Ok, it’s summer! That means it’s road trip time!
Get your bags packed and listen up to these driving tips for lone travelers from one of my outgoing solo adventurers, Michelle B.
The floor is yours, Michelle. Adventures ahoy!
Many of us travelers love to get out there on the open road instead of sitting on planes or trains. Taking matters into our own hands gives us the ability to go wherever we want and avoid waiting around. It’s something I’m particularly fond of, and I’ve come to learn a few things about traveling on the road in the last few years. This is especially the case when I’m on my own when I’ve got no-one to fall back on if anything goes wrong. Take my advice below and use it on your travels!
Pick The Right Vehicle For The Job
Before you head off on your road trip, you’ve got to think about where you’re going. By now, you’ll have hopefully put an extensive plan together. Are you going to need something that can cope with the terrain like a 4×4? Can you get by with your usual everyday car? Maybe you need accommodation features with an RV? Think about this before setting off on your journey.
Have Emergency Supplies At Hand
You’re on your own, and that means no-one else is going to be able to help you if you run into problems. You must keep emergency supplies in your vehicle no matter what. This includes a first aid kit to ensure you can remain safe after an accident or incident. Also, carry a spare tyre just in case you hit a bumpy bit of road on your travels. It’s also important to have plenty of food and drink supplies to hand.
Don’t Drive When Tired
We’ve all seen the illuminated signs that tell us not to drive when we’re tired. Take heed of their warnings! You shouldn’t be driving when you feel tired under any circumstances. Instead of heading out the door today, get some serious rest beforehand. Mid-way through your travels, find somewhere to sleep for the night if necessary. By pushing your body too hard, you’ll be putting yourself and others at risk.
Equip Yourself With GPS & Maps
Although you’ve probably got a plan in mind, it’s unlikely that you’ll know the roads very well. That’s why it’s so important to have a GPS system to help you get around. Many vehicles actually come with these embedded these days, but you can buy them standalone as well. Don’t forget that maps are equally as important. GPS systems are great, but they go wrong, too. Have a map to hand in case you need it.
Always Be Contactable (But Don’t Use Your Phone While Driving)
As you’re on your own, it’s important to be contactable when necessary. You need a way to contact others if you get into a problem, too, so make sure you’ve got a cell phone with you! Keep it charged and buy an additional phone charger for your vehicle. If your phone goes off while you’re driving, don’t answer it. Instead, pull over to the nearest safe destination and then call them back.
Stop If You Need To
If you feel that you need to stop for any reason, you must do so as quickly as possible. Find a place to pull over that is safe, and don’t be afraid to stay there for as long as you need. If you don’t feel 100% when driving, you’re putting yourself in danger. Until you feel that way again, you shouldn’t be on the roads.
**Post contributor, Michelle B, peer travel writer and always ready for a road trip.