It’s great to be “on the road again” with Willie Nelson singing in your ears and the open road ahead of you. Road trips can be incredibly exciting and freeing. According to a recent article in the New York Post, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, 65 percent of people in the United States plan to travel more this summer, but 35 percent of people said that they would prefer to drive rather than fly due to COVID-19 concerns.
Therefore, this summer could be the summer of road trips! At the end of the day, it’s best to be prepared and to adequately plan for a splendid road trip.
Check out these six tips for planning a road trip for beginners:
1. Get an RV extended warranty
Want to take a camping trip across the United States? For your own peace of mind, it’s a good idea to look into warranties for your recreational vehicle (RV), travel trailers, and/or camper. By looking into an rv warranty you can find the pros and cons of multiple RV warranties (or, RV service plans) so you’re ready for when costly repairs arise. By having an RV extended warranty protection plan, you will be covered if your RV or camper requires a trip to a repair facility or service center for mechanical failure. Or, if you require roadside assistance.
RV manufacturers may not always make all their products durably so appliances inside may experience mechanical failure or issues with the PC board, hot water tank, thermostat, gas valve, or a new burner assembly. Unlike warranties offered by the RV manufacturer’s warranty, an extended warranty is more likely to be customizable to fit your specific needs. Plus, most RV owners will tell you that it’s cheaper to use a third-party licensed repair facility rather than taking it to the dealership for RV repairs.
2. Get yourself some comfortable clothes for traveling
There’s not a lot worse than sitting on long flights in uncomfortable clothes, but you don’t want to be the “sweatpants person” either, right? Whether it’s a long drive or multiple long flights, get the perfect travel outfit by purchasing travel clothing for women that are made out of comfortable fabrics. There are plenty of travel clothing options available for women which are made out of insanely cozy fabrics like polyester, elastane, spandex, and more!
Even though you’re traveling, you want to look great. However, most fashionable clothing is just not comfortable to wear during long flights or long car rides. Luckily, with this line of travel clothes from Chicos, you can find the best travel clothes in stylish designs and wrinkle-free fabrics. You can also check out skinny jeans and accessories to go with your comfortable travel clothes! Or, check out their tops designed to draw moisture away from your skin to keep you cooler.
Bonus tip: Chico’s offers free shipping to ShopRunner members on online orders $25+ (some exclusions apply, see their website for information on free shipping and additional discounts).
3. Get a good night’s sleep before you leave
According to Healthline, a good night’s sleep is just as important to your health as eating right and exercising. Sleep is important for various important functions that are necessary for road trips, including improved concentration, better cognitive performance, lower chance of depression, improved immune function, and improved social interactions. For ultimate enjoyment of your trip and peace of mind, make sure you and everyone traveling with you get a good night’s sleep before hitting the road.
4. Pack healthy snacks
Instead of relying on the drive-thru for all your sustenance, consider packing healthy snacks to keep your stomach full (and less bloated and queasy).
Snack ideas:
· Pre-washed and de-vined grapes
· Baby carrots
· Celery sticks
· Whole wheat crackers
· String cheese
· Dried fruit
· Fruit leather
· Bananas
· Peanut butter sandwiches on whole wheat bread
· Granola bars
· Trial mix
5. Stay hydrated
Want to prevent gaining excess weight and going home constipated on your next road trip? Then drinking enough water is going to be key. According to the CDC, water helps you manage your weight by being a zero-calorie alternative to sugary drinks. Plus, water prevents constipation, kidney stones, mood changes, and helps you control your body temperature.
Plan ahead: Plan rest stop breaks since drinking water can increase urination frequency.
6. Here are some packing suggestions
Let’s get real — you probably forget to pack at least one thing every time you take a trip.
So, here’s a reminder of some things you probably forgot already *wink, wink*:
· Gum
· Puke bucket (you never know who gets car sick)
· Energizing scents for car
· Car entertainment (books, music, DVD player, etc.)
· Phone chargers
· Cooler with water and snacks
· Sunglasses
· Sunscreen and bug spray
After the months of being cooped up in quarantine, there will likely be more cars on the road this summer than usual. So, be sure to be safe, plan ahead, and have the time of your life!