Road trips are one of the most popular travel choices in the United States. According to Road Genius, Americans take more than 1.9 billion road trips each year. Some of the most popular road trips are Route 66 (from Chicago to Santa Monica), the Pacific Coast Highway, the New England Fall Foliage Route, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Florida Keys Overseas Highway.
Before you hit the road, you might want to review these five tips from The Discoverer:
Make sure your documents are up to date — check your insurance and registration papers before you leave
Get your car road trip ready — check the tire air pressure, all fluid levels (including windshield wiper fluid), and headlights/taillights. If you are not comfortable checking these yourself, call your local auto care center and make a quick pre-trip appointment.
Pack the right supplies – you should have a first-aid kit, road flares, jumper cables, a cell phone charger, a small fire extinguisher, sunscreen, an umbrella, blankets, non-perishable snacks, and water. The article suggests packing a spare car key separately from the key you are using, in case you find yourselves locked out.
Take turns driving – help prevent driver fatigue by switching during stops for gas or bathroom breaks. The National Safety Council warns about the dangers of driving while fatigued, especially at night. It recommends switching drivers and scheduling stops to rest.
Have a daily plan – it’s smart to plan out each leg of your road trip. The article recommends adding one to two hours (or more) to your travel time each day for gas, food, and bathroom breaks, as well as to see any points of interest. It also suggests you print out a physical version of the map and highlight your route as a backup in case you lose service and cannot access the GPS app.
Have you ever taken a road trip? Message The Seniors Trust on Facebook or X (formerly known as Twitter) and let us know what advice you would share.
