When road tripping by car, you should avoid the following:
- Rushing: Allow enough time to arrive at your destination safely. The joy of the trip is the journey not just the destination. So many times, a slight detour can be the highlight of the trip.
- Getting lost: Familiarize yourself with directions and maps before you go. In this day and age, you should not get lost if you use Waze.
- Running out of gas: Get gas before you get close to empty. If you are traveling outside of a major Metro Market, you should always fill up as a preventive method.
- Falling asleep at the wheel: Plan rest stops and switch drivers if possible. I have been guilty of this and you should stop more often than you think to keep yourself fresh. Also, a great way to incorporate ancillary sites and activities.
- Not stretching: Stop often to stretch your legs and walk. As you get older, you will appreciate the stretching.
- Not checking your car: Make sure your car is in good condition before you leave. Check your fluids, battery, tires, lights, wipers, and washer fluid. It is always a major headache if your car breaks down 50 miles from anywhere.
- Not securing your home: Bring your garage opener inside and confirm your alarm system is working. Some also believe that you should lock down your garage doors with steel rods so people can not break in.
- Running out of food and beverages. As you journey on, you need to replenish and rehydrate yourself. I can not tell you how many times we planned on stopping for lunch and were unable to find something in that area. It typically took us an extra hour to find a suitable place to eat.