Imagine, getting it the car, some snacks, nice drinks, lovely company and an endless road to explore. Road tripping is perfect for some deep conversations and when you just want to have the freedom to go wherever you want and explore different places during one trip.
Personally I love to go on a road trip with my boyfriend, we always have so much fun already just while driving. But you must know, a good road trip goes hand in hand with an even better preparation and some road trip essentials. So because of that, I have gathered al my experiences, tips and tricks and put them all together for this blog. Because in this blog we will be telling you everything you need to know before you go on your road trip and all road trip essentials.
Planning Your Road Trip
So first things first, planning your road trip. You should start with considering how much you want to plan just like when you make a road trip packing list. Road trips are fun when they are not planned and you just see wherever you will end up. Of course you an also choose to plan out the route you would like to drive. That way you will know what to expect and organize your time schedule. Either way, my advise would be to at least decide your final destination. That way you can plan your trip with your final destination in mind. Personally, I love to use google maps to pin all the places I would live to visit during the trip. After pinning everything, it’s time to set out your route.
Keep an eye on the weather forecast and road conditions to avoid any unexpected detours or delays. While spontaneity adds an element of excitement to any road trip, a little bit of planning goes a long way in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey.
Packing Essentials
Packing for an epic road trip is all about having the perfect balance between being prepared and practicality. While you don’t want to overpack and weigh down your vehicle, you also don’t want to find yourself stranded without essential items along the way. Personally I love to make road trip checklist with all road trip necessities. Think of food, some water bottles to stay hydrated but also fun things like travel games.
So I would say, start by making a checklist of must-have items, including clothing suitable for various weather conditions like a warm jacket, toiletries, snacks, drinks or reusable water bottle, and emergency supplies like pain reliever and noise canceling headphones. Don’t forget other essentials like a first aid kit, flashlight, bug spray, flip flops and portable power bank to keep you prepared for any unforeseen circumstances. I also love to have a day pack with me for when you want to explore some other spots and will need to take some other gear with you. Make sure
When it comes to packing, organization is key. Invest in travel-sized containers for toiletries, use packing cubes to keep clothing neatly organized. Most of the time we just take 1 or 2 bags with us for road tripping. Easy and light weight.
Safety Measures
Safety should always be a top priority when hitting the road. Before you embark on your journey, take the time to ensure your vehicle is in top condition. Check fluid levels, tire pressure gauge, brakes, lights, and windshield wipers to minimize the risk of breakdowns or accidents.
Remember to buckle up and ensure all passengers do the same before setting off. Observe speed limits, avoid distractions while driving, and take regular gas station breaks to combat driver fatigue – a rested driver is a safe driver.
Additionally, be sure to carry essential documents such as your driver’s license, proof of insurance, vehicle registration, spare cash and any roadside assistance memberships. Preparation and vigilance are key to ensuring a safe and enjoyable road trip experience.
Comfort and Convenience
While the allure of the open road is undeniable, long hours spent behind the wheel can take a toll on even the most enthusiastic travelers. Fortunately, a few creature comforts can go a long way in enhancing your road trip experience.
Think of essentials like pillows, blankets, and supportive cushions to keep you comfortable during long stretches of driving. Consider investing in a travel cooler or insulated bag to keep drinks and snacks refreshingly cool and easily accessible.
Don’t forget to pack entertainment options to keep boredom at bay during the journey. Whether it’s a curated playlist of your favorite tunes, an engrossing audiobook, or a selection of travel games, having something to occupy your mind can make the miles fly by.
Lastly, take advantage of portable camping gear to make the most of your journey. From collapsible chairs and portable grills to compact tents and sleeping bags, a little bit of outdoor gear can transform an ordinary road trip into an unforgettable adventure.
Making Memories
Road trips are perfect and so assessable. Only thing you need is a vehicle of choice and just get on the road. Wether you choose a family road trip with some or your whole family, with your partner or even friends, everything is possible. As I’m personally living in the Netherlands, I have a perfect starting point for some fun and interesting road trips as a well practiced road tripper.
Road tripping is something that my boyfriend and I are already doing for around 5 years. Starting when we were 18 and just gained our drivers license. Although to be honest, I got my drivers license a few years later. What meant that the driving part was al up for my boyfriend. Lucky for me, he didn’t mind that I was mostly in the passenger seat as a co pilot when necessary.
With our home base in the Netherlands and our own car, we have already explored some fun and interesting places. Think of within the Netherlands itself but also Germany and French. We even drove to check out Luxembourg during our Christmas Holiday. Unfortunately most things were closed due to Covid. So that meant a quick and romantic stop at the local gas station for some food, but even that was a nice part of the journey. That holiday was the perfect example of a great road trip. We traveled to Belgium, close to French boarder where we stayed in a cute AirBnB. During our holiday we took the car everyday and just explored all the neighboring cities and hotspots. It was an amazing adventure.
Our latest trip was to Reims in French and going further to Paris. I might say that Paris is my favorite city in Europe. It is just perfect and I love it so much. I even came to the conclusion that I have visited Paris 5 years in a row. I am extremely lucky that I am able to do that en have the possibility to just take a car drive of around 4,5 hours to get there. No wonder after all that exploring that we came to the conclusion that both French and the Netherlands have so many options for romantic getaways.
So, let’s get in our car and get ready for a new adventure. Curious to our previous travels? Then check out our Youtube channel where we take you with us to Paris and even Reims.
