14 Hacks to Make Your Road Trip Go Smoothly

Aug 12, 2021

Last Updated on: Jul 4, 2023

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.

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Ariana Smith is a blogger who loves to write about anything that is related to technology, She also has interest in entrepreneurship & Digital marketing world including social media & advertising.

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Discover Paradise On A Seychelles Yacht Charter

BY Ariana SmithMar 31, 2021

Cruise some of the world’s most beautiful waters on a Seychelles yacht charter. A luxurious crewed yacht in Seychelles offers the perfect opportunity to explore paradisiacal islands lapped by some of the bluest waters on earth at your own pace. Seychelles is made up of 115 coral and granite island gems in the Indian Ocean. Here you'll find picture-postcard beaches, vibrant coral reefs teeming with colorful marine life, mountainous rainforests home to spectacular nature reserves, superb fishing grounds, delicious Creole cuisine, and barefoot elegance coupled with relaxed island charm. If you’re considering a Seychelles yacht charter, then keep on reading. Here we explore some of the top things to see and do while on a luxurious yacht in Seychelles. Seychelles Yacht Charter-  Mahe Island: No Seychelles yacht charter would be complete without exploring the island of Mahe, home to the Seychelles small capital Victoria. It is here you can get a real taste of Seychelles’ culture and history. A must-visit is the lush botanical gardens, a wonderful 15-acre retreat that boasts both endemic and exotic plants collected by French botanist Rivalt Dupont, who laid out the park in 1901. The various gardens of the park include a Chinese garden, rainforest, and spice garden. Don’t forget to look out for the park’s resident Aldabra giant tortoises. Other attractions of note in Victoria include the National Museum of History and St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral. Mahe is also a fabulous place to feast on traditional Creole cuisine at locally run restaurants and food stalls.  Curieuse Island:  Curieuse Island is a national park and best known for its resident giant Aldabra tortoises, one of the few places on earth where they roam freely. More than 300 of these slow-moving creatures call the island home and are protected by a dedicated group of rangers. The island is also home to unspoiled mangrove forests, picture-postcard beaches, and rare coco de Mer palm trees, a giant prehistoric tree that boasts the world’s largest speed. For diving enthusiasts, head to the eastern coast of Curieuse and dive Coral Garden, a popular dive spot bursting with marine life – a Seychelles yacht charter must!  Praslin Island:  This exquisite island is considered one of the most beautiful destinations on earth, making it a must-visit during a Seychelles yacht charter. Praslin Island is best known for its palm-fringed beaches dotted with large granite boulders, while its jungle-covered interior is home to the Praslin National Park. Here you’ll find the breath-taking palm forest, Valle de Mai Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to endemic rare flora and fauna. The island is peppered with quaint seaside villages and luxury resorts, including the Constance Lemuria Resort, which features an 18-hole championship golf course and a luxe full-service spa. Make sure you leave time to visit one of the island’s most famous beaches, Anse Lazio beach, which features powder-white sand fringed by lush tropical foliage. Soak up the sun on this dreamy beach during a Seychelles yacht charter, or make the most of your yacht’s tenders and toys on the surrounding azure blue waters. Farquhar Atoll:  Enjoy spectacular fishing grounds at Farquhar Atoll, the Seychelles most southerly chain of islands. This remote atoll offers a dreamy Seychelles yacht charter escape and is ideal for fishing enthusiasts. The Farquhar Atoll offers diverse fishery, including countless flats, surf zones, and channels. Reel in tropical fish such as triggerfish, bonefish, hump head parrotfish, and blue-water game species, including yellowfin tuna, barracuda, grouper, and wahoo. After, retreat to the luxurious surroundings of your Seychelles yacht charter and have your private chef prepare your fresh catch of the day. There can be no question for paradise seekers that a Seychelles yacht charter offers the perfect luxury escape. And with so many yachts for charter to choose from, you are guaranteed to find your ideal vessel, whether you fancy cruising this paradisiacal destination aboard an elegant sailboat or a superyacht. On a Seychelles yacht charter, paradise awaits. Read Also: Top Ten Southern Africa Off-The-Beaten-Path Adventures Planning A Hunting Trip To Africa – Here’s What You Should Know Top 12 Amazing Sahara Desert Animals You Need To See

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Visit Florence In Tuscany 

BY SumonaSep 8, 2022

When you tell somebody, you are planning a trip to Italy. They always answer, “You must visit Florence in Tuscany!”. Florence is a typical river city developed on the two banks of the Arno, a city rich in history and art. Founded and inhabited by Italic people, Florence extends into a green plain, which is surrounded by hills dotted with cypresses, and olive trees, and also crossed by the Arno river. But above all: a city breathing art and culture everywhere!  Special Attractions Of Florence in Tuscany Many of the travelers are asking, is Tuscany in Florence? And what is there? In the past years, it has been awarded internationally as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. You are standing in the middle cradle of the Renaissance. The city is the hub of extraordinary literary, artistic, and scientific development that took place in the 14th-16th centuries. To visit Florence in Tuscany really means jumping back in time!  Note: Appreciated more than anything else is the urban architecture and the presence of traces of a glorious past on every street corner;  with the most iconic places such as the Duomo Cathedral, the Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Pitti, etc. You Should Visit Florence For Its Art And Culture Known throughout the world for its artistic masterpieces, the colored marbles of the churches, and the high-sounding architecture, Florence is the city of the Medici, an ancient Tuscan family that became one of the most important dynasties in Italy and Europe. Nowadays, it is home to the most beautiful and important museums in the world; to name a few: the Uffizi Gallery, Palazzo Vecchio, the Accademia Gallery, the Pitti Palace, Florence Cathedral and the Opera del Duomo museum, etc. Culture Also Means Food And Wine But the only culture of Florence in Tuscany is not only art & history, and it means food and wine as well. Florence is a food city (delicious food), and you really can’t go there without trying out its local specials: that’s part of the experience!  Things you should try in Florence: 1. CHIANTI WINE  Chianti wine is a red blend of Tuscany that is made from Sangiovese grapes. These are common tasting notes which include different types of red fruits, smoke, dried herbs, balsamic vinegar, and game. Perfect for any kind of aperitivo admiring monuments or to accompany your dinners in Florence!  2. PICI Pici is a type of fresh pasta, similar to spaghetti, which is made with water, flour, and salt. A simple preparation, typical of the Tuscan culinary tradition: a "poor" dish linked to peasant cuisine. They can be combined with different condiments, thanks to their ability to adapt to various preparations: you can, in fact, make them with cheese and pepper, with crumbs, with garlic, with ragù, and in many other ways. Yummy!  3. FIORENTINA One of the most popular Italian steak dishes, Bistecca Alla Fiorentina, is made of young steer or heifer that, in combination with the specific preparations. What preparations are turning it into one of the famous dishes in Tuscan cuisine.  It is a high cut, including the bone, and also cooked on the embers or on the grill, with a degree of "blood" cooking. Try to accompany this Florence in Tuscany special dish with your Chianti wine; a perfect combo.  Visit Florence For Its Welcoming People  Florence's inhabitants are something on their own; the Fiorentini are really strong characters, very different from the typical Italians international people know. The character of the Florentines is judged in a contradictory way. They are considered polite and honest, but their thriftiness, praised for being able to make money well, is often criticized. In Florence, people tend to say things to your face, and often when they do so, they are not too pleasant things. Don’t take it personally, it’s part of the culture! Learn some useful words:  Topping | Gnocchi Ganzo | Cool Grullo | A silly person Boncitto | A good guy Chetarsi | To be silent So Why Visit Florence? For many, Florence is a city they have only heard about, and important events and things to do, such as those in Rome or Venice, are not attributed to it. Wrong! Florence Is Full Of Things To Do!  Those who know the history of the world will know that Florence, with much of Italy, was the central hub of the Renaissance, and many works of art of the period can be found in this city. One of the most iconic sites that many are likely to recognize is the Duomo, a cathedral with a dome at its top.  The Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence also exhibits Michelangelo's David, one of the most famous sculptures in the world. When it comes to art and history, no one beats Florence for masterpieces! But there are also many fun activities for those who are not very interested in art. Tourists can take a day trip out of town and explore the wonderfully varied landscape of Florence in Tuscany. You can also taste local food and wines.  And events are also an option if you want to dive into the local culture for real. Music festivals, historical reviews, sports events, and much more! To learn everything about Florence and the reasons why you should visit it, learn more at www.ciaoflorence.it Reasons To Visit Florence In Tuscany |Ciao Florence Why should you visit Florence in Tuscany? Art, culture, food, and events. All you need to know about the city of Renaissance! Visit Ciao Florence. So when are you planning to visit Tuscany? Share your opinion through the comment sections. Additionals: Tattoo Bali – Tips Before Getting A Tattoo Canary Wharf: A Mini-Guide For Your Next Visit Top 3-Week Itineraries For A Perfect Tour Of Europe: T AND TB

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The Top 5 Wrist Watches for Hunting

BY Ariana SmithDec 16, 2021

You must be wondering why watches and hunting are being mentioned in the same line without any apparent connection. If you ever did take a part in hunting, you would understand how easy it is to lose track of time and even get lost when you get caught up in the moment. For many hunters, it is all about connecting to nature, so they rarely carry their smartphones with them. Therefore, the only contraption they may have, aside from hunting weapons, is a wrist watch. For this reason, some watches have been designed for hunting, and they include the following. Here are The Top 5 Wrist Watches for Hunting: A good quality hunting watch is not only  necessary for hunting, rather you can use the watch for tracking and hiking purposes. The multifunctionality and the tough nature of these watches are making them popular among many travelers and adventure sport lovers. Don't be put off by the possible price of these watches. If you do your research on websites like Raise, you can find some great deals on not just watches, but all hunting gears! Here are the five top picks hunting watches for you. 1. Suunto Traverse Alpha This tough hunting watch is made for harsh conditions. It is made out of glass reinforced with the composite case, a knurled bezel made out of stainless steel, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, a water-resistant textile strap, and can be perfectly okay even when you dive 100m deep into the water. Suunto Traverse Alpha is a military standard watch that can withstand anything that is thrown at it.  Features It has an “Automatic Shot Detection” that records data of when and where you shoot. It has an accelerometer that analyzes your motions and gun recoil. It Has sunset and sunrise time alerts to notify you in case you lose track of time. It Has a state-of-the-art navigation system. It is night vision goggle compatible. 2. Garmin Fenix 5X Plus This is a sporty hunting watch that is designed for people who love spending most of their time outdoors hunting. It is small and light, you can barely feel it on your wrists, yet it has a rugged built that makes it tough enough to go through anything in the wild. The Garmin Fenix 5X Plus has a titanium bezel, a fiber-reinforced polymer case, and a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal lens. Features It has an Altimeter for checking the exact altitude that you are operating from. It has an in-built barometer. It has a compass for keeping track of direction. It has GPS and a TOPO map for good measure. If you want your watch to really shine during your hunting trip, you can go for personalization options. Credible brands like Mobile Mob, offer personalized design solutions for Garmin hunting watches, which are durable, attractive, and will allow you to blend form and function to a supposedly rugged hunting watch. You can choose between a range of watch strap options according to what you prefer appeals the most to you. 3. Casio Pro Trek WSD-F20-RGBAU The Casio Pro Trek is another military standard Casio hunting watch that comes with a strap made out of resin, a crystal mineral dial, and a water-resistant case that can handle 50 meters of water. The watch is available for Android and IOS, and it is built for durability. Features It comes equipped with an Altimeter. It has a barometer for checking humidity. It has a full-color map on top of having a location memory. It has GPS and a compass. 4. LBJ Outdoor Compass Watch Just as the name implies, this hunting watch is built with a specialized focus on providing the most accurate directions during hunting trips. It has a PU silicone strap, a Hardlex dial window that is enclosed in a tough plastic case that can resist water to a depth of 50 meters. Features It has an Altimeter. It comes bundled up with an in-built thermometer. It has a very advanced compass. It has an alarm that gives you hourly notifications to help keep track of time. 5. Garmin Tactix Bravo Another Garmin hunting watch makes it into the list, a true testament to how reliable a brand they are. Available for both IOS and Android, the Garmin Tactix Bravo has a steel bezel with a DLC coating, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal surface, a nylon strap that makes the watch be water-resistant to a depth of 100m. Features It has an Altimeter. It has a barometer. It is equipped with a 3-axis compass. It has an Omni-directional EXO antenna. It has a state-of-the-art GLONASS GPS. It has a real-time breadcrumb trail that helps you retrace your footsteps if you are lost. It also has a TrackBack feature. It has support for night goggles. The screen has Garmin’s Chroma Display that makes it possible to read the screen even in direct sunlight. What to Consider When Choosing a Hunting Watch When looking for a hunting watch, there are some things you have to pay attention to, features that will make your hunting much easier. They include the following; The hunting watch must have a GPS and a compass. The reason for this is straightforward, you may get lost, and without any network coverage, getting back on track can be hard. Unless you have extensive knowledge of the woods you are hunting on, get a watch that can help with directions when you need it.   It must be water-resistant. Hunting is an intense activity that takes you through tough terrain. You may find yourself needing to wade through water, or you may find yourself at the mercy of heavy rain. A water-resistant hunting watch should be able to withstand all that without any problem.   It must have a sunset and sunrise alarm feature that will help you keep track of time. It is easy to get engrossed in hunting, and you may lose your sense of time, and that could be disastrous if darkness finds you in a place you are not very familiar with.   The battery has to be durable and reliable. The last thing you would want is to end up with a dead watch on your wrist with no other means of navigating. Get a watch whose battery can last for days. Or better yet, a solar-powered one that will never go flat and takes a shorter time to recharge.   Lastly, a good hunting watch must have an in-built barometer. Keeping track of weather changes is vital for a hunter as it not only affects the accuracy of the weapons but also affects the availability of animals. Once it starts raining heavily, animals hide in places that are hard to be found. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q1: What is the best watch for hunters? A: The SUUNTO Traverse Alpha, is the best watch for hunting. It has GPS, Shot Technology, Storm Alarms, sunrise, sunset features,, full battery life, scratch resistant, an app to record your trips.  Q2: Does Suunto Traverse Alpha have a heart rate? A: This watch tracks the daily activity, with calories and steps and turns into a heart beat rate monitor. This comes with an optional chest or wrist belt. They are resistant to 330 feet.  Q3: How long does it take Suunto 5 to get charged? A: It takes 2 to 3 hours to fully charge an empty battery. A tip for you to keep the battery life, fix the GPS interval while recording.  Q4: Where is Suunto Based? A: Suunto Oy is a Finland company that makes and markets sports watches, dive computers, precision instruments and compasses. The Headquarter is in Vantaa, Finland.  Conclusion There is enough watch supply for every function known to man. It doesn't matter the line of work you are in or the kind of activity you spend your free time engaging in. Hunting watches are just but a small fraction of what watches in the modern world can do. They have gone beyond the traditional role of telling time. If you are a hunting enthusiast, it is time you got yourself a hunting watch. Read Also: Top Ten Southern Africa Off-The-Beaten-Path Adventures Best Time To Visit New York – Know All About New York Weather Your Next Road Trip: 4 Tips Before You Depart