Road trips: a time to embrace an entirely new culture and travel great distances with your loved ones. Whether you’re travelling around Europe or exploring a variety of Asian countries, your road trip is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience. However, if you haven’t done the appropriate amount of planning, your trip can quickly transform into a nightmare of stress and even danger. Here are five top tips on how to remove the stress from your adventure so that you can fully enjoy your time on the road:
1. Know the rules of the road
Take everything you learned in your driving test and throw it out of the window because the road laws and regulations are likely to be different in your road trip destination. For instance, did you know that it’s mandatory for French vehicles to have a warning triangle in their cars at all times? Also, drivers in Cyprus can’t drink anything behind the wheel and this applies to soft drinks as well as alcoholic ones! Don’t get caught out by these road rules, as a hefty fine can really dampen your holiday mood.
2. Bring a map
Smartphones and tablets have revolutionised the way we travel, as maps and directions can be accessed at the touch of a button. However, technology can’t always be relied upon to work and a broken device or depleting battery levels can leave you lost and stuck in a country that you’ve never visited before. A physical map can be relied upon to show you the way if your technology fails you.
3. Pack games and plenty of snacks
This is a crucial road trip tip for those with young children, as being stuck in the backseat of a car can quickly become boring for them. Pack some fun activities such as books and travel-friendly board games that will keep them happy and occupied. Most importantly, make sure your travel snacks are always stocked up with a selection of sweet treats as well as some healthier options.
4. Plan the route beforehand
Planning your driving route and expected stop off destinations will allow you to get the most out of your road trip, as you will be able to visit more monuments and landmarks on the way. It also makes travelling safer as you’ll get to each destination in plenty of time instead of driving when drowsy, which is the cause of 25% of all driving accidents.
5. Make sure your car is in good condition
You can’t have a road trip with a vehicle that breaks down three miles in, so before you set off, make sure your vehicle is in the best condition possible. It’s estimated that 1 in 4 vehicles are driving with illegal tyres that have a poor tread or puncture, which can be a hazard to both yourself and other road users. For ultimate peace of mind, you could even consider leaving your vehicle at home and hire a car for your trip that is guaranteed to be road safe.
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