25 Best Road Trip Tips

25 BEST ROAD TRIP TIPS DURING THE FESTIVE SEASON

Any road trip is fun when you are well-prepared!

It’s almost that time of the year when many of us will be visiting our loved ones in other provinces or just simply taking road trips that we have been saving for in the last ten to eleven months to kick back, relax, and enjoy some well-deserved break from our busy schedules.

Western Cape Experiences Road Trip Tips

If you are not well prepared for the long-distance journey, your trip could turn out to be a nightmare and this could ruin your entire road trip experience. I have compiled a list of 25 best road trip tips that have always made my road trips enjoyable and memorable without any major problems, and I hope they will also help you enjoy your road trips this festive season.

1. SERVICE YOUR VEHICLE BEFORE YOU TRAVEL AND PLAN AHEAD

Long-distance driving takes a toll on the mechanical parts of your vehicle, so making sure your vehicle is properly serviced before your journey will give you peace of mind on the road. Use Google Maps, Wave Maps, or your vehicle’s GPS to plan your route properly before you leave your home. Check if the roads you are planning to use are in good conditions, check fuel station locations on your planned route, and where you can safely rest along the way.

2. INSPECT YOUR CAR

Even if your car has been recently serviced, it’s always a great idea to inspect a few things a day or two before you embark on your road trip. Check the pressure on all the tyres including a spare wheel, make sure you have a working car jack and triangle. If your vehicle is not due for service yet, make sure you check coolant, oil levels, drive belts, hoses, spark plugs, and wires.

Western Cape Experiences Tyres

It’s always best to have a mechanic at your nearest dealership do a more thorough check if you are not sure on how to do this at home. Dunlop Tyres SA dealers offer free tyre inspections, use their service too.

3. FILL UP YOUR TANK

The last thing you want to think about while driving is fuel or wonder when the next fuel station will appear. Always fill up your vehicle’s tank before you leave your home and fill it up again as soon as you hit a quarter of a tank. Never assume every town you will pass through will have fuel or fuel pumps will be working when you arrive. Click here to see all fuel locations per region.

4. HAVE A GOOD NIGHT SLEEP AND PACK A NIGHT BEFORE

Make sure you get enough sleep and pack your bags a night before you leave. This is the best way to feel more alert, stay awake while driving, to ensure that you don’t forget to pack anything you would need during your road trip.

Western Cape Experiences Bags

5. AVOID TRAVELING DURING PEAK HOURS OR PEAK DAYS

Avoid travelling during peak hours or a day before a holiday. Your journey will be more enjoyable because the roads will be quieter and safe.

Western Cape Experiences Traffic Jam

If you are going to pass through big towns during the week, avoid mornings (when people are driving to work) and afternoons (when people are driving back home from work).

6. GET A DRIVING PARTNER

If possible, get a friend, partner, or family member to help you drive on long-distance trips. This will also allow you to watch each other or keep each other company while driving. However, if you are driving alone or you are the only one who can drive, play your favourite music and take as many breaks as you can. Never use cruise control if you’re driving alone at night, having to concentrate on maintaining your speed limit or changing gears will help you stay awake. Kia SA just launched an exciting campaign #KiaTsamaya (pronounced “Ke a tsamaya OR Ke ya tsamaya in Setswana – meaning I’m going) with a unique road trip song for solo and couples travellers including families and friends.

7. HAVE ENOUGH CASH WITH YOU

If you are travelling to or through small villages or towns, make sure you have enough cash because most of the stores in small towns either don’t have card machines or they are most likely to be out of order or struggle with reception. Cash will always come in handy in these situations.

8. HAVE FUN ON THE ROAD

Look for spots where you can park for about half an hour to an hour to play, dance, chat, eat, take pictures, or do whatever makes you happy and relaxed. Driving to your destination is still part of the journey – Enjoy it too!

Western Cape Experiences Road Trip Tips

9. TAKE FREQUENT BREAKS

Driving breaks are necessary for your concentration and will help you stay awake and alert. Your road trip plan should include frequent stops so that you can stretch your legs, hydrate, and relax. Stopping at a filling station is always recommended however, if you have to stop next to the road, never park your vehicle on the yellow lane for any reason except an emergency.

10. CHECK WEATHER FOR YOUR DESTINATION

Use a smartphone weather app or Google to check the weather forecast for towns you will be passing through and your final destination. A sudden weather change will likely affect your plans and the type of clothes you should pack.

11. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE VALID EMERGENCY NUMBERS AND YOUR CAR INSURANCE IS UP TO DATE

Accidents and breakdowns happen when we least expect them. Make sure your car insurance premiums are up to date and you have valid emergency numbers.

12. PACK YOUR FIRST AID KIT

Always pack a First Aid Kit, you will never know when you or someone might need it. Injuries don’t only happen during an accident, they can happen while playing or dancing too.

13. PACK A VEHICLE EMERGENCY KIT

Whether you drive a new or old vehicle, breakdowns do happen and you need to be prepared when that day comes. If you are going to travel a long distance, make sure you have a set of jumper cables, flashlight, pair of gloves, lighter, extra coolant, spanner set, blanket, pillow, extra bag with snacks, food, and beverages. All these will come in handy should you get stuck and be stranded in the middle of nowhere or while waiting for assistance. Have a look at this car emergency kit. This 24 piece socket set has saved me a few times on the road.

14. ALWAYS WEAR A SEATBELT WHILE DRIVING

Ensure that everyone in the car is buckled up properly. Not only will it keep everyone safe, but it’s also the law to wear a seat belt when you are driving.

15. CHARGE YOUR DEVICES

Ensure that all your devices including smartphones are fully charged before you leave home for your road trip. If you can, pack a power bank (at least 20 000mAh), a car charger (I use a wireless car charger), and extra batteries for your digital camera, drone, GoPro, etc.

Western Cape Experiences Cellphones

16. PROPER DRIVING SAVES FUEL

Stretch your fuel by driving properly. Refrain from making sudden starts and stops or driving continuously at high speeds.

17. INSURE YOUR GEAR

We go on road trips or vacations to have fun and create memories. This means you are bound to bring along your digital camera, GoPro, drone, bicycles, etc. and there is a high risk of them being damaged or stolen. I highly recommend covering your valuables with Comma Insure, an insurer that allows you to switch ON your cover when you need it and OFF when you don’t.

Western Cape Experiences Camera

They are underwritten by Mutual and Federal. You can insure items such as laptops, tablets, cameras, sound and gaming equipment, sporting equipment, electronic wrist devices, bicycles and wheelchairs, GPSs, and camping and caravan equipment.

18. LOCK AND PUT YOUR VALUABLES OUT OF PRYING EYES

Insuring your valuable items does not mean you have to carelessly leave them anywhere where they can be stolen or damaged. Lock all your valuables in the boot or put them under the seats when you leave your vehicle or when driving through towns.

New Kia Sportage

19. FOLLOW THE GPS

These days vehicle navigation systems and some smartphone apps have handy functions such as showing traffic jams, revealing all the accidents, suggesting alternative routes and showing your estimated time of arrival at your destination.

20. HAVE A MAP BOOKLET

Technology can fail us sometimes. In some areas you might have poor mobile reception so, having a Map Booklet will always come in handy when your mobile phone doesn’t have a signal or your vehicle’s GPS system struggles to find your location.

Western Cape Experiences Maps

21. NEVER USE YOUR CELLPHONE TO TEXT OR CALL WHILE DRIVING

This is not rocket science! It’s illegal and dangerous to you and other road users to use your smartphone while driving. If you really have to make or answer a phone call, park on the side of the road or use a hands-free device, connect your phone to your vehicle’s radio or use air pods.

22. PRACTICE WELLNESS

Make sure you pack sunscreen cream or spray, extra facial masks, sanitizer, and any medication you think you might need during your road trip. Remember to sanitise and properly wash your hands regularly.

23. DON’T RUSH – GIVE YOURSELF ENOUGH TRAVEL TIME ON THE ROAD

Never rush the journey and your fun doesn’t have to only start when you arrive at your destination. Take your time and enjoy the journey. Most memories are created along the way.

24. BUY ENOUGH SNACKS

You can never have enough snacks for the road. If you can, stock up on snacks and beverages from your local grocery store, you will pay less for more items otherwise I highly recommend Engen Quick Shops. By the way my favourite road trip snack is biltong!

Western Cape Experiences Snacks

25. IT’S NOT COOL TO DRINK AND DRIVE

This goes without saying, never drink alcohol before or during your road trip even a single bottle or glass. While you may not become intoxicated from one drink, you may become sleepy.

Always remember that long-distance driving requires your full attention. Make sure everyone is buckled up properly, obey speed limits, and be considerate to other drivers on the road.

What other road trip tips would you recommend to fellow travellers?

 

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This article may contain affiliate links. I may receive compensation if you make a booking through the links on this blog post but it won’t cost you anything extra.

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One Comment

  • Dibuseng Mhlotshane

    If there’s anything I like is reading about all the jam packed destinations I want to see in Cape Town that we’ll wriiten by you Skeem, no sugarcoating I mean it. I have never read a blog post that I resonate with.. Nothing is far fetched. I am glad I get to read these in awkward hours lol.

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