Bert Swope
The best way to enjoy a weekend road trip is to book your accommodations well in advance. If you are going on a desert vacation, you might want to avoid the summer months. These seasons are often the busiest, which makes visiting National Parks and mountain passes more difficult. Try to book your accommodations in advance or start the road trip a few days earlier if you plan to spend the night in the car.
Planning a weekend road trip
Whether you are going on a family vacation or a romantic getaway, planning a weekend road trip should be a priority. Road trips can be stressful for couples, so there are some things you need to keep in mind before you set out. One of the most important things to consider when planning a road trip is the type of vehicle you will need. You should know how many miles you’ll have to cover from point A to point B.
One of the best ways to ensure a memorable weekend road trip is to choose the right vehicle. While road trips are typically longer and more expensive than airplane flights, you can still enjoy a getaway by car. Be sure to have your vehicle maintained, have valid insurance and license, and download offline maps to plan your route. Once you know your itinerary, plan your best time to leave. You’ll want to make sure you leave early enough to ensure you’ll arrive at your destination.
One way to ensure you’ll have plenty of money to spend on souvenirs is to make a road trip budget. This includes gas, hotel, and food expenses. Remember to also plan for toll roads if you’ll be traveling on a budget. And of course, don’t forget to add in money for emergency car repairs and AAA membership. You might need to buy souvenirs or even alcohol while you’re on the road.
A great way to start planning a road trip is by using Google Maps. Simply input your starting and destination locations and Google will come up with several routes. Filter your search results according to the time you have to spend at each location. Avoid highways and toll roads if possible. You can also save directions and attractions on multiple layers of the map. Once you’ve selected your route, make sure to take time to enjoy it.
Getting on a plane
Getting on a plane after a long weekend road trip can be a daunting task, but there are some things you can do to make it less painful. First of all, make sure to factor in travel times. Labor Day is a holiday that occurs on Monday, Sept. 2, and the long weekend before will create a spike in traffic. According to INRIX, driving times can increase as much as 115% compared to normal – especially in major metro areas.
When considering whether to drive or fly, consider how many passengers are traveling. If there are more than two people, driving may be more economical. Flying will likely be more expensive, since each passenger will need a separate ticket. Another consideration is fuel cost. For large groups or trips during a school holiday, driving may be more cost-effective. However, if your car is fuel-efficient, flying may be more economical.
Getting a rental car
Getting a rental car for a road trip doesn’t have to be expensive. There are several ways to save money on a car rental, and many rental companies offer special discounts and offers to members of their organizations. Often, you can get a good deal on a rental car if you plan your trip well in advance. Remember that the rental car companies may not be the most affordable option, so shop around before booking your trip.
Consider how many passengers and how much luggage you’ll need. Although road trips are about the journey, comfort is an important factor. Choose a vehicle that will fit the number of people you’ll be traveling with and accommodate all of their luggage. If you’re traveling solo, a small economy car may be sufficient. However, if you’re taking the whole family, you may want to look into a bigger rental car. Try out several different cars to make your weekend road trip feel more like a vacation.
Consider the cost of gas. While renting a car can be expensive, you can expect better gas mileage. Gas costs increase over time and driving on a road trip will add to the cost of maintenance. Renting a car may be the best option for a weekend road trip. If you plan to drive a subcompact or van, consider renting a vehicle that is designed for mountainous terrain.
When choosing a rental, keep the price in mind. A cheaper car may be more comfortable for you and save you money on gas. It may be more convenient to pay cash for the rental than to use credit card. And many rental companies have free perks like GPS. However, you should always check the rental agreement to make sure you’re getting a good deal. A rental car that is more fuel-efficient will save you money in the long run.
Getting a blanket for a road trip
Whether you’re going for a long weekend road trip or a long flight, getting a blanket is a great way to keep warm. Getting one that is easy to pack and store can also be helpful. Some blankets are designed to be stored in a carry case while others are made in a poncho style so they stay in place when in use. And as far as cleaning goes, machine-washable blankets are best, but you must consider the material you’re purchasing.
Depending on where you’re traveling, you can choose a blanket that is light or heavy. Many are versatile, and will work well in planes, trains, and buses. You can also use them in hostels, hotels, and Airbnbs. Each blanket will have its own pros and cons. If you’re backpacking, you’ll want something light that’s not too heavy, while someone visiting Paris will not care about weight.
Dealing with toddlers on a road trip
If you’re going on a weekend road trip with your toddler, prepare for a few unexpected bumps along the way. Toddlers are notorious for getting sick in the car, so you’ll want to stock up on some kids Dramamine to keep them afloat. Also, bring some teething tablets with you, which can help calm an overly-excited toddler down if they become too fussy. You should also pack some Tylenol to help lower a fever if it gets bad.
Toddlers can get car sickness or get stir crazy at any time. If your toddler is prone to this condition, pack some wipes, and extra clothes. Make sure you have plenty of air fresheners as well. Toddlers have very short attention spans, so try not to plan too much for the road trip, as they may get overly excited and start to melt down. Try not to plan the entire trip, but rather make sure you allow for a few hours a day to let them sleep.
Preschoolers and toddlers need their own space, and traveling long distances in a car will drive them stir crazy. While a few short breaks are fine, try to avoid long pauses unless your toddler is truly needing one. Trying to distract your toddler with toys or snacks won’t work, and he will become fussier and throw tantrums if you don’t plan ahead.
Take frequent stops. You can stop at a park, playground, quirky roadside attraction, or eat in a restaurant with a play area. This will help you keep your focus on the road and prevent your toddler from getting frustrated and crying in the car. After the short stop, your kid will probably be tired and ready for a nap! In the meantime, you can keep the car running smoothly by giving them snacks or playing games.
