Ten Tips for a Perfect Road Trip

In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, there is a renewed sense of enthusiasm towards the old-fashioned road trip. Although not risk-free, driving a car feels safer than flying and it allows you to take advantage of low-risk outdoor activities like hiking, camping, picknicking, and kayaking. According to a survey by the popular Gasbuddy app, nearly 1 in 3 Americans are planning to hit the road this summer. Here we share ten tips to keep you sane, safe, and smiling on the road.

Arlo Skye Zipper Carry-On Max and Check-In in Sea Sage.

1. Summer heat takes a toll on vehicles, causing overheated engines, tire blowouts, and dead batteries, so have your car serviced before your journey and if your car doesn’t have a spare tire, consider investing in a spare tire kit which should include a tire, jack, lug wrench, and tire pressure gauge. 

2. Pack an emergency kit that includes distilled water, masks, sanitizers, disinfectant wipes, a flashlight, first aid kit, jumper cables, flares, and reflectors.

3. Vehicle lockouts are one of the top three reasons that members call AAA during the summer. Bring an extra battery for your car key fob or a spare car key along. In case you're wondering, the other two reasons happen to be dead batteries and flat tires.

4. Download the iExit app to get the lowdown on amenities and services at upcoming exits. 

5. Load your carry-on, backpack, and cooler last so you have quick access to the essentials. In addition to beverages, stock the cooler with healthy snacks such as baby carrots, apples, grapes, cucumbers, and nuts. If you're bringing your four-pawed pal along, consider investing in a Pet Carrier that securely fastens to a car seatbelt. Your pup will be happy to have a home away from home.

6. Farmers Markets are goldmines for picking up regional specialties and fresh fruit. Check out the USDA directory for market schedules across the country.

The Arlo Skye Zipper Carry-On Max with a removable charger.

7. Not enough outlets to charge devices for everyone en route? Then invest in a high capacity fast-charger or get an Arlo Skye carry-on which comes with a removable faster charger. The 10,050 mAh charger features 18W USB C and 2.4V USB A ports with PD and QuickCharge 3.0 technology. Just don’t forget to charge it before the trip.

8. Break up long car drives by stopping every two to three hours, whether for a meal, to check out an attraction, or at a rest stop to stretch your legs. When you take frequent breaks, the trip feels like a series of manageable drives instead of one interminable one. We like the Roadtrippers app for stop recommendations including offbeat attractions, campsites and more.

9. What could be more fun than eating your way through a road trip? Cue the TV Food Maps app that finds restaurants and eateries that have appeared on various television food shows, such as Bizarre Foods American, Top Chef, $40 a Day, Restaurant Impossible and (groan) Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives.

10.  Keeping passengers entertained is essential to preventing trip fatigue. In addition to Spotify playlists, invest in audiobooks, download podcasts and trivia apps like Trivia Crack 2, QuizUp, and SongPop2, and stock up on puzzles, games and toys for the kiddos (and your furry friend).