Road trips can be a ton of fun for the whole group, but they can also be full of stress and frustration if you aren’t adequately prepared. Going in with a strong plan can help you to make your road trip experience more fruitful and more fun for drivers and passengers alike. If you want to make your road trip the best it can be, there are a few things that you need to know before you hit the road.
Plan Out Your Trip
While it is okay to wing some elements of your trip, you want to have a pretty solid plan in mind before you get going. Your plan should include the places where you want to stop each night and some options for food and activities. You don’t have to plan every single element, and you don’t have to stick to the plans you make. But having a plan will give you something to turn to if you are bored, unsure what to do, or something goes wrong.
Know the Laws of Each State
If your trip is going to take you across state lines, you want to make sure that you know the laws of the states you enter. This will protect you from getting a ticket or being uninformed about important regulations in the states you pass through. You also want to make sure you are traveling safely, whether you are in a car or on a motorcycle. Even when motorcycle helmets aren’t required by law, they protect you from serious injury. When you know the laws, you can stay safer and have more fun since you won’t get sidetracked by an unfortunate ticket.
What to Pack
Depending on where you are road tripping, your packing needs may vary, but there are a few constants. First you want to make sure you have enough food to get you from place to place. It can make for a very miserable road trip if you don’t have snacks and have hours before you hit the next town. You also want to make sure to pack safety supplies and the right clothing for the climates you will be in.
When you take the time to plan out your road trip, you can have a ton of fun and minimize your stress. That will make you a better and safer driver and help your trip to be an even better time. Make sure to bring a camera or your phone along so you can capture the beautiful views.
Read this next: How to Get More Paleo-Friendly Snacks in Your Diet