Taking a trip doesn’t always mean boarding a plane to a tropical island or to an overseas foreign country. Taking a road trip solo, with a significant other, friends or your family can be a great way to unwind from your day-to-day life. Whether you're on your own or in a car packed with people and baggage, some of these tips may help ease stress.

Making sure your vehicle is up for the task –

before you set out on your adventure, you may want to check to make sure your car is in good condition to get you to your destination and back. Consider checking fluid levels, condition of tires, windshield wipers and of course, filling up on gas before heading out.

Mapping it out electronically and on paper –

you know where you're starting and you may know where you want to end up, but you might not know how you're going to get there. In this age of technology, GPS capabilities can be great and they can help you navigate highways and most backroads. In case you lose signal or there is a malfunction with the GPS system, you may want to have a physical back-up map or set of directions.

Having a little bit of cash on hand –

as you pack your car with snacks, drinks and entertainment, you might want to pack a little extra cash. Nowadays, many of us rely on our credit cards or even mobile banking apps to purchase things everywhere we go. But taking a road trip may have you traveling through places that don’t accept this sort of payment. Consider packing cash in case of emergencies. 

Starting out clean –

it can be a good idea to start out with a fresh and clean car before heading out on any road trip. In addition to baggage and food, some people may pack other items such as sporting equipment and electronics. Starting with a clean car can make loading easier and help to keep you organized.

Food & Drink –

keeping in mind when you're packing drinks and snacks for the car you consider the estimated amount of time you'll be traveling. Perhaps a few snacks will be sufficient or maybe you should plan a car friendly meal. Sandwiches and bagged items – like chips or pretzels – are fairly easy to hold in the car and can be easy to snack on.  Water is great for hydration, coffee or tea for variety and juice if you want a little flavor added to your trip. You may want to choose items that help make your body feel good.

Taking turns driving –

if you aren’t riding solo, it can be a great idea to take turns being in the driver’s seat. It can be nice to have a rest or look at the scenery out the window. Trading off driving responsibilities can be a good way to keep everyone comfortable on a long drive.

Taking a break every few hours –

Whether you're traveling alone or switching off driving duties, it can be a good idea to take a break. Try pulling over to admire a site, stopping at a restaurant for something to eat, or spending a little time walking around a new town. Taking even a small amount of time to stretch and get some fresh air can help lift the spirit.

Preparing a playlist –

Music can influence your mood or the mood of those you travel with.  Try crafting a road trip music list with all personalities in mind. You can even look on popular music streaming apps such as Spotify for pre-made road trip playlists. These can be helpful if you don’t have time to make a playlist or if you want inspiration for your own.

Keeping your cool –

The unexpected can happen when you’re on the road. Whether you find yourself in traffic or one of the travelers gets car sick, there are just some things that we can’t control. Try to remain calm and prepare as much as possible

Car games –

there are many ways to entertain yourself and those you're traveling with while in the car. Some that come to mind are “I Spy” and guessing the artist and song name of music that comes on the radio. Here’s a list of fun games you can play in the car!

Insurance –

no matter what type of trip you're taking, it can be beneficial to have travel protection. Unexpected circumstances can arise and travel protection reimburses for any covered non-refundable, pre-paid costs. Talk to your travel advisor or visit www.travelinsured.com to learn more.

This blog links to websites for the following companies, which are not affiliated with Travel Insured International or United States Fire Insurance Company: All-American Atlas

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