14 Hacks to Make Your Road Trip Go Smoothly

Aug 12, 2021

Last Updated on: Nov 15, 2024

Adventure

Ready to load the car and hit the road? Whether you’re heading off to college or taking a trip with the kids, it takes some planning. So before you get behind the wheel, make a checklist of everything you need. And while you’re at it, discover a few hacks along the way. Here are 14 hacks to make your road trip go smoothly

14 Hacks To Organize A Smooth Road Trip

A road trip is the best trip in your entire life. If you do not plan out a smooth road trip, the full enjoyment will be destroyed. For planning out a smooth road trip, you will need good robust route planning along with the essential emergency medical supplies.

Here are 14 hacks to organize a smooth road trip.

#1. Pack Your Cooler With Dry Ice

Pack a cooler with refreshments for your road trip and make sure they stay ice cold for days — with dry ice! While it seems intimidating at first, dry ice is relatively easy to use once you understand how to handle it safely. 

Plus, it will keep your food and drinks as cold as possible. Learn how to use dry ice in a cooler and discover hard coolers rugged and durable enough to transport to a campsite or be rolled to the beach. 

#2. Bring An Emergency Kit

#2. Bring An Emergency Kit

Carry an emergency kit that includes necessary items such as a battery charger, a first aid kit, extra drinking water, and jumper cables. Another versatile piece of emergency equipment is a flashlight, which can be used to hail down passing cars or roadside service vehicles in an emergency. 

Learn how to use all these emergency items effectively and safely — especially the jumper cables! — and you can be back on the road trip in no time. 

#3. Prepare Your Vehicle For The Journey

Before you put on hundreds of miles or so in your vehicle, make sure it’s up to scratch. Take it to a reliable mechanic such as those at auto repair in Lakewood CO, to have it serviced at least a week in advance. At the very least, get an oil change and check the tire pressure.

While you’re on a road trip, make sure the spare tire is in good working order, too. Check the tread on the tire and the pressure in case you need it as a backup for a flat tire. Also, make sure you know how to change your own tire with a jack and lug wrench. 

#4. Get A Rooftop Cargo Box

A rooftop cargo box can free up interior space for passengers and provide a bit of elbow room. Fill it with compressible items and gear such as sleeping bags, backpacks, and luggage.

#5. Use Travel Apps to Find Amenities and Attractions

#5. Use Travel Apps to Find Amenities and Attractions

Countless travel apps are available to help you find everything from hotels to gas stations, from Trip Advisor to iExit. You can even use Roadtrippers to find unique roadside attractions and sights along the way. 

All you have to do is put in your route, and you’ll find everything you need. You can even collaborate to find the perfect itinerary for a road trip.

#6. Bring A Refillable Water Bottle

Say no to single-use plastic and carry your own water bottle. Even better — choose a thermos or stainless steel container that can serve as both a coffee mug and water bottle. 

Then, after your morning joe, just give it a quick rinse, and you’re good to go. Keeping hydrated is extremely important on the road and can even help you stay alert during a road trip.

#7. Pack Strategically

#7. Pack Strategically

When packing for a road trip, don’t overdo it! Instead, think minimally and pack strategically. For example, when packing clothes, consider using an overnight backpack instead of hauling all your luggage into the hotel room every night. 

Also, when it comes to loading up the car, add the nonessential items that you will only need once you arrive at your final destination, keeping essential gear and items like cameras and personal items on you. 

You want to carry men bags that are capable enough to store all your essentials. At the same time, you do not want to be lugging around too much. This would simply derail your travel experience. You want something that is functional as well as stylish. Smaller items like smartphones, passports, medicines, cologne, etc, should fit in the same.

#8. Keep The Car Tidy And Yourself Clean

Keep your car tidy with a small trash bag, along with some wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and paper towels. That way, you can throw away granola bars and candy wrappers, wipe your hands clean, and anywhere else that might get crumbs or smears. A few extra road trip tips: Hang the trash bag on the back of a seat and compile everything in a container for accessibility.

#9. Check Your Pit Stop Ratings

Speaking of clean, when it comes to bathroom breaks at pit stops, it can be hit or miss. But fear not! With apps like the Bathroom Scout app or Flush, you can locate a sparkling clean restroom on your journey. 

#10. Bring Plenty Of Change For Parking Meters

Long gone are the days when you needed to worry about toll booths. Now, many tolls have an automated electronic system that is cashless. The same goes for parking meters, too. 

However, don’t be caught without some spare change. There are still many road trips to small towns across America that use coin-operated parking meters. 

#11. Use Apps To Locate Foodie Hot Spots

Ever wish you could visit that diner or restaurant featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives or that Netflix culinary series? Now you can find all the foodie hotspots with apps and sites such as Roadfood.com and TVFoodMaps. Were you looking for a taste of the local flavor? Be sure to explore the Agricultural Marketing Service website to find schedules for local farmer’s markets in the area of a road trip.

#12. Pick Up A Multi-Outlet Adapter

Keep all your passengers plugged in with a multi-outlet adapter. This is especially true if you drive an older model car. Make sure it has enough USBs to charge all kinds of devices, from cell phones to tablets and more. 

Alternatively, you could also bring a solar power charger that can rest on the dashboard.

#13. Swap The Car Air Freshener With Dryer Sheets

Car air fresheners can be strong, especially in a compact space like a car. So instead, swap them out with something more subtle like a dryer sheet or use an essential oil spray deodorizer.

Besides, keeping items off your rearview mirror and your sightlines visible and unobstructed is simply safe driving practice for your road trip.

#14. Take Frequent Breaks

Don’t set unrealistic expectations and try to drive for several hours straight. Be sure to take frequent breaks each day to stretch your legs or take shifts in the driver’s seat. 

Plan accordingly and take your road trip slow enough that you have time to stop for meals and take snapshots and make memories at nearby attractions. When you take shifts, get comfortable and take a nap. Hint: Neck pillows aren’t just for flights.

Conclusion:

These 14 tips are always effective in planning a successful road trip. When you are planning for a road trip, do not forget to check the whole route map. The best solutions are here. Then, follow these strategies and plan a successful road trip for your next vacation.

Read Also:

Share on Social Media

Abdul Aziz Mondol is a professional blogger who is having a colossal interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, he loves to share content related to business, finance, technology, and the gaming niche.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

title-img Related

READ MORE Surfing

Beginners Guide To Surfing: What You Need To Know

BY  Abdul Aziz Apr 27, 2022

Surfing is one of the best ways to enjoy spending time in the sea. Learning how to surf may not be as easy as you may think. It will take some time, regular practice, and commitment to perfect your technique. So, you will need to know the basics first, learn how to keep yourself safe and dedicate your time to the waves. Learning how to surf can be fun. So, let's learn about the basics of surfing. What to Wear in the Water While Surfing? Before you hit the water, you need to choose the right wetsuit. There are plenty of wetsuits to choose from, in all shapes, sizing, for summer and winter use, for both cold water and warm water. First, think about where you want to surf – is it somewhere warm or cold? Then, think about how much money you want to spend on your wetsuit. Some wetsuits offer a lot of comforts, while others offer a lot of mobility. The thickness of the neoprene is crucial for a wetsuit. It affects the temperature, comfort, and flexibility of the wetsuit. Then you have various types of wetsuits – full suits, long john, top, bottom, and more. So, try to find the best wetsuit that suits your needs. Which Surfboard is Best Learning to Surf? Now that you have something to wear, which type of surfboard should you opt for in the beginning? Longer surfboards are recommended for beginners instead of opting for a shorter surfboard. Short surfboards may look cool, but they lack the volume and length for beginners to catch the waves without more advanced surfing skills. Longboards are easy to ride and paddle and can help you to learn how to ride the waves much easier. There are many surfboards that are shorter than 8ft in length. These surfboards can often be referred to by names like Mini Tanker, Funboard, Fish, Egg, Mini Mal, and Bonzer. Surfboards like these are easy to paddle into smaller waves and swells. How to Catch a Wave and Ride it Catching the wave and riding it is the goal of any surfer. There are seven basic steps that you can take to start. Here are the steps: 1. Practice popping up. You can do this on dry land or on the beach beforehand to develop your technique. Do this by pressing your hands into the ground or board beneath your chest. Try to do this swiftly until you can jump to your feet in one swift movement.            Consider Going Through: Top 10 Best Beaches In Florida For Families 2. In the water, paddle out to the lineup of incoming waves. 3. When you see the wave, you would like to catch, turn your surfboard around and point your board toward the shoreline. Lay down and start paddling to gain speed. Try to keep the tip of your board above the water, but not too high. 4. Look behind you to see where the wave is and continue paddling forward. Try to stay not too far in front of the water and not too far outside. Understanding where you need to be to catch a wave may take some time and regular practice to perfect your technique. 5. Keep looking forward and sense where the wave is. When you feel your momentum is increasing, it’s time to stand up. Use the technique you practiced on dry land to transition from laying to standing on the surfboard. 6. Hop in one motion and ride the wave. A moment of hesitation could disrupt your stability. When you manage to stand up on your board and start riding the wave, stay calm, look ahead and watch where your feet are. 7. Keep bending your knees and put more weight on your back foot. Use your arms to balance yourself. Now you are surfing. Final thoughts Training how to surf can be tiring during your first few times. Don't be surprised if you feel tired after the first few sessions. Surfing is a unique physical sport and requires a lot of energy for paddling and balancing the board. But with the right equipment and techniques, you will become a proficient surfer. Read Also: 10 Best Places To Travel In May – Travel Guide 2022 10 Best Places To Travel In April – Travel Guide 2022 10 Best Places To Travel In January – Travel Guide 2022

READ MORE Scotland

Romantic Weekend Breaks Scotland

BY  Abdul Aziz Nov 28, 2022

If you're looking for a romantic weekend away in Scotland, then consider a weekend break in the country's fabled Highlands. There are plenty of activities, attractions, and hotels to choose from in the Highlands. You can spend a night or two in a charming Highland hotel or log cabin. Click here for more information about this destination. Many of these accommodations have private hot tubs so you can relax in the tub in the evenings. Romantic Weekend Breaks Scotland | Make The Most Of Your Couple Trip  Scotland is a place with thriving honeymoon tourism. Further, recently, The Times has named a Scottish location as one of the best honeymoon destinations in the world. Wester Ross, the Scottish Highland, is now basking in its new-found glory.  The Times has called this place “wildly romantic.” Furthermore, the Torridon Hotel adds to the romantic charm of the Scottish highland.  https://www.instagram.com/bamford/reel/DDUDYUNN0TN/ On the exterior, the hotel looks like a Victorian house. However, as you enter it, you will find the best amenities, like whiskey bars and luxurious suites. The whiskey bar here serves the best single malts.  Do you want to know about other options for romantic weekend breaks Scotland? You can check these Tour and Travel favorites. Orkney is an archipelago off the northeastern coast of Scotland Ideal for romantic weekend breaks Scotland. They are located off the northeastern coast of Scotland, 16 km north of the mainland. The islands are separated from the Shetland Islands by the Fair Isle Channel. The islands are approximately 202 square miles in area, making them the sixth-largest Scottish island and ninth-largest island group surrounding Great Britain. The islands are divided into three distinct regions. The Mainland, also known as the Hrossey, is the largest and is home to the main settlements. It also serves as the transport hub of Orkney and has many connections to the outside world. The Mainland is heavily populated, making up about 75 percent of the total population. The Mainland consists of two main areas: the East Mainland, which consists of four parishes, and the West Mainland, which contains the largest settlement, St Ola. Loch Ness If you love the outdoors, then you will love a weekend break in Loch Ness. This large freshwater loch is located in the Highlands and has more water than all of the lakes in England and Wales combined! The loch, close enough to be considered in your list of short break options, is also renowned for its spectacular scenery and adventure sports. If you're looking for an authentic experience, consider staying in a Highland lodge. If you're interested in hiking, there are several great options for you to explore. Besides the loch, you can take a walk along the Affric Kintail Way, a 44-mile cross-country route. Another option is the Great Glen Way, which runs from Inverness to Fort William. If you'd like to spend more time on the loch, you can also check out the South Loch Ness Trail, a 28-mile route that runs down the side of the loch. This route will also take you to the Falls of Foyers, a 165-foot waterfall. Inverness If you're planning a romantic getaway to Inverness, Scotland, there are many options for hotels and accommodations. For instance, you can book a room at the Holiday Inn Express Inverness, which offers free parking and free breakfast. The hotel is also a short walk away from the city's main attractions, including Victorian Market, the Inverness Castle, and Eden Court Theater. The capital of the Scottish Highlands, Inverness is an exciting place to take a weekend break. This city is home to award-winning 5* hotels, quality restaurants, and traditional Highland accommodations. There are many options to suit any budget, including themed breaks. There are also plenty of places to eat and drink, including a variety of excellent pubs, bistros, and restaurants serving local dishes. Highlands Highlands is a stunning region in the British Isles. Weekend breaks to the Highlands are both action-packed and relaxing. Click the link: wikihow for tips on how to plan a trip. There are many hotels to choose from and there are package deals available too. Whether you want to get away from it all and relax, the hotels in Highland have something for everyone. The Highland Hotel is set in a glen with scenic views of the Cairngorms National Park. It offers rooms with balconies, and you can choose from Double and Twin rooms with a view. The hotel also serves traditional Scottish cuisine and has a bar with over 250 whiskies and 110 gins. Guests can dine in its elegant 1887 Restaurant or enjoy casual fare in the Bo & Muc Restaurant. Both restaurants offer menus featuring local produce and are renowned for their extensive collection of malt whiskies. While you are in the Highlands, don't miss the chance to visit Stirling. This historic city once served as the capital of Scotland. King Robert the Bruce defeated the English at Bannockburn and later, William Wallace battled the English army in Stirling, resulting in the creation of the Scottish nation. Kelso - The Best Place For Romantic Weekend Breaks Scotland In Winter If you are looking for romantic weekend breaks Scotland, you must be aware of #Kelso. Kelso is a rage these days on Instagram, and it is now the most scenic place in Scotland to visit during winter. Currently, #Kelso has more than 181k posts on Instagram. Furthermore, this place is close to the Scottish borders, and its scenic beauty is mesmerizing. Moreover, this market town is surrounded by countryside. So, here, you will find the best of both worlds.  In addition, the proximity of Kelso to Newcastle, Carlisle, and Edinburgh makes it easily accessible for romantic weekend breaks in Scotland.  You will love Kelso in winter as it has the beautiful Border Ice Rink. Some other attractions here are the Floors Castle and Kelso Racecourse. So, throughout the year, the town organizes many events for the locals and tourists.  Do you also want a farmhouse experience with your partner? You can visit Beirhope Farmhouse. It promises the most unique alpaca experience, and with the backdrop of an amazing scenic view, it can be your ideal staycation destination.  For a stay or visit to the Beirhope Farmhouse, you can get in touch with them at 01573 440631/07900 681756.  Additional: Top 10 Best Travel Sites For Tour In 2022 What Are The Places To Visit In Meghalaya? – Travel Guide Top 3-Week Itineraries For A Perfect Tour Of Europe : T AND TB The Top 5 Reasons To Visit Edinburgh: From Castles To Culture, This City Has It All!

READ MORE Africa for Vacation

6+ Fascinating And Fun Travel Destination Ideas In Africa For Vacation: Africa Tourism Guide

BY  Abdul Aziz Mar 30, 2022

Africa is notable for its rich culture, exciting history, and extraordinary creativity of its people. Many people mistake Africa for a single country rather than an incredible continent of over 54 countries. Little did they know about the vast and exciting variations in the topography, landscape, culture, and activities of the people in this region. With over 54 countries inhabited by billions of people calling Africa a home, there is a lot to see, enjoy, and explore in this geographical location. Suppose you want to create unforgettable memories, unique culture, and visit heritage sites; it's time to step beyond the boundaries of Europe, Asia, and America. Let's dig into the fascinating and fun travel destinations in Africa where you can explore for vacations. You Must Explore These Travel Destination Ideas In Africa May to October is the best time to explore the fun travel destination ideas in Africa. These months are especially suitable for wildlife safaris. Further, during these months, you will find the animals hurdling near the water bodies. However, if you are planning a beach holiday in Africa, you must try it between November to March. Furthermore, exploring marine life, or watching whales is a fun activity to do in Africa. June to November is the ideal time for the same.  Are you all set to explore the fun travel destination ideas in Africa? Here are the Tour and Travel top picks. 1. Explore the Serenity in the Sahara and Sea of Tunisia Tunisia is notable for being the most northern country in Africa. Hence, it is a sun-soaked destination with a gorgeous blend of European and Arab influences. It is a suitable destination for Europeans seeking to enjoy the winter sun and Arabs looking to feel the calming effect of the Mediterranean Sea. You can explore the unique feel of the Island Djerba before venturing into the unique scenery of the Sahara desert. You will find the rolling sea of orange sand in the Grand Erg Oriental region. You can sightsee this region on foot or camel's back. 2. Visit Mount Kilimanjaro (Tallest Mountain in Africa) In Tanzania Several landmarks and natural elements in Africa, but Mount Kilimanjaro claims a spot as one of the unique places. With a height of about 19,341 feet, it is undoubtedly the most elevated mountain in Africa and one of the tallest in Africa. Besides this unique height, this spot in Tanzania is also a fantastic backdrop for wildlife safaris. You can join the list of people who visit Tanzania to climb Mount Kilimanjaro to the summit. Interestingly, you won't have to battle any harsh weather typical for other similar heights. However, you will get the best of this region when you go on a guided excursion. 3. Amaze Yourself With Various Spots In Cape Town, South Africa Cape Town sits at the Southern tip of southern Africa, and it is one of the places that will get you to fall in love with Africa even on your first visit. You will also explore the Cape of Good Hope, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Indian Ocean. The confluence of these two majestic oceans gave rise to gorgeous beaches with crystal shiny white sand. This beach is made even better by casting the 12 apostle rocks. Besides the beaches, there are also several other things to explore. You can watch the sunrise at the top of the lion's head mountain and feel the historical heritage in museums and galleries. 4. Find Your Way To The Historical Pyramid Of Giza, Egypt Egypt is one of the countries with the wealthiest culture in Africa, and the country is also notable for being the seat of the earliest civilization in Africa. The pyramid of Giza is one of the iconic spots, and the pyramid dates as far back as the 26th century BCE, and the Sphinx will offer experiences you will never forget. Moving around this area on the back of a camel and watching the sunset at the top of the pyramid are experiences to remember. Besides the pyramid itself, you will also have direct access to Cairo, the capital city of Egypt. You will also get a fantastic view of the iconic river Nile to enjoy the chaotic and buzzy feel of the wind. 5. Explore A Combine Trip To Zimbabwe and Zambia Do you wish to hunt down two birds with a single stone? Consider a double swoop of Zimbabwe and Zambia on your trip to Africa. Get a feel of the "Smoke that Thunders' when you visit Victoria Falls during the rainy season. The Victoria fall is located between the borders of Zambia and Zimbabwe, and it is heavily protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Victoria waterfall has an impressive height (Over 300 feet) that makes the sound of the waters rumble like thunder and its 1.7-kilometer length. If you are brave enough, you can explore both Zambia and Zimbabwe's sides of the fall. 6. Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya With an area of more than 373,000 acres, the grasslands of Masai Mara National Reserve are one of the best places to explore the wildlife of Africa. It is on our list of fun travel destination ideas in Africa because it is home to home to lions and elephants. Further, you will meet cheetahs and hippos here.  Also, you can try a ride on horseback or a hot balloon ride if you want some serious adrenaline rush.  July to August is the best time to visit Masai Mara National Reserve if you want to spot the big five animals, including hippos, lions, leopards, rhinos, and buffaloes. Furthermore, you will encounter many migratory animals in these months. Tour And Travel Tip While going on a safari in the Masai Mara National Reserve, you must take guides certified by the Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association.  7.  Seychelles, East Africa Seychelles is one of the off-beat travel destination ideas in Africa. However, this small country in East Africa is made up of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean. Also, it is your ideal getaway if you want to relax and soak in the pristine beauty of nature. Beaches like Anse Lazio and Anse Source D'Argent do not get much crowd. So, you can have your me-time while travelling solo. These are great places for lounging even if you are travelling with your family.  However, the biggest draw of this country is the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tour And Travel Tip: Finding lodging here is not easy because of limited options and they are also very expensive. However, you can avoid the extra charges by booking your lodging in advance. Fun Travel Destination Ideas In Africa: The Land Of Wall Arts And Souvenirs Africa is a great destination to explore, with several spots to visit. The sites above are one of the many hot spots in Africa waiting to receive you. Regardless of where or when you visit Africa, it is best to let the memory live with you. There are several ways to carry these memories and feelings, but one of the best ways is exploring African wall arts. Africa wall arts will help you preserve the unique feeling and vibe of this location. Even if you've not been to Africa, you can still integrate these wall arts into your space to create fantasy and keep the desire. Besides, African wall arts improve the décor of your space, create focal points, and add color. Read Also Starbucks – Best Review By Users In 2022 [Genuine Information] Reasons To Book Cottages For Your Honeymoon! Spinnaker Resorts & How Do You Get Out Of A Spinnaker Timeshare Top 12 Amazing Sahara Desert Animals You Need To See