Putting the Fun Back in Road Trips

The new school year may have just started, but we’re already dreaming about our next road trip. Whether we’re heading up North for the fall leaves, planning a trip to grandmother’s house for the holidays, or want an intimate getaway with our honey, road trips are our favorite way to escape.

Here are 7 road trip hacks we’ve learned from experience:

1. Keep your itinerary simple. Avoid being too ambitious with your number of stops and how many miles you need to put in. We’d all like to believe we are truckers that can do 8-12 hour runs, but the reality is that you WILL get tired. You WILL want to stop at that roadside attraction you didn’t know was there. You WILL want to try that diner you saw on the Food Channel. Have a plan, but don’t overplan. Leave room for the unexpected and don’t wear yourself out.
2. Disconnect. You may be tempted to pack the laptop or plug your phone in for easy access to phone calls and social media. Don’t. Put the phone down and connect with your road trip companion(s). We even challenge you to use an old-school, paper map.
3. Pack light. Take only what is necessary and don’t feel you need to pack for every “what if” scenario. Take snacks and eat light throughout the day, saving your big meals for your destinations. Leave room for your unique find from the quirky flea market you stumbled upon. 
4. Ask a local. Instead of doing all your research beforehand and deciding what and where you’re going to eat before you get a feel for the place, just ask a local. Word of mouth, local recommendations are better than any Yelp rating. 
5. Clean your car before (and during) your trip. There’s nothing better than beginning a trip with a clean and organized vehicle. And make sure you empty your trash along the way - there’s nothing worse than getting into a car and wondering “what’s that smell?”
6. Get your car inspected before hitting the road. It’s scary and frustrating when your car breaks down on the side of the highway. Have your technician at Harrell & Beverly give your car a good inspection. They’ll be able to ensure fluid levels, brakes, and tires (including the spare!) are all in order.
7. Put together a simple emergency car toolkit. Jumper cables, first aid kit, spare tire, car jack and tire iron, tire pressure gauge, tool set, hazard signal devices (flares or reflective triangles), safety vest, blanket, fire extinguisher, tow strap, flashlight (magnetic base and head strap mounted), gallon of water, toilet paper, and air pump. We realize this may be counter intuitive to #3 and you may not feel comfortable trying to repair anything yourself, but you will appreciate having the necessities on hand in case a knowledgeable driver or mechanic are able to assist.

Next month: We’ll share our emergency roadside toolkit checklist!

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