Girl’s Guide to Solo Road Trip Preparations
So, you have decided to go on a vacation alone. How awesome.
Road trips are, as long as I’m concerned, the best form of solo travel ever invented. You see so many stuff, you can stop whenever you want, and only the sky is your limit.
However, it is unpredictable and requires some important preparations. So in order to ensure that everything goes right, follow this handy guide with tips for traveling alone below.
Do your homework ladies
Sure, it is desirable to be flexible and spontaneous, but “scouting” the area online before hitting the road is a pretty smart move. This way you’ll be able to organize your time better and to find the best place for you to stay, as well as to know how much you will have to spend for every desired stop. Not to mention how much gas you can waste when you are just driving around looking for a supermarket or a hotel.
Packing essentials
Packing is probably the most boring part of every trip, but it is something that must be done. And while some of you have probably already mastered this ancient art, some of us simply have trouble finding a reliable method.
The first aspect you should consider is where you are going and what kind of weather you can expect there. This will instantly boost your packing list knowledge for like 80 percent. Hiking boots or swimsuits question it is.
Firstly, make sure you use duffle bags because they are easier to be stacked and squeezed into cars. If you are stopping overnight, use one bag for sleep essentials and next-day clothes only.
Wear clothes that are breathable, loose, but still acceptable to be seen by you in public. Have in mind that dark colors hide stains, dirt, and wrinkles better than light ones. No matter whether you are taking a short or a long trip, you won’t be needing more than two bottoms and a few tops, especially if you will do your laundry in hotels.
When it comes to snacks (yes they are mandatory for road trips), have in mind that it is a lot cheaper to bring yours from home rather than buying at gas stations, and not to mention that your options are much healthier. You can, for example, freeze-dried veggies and fruit – they will be pleasant to eat since they are lightweight and crunchy, and things like nuts and seeds will satisfy your protein and salt needs.
Mix the items together in ziplock bags and create your own mixes, and keep your personal portions on-hand with the help of bulk bags you will store in the trunk so you can do your refill at stops.
Also, a good idea would be to bring an iceless cooler that plugs into the cigarette lighter – if you have one, since that way you can also bring food items that need to be kept cool.
Finally, don’t forget about safety. Make sure you bring a first aid kit, as well as emergency road assistance kit and at least one portable charger.
Safe ride
One day is not enough to prepare your car for a road trip. If you are an Aussie like me, a good idea is to have your local mobile mechanic from Melbourne on speed dial. After all, girls are not required to know everything about cars, and these wonderful men can do all the tests for you – at your home. Also, they can help you on the road if something bad happens.
Firstly, you should check the fluids: coolant, engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid and windshield washer fluid. Secondly, check your hoses, belts, and wipers, as well as serpentine belts, V belts, coolant hoses, vacuum hoses, windshield hoses and timing belt. Check your wires and tires – inflate your tires to the recommended pressure and check the spark plug wires for wear.
Next, check the electrics: lights, horns, turn signals, brake light and reverse light, as well as dash lights and interior lighting. Check your air filter and battery terminals and make sure they are free from corrosion and that cables are tight. Finally, make sure you have a spare tire full of air and emergency kit with all the needed tools for roadside repairs, including jack and jumper cables as well with you.
Plan your budget
Driving somewhere allegedly costs less than flying there, but there are some hidden and unpredictable costs worth considering such as lodging, food, fun stuff along the way etc. There is also fuel, sleep stops and many more.
However, you can always find a way to save some cash as well. Make a solid start by filling the tank the day before leaving and do a bit of research to find out where you can find the best deals on gas prices. Also, keep the cargo weight at a minimum – the lighter the ride, the longer she’ll glide. Also, make sure you drive the speed limit, because it saves your gas mileage from 5% in towns, all the way to 33% on highways.
After you’re done with all these basic preparations, don’t forget to make that cheesy playlist, bring tons of games and tasty snacks. After all, road trips revolve around having fun.
