The car is a travel mode that we particularly appreciate, but going on a trip by car cannot be improvised!
The car is an ideal mode of travel for gourmet travelers: you can bring back local specialties (good olive oil, bottles of wine …) without fear of crushing them in your suitcase, you can move away off the beaten track and visit small farms in the countryside, and you are free to vary your itinerary according to your desires …
In short, we love it, and we regularly opt for this mode of transport! As you travel by car, you gain experience and learn how to organize yourself to make your vehicle more than a means of locomotion, an integral part of the trip. Here are some lessons and good tips learned during our road trips.
1. Before departure: a vehicle in order
A vehicle in order: essential for your safety… and that of your passengers!
That’s the basics: finding yourself stuck in an unknown country because of a car breakdown can quickly transform your road trip tinged with adventure and freedom into a real pain! At best, you will not only waste precious time. At worst, it will cost you dearly. Not to mention that you put your safety and that of others at risk!
Before leaving, check (or better, have them checked) the condition of your vehicle:
- the level of coolants, washer fluid, etc.
- Do not ignore the condition of your tires! Check not only that they are well inflated but also that they are still in good condition!
If like me, you don’t have the soul of a mechanic, ask your garage for advice. This type of check-up before leaving on vacation costs on average around twenty euros. Not expensive to be quiet!
Also, check that you are in good order in terms of insurance (including for the countries you are going to cross).
Rental car is also an excellent option for traveling. If you are in Pakistan, you can rent a car in Karachi from carlay car rental. It is a well-known car rental company.
2. Before departure: find out about the rules of conduct
Take the Channel Tunnel, an adventure!
Rules of conduct can vary significantly from country to country, even in Europe. Think of England: driving on the left involves a whole series of new regulations to be taken into account, and the speed limits are in miles per hour …
Likewise, some countries have requirements for safety accessories to have in your car.
3. The essential accessories
There are a few things you should always make sure you have in your trunk or in the back:
- You are legally obliged to have the essential safety accessories: fluorescent jacket, safety triangle… and car papers. Inquire before departure: requirements may vary by country
- A list of telephone numbers to call in case of emergency, breakdown … as well as the contact details of the hotels/lodges/guest houses where you are staying (if you have already booked)
- enough to wash your windshield (essential for your visibility)
- the sunglasses
- of toilet paper (yes, it sounds stupid, but it’s a must!) and paper towel
- some plastic bags for your garbage and your shoes full of mud/sand
- a flashlight (you’ll be happy to have it if you break down in the middle of nowhere)
- a road map (GPS is not infallible)
- of freshwater (a small cooler, it is a good investment!)
- a few sandwiches, fruits, and other things to nibble on (you could find yourself stuck in a traffic jam…);
- A first aid kit with enough to calm a headache, indigestion, motion sickness …
- the sunscreen (during our trip to Guadeloupe, Karl caught a beautiful sunburn on the right arm from having the window open).
Are you traveling with your dog? Do not forget its essential accessories: papers, first aid kit, water, food …
4. Useful accessories and gadgets
There are other really practical accessories that can improve your comfort:
- An mp3 player (or smartphone) to plug into the car radio with enough music and compilations for your trip (I also like to listen to local radios when it’s a language I understand 🙂). If you have no inspiration, there is a multitude of road trip atmosphere playlists to download on Spotify if you are a subscriber.
- A charger to plug into the cigarette lighter (really great for recharging your smartphone, your camera, etc.)
- of hoods to keep your breathing car even if you park in the sun
- a pillow for the passenger (useful if you take turns driving)
- if you are going to beach, a small brush to remove sand from your shoes and clothes before getting into the car
- The wipe s and a mister to cool off
- The plastic boxes to organize your trunk ( Pinterest can give you lots of ideas !)
- something to occupy your children if you have them 😀 (I can’t give you much advice on this point)
5. The right attitude
Even if your car has a perfect condition and fully equipped and even if you have the best accessories to improve your comfort, the success of your trip depends above all on your attitude and your state of mind. When several of us are locked in a car for a few hours, with fatigue and boredom helping, the atmosphere can deteriorate very quickly!
So be sure to:
- Do not take the road for long hours if you feel tired. Rest first.
- Take regular breaks (ideally every 2 hours): this is essential for your safety and your comfort! Take advantage of the breaks to take a walk, relax, hydrate yourself …
- Limit driving times from one stage to another: for me, the ultimate limit is 10 hours on the road. Ideally, I don’t plan a stage of more than 6 hours, and I always try to find a nice place to stop for a night and breathe a little (in our case, we take advantage of the trip to Croatia to visit Munich )
- Preserve good humor: keep cool! Remember you are on vacation! Being stuck in a traffic jam is certainly not pleasant, but that’s not what will ruin your vacation. Take the time to admire the landscapes, enjoy every moment, and be ready to change your itinerary if necessary.
Pro Digi 