Dreaming of hitting the open road? Make sure you're prepped for a safe and memorable journey with this road trip checklist and planning guide from Oxygen Plus.
A Month or More Before You Go
Calculate a Budget - If you're trying to be penny-conscious, there's no better option than a road trip. Determine how much you want to spend in total - including gas, tolls, lodging, food and entertainment - and then pick your destination that fits within that budget. Handy road trip planning apps like GasBuddy and Roadtrippers will help you calculate costs.
Pick a Place - Once you've determined a budget, you can begin to narrow down your route. Picking a road trip destination comes down to two things above all else: what you want to see (such as the beach, cities, roadside oddities or natural splendors) and how much time you want to spend driving.
Plan Your Route- Now comes the fun part! Fiddling with Google Maps (or your preferred navigation helper) is the best way to route plan. Add points of interest and cities where you know you'll want to stop, making sure to make the most of your time on the way there and on the way back. Use Google's filters (i.e. avoid highways or avoid tolls) to customize your journey.
A Week Before You Go
Load Your Entertainment- The beauty of a good road trip is the quiet, open road. However the trip can be even more enjoyable when you create special playlists to memorialize the occasion. Remember to download your music and podcasts before you go so that you can access them in the event that your phone loses service.
Get a Tune-Up -You don't need to have a full tune-up, but it's a good idea to at least get an oil change before you embark. Don't forget to kick the tires! Make sure they're in good traveling condition and are well-inflated before departure, and consider investing in a roadside assistance membership.
Be Prepared for Anything -Keeping your mind and body engaged during long, tiresome trips can be a challenge. Using supplements like pure recreational oxygen from Oxygen Plus can keep you hyper-focused on the road, especially after several hours of travel, when road fatigue can hit you. Don't forget to pack plenty of healthy snacks and a roadside emergency kit in case you need it.
Road Trip Planning Tips and Checklist
