While most travelers decide to plan a classic trip and choose just one destination, others prefer to wander by car. The road trip appeals more and more, but it is not always easy to organize this kind of adventure.
Here are some tips to see more clearly.
1 – Plan
Although a road trip often rhymes with freedom and independence, it is important to prepare your trip as little as possible. First, because you have to be aware of the realities of the road. Driving for several hours a day is very tiring, especially when the kilometers are swallowed without stopping over long periods. In general, we recommend doing between 90 and 130 km per day. It doesn’t seem like a lot, but at least you are sure not to be exhausted after a week, and sometimes taking your time is still more enjoyable, right? To help yourself, you can also make a list of the things you absolutely want to see during your trip. Of course, you have to stay flexible on your itinerary: you can change your mind at any time (hence the road trip of elsewhere), and then there are certain things that will happen to you that you did not foresee and which, probably, will delay your journey. Whether it’s hard times or good surprises, this is the essence of a road trip!
2 – The budget
There must be a large margin of maneuver: there is no lack of unforeseen events on the road. And then, as we said, nice surprises and new ideas are the engines of a road trip. Leaving a lot can be a good solution to save on car costs (gasoline, maintenance, tolls). You will have to choose between comfort and budget because with five in a car, you can quickly go crazy!
If you want to travel on a budget, you can contact Carlay Car Rental to rent a car in Lahore. They have the best fleet of cars at decent rental rates.
3 – The companions
Precisely, with whom to go? As a couple, with friends or with family, the possibilities are numerous. In love, it can strengthen the bonds and weld a couple. Only being 24 hours a day with your other half, some could become a goat! We, therefore, advise you to be sure of your loved one! Between friends, it’s the same, you need a coherent group, where everyone gets along well and ideally with several drivers: so we can cover more distance because we can take turns and therefore be less tired. However, you should avoid leaving too much in one car: you risk running out of space, both for your luggage, but also and above all, for yourself. These tips are just as valid for a family trip. In short, you have to choose your companions well,
4 – sleep
Obviously, all options are possible. Some will opt for a van, motorhome or caravan, and will sleep, in this case, in their vehicle. You can also decide to sleep in a tent, under the stars and there, you absolutely have to equip yourself. Of course, a tent and a sleeping bag, but we also recommend investing in a mattress. A month sleeping on the floor or on a poor carpet, there is nothing worse when you spend the day in the car. And you don’t want to be tired to ride. Finally, you can also opt for the youth hostel, hotel or motel option: in this case, it is advisable to book in advance, in order to obtain the best prices and to be sure to have space. . Of course, you can also opt for the
5 – The car
The first question is whether you want to lease or buy your vehicle (if you don’t already have one). If the trip is not expected to be very long, it is advisable to rent your vehicle, provided you have complete confidence in its owner. So remember to check the technical control. You can also rent from rental professionals. If you have decided to use your own car, it is essential to check its condition: the technical control will be a must! Also, check that all your papers are in order; some customs make you pay dearly for obsolete papers. Of course, you should also check the levels of oils, tires, and brake pads. If we go to the far north, put on snow tires! Finally, remember to have the necessary equipment with you in the event of an accident or breakdown!
6 – Park
We don’t think about it enough when we go on a road trip, but at some point in your trip, your car will have to be parked! And sometimes it can be complicated and expensive. Some sites offer you to find the car park closest to you, and also to compare the prices.
7 – Feeding
Especially when you go to a somewhat lost corner, we advise you to take the necessary to cook on your own, and therefore to have with you a small reserve of food. Even if today it is increasingly rare not to find a store around to eat, there are still places a little more remote where you will be more than happy to have planned your snack.
8 – Orient yourself
We don’t think about it enough, but GPS, this formidable tool, can fail us at any time. Simply because it is technology and it is well known that it cannot be trusted. And also because prevention is always better than cure. In addition to your GPS and your smartphone, invest in real maps and a compass! It will certainly be less easy, but much safer and certainly a lot more fun.
9 – Pack your suitcase
It’s silly but, when we spend several hours a day sitting in a car, we are rather happy not to have put on our very tight little pants, supposedly because they make us pretty buttocks. Already, once seated, no one will look at your buttocks, but in addition, you will be much more at your ease in shorts, loose pants or even jogging. You don’t care; no one will see you! Also, remember, even if you are going to a hot country, to bring something to cover you up during the night and something to protect you from the rain.
10 – Have fun
At some point, chatting, listening to bad songs on the radio, and playing “I see, with my little eye …”, it won’t be funny at all. So you have to plan for something to take care of during the long hours of driving. To start, before you go, invest in a radio system that allows you to play your own hits (an adapter, a bluetooth system …) and for those of the old school, make your own CD compiles (or outright, cassette, but if your car is equipped with a radio for cassettes, not sure whether it can go on a road trip…). And when it comes to activities, try to make a list of games to do in the car before you go. And finally, pack some reading (for passengers, of course).