If you’re tired of the view from your couch to your kitchen island, have we got good news for you! After a rough few months, to say the least, a lot of the stay-at-home orders imposed by many states across America have been relaxed or completely lifted, and- best of all- travel restrictions have finally eased up for most states. In other words, summer fun doesn’t have to be canceled after all! Are you thinking what we’re thinking? ROAD TRIP!
Now more than ever, there’s nothing like loading up the car with your family or best friends and hitting the road to see everything our amazing country has to offer. And a road trip may be just what the doctor ordered after months of staying at home- so long as you plan on practicing safe social-distancing behaviors, such as wearing a mask, staying away from large crowds, and keeping a six-foot distance from any strangers you encounter on your travels, that is. Let’s face it- we’re all a little stir-crazy right now, and there’s nothing quite like a dose of the open road in the summertime to cure cabin fever!
Even though it’s still super-important to follow our state and local safety guidelines in order to remain healthy, a road trip is a great way to get out of the house and have some fun- and since most of your vacation happens within the safety of your own car, taking a road trip is one of the most fun travel plans you can make right now while still ensuring that you and all your companions stay safe.
Along with safe travel practices and state-by-state restrictions and guidelines, there are some other things you should take into consideration before you take that road trip this summer. For example:
Get a Check-Up
Speaking of auto repairs, it’s always a good idea to visit your local auto repair center for scheduled routine maintenance before you hit the road. Your auto technician will change your vehicle’s oil, rotate the tires, check fluid levels and more to ensure that your car has a clean bill of health before the start of your road trip. Pro tip: make your auto check-up appointment for at least a week before your trip is scheduled to begin. That way if the mechanic uncovers an underlying issue, there’s time to get it fixed without wrecking your itinerary!
Are You Covered?
Even if your car is relatively new and in the best of health, there’s always a chance something could go wrong when you’re driving for miles and miles each day. Minor issues like flat tires and batteries in need of a jumpstart can cause a mild annoyance and derail your travels for a couple of hours- not to mention the catastrophe you could be facing if anything major breaks down and leaves you stranded hundreds of miles from home.
Pro tip: An extended warranty that can help save you a world of trouble and have peace of mind that help is just a phone call away. Most used car buyers search for “extended auto warranties”. But an extended warranty from companies such as gogetolive.com is actually either Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (in California) or a Vehicle Service contract (in the rest of the USA).
Follow a Loose Plan
We know, we know- it’s not about the destination, but the journey! While it’s important to keep things spontaneous on a road trip, sketching out at least a rough plan of your itinerary helps you anticipate trouble spots so you can ensure smooth sailing. Pro tip: sit down with your friends and a good old-fashioned paper map a week or so before embarking on your trip, and plan out your basic route based on what you want to accomplish most on your journey. Not only will this map serve as a rough idea of where you’re headed, but it will also be an awesome post-trip keepsake of your memorable adventure!
Plan Some Entertainment
No matter how much you and your travel companions love driving, and how well you all get along, sooner or later there’s going to be a point in your journey when things get downright boring. By thinking ahead and bringing some good road trip entertainment, such as a custom-crafted playlist you’ve put together or a fun trivia game you can play without taking your eyes off the road, you can make sure everyone stays engaged and happy throughout the trip, which can help you avoid any on-the-road squabbles.
It’s been a long few months, to say the least, and we’re sure you’re super-pumped to be hitting the road on an epic trip with your family or BFFs! We urge you to keep social distancing and safety guidelines in mind, along with the rest of these helpful hints for increasing the chances of road trip success. We hope you savor the sweet taste of freedom that a road trip can offer you and your travel companions after what’s got to have been the weirdest spring in history. By keeping these road trip tips in mind, you’re in for the summer vacation of a lifetime-against all odds!
