No matter your age or your occupation, everyone can benefit from getting outside and getting some fresh air from time to time. Road trips are an ideal way to explore an area you’re not too familiar with and can also be perfect for people who want to revisit a few specific attractions at a pace that suits them. However, before you buckle up for your first road trip, there are a few things to keep in mind.
travel partners
One of the most important things to consider before heading out on your first road trip is your fellow travelers. Most road trips last at least a couple of days and some can even last for months, especially if exploring an entire country is your idea of fun. Unless you plan to travel in separate vehicles, you may be spending up to 24 hours a day together anywhere, so know that it may test your patience if you don’t exactly get along with your fellow passengers.
Whenever possible, it’s a good idea to travel with people who have a similar personality type. If you like your own space, traveling with a group of extroverts whose idea of fun is going on a long party probably isn’t the best idea. Also consider traveling with people who can drive (and are happy to take the wheel for an hour or two), unless you’re happy driving the group on your own for days on end.
Places to visit
Road trips are great because it’s not important that your plans are set in stone. One thing to keep in mind, however, is your return date, so if there are a few specific places your group wants to visit, it might be a good idea to plan the rest of your trip around these. Before you travel, invite your travel group over for a few cocktails (this is the best way to get your creative juices flowing) and see what you come up with. Don’t make the experience stressful, just try to get a general idea of what your trip will entail.
your budget
Road trips don’t have to focus on flashy hotels and high-priced attractions: If you’re short on cash, you can still have a good time, it may mean sacrificing a bit when it comes to accommodation. Many people find that camping is a great way to save some money, but guest houses and hostels can work just as well. When planning your road trip, remember to factor in the cost of things like gas and toll roads (some of which can be avoided entirely depending on where you drive).
As you travel together, you’ll get to know your fellow travelers even better than ever. This will lead to monumental success or monumental failure, so take the time to plan things out together before you even think about going out into the world.
