After more than a year of a global pandemic that brought with it major travel restrictions, many people are eager to hit the open road. With road trips planned for 2021, it’s a good idea to come up with a plan before heading out of town. From choosing a final destination to packing products that will bring you comfort and entertainment, taking the time to plan your road trip ahead time is the best way to ensure you’ll make life-long memories on the road. For things that you’ll need on your next road trip that you might not have thought about before, read on.
A Final Destination Plan
The first thing you need for a fantastic road trip is a plan. Whether you’ll be travelling to Acadia National Park to spend a little time in nature, or staying in a luxury hotel in New York City, you’ll want a general idea of where you’re heading. Knowing your final destination will give you a better idea of how to pack for your road trip.
Regardless of where you’re heading, it’s important to remember that the final destination doesn’t need to be the full experience. When taking a road trip, build in extra time for surprise stops along the way. By being ready to try new things along your travels, you’re bound to make more memories.
If you’re traveling a long distance, perhaps across the United States, you’ll want to plan out places you’ll stay along the way before hitting the open road. Consider campgrounds, public land, rest areas, and other accommodations ahead of time. The benefit to staying on public land is that you won’t have to keep to an arrival date. If you’re traveling in a self-contained van or RV, you’ll have the opportunity to be a little more spontaneous without specific check in times and dates. Making these decisions ahead of time will add to the quality of your overall trip.
Before leaving, be sure to look up rules and regulations at the national park or other destination you’re travelling to. In the middle of a global pandemic, there may still be rules about travel and social distancing. When in doubt, call ahead.
Products for Travel Comfort
The reality is that long trips can get stinky. Nothing will destroy a great road trip like foul odors in your vehicle. The good news, though, is that you can plan to avoid that unpleasant experience easily if you do a little planning ahead. Especially if you’re traveling in a self-contained vehicle, you’ll want products to minimize odors and make your trip comfortable. When packing, think ahead about the four senses. From blankets to stay warm at night in colder states like Maine to products that will help you with how to get weed smell out of car campers and general air fresheners, packing items that will help with temperature and odors is important. When you make your vehicle reservation, think about ordering a few products to make your vehicle smell and feel more like home. Essential oils are another great way to do this.
Selfie-approved Beauty Products
If you’re like most people, you’ll want to take a lot of pictures on your road trip. While it could be easier to tell yourself you’re on vacation and leave the beauty products at home, you’ll love those selfies down the road if you take the time to pack things like glam eyelashes, skin conditioners, and foundation. When packing products like air sanitizers to keep that car smell fresh, add some beauty accessories and makeup to also look your best.
When taking pictures on your trip, don’t forget to turn that camera around and take pictures of the scenery, too. While selfies at each location you visit will be fun ways to remember your travels, you’ll want to remember the areas you visited, too.
An Open Mind
No matter how far you’re traveling or how long you’ll be gone, having an open mind on the road is the best way to have a great adventure. Plan to spend extra time at places you find along the way. You might be surprised what piques your interest if you have an open mind. For ideas on what to do while traveling, stop at state welcome rest areas and pick up information on things you could do for the day or a few hours. Enjoying the scenery or rich cultural heritage of a new area can be just as exciting as reaching that final destination if you’re willing to be spontaneous.
If you’ve done your planning ahead of time, by the time you pull out of the parking lot and hit the open road, the only thing you’ll need to bring with you is a positive attitude. By being spontaneous with travel plans and stopping to enjoy those surprise moments along the way, you’ll be sure to have a fantastic time exploring new places and meeting new people. Happy travels to you and don’t forget to pack that camera!
