How to prepare for a road trip
Planning a road trip? Even if you’re a seasoned traveller, it’s important to prepare properly to ensure you’re ready for whatever is thrown in your direction.
Road trips are a popular way to see some of the most out-of-the-way places in Australia that aren’t as accessible via plane or train. Whether you’re planning on driving to a secluded coastal spot or a lovely little town with cafes and historic attractions, planning beforehand is the best way to ensure your trip gets off to a good start. Here’s what to do before starting that engine:
Research is key. Good planning is vital to any road trip or adventure. Knowing the address of where you’re going and how to get there, the areas you expect to travel through, what to expect along the way including rest spots, and your estimated time of arrival is all important information to plan.
It’s a good idea to write down your travel plans as one big itinerary and give it to a close friend or family member before you leave. Having someone else know where you’ll be and when can be very helpful if you were to get stuck somewhere without any phone reception.
Know when the wildlife is most active. While this may sound like a bit of an odd thing to know before your trip, it’s a good one. Through the winter months, daylight is shorter and we are on the roads more at the very time of day when animals tend to be more active and invade our roads.
If an animal does cross your path, brake gently and don’t swerve wildly to avoid it. If you hit an animal and stop to check its welfare, be mindful of traffic and remember that animals can get aggressive when injured or frightened.
Pack water and food. Keep water in a shaded part of your car, particularly if it’s in plastic bottles or containers. A good rule of thumb is to have enough supplies to last you at least three or four days. With this in mind, it’s a good idea to also pack non-perishable items, like muesli bars.
Carry extra petrol. We live in a big vast land with long stretches of road without roadhouses or petrol stations. Carrying an extra petrol tin could be a life saver when you’ve gone in circles for the last hour or so and are running dangerously light on fuel. Having extra fuel on hand for long trips minimises the risk of being stranded in the middle of nowhere.
Be ready for an emergency. It’s always better to be over-prepared than under-prepared. Some useful items to bring along with you include: rope, car jack, spare tyre, jumper cables, tool kit and of course, a first aid kit. A UHF radio or satellite phone can also be a good idea if you plan on travelling to remote areas of the outback.
Be sure to get your vehicle serviced. Before heading out on any road trip, always check the oil and water levels, as well as your tyres. On top of that, a well-serviced vehicle will give you peace of mind knowing it’s been put through the rigour in ensuring it’s going to get you from A to B safely.