If you’re anything like me, you never know when a sudden wave of wanderlust will overtake you. Also if you’re anything like me, you need all the help you can get when that occurs. Whether you’re planning a short overnight in New York to check out Albany houses for sale or laying the groundwork for an all-out coast-to-coast excursion of American exploration, here are some helpful tips I’ve gathered over my many years of trial and error (mostly error).
Pack/Prep Your Car Early
Whenever you’re taking a road trip anywhere, your best friend is your vehicle. And, as with any friend, you really should make sure to show them plenty of TLC. Don’t wait until the last minute; take your car into the shop early so it can get whatever tune-ups, repairs, or inspections it needs to be road-ready. Similarly, gas up the night before and pack your luggage as soon as possible. Not only will this save valuable time on the day of your departure, it also reduces the likelihood of you forgetting something.
Budget Your Funds Wisely
Money talks, and you know what it usually says to me? “I’m lonely.” That’s because I suck at budgeting money and what little cash I have goes quickly, leaving me with just a few sad, lonesome dollars to my name. Let the tragedy of my financial hardship be a cautionary tale for you. Especially when traveling, putting yourself on a budget is key if you want to have enough funds to get to your destination, take care of the important necessities, and still have a decent amount of extra moolah left over to have fun with.
Bring Some Emergency Items
Unexpected accidents can happen at any time without a word of warning. That’s what “unexpected” means, after all. That’s why the best offense is a good defense. The items you bring with you will depend largely on the resources you have and the scope of your trip, but here’s a handy list of emergency goodies you might want to consider: First Aid Kits, bottled water, snacks, extra cash, cell phone chargers, road flares, cans of gas, spare tires, automobile repair tools, a back-up GPS device, printed-out directions, or even a good old-fashioned paper map.
Plan Your Route/Itinerary
Making the most out of any road trip requires planning. It’s a good idea to do some research into your destination ahead of time and make a list of places you’d like to visit or activities you’d like to try. Just like with your budget, though, it’s important to give yourself some wiggle room. Schedule some free time so you’re not constantly rushing from place to place, or so you can explore new discoveries at your leisure, or even just so you can take a much-needed rest when necessary.
