Spring has sprung and road trip season is upon us!
You don’t have to travel to the other side of the continent to make a memorable trip. But whether it’s a short getaway out of town or a trip lasting several days, it’s important to plan (at minimum) the itinerary and be prepared for the unexpected. That way, if something goes wrong along the way (running out of gas, dead battery, flat tire or anything else), you may not have to cancel your plans.
Choose your destination
Where do you want to go? Perhaps you want to visit a region, rather than a specific city or place. Prepare an itinerary in an application like Google Maps or Waze, to get an idea of the travel time.
Then, it’s time to strategically plan breaks, to eat or sleep, depending on the length of your trip. You can also plan to stop and visit places of interest along the way. Of course, your itinerary doesn’t have to be set in stone. You can change it along the way, if you wish.
After all, it’s not just the final destination that counts on a road trip. The journey itself matters, too!
First, check federal, provincial and municipal government guidelines for any travel restrictions.
Get your vehicle in order
Be sure to have your vehicle serviced before you drive hundreds or even thousands of kilometers. An oil change, wheel alignment and even a custom inspection are all good ideas. You can also inspect the headlights, brake lights, windshield wipers (and washer fluid level) and air pressure in your car’s tires before you leave, to make sure everything is in order.
Don’t own a vehicle? Or prefer to rent one? Think about the kind of trip you want to make and how many people will be travelling with you. Is a sedan enough, or do you want to go with an SUV? Or maybe a convertible? If you’re renting a vehicle, we published an article about rental car insurance.
Music, meals and entertainment
Whether it’s for a few hours or several days, you should think about the music or podcasts to take with you. Make a playlist in your favorite app in advance so you don’t have to interrupt your trip with a stop to search for content.
Bring water or beverages, as well as snacks.
Also think about chargers for phones or tablets that will be used for entertainment, but make sure nothing will distract the driver!
Think about roadside assistance
Whether you choose to hit the road in your freshly serviced vehicle, or in a rental vehicle that appears to be in order, there’s always a risk of a breakdown or flat tire on the road. To learn more about what to do in the event of your car breaking down on the side of the road, check out our article here. You’ll find lots of useful tips and information for planning your trip or for your safety in the event of a roadside incident.
Visit Allstate.ca for more details on car insurance.
The content on this site is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as providing legal or insurance advice. Always follow local laws and public health and safety measures and restrictions.