6 Tips for the Perfect Road Trip
Summer is officially here and that means clocking in your vacation time for some R&R. If you're planning on a change of scenery but don't want to spend major coin on plane tickets, consider a road trip, which can be extremely cost-effective and flexible. We partnered with Chevy to test the 2018 Equinox and take it out on the open road. We've found that all you need for a perfect road trip is a full tank of gas, great companions, and these 6 simple steps to ensure an unforgettable time.
1. Choose Your Vehicle Wisely
Not all cars are created equal. If you're out on the open road, you want to feel comfortable and safe with what you're driving. One of my favorite features on the 2018 Chevy Equinox is the Lane Keep Assist. If you unintentionally drift from your lane, the Lane Keep Assist provides gentle steering and turns the wheel turns to help you get your vehicle back in place if you don’t take action. Also, it has seat-bottom safety vibrations. If you get too close to another car or object, the seat underneath you will vibrate, plus an audible safety alert will notify you. This car has your back in the safety department so you can feel comfortable exploring the open road ahead.
2. Get Organized
Plan out your safest route, make sure you have an emergency kit in your trunk, and keep cash on hand for any unexpected expenses where debit or credit cards are not accepted. It's also imperative to make sure that you have access to some type of roadside assistance (such as AAA) for any unforeseen problems; and if a traffic jam or construction puts you way behind schedule, apps like Hotel Tonight allow you to book rooms at the last minute so you can get a good night sleep, and start fresh the next morning.
3. Get Your Wi-Fi In Check
The last thing you want is to be stranded in an area with poor Wi-Fi connection, no access to Google Maps, and no way to Instagram your favorite travel pics! Also, if you're traveling with small kids, your patience is bound to be tested after the 100th, "are we there yet?" While testing the Equinox with my husband and two small kids, the built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi® hotspot was an absolute lifesaver. After the novelty of games like "I Spy" and "20 Questions" wore off, my kids were quiet and happy watching movies and playing games on their tablets without Wi-Fi interruptions.
3. Embrace Spontaneity
Road trips are great because it allows for your schedule to be more flexible, unlike that of plane or train trips. Take the freedom of the road as an opportunity to explore life beyond the exits. Give yourself time to stop into random towns, be a tourist, and sample the local fare. You may just discover a new gem!
4. Assign Roles
If you're taking a road trip with one or more people, agree upon who will be responsible for what during the trip. Put one person in charge of the playlist, one person in charge of snacks, one person in charge of navigation, and so on. I'm usually in charge of both the navigation and play list, so the Chevy Equinox's standard MyLink® on-screen let's me connect my iPhone (and my husband's Android phone) to listen to music, access Google Maps, have my incoming text messages read to me, and me keep up-to-date with my favorite podcasts.
5. Plan Healthy Snacks
Concentration is key when you're driving long distances and being hangry definitely won't help. When the next gas station or restaurant is 1 hour away and you're getting crabby because you haven't eaten, you'll be happy that you packed plenty of nutrient packed snacks. I mean, how satisfying is gas station beef jerky, really? And with the Equinox's abundance of cargo space, you'll have no problem fitting in a cooler of your favorite drinks and snacks to keep you going on the road.
6. Have Fun!
Because it's the journey that matters, not the destination! Have an open mind, take your time, and be present in the moment. Safe travels!