With international travel destinations off the table for now, there’s no better time to hit the road.
Here are 5 tips to consider to ensure a stress-free road trip.
Travelling local supports the Australian economy and is good for the wallet, saving the need for overseas flights. With kilometres of pristine coastline to explore, (click here for our favourites in NSW) follow these five tips to for a stress-free road trip this summer.
Plan your route
Once you have decided on a destination you need to plan your route.
Google Maps is great for this as it accounts for traffic and road closures proving an accurate ETA.
You can also factor in any stops such as fuel and lunch by selecting ‘add stops’ in the app. Google Maps help you to work out the most efficient way to tick off all the places on your ‘must-see’ list.
Due to COVID-19 it is important to familiarise yourself with the regulations of state borders (if you plan to travel that far). And book your accommodation beforehand – we love Bangalay just out of Sydney as the ideal first stop.
Check the oil and tyre pressure
If you will be driving more that 200 kms you should check the oil and tyre pressure before setting off.
If you already know how to do this, or have a handy friend who does, that’s great- otherwise follow the links above for an easy to follow guide.
Additionally, leaving with a full tank of fuel will allow you to make the most of the first leg of your trip without having to worry about filling up. Do this to save time and put your mind at ease. And check your car insurance to be safe.
Leave Early
There’s nothing worse than being stuck on the bridge or the M5 in peak traffic.
Leave just after peak Sydney traffic at around 9am so that you’re not battling with commuters and school buses.
On this note, it’s important to leave plenty of time to get to your destination, allowing time for toilet breaks, roadside stops, detours and traffic along the way.
Arriving before sunset will allow you to make the most of your time away.
Music and Podcasts
This is an essential and non-negotiable when driving for hours at a time (or even if it’s just one hour).
There is no better way to discover a new podcast that will change your life, or listen to that album you’ve been meaning to for ages, than when you are driving with endless kilometres ticking over on the mileage.
Snacks
Opting for healthy snacks when road tripping will allow you to feel energised and fresh when you arrive at your destination, ready for a cheeky wine or two.
Hydration is also super important and you can add lemon and mint or watermelon and basil to your water for a little pick me up.
A picnic lunch will also save time so that your 20 minute rest stop doesn’t turn into 40 minutes waiting at a road-side diner for a greasy lunch.
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