Travel tips to make the most of a road trip!

 

When it comes to travel, do you know what are really underrated? Road trips.
They are more convenient than air travel, offers more adventure and are without argument, better bang for your buck! Who can argue with that? There’s simply no comparison. Period.

Here are a few tips we learned from extensive road trips all across the world; tips that are sure to make your next road trip unforgettable.

Do plan, but don’t overdo it.

There are no other plans as susceptible to disruption as travel plans are. As the saying goes – “Man proposes, God disposes.” Expectations do not always align with reality and if you plan too much, you are in the danger of being let down.
Traffic, delays, lost luggage, low fuel, you name it, travel plans can be disrupted by anything and everything. By adhering to the basics, you are minimizing your risk. And don’t forget, this keeps your focus on what’s in front of you, not what you’ve brought with you.

Start at sunrise, park by sunset.

There’s something remarkable about watching the world wake up while you’re out on the road (more so if you are on two wheels). Also, by getting on the road earlier you get to beat the traffic. Remember that according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, fatal crashes are four times likelier to happen in the night than during the day.

Go for destinations, not with expectations.

It’s best to Plan chart your itinerary around “anchor stops” like famous landmarks, national parks or other not-to-miss sights. You can dedicate the rest of the trip to exploration. Approach your trip with an open mind (and an open schedule), you’re sure to be met with surprise and delight at every turn.

If something catches your eye, check it out.

Never miss out on a random thing that catches your fancy because you may never have the opportunity again. Even the small places – the small ones in particular. You will end up missing out on the most rewarding experiences of your trip without even knowing it.
Of course, this doesn’t mean stop everywhere, but if you’ve a really good feeling about it, just give it a go!

Eat light. Take heavy meals only at the end of the day.

After a big meal, a lot of things that aren’t conducive to safe (or comfortable) driving or riding occur. To start with, blood gets redirected from all over your body to your digestive system, resulting in a system wide slow down.
Also, high calorie meals trigger proportionately high glucose levels, and this triggers the release of tryptophan, an amino acid that promotes sleep. Sleep for sure won’t make a great travel companion on a road trip.

Reviews are good. Locals are even better.

Yelp or tripadvisor might be great and all, but it’s the locals who know the best spots and are up-to-date about the happenings. Their recommendation should be given enough consideration given their first-hand knowledge of the area. Don’t be afraid to strike up conversations. Most people are welcoming of travelers and just as interested in you as you are in them and their region.