Where are you going on your next trip? If you are traveling overseas, you most likely are traveling by plane. When staying in the country, more travel options are available. In the spirit of the Beat generation’s, Jack Kerouac, many decide to pack their luggage, throw it in the trunk, and go ‘on the road.’ There is a sense of freedom aligned to traversing the land inch by inch rather than boarding a metal box, being cramped in with others, dealing with security issues, and arguing over what defines carry-on luggage. More people are deciding to take their families on a vehicular voyage to their destination.

Before you go, you may want to peruse over the following suggestions:

Keep it clean
Close quarters can serve as a prime platform to engage in conversation with the family, but it can also become a receptacle for everything from old receipts to food wrappers. You wouldn’t treat your leather luggage with such disregard; so neither should your car meet this fate. Clean your car before you leave, frequently during the journey, and after your trip.

Leave the backdoor open
Not back at your house, but speaking metaphorically, leave the backdoor open. Everything is not going to go exactly as planned; it is good to have multiple options. You might be taking alternate roads, looking for destinations that exist on the map - but not in reality, and driving through the night to make up for lost time while your family is taking advantage of their travel pillows.

Take scenic routes
Highway driving is conducive to making good time, but the sights can be repetitious. It is suggested to plan ahead in order to take some scenic routes. Maps will usually indicate what roads are aesthetically pleasing. Back roads give the traveler an opportunity to see local sights and provide a chance to better experience a particular location.

Don’t disregard the highways
Back roads can enrich the traveling experience, but don’t completely forget about the highways. Remember that you packed your name brand luggage for a reason- to get to your final destination. Back roads offer a grand view, but could be long and winding. It is best to choose prime back roads to engage before you start driving. This way, you can optimally balance time and viewing pleasure.

Create a team
All people are different. Some are great at extracting information from a map, some are great at being patient and careful when driving, and others are efficient in planning meals and places to see while on the road. Create a team. Just like a luggage set, each member of the team can serve a specific service.

Better to be safe…
Ideally, you do not want any trouble to arise, but it can happen. Join a roadside assistance club such as AAA that will aid you in the event of a breakdown, flat tire, overheating, etc. Do not rely on luck, the kindness of others, and your own mechanical prowess. Roadside services will be able to link you with a tow truck and mechanical assistance no matter your location.

Have all documentation up-to-date
It would be unfortunate to get a ticket during a time meant for relaxation. Keep all of your documentation in one place in the event that you will have to show them to the proper authorities. Also, be sure to take care of any past infringements before your journey no matter how small. You would not want any small trifles to interrupt your journey.

Be versatile
It is an excellent idea to devise a plan before packing your luggage, but life does not always need to be meticulously planned. You might find yourselves on a resplendent mountain range on a perfect day and decide to spend a few more hours there. You may have intended to spend a few days in an area you expected to be Shangri-La, but turned out to be the eighth circle of hell. Unexpected things happen; sometimes it is okay to stray from your initial plan. The main objective is to enjoy yourself and the people around you.

Labels: travel