Start Preparing Now for Your 2017 Road Trip

Going on a road trip can be one of the most memorable experiences of a lifetime. Although, that experience isn’t guaranteed to be positive just because you hop in a vehicle and start driving. Spontaneous road trips might be okay for a select few, but the vast majority of trips would benefit from some planning and preparation. First things first, you are going to need a license – if you don’t already have one, start with the free driving theory practice test over at Toptests. Even if you are a licensed UK driver, these free tests can help you brush up on your knowledge of the rules of the road. We also have plenty of useful preparation tips below that will help you ensure your road trip goes smoothly.

Schedule and Plan Ahead

You’re already on the right track just by taking the time to read this article, but that’s not accomplishing any scheduling. Start by figuring out where exactly you want to go, and what route you want to take to get there. Unless you plan on sleeping in your vehicle, it’s also a good idea to start making your hotel reservations far ahead in advance. Doing this will guarantee the best pricing on your rooms, as well as availability at the places you’d prefer to stay. Waiting until the last minute can end up costing you more, which ultimately takes away from your spending money for the trip.

Using Technology

Road trips in 2017 are a lot different than they were in the 20th century. Even in the past few years we’ve seen major technological advancements that are extremely useful on a road trip. We’re primarily talking about smartphones here, and more specifically the amazing road trip apps that have been developed. These apps can help you pinch pennies on fuel or save you hundreds on lodging. Perhaps the most useful thing technology has to offer is live traffic and road construction updates through GPS to help you avoid detours and other delays.

Packing – Less is More

One of the most common road trip preparation mistakes is over-packing. Unless your budget is already 100% allocated, there will likely be plenty of items you end up purchasing while on your trip. Depending on your vehicle, extra items can quickly consume a lot of space and leave you wishing you had left some stuff at home. There’s no need to bring a 20-pound bag of books to read on the road, multiple suitcases, or your entire wardrobe. Yes, car rides can be boring, but don’t forget about all the activities you’ve planned that will be fulfilling your time and making any entertainment you brought with obsolete.

We know planning a road trip can be quite the anxiety inducing process, but you’ll be much happier with a complete itinerary for your trip. Remember to prepare far in advance; the earlier you get started planning your trip, the easier and less costly it is. Drive safe, and have fun!