7 Hacks for the Perfect Road Trip
Going on a road trip has its pros and cons. Pros, you’re going on an excellent adventure; cons, it can be costly. Here are some hacks you can try to balance those pros and cons to reach vacation nirvana.
1. Download a gas app: One of the costliest aspects of any road trip, especially in this economy, is gas. When you’re traveling in an unfamiliar area, it’s hard to know where to stop for the most frugal fill-up. To aid in your decision, you can download GasBuddy or Gas Guru, only two of the several gas pricing apps. These apps display the location and gas prices of gas stations near you. Most apps like these are free and update pretty regularly, so you won’t be deceived when you pull up at the pump.
2. Take side stops: Have you ever gone on a trip and passed signs for museums or monuments that you think would be awesome to see in person? Allot time in your travel to make a few stops on the way to your destination. It will not only keep you entertained throughout your trip, but it will also give you a chance to stretch your legs and learn something new.
3. Gassing up a rented or borrowed car: Chances are, if you’ve never driven a car, you probably don’t remember which side the gas tank is on. If you do forget, look at the gas gauge. There is an arrow that will point to whichever side of the car the gas tank is on and will save you a tiny bit of time and hassle when you have to stop at the pump.
4. Stay awake while night driving: If you’re feeling sleepy, it’s probably best to switch drivers or check in to a hotel. But if you’re feeling only a little drowsy, try listening to comedians on your road trip. Odds are, the comedian will keep you laughing, and their jokes will keep you engaged, chuckling and most importantly, awake, all the way home.
5. Know North from South: If you’re old school and like following paper directions instead of having a little square computer yell at you to turn, you know that your passenger might end up telling you about a wrong direction by mistake. Remember that interstates and highways with odd numbers run North to South, and interstates with even numbers run East to West. If you get mixed up, this will help you get back on track, or at least in the right direction, in a jiffy.
6. Cool down hot cars quickly: In the dead of summer, stopping for only five minutes for a quick bathroom break can leave your vehicle unbearably hot. To cool down a burning car in seconds, roll down one window all the way and open and close the car door directly across from that window a few times and will force hot air out of the car.
7. Know where to get directions: When asking for directions, some people gravitate towards gas stations. However, the best place to ask for directions is a restaurant with a delivery service. Stop in at Pizza Hut or Dominos to ask for directions. Odds are, they have a driver waiting for a delivery who can give you quick and easy instructions to a destination in the area.
With these seven road trip travel hacks, you’ll be ready to hit the road for the vacay of a lifetime.
Please let me know if you will be traveling for the Holidays and if these tips will help you out.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
