| Driving Tips: The Road Trip | |
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 In many ways a road trip is a lot like sex. You should always have correct lubricants to hand, and all your equipment should be clean and serviceable before you begin. Though it can be tiring, falling asleep should be avoided, and always remember: even though it's entirely possible to do it on your own, it's always more fun when there's someone else doing it with you. Oh, that reminds me... don't forget your camera.
Whether you're visiting far away friends, taking a long drive for the sake of driving, or simply running from the law, a road trip can be a great experience. Provided you're prepared. Here are a few tips I’ve come up with from my experiences with road trips. Check your carIn the week before you leave, give your car a good checking over to make sure it'll last the distance. Give it a service if you know what you’re doing, or take it to your mechanic if you don’t. Make sure your insurance and road side assistance are paid up. On the day you leave, double check the air in the tyres, check all fluids, and have spares on board just in case... water, oil, power steering fluid, a small jerry can of fuel. A couple of rags wouldn't go astray either. Remember to give the windows a really good clean inside and out. It may not seem like a big deal, but you'll be staring out of them all day and the sun glinting off those smeary fingerprints will start to get really annoying somewhere after 300kms. Grab your gear Cash Keep a small cash reserve of a couple of hundred dollars, especially if your trip will take you far into the country. There's nothing more awkward than pumping 80 litres of petrol into your car only to find out the service station's credit card machine is on the blink or, worse yet, that they don't even have one. Maps Know where you're going, and how you'll get there. If possible, check your local traffic services for any accidents, disruptions or road works. The idea is to get out onto the open road, not spend four hours creeping along in first gear. GPS units are fantastic, but a paper map will never complain about flat batteries or poor signal. Chuck one in the glove box as a Plan B. Music Create a mix tape or CD, a new iPod play list. It has the dual purpose of entertaining you and commemorating your epic journey. I know there are some who prefer the radio, but if you're doing a proper road trip chances are you'll be leaving the range of your normal radio station. Trying to retune a radio while driving sucks. If you're one of those types who doesn't listen to music at all, then I don't know what to tell you. In all likelihood, you have no soul. Snacks Most of the food available where you refuel is generally rubbish. A homemade sandwich will do you a lot better than a tube of Pringles and a Mars Bar and, let’s face it, a greasy steering wheel and a sugar crash is a recipe for disaster. Extra Padding Unless you're driving a top of the line luxury car, that seat is probably not going to remain comfortable over a long distance, especially in the lower back area. Luckily there are a whole range of foam and inflatable cushions available to ease your pain. If all else fails stuff a rolled up jumper behind you and make an appointment to get a massage. Sunglasses So, everything has been packed and checked, you're fuelled up and on your way just before first light. You hit the almost empty freeway, put on your mix CD and as you settle into your cruising speed, you think to yourself that this has all the beginnings of a beautiful morning. Then BAM! The sunrise hits you, and you spend the next hour or so trying to hide your eyes in the shadow of your rear view mirror. Buy a good pair, and don't leave them behind! Stay Alert Being alert is one of the most important aspects of any type of driving. Unfortunately the nature of road trips means that they can be monotonous at times, and the effort of concentrating on the road ahead for long periods of time inevitably leads to fatigue. Firstly, try to drive in your normal waking hours so you're not fighting the inclination to sleep. Make sure you pull over and take a break every few hours. A short walk will get your blood flowing again and make you feel refreshed. Bring a passenger. Having someone to chat with helps to break up the monotony, and also gives you the opportunity to swap drivers. Do not, under any circumstances, underestimate the power of caffeine. A thermos of coffee is my personal favourite, but Coke, energy drinks or even caffeine tablets will do the trick. Whatever gets your heart thumping. Want to share your road trip experience? Got some extra advice for the readers? Leave a comment below, or send me a message! |