With warmer weather just around the corner comes the opportunity to take a long-distance road trip; there are many wonderful things to see and do across the country! America’s state and national park systems offer some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere, whether you get there by car or camper, van, or recreational vehicle.
Planning a road trip is a big undertaking, however. There is much to consider – from food and accommodations to routes and safety. Keep reading for a helpful checklist to assist you in your planning. Planning ahead will help keep it stress-free.
What Are Four Important Tips For Planning A Road Trip?
Here are four tips we recommend when outlining your road trip:
- The destination and time of year you’re going should be considered when deciding how much or little to plan. If you’re heading to a city hosting a festival, conference, concert, or other special event, it’s wise to pre-book your hotel room, rental, or campsite. Otherwise, you could end up sleeping in your vehicle upon arrival!
- A couple of weeks before you start your trip, evaluate whether your vehicle is the most appropriate option for the road trip you’re planning, especially regarding the destination itself. You may determine that you need to rent a different vehicle before you hit the road.
- We recommend carrying an emergency kit in your vehicle. The following list includes vital items (depending on location and season); be sure to replenish any depleted items as needed:
- Car charger and cell phone
- First-aid kit
- Blanket
- Snacks and drinking water for everyone in the car. Don’t forget pets!
- Flashlight with extra fresh batteries
- Rags, paper towels, or pre-moistened wipes
- A basic set of tools, duct tape, and car emergency warning devices like reflectors and road flares
- Ice scraper/snow brush/shovel
- Jumper cables/jump pack
- Traction aids, such as sand, salt, or non-clumping cat litter
- Gloves, tarp, and raincoat
- Paper map or printed directions (in case GPS or Wi-Fi aren’t working)
- Pack toiletries, clothes, medications, prescription glasses or contacts, electronic devices and corresponding chargers (camera, laptop, tablet, fitness watch, etc.), and other necessities. Remember coats, rain jackets, hiking boots, an umbrella, and sunglasses, depending on the weather and your itinerary. Bring all required equipment for planned or impromptu activities, such as swimsuits, beach and pool gear, and tennis rackets or golf clubs.
Be ready for anything by reviewing these safety tips.
What Do I Do If I Experience A Roadside Emergency?
Even the best-laid plans can go wrong. If you experience a roadside emergency in the Middle Tennessee area, call Tow Pro at (615) 256.TOWS (8697).
- We pride ourselves on lightning-fast towing. Once you call Tow Pro and give our dispatcher your information, we make every effort to have a driver at your location within minutes.
- We can help with breakdowns, too. We’ll help you diagnose the problem and get your vehicle to a safe place. Tow Pro is proud to offer battery jumps, tire changes, and other roadside assistance to get you back on the road as soon as possible.
- We tow vehicles from anywhere in Nashville, Franklin, Brentwood, or Antioch. We work along all major local freeways, towing along I-65, I-40, I-24, I-440, and I-840.
- Calling Tow Pro connects you with a real person. You’ll never hear a robot. From the dispatcher to the driver, everyone who helps tow your vehicle is friendly, knowledgeable, and dependable in a tight spot. We’re who Nashville calls for low-cost towing services.
Tow Pro will help you get where you need to go, whether around the corner or on the other side of town. Our dedication to ongoing, rigorous training means our entire staff will tackle your vehicle towing job according to the highest safety and efficiency standards.
Don’t let car troubles ruin your road trip! Contact us 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for help along the way.