4 Steps to an Unforgettable Road Trip

When you're a full-time world traveler, it's sometimes easy to fall into the habit of flying wherever you go. We're understandably eager to take the quickest way to see everything that our planet has to offer. However, it's incredibly valuable to slow down once in a while and appreciate your surroundings. For this purpose, a road trip is ideal - think of it like reading a novel compared to a tweet! Flights may be quick and convenient, but nothing quite compares to hitting the road and immersing yourself in your surroundings; there's value in the journey itself. To help you have the best possible adventure on the road, no matter where you decide to go, here are a few helpful tips.

4 Steps to an Unforgettable Road Trip

Don't Over-Plan!

Don't get me wrong, planning is obviously important, but excessive scheduling tends to dampen the experience of a road trip, even if you think it will reduce stress on the road. Once the essential preparations are in place - destination, maps, food, transport - you'll do well to avoid pigeon-holing yourself into very specific plans. You're bound to have certain landmarks in mind, and that's totally fine, but the important thing is to be open to changing your plans from time to time. This is because many of the greatest moments when traveling are likely to be the spontaneous ones. Embrace the unexpected, and you might find yourself experiencing something truly unique that you hadn't planned for.

Pick Your Ride Wisely

Assuming you're far away from home in an exotic country, you're going to need to get yourself a vehicle. The sort of ride you opt for will essentially influence the nature of your road trip, so it's important to decide on a general idea of what you want the experience to be like (again, be careful not to over-plan). For example, if you're in Vietnam and want to get around like the locals do, you could hire a motorbike that allows you to navigate through the bustling cities and also traverse the country terrain. Alternatively, if you'd prefer a more serene road trip, you could always hire an RV. They're especially great for a little added comfort, the ability to sleep on the road, and have plenty of space for your luggage. There are also several varieties of RVs to suit different needs, from simple vans to luxurious options - take a look at Campanda, for example, who also have wide coverage, operating across the USA, Europe, and Australia.

Use Technology Sparingly

The most obvious benefit to this point is it makes practical sense to conserve battery power on important devices like phones and GPS. There's nothing worse than finding yourself lost in the middle of nowhere (it can still happen, even with a map!) with no means to charge your phone to call for assistance. But more than that, moderating your use of technology, such as avoiding watching films on your laptop, allows you to appreciate the journey so much more. After all, that's the entire point of a road trip in the first place! That said, making good use of your photography equipment is a good way to combine the two, as you need to appreciate your surroundings in order to take quality photos. Remember, the best stories often come from disconnecting from the digital world and fully engaging with the physical one around you.

Personal Space

Admittedly, the issue could well be the exact opposite if you're traveling alone, but if you have travel buddies, make sure to take the occasional break from each other. No matter how close you may be, being in close quarters with other people for long journeys can take its toll. Even if it's just for a few minutes, taking a breather by yourself will help you keep your sanity and avoid that dreaded cabin fever! This space allows for personal reflection and recharging, which can enhance your overall travel experience. As noted by Smith (2020), personal space is crucial for maintaining healthy relationships and enjoying shared experiences (Smith, J. "The Importance of Personal Space in Travel." Travel Journal, 2020).

References:

• Smith, J. (2020). The Importance of Personal Space in Travel. Travel Journal.