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 Sunglasses

Why Sunglasses Are Necessary For Various Outdoor Adventures?

BY  Abdul Aziz May 16, 2023

Summer is fast approaching. You need an appropriate pair of shades to prepare for outdoor adventures. The ideal sunglasses should bring the perfect vision for you. Choosing the best adventure sunglasses will give you satisfaction on your journey. Your sunglasses should protect from eye strain and light flares. With that feature, you can prevent headaches from eye fatigue. This will protect your eyes from prolonged exposure to the sun. This article will show you sunglasses that will protect your eyes and suit your activity. Not only does it give protection, but it also gives a good look while on the run. Consider these sunglasses an essential part of your summer adventure. You might need to upgrade your prescription sports sunglasses after reading this. Travel Adventure When wandering on an endless road, make your best memory with a pair of retro sunglasses. The best travel sunglasses should have an anti-scratch feature, polarized lenses, and durable frames. Fordable shades, so they are easy to get on and fold away when you need them. Also, ensure those sports prescription glasses have excellent quality and strength when protecting your eyes. Picking up suitable sunglasses for your travel needs is quite tricky. Check on these features to consider when buying sunglasses for traveling. Frames should be durable. Traveling makes your glasses prone to falling. The durability of your shades will comply with this need. You can also choose excellent-quality rectangular-shaped glasses. For sure, you will meet lots of people when traveling. It makes sense if you choose stylish matte shades to express your style. Rectangular shades can make your face stand out—a good fit for facial features and narrow eyes. Shades that are featured UV ray protection are also a must since you will surely encounter the sun’s heat on your travels. These glasses help you reserve your energy from the tiredness provided by the sunny weather. A pair of polarized, high-quality shades with built-in tapered lens technology is a must. The lens comes with an anti-reflection feature. This is a good choice when you are looking to improve your lenses. Water Sports Everybody loves water sports such as surfing, kitesurfing, wakeboarding, paddle boarding, or kayaking. With this sport, you are most likely exposed to the sun’s heat for hours. Water sports enthusiasts have exposure to salt water and sunlight. Even harsh winds hit their faces. This exposure will lead to eye sunburns. Also, exposure to UV rays damages your eyes over time, which can lead to cataracts or severe eye problems. Wearing sunglasses can lessen your eye fatigue from sunlight and water splashes. Be careful because some sunglasses need to work better for watersports. That is because some lenses break easily during hard impacts. Some are due to fog and are quick to blur your vision. Others because of unclear vision from the lenses. Here are suggestions on which type of appropriate sunglasses to use. Given that you have lots of water sports activities in mind. Be careful because some sunglasses need to work better for watersports. That is because some lenses break easily during hard impacts. Some are due to fog and are quick to blur your vision. Others because of unclear vision from the lenses. Here are suggestions on which type of appropriate sunglasses to use. Given that you have lots of water sports activities in mind. For Surfing The best fit for surfing glasses comes with the capability to absorb or endure the impact. One that is immovable from your head during wipeouts. Surfers keep paddling through waves. The sunglasses must not be uncomfortable or painful if pressed against your face. Check your sports prescription goggles to see if they suit your needs. For Kitesurfing Your face is above the water all the time during a kitesurfing activity. Your sunglasses for this sport should protect your eyes from fog and water spray. A vital feature of glasses for kitesurfing is that they should have visual clarity from the sun. You need to have a clear look at the buoys, rocks, floating debris, waves, and other kite surfers. For Wakeboarding The important feature of a wakeboard sunglass is its ability to withstand impact. This type of sunglasses should be able to endure crashes at high speed. This must keep your face and eyes safe in any situation. Like other water sports activities, wakeboarding glasses must resist fog and water spray. It should also provide a clear vision of the waves when doing exhibitions. For Paddleboarding You may need regular sunglasses while paddling on flat water. This activity has very little chance of you getting sucked into the water. You need sunglasses that are fog resistant, protect from sun rays, and have quality lenses. It should also develop a better retention system that could float on water. For Kayaking Kayaking is as simple as sitting low on the water. This increases the chance of your eyes getting exposed to sun rays. If you are kayaking in a rough river or seawater, you'll get sprayed on your eyes. The best sunglasses for kayaking must be splash-resistant and UV-free. It should also have hydrophobic protection to let the water slip away from your lenses. Mountain Hiking There's so much to enjoy about outdoor adventures like hiking. Protect your eyes while camping in the forest or hiking in the mountains. Use sunglasses that have UV-ray protection and a high-visibility feature. A decent pair of glasses for hiking should have lightweight and curved lenses. That must have excellent marginal protection from the sun's rays, debris, and wind. For Running The best-running sunglasses should enhance vision and depth perception. That could lessen the possible blind spots on the trail. Your glasses should be suitable for your face. Also, it should have curves to see the striking rays of sunlight. Other sunglasses for running have tinted. Runners can have a good vision of their environment. These glasses have flexible materials, should be lightweight, and fit well. You will need high-quality sunglasses for running. Below are a few of the most important features you should consider for running sunglass. Glasses with taller lenses that are customizable provide a better look at the upper peripheral part of your vision. Some quality shades with wide frames and taller lenses are built with lighter weight. This type of running sunglasses is best suited for men. One of the best running sunglasses for women comes with exchangeable lenses in more flexible designs. The lenses and frame structure should be free from extreme cuts and severe angles. These glasses' aesthetics could be more masculine, making them suitable for female runners. Its simplicity doesn't mean it misses the essential features runners need. Its protection from sunlight provides better vision on the road or trail. You might also want an interchangeable and bigger lens, which works great on the road or trail. Conclusion Now, you are going on an outdoor adventure this summer. Get your eyes looking fantastic and protected. Sunglasses contribute to making your activities look and feel better. Specialized sunglasses can offer great comfort. It doesn't matter if you are doing extreme sports or tanning on the beach. Investing in your protection and comfort with appropriate glasses is always best. Read Also: Planning A Beach Holiday In 2023? Here Are 5 Things To Buy In Advance 7 Creative Truck Cap Camping Ideas To Use In Jungle Adventures 6 Outdoor Activities You Can Have In Arizona

READ MORE Travel Nurse

How To Make More Money As A Travel Nurse

BY  Abdul Aziz Jul 17, 2021

Travel nursing is without a doubt very fulfilling and praise-worthy career choice. It is also an opportunity to earn a substantial amount of money. If you are looking for ways to increase your paycheck and make more money as a travel nurse, here are some tips you may want to follow. Take The Road Less Travel If you want to increase the total amount on your paycheck pay attention to the location of your next assignment. Very often, remote locations are places you want to be if your primary goal is to earn extra cash. These locations are usually understaffed and offer higher pay to make the job offer more attractive to travel nurses. Due to Covid-19 a lot of cities became hotspots of the infection because of its rapid spread among a large number of people. Therefore, medical staffing agencies tapped into these new markets offering more job opportunities to travel nurses and also a higher salary. Ask your medical staffing agency to have in mind that you are open to these kinds of arrangements. The agency you are with may use a care app to help you stay organized, view your shift roster on the go, as well as updating progress notes on patients so that you are fully informed on each client's needs for each patient you travel to. Time Means Money Time is definitely on your side. Med staff agencies are aware of that and you should be, too. Consider how you manage your time and be aware that certain days and hours when you take on an assignment play an important role in defining your wage. If you can work around your timeframe and are flexible you can expect higher figures from your healthcare recruiter. Working during the holidays, or weekends, or picking up extra shifts will certainly pay off. Another way of profiting is by accepting so-called per diem assignments. Maybe you’re familiar with the term which basically means daily pay and implies jumping in on an assignment on short notice. On the other hand, it might be possible to prolong the duration of your stay at a certain assignment and avoid the travel costs of relocating and save some cash. Be Resourceful And Cut Costs There is a number of ways to make some passive income while doing your job. For example, you can opt for taking a housing stipend instead of prearranged accommodation provided by your med staff recruiter. Find a cheaper option and save some dollars. If you get lucky and find an apartment near the hospital you are assigned to, you can also save on commuting. Other ways of increasing the sum on your credit card are to get a roommate or/and to rent your apartment back home while you are on an assignment. Become More Specialized In Highly Paying Jobs You can always count on your experience and knowledge to get you closer to your goal. Increase your worth by getting more experience and education. Invest in your education and become specialized in some of the highest-paying niches in travel nursing. It might be difficult at times by you will be thanking yourself later because it’s the best thing you can do for yourself in the long run. These jobs are Emergency Room, Intensive Care Unit, Labor and Delivery nursing, or lately vaccination nursing. Check For Bonuses Never underestimate some minor bonuses that can amount to a substantial sum. These bonuses are more likely to be offered by med staff agencies in an attempt to attract as many nurses as possible during times of crises such as this pandemic. Always ask your healthcare recruiter if they offer any incentives such as a sign-in bonus that you can get when you sign in for an assignment with a company or a referral bonus that you get when a colleague of yours does. Since the start of the pandemic, many healthcare workers were considering quitting or quitting their jobs. That’s why med staffing companies started offering completion bonuses more frequently, which you get once you have completed your assignment. With a little resourcefulness and a goal-oriented mindset, you can save and earn extra money. Talk to your colleagues and friends and try to get as many opinions and tips on how to make more money as a travel nurse. Don’t be shy when it comes to asking your healthcare recruiter about their job offer package and what’s included in it. A reputable med staffing agency is aware of travel nurses’ worth and will be more than open to discussing it and even recommending some ways of getting higher pay. Read Also: Helpful Tips On How You Can Save Money On A Yacht Charter The Ultimate Guide To Travel Without Spending Money

READ MORE Packing Essentials For Your Next Adventure

On The Go: Packing Essentials For Your Next Adventure

BY  Ankita Nov 21, 2023

For those who love venturing off the beaten path to experience the wonders that Mother Nature has to offer, your success and your safety in enjoying your next adventure will depend on the essentials you pack to carry with you. While enjoying the wind and sun or exploring a new destination can be exciting, gratifying, and even relaxing, these emotions can quickly turn into worry, fear, and exhaustion if you’re unprepared. Selecting what is essential to your well-being on the move can be challenging, whether planning a six-month, six-day, or six-hour adventure, mainly if you have limited packing space. Planning is the key to your success. Phone  It’s impossible nowadays to even think of going somewhere without your smartphone. You don’t want to leave home without yours. Consider including a universal travel adapter depending on your destination and acquiring a local SIM card to remain connected in the event of an emergency or if you want to enjoy a bit of entertainment while on the go. Portable Charger While a charger and power bank may be among your best options if you’ll be off the grid for a while, carrying an extra battery is one of the top tips to follow when adventuring. A spare battery can be beneficial, especially for your phone as well as a camera or laptop, if you bring these along. Lots of things can go wrong, and the unexpected is always to be expected. You may become lost, need help, contact your family, or request medical assistance, and your phone may be your only lifeline to civilization. Pack that extra battery. Maps If you travel to a remote location, a phone or the internet may not be viable tools. Include physical maps, a GPS device, or even a basic compass among your adventure essentials to keep you on track. Water And Snacks Snacks like nuts and seeds, granola bars, or chocolate, along with a variety of pop tart flavors, can help maintain energy levels, and hydration is essential to general health and well-being. Reusable water bottles or boxed water aid in preventing dehydration and protect the environment as well. If you are refilling your water bottle, include water disinfection tablets. Carry extra snacks if you are embarking on an active trip. First Aid Kit Traveling can be an exhilarating experience, but especially when selecting a natural destination, bumps, bruises, bites, and scrapes are to be expected. A fall, unwelcome insect, thorny vegetation, or an upset stomach can leave you miserable and, in some cases, susceptible to infection. A compact first aid kit with band-aids, gauze, tape, antiseptic cream or wipes, painkillers, antihistamine pills, eyewash, ibuprofen, a small pair of scissors, tweezers, hand sanitizer, and even some electrolyte tablets needs to be among your travel gear. Consider packing some bug spray, moisturizer, and sunscreen if the climate warrants them, and don’t forget prescription medicines and a copy of prescriptions, just in case. A pair of protective sunglasses and a hat will complete your protective gear. Eco-Friendly Essentials If traveling off the beaten path, consider bringing reusable items such as cutlery sets, plates, containers, and a reusable shopping bag. A portable knife or pocket multi-tool is an excellent item to carry. If you’re traveling by plane, place it in checked luggage. Use solid hygiene products like soap or shampoo that require less space in your backpack or suitcase and are environment-friendly. Don’t forget a towel, toothbrush, toothpaste, nail clippers, and glasses if you wear them. A small sewing kit with needles may prove handy, too. Toilet Paper Roll A toilet paper roll may not seem obvious, but depending on where you are headed, you’ll be happy you thought to bring a roll along. Some cultures will not use toilet paper; wilderness destinations can be challenging when nature calls. Add in some tissues and wet wipes if you don’t have a place to wash up. Flashlight/Torch A flashlight is an essential tool to always have on hand. You don’t want to wander about in the darkness in a location you are unfamiliar with, especially should you lose track of time or your way. Flashlight torches and headlamps will reduce the risk of getting lost as well as bodily harm because you’ll be able to see where you are heading. Bring along an extra set of batteries and a lighter or matches, just in case. Comfortable Shoes And Clothing If you plan on walking a lot or hiking, comfortable footwear can make or break your overall experience. Plan for local weather conditions as well. You may be better prepared with waterproof shoes or boots. Don’t forget the proper type of socks, especially in colder climates. Choose the correct type of clothing, such as swimwear, goggles, and flip-flops for a warm beach destination, breathable fabrics for the tropics,  or heavier clothing for winter climates. Waterproof instruments may be called for if you’re visiting rainy locations. You may want an extra blanket or two as well. Portable Shelter If the wilderness is your final destination, portable emergency shelters are suitable to carry along. Reflective thermal shelters can be packed or attached to your backpack. Don’t Forget Your Documents! Regardless of where you are headed, you’ll need your documents. Necessary papers might include a driver’s license, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, passport, and perhaps a visa. Carry photocopies of these documents in a separate location in the event of loss or theft. Prepare a mix of credit cards and local currency, as not all places may accept your plastic, and use a money belt or anti-theft bag if possible. Final Considerations Finally, bring a lock to keep your things safe during hostel visits or overnight train trips. If you use a backpack, have a rain cover so your items don’t become drenched in a downpour. Include a whistle among your packed essentials. You never know when you may need to call for help or fend off a critter! Read Also: A First-Hand Experience Of Taking A Red Eye Flight! The Ultimate Guide To Finding Cheap Flights To Chicago Using Google Flights Momondo Flights: Should You Try This Platform For Booking Flights In 2023?