Going on a road trip is an experience almost everyone looks forward to. And for a good reason. It allows you to discover new places, enjoy beautiful scenery, and spend quality time with family and friends.
But, as exciting as this might be, a fun trip could be disastrous without proper planning and preparation. To prevent the hassles that could spoil your road trip, here are 12 travel hacks to make your journey the most relaxing and pleasantly unforgettable:
1. Prepare snacks that will last the whole trip.
A happy stomach means a happy traveler. Pack a variety of food to satisfy everyone’s cravings and keep hunger at bay. Be aware of any food allergies to avoid medical emergencies.
2. Create a feel-good playlist.
Good music can set a fun atmosphere for everyone cooped inside the car for several hours. Choose songs that everyone could sing along with.
3. Download movies or TV shows.
Bring along offline copies of movies or shows from your must-watch list. Signals can be tricky, so downloading a copy ensures a buffer-free watching experience. Make sure the driver keeps their eyes on the road though!
4. Be sure to have first-aid and medicine kits.
Pack medications for all emergencies, particularly for family members or friends with special medical conditions. Pharmacies might not be within reach when you need medicine, so it's better to be prepared for any minor medical situation.
5. Pack your sleeping essentials.
Bring small pillows and blankets for a more comfortable sleep even inside a moving car. An eye mask could come in handy, too! Also, don’t forget your children’s favorite stuffed toys to prevent any potential tantrums.
6. Make sure everyone knows your itinerary.
Having a travel schedule will make your road trip smoother, and don’t forget to inform everyone in your group about the routes and the estimated arrival time per stopover and final destination. Keeping everyone in the loop will help avoid repetitive questions (the classic “Are we there yet?”). You can add surprise stopovers along the way, too.
7. Hang organizers.
Avoid making a mess of the car’s interior by providing organizers where everyone can put their knick-knacks during the trip. It also minimizes the risk of misplacing or losing personal belongings.
8. Allot stopovers for food and restroom breaks.
Before the trip, take note of gasoline stations, drive-thrus, and other establishments you could go to for a stopover. Likewise, mark places with no stopovers so everyone can grab whatever they need and drain their bladder before hitting the road again.
9. Make a travel diary.
Ask everyone to write about their favorite moments and suggestions for the next trip. At the end of the vacation, set aside time for sharing. Doing this can make the experience more intimate and personal. This could even be the beginning of a new tradition.
10. Change drivers now and then.
Fatigue and lack of sleep cause accidents on the road. Ensure there is an alternate driver, especially for extremely long trips, to guarantee everyone’s safety and that you will reach your destination without any incidents.
11. Play games with the kids.
Kids are the first to get bored during long trips, so prepare games or activities to keep them excited. Search for fun games that are easy to do inside a moving vehicle. You can even create ones along the way. Riddles and tongue twisters could also be great activities to liven things up.
12. Don’t forget your power banks.
Remember to have enough standby power for everyone’s gadgets. Nowadays, the quickest way to ruin a road trip is a handheld gadget dying. That’s just how things are now.
Going on a road trip is a thrilling and memorable experience if you can minimize the stress and hassle. With proper planning and preparation, things can go smoothly. And that includes having the right vehicle for your needs, which you can easily rent at affordable prices through DOON, the Philippines’ most innovative peer-to-peer car-sharing marketplace.
Stay in the know about all things automobile and discover cars for rent in Manila when you check out DOON, a peer-to-peer car-sharing marketplace in the Philippines. You may download the DOON app from the App Store, Google Play Store, or App Gallery. You can also follow DOON’s social media pages — Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
To rent a car or become a DOON host, you can shoot us an email at hello@doon.ph!
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