There is nothing more enriching and relaxing than the wind blowing through your hair as you cruise along a nice long road without a care in the world. Such is the charm of a road trip. You can travel at your leisure and pleasure without worrying too much about train timings or having to rush to catch a flight.

A road trip means to travel at your own pace and luxury. However, it also needs a lot of planning and preparation because it doesn’t take too long for a comfortable road journey to become the worst nightmare if you aren’t prepared for eventualities. Here is a guide to help you plan that incredible trip without any glitches or hitches:

1. Packing for the journey
A trip starts when you put that first piece of clothing into your bag. In case you are planning a road trip, it is essential to pack wisely. If there are many travelers in a vehicle, you will need to travel light. Also, you will need to cater for many other things other than just clothes. For instance, a bag with snacks to eat and drink because you do not want to stop a lot for food. Some fun games to play while driving down, a complete medical kit in case of an emergency and some cleaning paraphernalia if somebody has motion sickness or if traveling with small children.

2. Plan the itinerary well
One thing that can make or break a road trip is the itinerary. Chalk out all your pit stops well so that the driver also gets rest every few hours. Plan the night halts in advance so that there are no last-minute tensions.

3. Check your vehicle thoroughly
Your best friend on a road trip is the vehicle you are traveling in. Ensure that it is properly and thoroughly checked before starting out. Make a checklist of things to be done to the car before taking that long trip. Ensure that you have a spare tire and all the gear for changing a punctured tire. You surely don’t want to spend hours waiting for a tow van to come or to reach a mechanic.

4. Start early
It is always advisable to tee-off early on a road trip so that you avoid the traffic and also reach your destination before sundown. If you are a solo driver, then do not plan to drive more than five hours daily as it will lead to fatigue and you want to enjoy the journey and not merely reach the destination.

5. Use technology
Today, in the day and age of gadgets and gizmos, it will be foolish not to follow a GPS app to get from one place to the next. It will not only show you the route but also inform you about restaurants, toilet stops, and gas stations on the way.

6. Keep cash handy
Though credit and debit cards are used everywhere, when you are traveling through smaller towns you might find it tough to buy your basics with the card. You might even need cash at the toll booths. So always keep some cash as a buffer along with the cards.

A road trip is not just about the destination but it is about the journey; where you can bond, discover and make fond memories. Use these tips to create a foolproof plan for your next road journey, and you will surely enjoy it to the fullest!