Everyone wants to make the most of family road trips, and with so many different routes snaking through the country (and the world), it feels like there’s always somewhere new to explore. But anyone who’s taken a road trip before knows that you sometimes need to make adjustments. This may throw everything out of sync, especially if you’ve planned every step down to the mile.
And while it’s good to know where you’re going and stick to the plan, this can also make things feel too rigid. The joy of a road trip is the excitement of adventure. If you believe your road trips need a kick up the backside, here are seven tips to make your next adventure more flexible.
Know Where You’re Going
The secret to every road trip is to know where you’re going. As long as you have a destination in mind, it doesn’t matter what happens in between. You don’t want to end up too far from where you need (or want) to be, so this allows more controlled flexibility. With this, you’re able to change course without straying too far away, allowing you to get back to the main route when required.
Have a Backup Plan
It’s always worth having a backup plan when taking a road trip as you are never sure what you may encounter. Whether you get a flat tire or are involved in a collision, you’ll need to find some way to entertain yourself and your family while waiting for repairs or researching car accident lawyers before you get back on the road. As you already know where you’re going, you should have a list of things to do in the area so you can continue the adventure despite disruptions.
Bring Extra Supplies
You don’t want to feel restricted by what you have planned at your destination, which is why it is so useful to bring extra suppliers in addition to packing list essentials for your road trip. If you’re visiting the coast, you will have bathing suits, but you can also take hiking gear and camping equipment in case you find a beautiful spot and feel like it’s time to settle down for the night. As you’re in the car, you can carry much more than you would than flying or taking the bus, so make the most of the space.
Don’t Rush Things
There’s no point in taking a road trip if you speed down the highway to get to the next destination. The whole point of the trip is to experience other things, so don’t rush things, and don’t worry too much about getting to the next stop if you venture off your planned route. Worrying will only cause you stress, which can ruin the vibe. Instead, take your time and bask in your surroundings because you may never experience them again.
Keep Up With the Weather
No matter who you are, you will keep an eye on the weather when traveling as it’s just a natural thing that people do. You want to know what to expect throughout the day, but this can also give you let you change course if necessary. If there is rain in your immediate direction, perhaps taking a slower but drier route could be possible.
Don’t Ignore The Opportunity to Explore
Road trips include plenty of opportunities to explore, especially when you remember the myriad of weird roadside attractions found across U.S. highways. Ignoring these means you miss out on a vital aspect of the road trip, so don’t hesitate to check out something that entertains you. This is also a great chance to stretch your legs and let the kids blow off steam, especially when you think about how many more miles there are to go.
Keep An Eye On Your Budget
While it’s exciting to go off the beaten track and throw your map out the window (figuratively), you need to keep an eye on your budget. If you know how much ‘fun money’ you have to spend, you can deviate from the plan without putting the rest of the trip in peril. A little extravagance here and there isn’t a bad idea, but don’t make a habit of it because you’ll need it at your destination.
The Long and Winding Roads
Whether you’re taking a quick trip or a long-term adventure, you should always be ready to be flexible because you never know what might happen. While changing course can feel uncertain, these tips will ensure you make the right choice and get the most out of every road trip.
Feature Photo Credit: https://unsplash.com/photos/A-NVHPka9Rk