Are you planning a weekend getaway with your family or friends? It is always an excellent idea to visit new places, but poor planning can ruin the overall travel experience. Road trips can be monotonous and boring if all you have in mind is getting from point A to point B. As travel experts say, getting to your destination is half the fun. There is no way to eliminate stressful situations that occur during road trips. They can, however, be reduced with these tips:
Pack smart
The number one tip to packing smart is planning. Your packing process needs to start days before the day of travel. Make a checklist of all the essentials you will need during the trip to ensure everything is packed, including commonly forgotten items like chargers, deodorant and headphones. Credit cards, identification, passports and other valuable items should be packed separately in a carry-on bag for easy access whenever needed. Consider the little things that make your travel stress free and have them on you.
Entertainment
If you are taking the trip with children, be sure to bring their favourite toys and storybooks to keep them entertained. Research on fun road trip games that can keep everyone engaged. You can also prepare a playlist that the whole family enjoys to keep the spirits up throughout the journey. Planning stops at fun locations like parks is a sure way to stop the kids from nagging you with the question “Are we there yet?” You can stop at beautiful parks for a family photo. Choose beautiful sceneries for the background and keep the memories of the trip with you. If you are travelling alone, indulge in magazines or watch movies.
Carry enough snacks and drinks
Stock up on enough snacks and juices that will keep you full until the end of your trip. Frequent stops can slow down a trip. Crackers, cookies, nuts, chips and dry fruits like bananas, grapes, oranges and apples will help keep hunger at bay. Other suggested snacks include hard-boiled eggs, protein bars and sandwiches. Remember to carry lots of water to stay hydrated.
Research on your destination
Visiting a place you know little about can be stressful. Before you set off on a trip, do a little research on the place you are visiting. Find out where to locate restaurants, affordable accommodation, petrol stations and hospitals in case of an emergency. Knowledge is power, so make use of online information and guidebooks to your due diligence.
Hire Transport services
To ensure all the family members enjoy the trip, hire transport services. You do not need to put up with the stress of trying to navigate through heavy traffic and locate the places you intend to visit. If all you want is to have fun with your family and friends without having to worry about parking charges, fuel expenses and route planning, a minibus rental with a driver is the ideal solution. The advantage of a designated driver is that they know their way around all routes in Singapore. Since they have been driving on these roads for long, they know all the escape routes in case of traffic snarl-ups or alternative roads to use to get to your destinations. They can also guide you to hidden gems that may or may not be on your travel list. Many minibus charter companies offer a broad range of vehicles to suit your travel needs. All you have to do is select one and start off your road trip.
Check the vehicle’s condition
Car breakdowns happen at the most inconvenient of times. Bursting a tire in the middle of a busy highway is an actual disaster. Ensure the minibus charter company has time to inspect the vehicle before dispatching it to you for use. You can even spare time and drop by the company’s offices for a test drive. Check the power steering, brakes, lights, wipers, coolant and all other necessary components. You can even ask a mechanic to accompany you during the test drive. By doing so, you will enjoy a peace of mind during the trip.
Use these tips and enjoy your next road trip. Prepare in advance and enjoy a fun filled road trip with friends and relatives.