What Not To Do On A Road Trip & Road Trip Tips

Planning a road trip? Learn from my horrible mistakes like not bringing a map or snacks! Here are my hard learned road trip tips.

Now more than ever, people are taking road trips. With the current pandemic and air travel being severely reduced, people are looking into local travel and road trips to fulfill their travel desires.

I’ll be honest, I’ve usually overlooked road trips in favor of further away destinations. We’ve also had some disastrous road trips that have deterred me from planning more. Here’s what not to do on a road trip and how you can learn from my mistakes, and have a safe and enjoyable road trip!

Don’t Break Down – Make Sure Your Car Is In Good Condition

No one likes to break down. Before any roadtrip make sure that you don’t need an oil change, and make sure you’re topped up on things like windshield washer fluid. Of course you should be keeping up on car maintenance in general, but it’s especially important when you’re going to be far from home.

Also, have a plan if you do break down! We ended up on the side of the highway 3 hours from home with no idea of what to do.

Don’t Get Hangry – Pack Snacks and Water

Hangry passengers and drivers are no fun. Packing car snacks and drinks means you won’t have to stop every time someone is hungry or thirsty. We also usually travel with our dog, so having water for her is essential too.

Although my friend Hannah says you can have TOO MANY snacks. Check out how she’s simplified and perfected the road trip with kids!

Don’t Fall Asleep At The Wheel – Plan Rest Stops

If you plan to drive for 12 hours straight you will get burnt out. Plan where you will stop and rest, get out for a walk and switch drivers if possible.

Don’t Run Out Of Gas – Get Gas Before You Need It

Thankfully I’ve never actually done this, but running out of gas would be a disaster! Make sure to get gas before you get close to empty so that you don’t run out. There are plenty of places where gas stations can be few and far between.

One time we almost ran out of gas driving from Grand Marais to Thunder Bay… my best friend “knows her car” and we didn’t… but I was nervous!!

Don’t Get Lost – Have a Map and GPS

Guilty! We’ve gotten lost a few more times than I care to admit. Don’t be like us, take a GPS and a map with you if you’re going to an unfamiliar area. Just a GPS or your phone is great, but if it dies, having a paper map is a good back-up plan.

Don’t Be A Schedule Fanatic – Plan For Changes

No one likes a schedule stickler. It’s great to get where you are going but plan to stop wherever you see something fun on the side of the road! A scenic look-off or a fun photo-op can break up the drive and make your trip more memorable.

Don’t Be A Fun Hater – Have Fun!

You know the saying; getting there is half the fun! Pack some car games, play eye-spy, tell jokes, and singalong to your favourite songs!

Final Thoughts

I’ll admit to being in a hurry on road trips, and not preparing adequately. Since road trips may become more frequent for us, I plan to use these tips to plan a better road trip! What about you? Are you a road trip lover?

Planning a road trip because you have a fear of flying? Here’s how I deal with my flying anxiety!