5 Biggest Road-Tripping Mistakes

People who take road trips are spontaneous and adventurous. How do we know this? That’s easy, we listen to their stories in awe. It’s a fact that the best and craziest stories come from people whose road trip.

For them, it’s easy as one, two, three…they jump in the car and ride off into the sunset. The exhilaration, the rush that they feel once they are on the road must feel amazing. It makes us want to try it out too.

However, for us beginners, road tripping is a bit more complicated at first. That’s why we tend to make some mistakes along the way. Because of this, we compiled a list of most common mistakes that happen during road trips and how to avoid them. 

1. Not planning in advance

The whole point of road trips is the freedom and spontaneity that they imply. However, having some kind of a plan is a good idea. Now, we’re not saying that you should plan out every little detail from the snack you bring to every single pit-stop. No, that would be a drag.

What we’re suggesting is to have some sort of schedule. From how long will this road trip last, to approximately where you will be each day of your road trip. Additionally, this is also  a good way of keeping your loved ones informed of where you will be each day. Some parts of the country you drive through might not have the mobile network coverage.

Unfortunately, unplanned things can happen to anyone. Because of this, having a plan B mapped out is, once again, a good thing.

2. Not packing up food and drinks

The biggest mistake that you can make when going on a road trip is assuming that you can find something to eat along the road. Yes, this is possible in urban areas such as cities and towns. However, what happens when you get to the point of your trip where there is only the road ahead of you and not a living soul anywhere around? No diners, or a hotel for miles ahead.

That’s why it’s imperative to stock up on car-friendly foods and drinks. This way you won’t need to take many pit-stops, and you will be sure you have something to eat at all times. Get your self a cooler and pack enough snacks, sandwiches, and drinks to last you a road trip.  

3. Not doing a check-up of your vehicle before the road trip

Regardless of what anyone says, the most important thing when planning a road trip is making sure your car is safe and secure. Find yourself a trustworthy mechanic that will make sure your car is ready for a long ride.

It would be a grave mistake to set off on a trip without having your car checked up. You know that every road is unpredictable and unforeseen situations can occur, that’s why it’s a good idea to minimize those unpredictable situations. Yes, situations like getting a flat tyre are very possible. That’s why knowing which flat tyre service can assist you can be of great help.  

In addition, make sure to have your survival kit on hand, as well as tools that could be of use to you in case of an emergency. Also, make sure you have a spare tyre and battery jumpers in your car.  

4. Not taking enough brakes

Completing a self-imposed road trip schedule is not worth you losing your life. This means that not getting somewhere on time is not such a big deal. The whole point of road tripping is to enjoy the ride and the road ahead of you.

You already spend most of the time driving – which is very tiring. Sometimes covering long distances is necessary, but making enough brakes is even more so.

Being tired and distracted while driving on the road that you aren’t familiar with is a receipt for disaster. This is how most accidents happen.  

Plan in your breaks, accept the unplanned ones as well, and if possible, change places with your passengers – let them drive while you take a much-needed break.

5. Not taking the full advantage of the road trip

As already mentioned, the whole point of the road trip is not the destination, but the journey. While this does sound like a cheesy inspirational quote, that’s exactly how it is.

Road trips are not about shortcuts or getting to your destination on time. They are about taking the more scenic route, about getting out of the car and enjoying the view. Yes, ditch the car, take a walk, take in the sights and enjoy the freedom of road tripping. You may get a bit sidetracked but it will be well worth it!

Bonus Mistake: Wrong music choices

Although this mistake might seem unimportant to you right now, let us tell you – wrong music can ruin your road trip. Music choices can make or break your road trip. Music triggers positive memories, that’s why it’s a smart idea to find out which songs are the right ones for road tripping.

Just imagine, windows rolled down, wind in your hair, beautiful scenery and enter some horrible beat combined with a screeching voice. Moment completely ruined.  

Our recommendation is to do a bit of research and find out which songs are the best road trip songs. Also, consult with your fellow passengers, they might want to contribute to the playlist too!

And there you have it, to some these may be banal mistakes, but for others serious ones. Planning a road trip is always a good idea, no matter what anyone says. It’s ok to be spontaneous but to a point. However, don’t be obsessed with details, and you will see all the benefits of road tripping.

Road tripping is about getting a new perspective, about making memories and experiencing new emotions. It’s about being completely free for a couple of days or as Jack Kerouac says in his famous novel “On the Road”- “There was nowhere to go but everywhere, so just keep on rolling under the stars.”