these snacks will be highly appreciated. So always keep them stocked up throughout your trip.
Don’t: forget to check your car every day
It’s crucial that you take the time to check your vehicle every day during your trip. Depending on your route, you may find the roads and terrain vary which can cause damage to the wheels and suspension. Bad weather can also be a factor in how well the car runs. So before you head off on the next stage of your journey, check every aspect of the car. Find out the contact details of local mechanics and break down services, should you have any concerns.
This is a trip of a lifetime so make it one remember for all the right reasons. So plan ahead, get organised and enjoy every second. You never know where the road may take you.