Planning Your Summer Road Trip
Who doesn’t love a good road trip? In DoneDeal HQ, plans are well and truly underway for exploration during the summer months. Some seek adventure along the Wild Atlantic Way, others have festivals or events to attend but one thing remains paramount. Regardless of your road trip plans, there should always be an element of preparation to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and memorable journey. Start by making sure you have enough time to select a route that offers scenic views and interesting stops. Motorway driving is usually the fastest route admittedly but not always the most interesting or memorable. Research your destination and intermediate stops to book accommodations in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
It is imperative to ensure your vehicle is road-trip ready by having it serviced, checking tyre pressure, fluid levels, and battery health. Packing smartly is essential; include items like a first-aid kit, spare wheel or pump kit, tools, and plenty of water and snacks. Utilise apps for navigation with live traffic updates such as Waze or Google Maps and don’t be afraid to deviate a little, to discover points of interest. Lastly, plan for entertainment during long stretches to keep passengers engaged and comfortable. Little ones might have consoles that will need charging at some point, so make sure you have the ability to charge with the correct USB A or C which, is in most vehicles now. Using our handy ten checks below should help with your road trip preparation.
10 Checkpoints for a Road Trip
Vehicle Maintenance: Schedule a comprehensive service check, including oil change, brake inspection, and tyre check.
Tyre Pressure and Tread: Ensure tyres are properly inflated and have sufficient tread for legal and safe driving.
Fluid Levels: Check all fluids, including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windscreen washer fluid and fill to the indicated maximum.
Battery Health: Make sure the battery turns the car over strong ahead of starting. A weak battery may indicate it isn’t holding sufficient charge.
Emergency Kit: Pack an emergency kit with first-aid supplies, flashlight, jumper cables, cable ties and basic tools.
Navigation Tools: Download navigation apps for reliable guidance on your phone and pair to your vehicle. Many cars have offline maps should you get stuck.
Accommodation Bookings: Reserve accommodations in advance to avoid last-minute hassles and ensure availability.
Entertainment Options: Prepare music playlists, audiobooks or games to keep passengers entertained and don’t forget to charge consoles/devices.
Travel Documents: Carry necessary documents such as driver's license, insurance papers, and anything else you feel you might need.
Snacks and Hydration: Stock up on healthy snacks and plenty of water to stay energised and hydrated throughout the trip. If you feel tired, take a break!
These preparations can help ensure your summer road trip is safe, smooth, and enjoyable, allowing you to focus on making lasting memories. Summer can be all too short here in Ireland so from all of the team in DoneDeal we wish you a happy and safe road trip.
