8 tips for those who are going on a road trip for the first time

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Car trips are attractive in that they do not require binding to transport hubs, train stations and airports and leave the opportunity to change plans on the go. But they also have features for which the traveler must be prepared.

When you think about a car trip, the first thing you want to do is find a newer car, carry out a technical inspection and service it, and foresee the nuances in case of a breakdown. This is the ideal.

The first long-distance trip by car in the author's life happened in 2012 on the passenger seat of a VAZ-2106, released from the assembly line back in 1980. Yes, the car broke down after 700 kilometers. The repair had to spend a day and more than two million rubles. True, Belarusian. We were ready for the worst, because we were glad that the Zhiguli stood in the middle of Minsk, and not in the forest, and our plans changed insignificantly from this circumstance.

In 2017, going on a voucher, within the framework of which everything has already been decided for you, is not interesting. Mobile internet, a car and a desire to see new places are at hand, and several inspiring road movies are under your belt. There is no reason not to get into the car to go wherever you look.

The good thing about the car is that you can stop at any time and go out to get some fresh air or visit an interesting attraction that cannot be reached by public transport. Every day, you can adjust the route and choose where to go next, according to the recommendations of local residents. You can wait out the bad weather or go straight to the place where it will be sunny, you can change the path according to new circumstances, choosing the best route. In addition, it is cheaper to drive one car with friends than to buy tickets.

The Degrees of Discovery travel team once did something radical. The guys went by car without a planned route. Every day a poll was published on their VKontakte page, in which subscribers determined which city the company would travel to the next day. The expedition was named "Geographic Random".

But enthusiastic travelers rarely talk about what problems lie in wait for them along the way. Life hacker fills this gap.

1. Plan your route in advance

When it becomes known how many days and money you are willing to spend on the trip, determine the goal: to drive an interesting route or rather get to your destination, what places you want to see, and so on. Take a map and mark the control points where to go, and then connect them in a route, if possible, choosing roads of greater importance.

2. Compare your expectations

Several people in one car - several views of the journey. Someone quickly gets tired and does not like the company of strangers, others go only to spend time with the locals. Everyone needs a different level of comfort. Financial opportunities are also not the same. Agree "on the shore".

3. Adequately perceive distances

And don't flatter yourself. After 800 kilometers behind the wheel, you may want to go to bed rather than go for a walk. Do not set records, but rather put a couple of extra hours on the road.

Nikita Zhorov is a member of the Expedition "Throw to the East" and the team "Degrees of Discovery"

When you are preparing, you need to set aside time for unforeseen stops, which will surely be, no matter how ideally everything develops. Do not overestimate yourself, it is better to drive less, but see more.

When we were preparing for the "Throw", we threw a list of 100+ attractions, in the end we managed to see, God forbid, half, and even then not everything is detailed. Somewhere I wanted to spend more time, but we had a schedule and we stuck to it, so we had to go further.

Initially, it was planned to keep within 60 days, then they began to draw the route and stretched it to 75, but in fact it turned out 80 days. And still not enough. There will always be little, you always want more.

500 kilometers will be the optimal distance for a day of travel, provided the road is satisfactory and early departure. If you have to, drive 800 kilometers, but then leave the next day to get to know your destination. The presence of two drivers in the same cabin increases the capabilities of the crew, but time cannot be deceived.

4. Trust your cards with care

When choosing between a paper map and a mobile service, the latter should be a priority when determining the route. But electronic cards can be wrong. Choosing between Yandex. Maps, Google Maps, Maps.me and others, stop at the service with the most relevant databases, or rather download two different applications and save the map of the area you are interested in so as not to depend on the quality of the connection. When driving through unfamiliar cities, especially in other countries, it is better to use a navigator than guessing where to turn from signs.

5. Be prepared for sudden problems and the likelihood of a premature return

Keep your spare wheel, rope, fire extinguisher, jack, reflective vest and tool kit handy and service before driving.

Even experienced and accurate drivers sometimes get into accidents. The first aid kit in the car is just for such cases, and not for checks by the traffic police.

Everyone in the company should know everything about the presence of chronic diseases in order to call an ambulance or provide first aid.

6. Plan your overnight stay in advance

At each point on the route where you plan to stay for a day or more, find an acceptable accommodation option before starting your trip. On the way, there will still be an opportunity to change your mind. Metasearch engines offer free bookings or cancellations.

For a group of several people, it is better to look for a hostel or apartment than a hotel. One room for several people will cost less than two or three rooms for two. Do not forget about couchsurfing, although if you have not used it before, you can not hope to quickly find a place to sleep, especially for several people.

And yes, put your tent and camping bedding in the trunk. But you do not need to settle down for the night right next to a busy road.

7. Different countries - different conditions

Even within the European Union, local road rules are very different. Study the features of the traffic rules of each country of visit and do not forget about the possible fare. In Austria, Switzerland and the Czech Republic, vignettes are used for this, while in Poland and Italy there are toll roads with turnstiles and payment at the entrance.

The mode of work and rest can also make adjustments to the trip. Cafes, campgrounds and guesthouses may be closed due to schedule constraints or overcrowded.

8. Travel light

The most obvious advice for the audience on any journey other than traveling by car.

“I carry everything with me” is an unnecessary principle, due to following which some people drive loaded up to the roof. Take as much clothes as you would take with you on a plane or bus, food - a little more. The exception is camping accessories. Who knows what wilderness you have to stop in?