Back to the Basics: Road Trip Edition

Even though road trips are often spontaneous (and in my case, most times), light planning and preparation is key to be able to focus on the fun while on the road. From New Jersey, my boyfriend and I have driven to Tennessee and to Maine, and although the first few hours are exciting, the long haul takes a toll on both the passenger and driver.

As the passenger, (if you’re lucky enough to not have to drive alone) you’re in charge of the music playlist, providing water, snacks and tissues to the driver, responding to the driver’s texts and calls and finding the perfect place to stop to eat and stretch your legs even though you most likely have no idea where you are. If you are tempted to nap, make sure to always check if the driver needs anything before you take your snooze. Pick clear times on when you will switch driving shifts so you don’t oversleep and leave the driver in a bad position.

As the driver, don’t be afraid to speak up if you need anything. It’s certainly hard to organize a food stop or bathroom break when you’re in control of the vehicle, and if you’re by yourself, pay close attention to the rest stop signs along the highway. Don’t “wait for the next one” if you really need food, beverage or the bathroom. If you’re driving somewhere you don’t anticipate a rest stop anytime soon, Dunkin’s, Starbucks, Wawa’s and gas stations are typically reliable places to grab a bite and alleviate your need to use the restroom.

For an overall happy, healthy and enjoyable road trip, see below for my recommendations and tips as you plan for your upcoming adventures.

PACKING

Traveling by car allows for plenty of space as opposed to a small piece of luggage where each item must be carefully selected, so be sure to utilize it and don’t be afraid of bringing more than less — you will thank yourself later.

• Food, Water & Atmosphere: With the assumption of making a few stops along the way, it is often overlooked that you and your road trip pals will want snacks and beverages from the beginning. To save money and time making unnecessary stops, be sure to pack two to four water bottles or beverages of choice per person and a few shareable snack options that cater to everyone’s preferences.

• Random, But You Will Need Napkins: On your next coffee or Wawa run, grab a few extra napkins to stash in your glove compartment just in case. It is highly likely someone will spill something, need to blow their nose or get a few too many crumbs on the seats and it’s always better to have more than less. I’ve also found that when ordering food to-go, the restaurant may forget to add napkins to your to-go bag or may give only one or two.

• Dress to Impress… Yourself: As much as you may want to wear your favorite crop top in the middle of winter, dressing in layers and packing options for every anticipated (and unanticipated) occasion is key — and you will thank yourself later. Wear comfy clothes for the drive and if you have the space in your vehicle, pack for the following conditions to cover all of your bases:

  • Cold

  • Warm

  • Rain (including an umbrella)

  • Physical activity (gym, hiking, etc.)

  • Going out (casual and fancy)

• Other Items You May Need: Aside from the essentials mentioned above, some other items you may have wished you packed include:

  • Baseball cap and/or beanie (for those bad hair day, sun in your eyes, my “ears are cold” moments)

  • Phone charger (a backup never hurt!)

  • Headphones/AirPods

  • Hand sanitizer/extra masks

  • Sunglasses

  • Blankets/pillows (for the ultimate car ride nap)

  • A book

  • Deck of cards

PREPPING THE CAR

Getting an oil change or changing the windshield wipers can be daunting tasks for those of us who have always relied on others to help with “car stuff,” but if you’re driving your car hundreds of miles from your home base, it’s important to understand at least the basics of your vehicle. Take a moment to flip through your car’s manual to know what the lights on your dashboard mean, ask someone to show you where your oil tank is, how to change windshield wipers and how to use jumper cables (just in case!).

• Fill Up Your Gas Tank the Night Before: The night before your road trip, take the time to fill up your gas tank. Nothing is more annoying than leaving first thing in the morning and having to find a gas station an hour into your trip when it’s cold and dark.

• Get Your Oil Changed (if needed): If you know your time is overdue, get your oil changed before you put a few hundred more miles on your car. From my own experience, I know that little sticker on the windshield of your car can often get ignored until it’s too late. Make sure to set a reminder on your phone the week of the date on your oil change sticker to ensure it does not go unnoticed.

• Change Your Windshield Wipers (if needed): If you don’t have good windshield wipers, be sure to change them before hitting the road, especially if rain is in the forecast. Not being able to see well while driving in unfamiliar territory causes unnecessary stress, so head over to your local Walmart or auto supply store to pick up a new pair if you know you’ve been avoiding it.
  

SOME ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

• Collaborate on a Spotify Playlist: To spice up your road trip, have all participants contribute to a collaborative Spotify playlist ahead of time to avoid the awkward “Who wants aux?” and “What kind of music does everyone like?” scenario.

• Choose Small Businesses Over Big Chains: When you do stop for food, if possible, stray away from your typical chain restaurants and take a risk on the local hole-in-the-wall places. They often have the best food and atmosphere (plus, supporting small businesses is awesome!).

Do you have any road trip tips or stories? Drop a comment below to share and be sure to follow @kaitlynscompass for post updates!

Safe Travels,

Kaitlyn