Guest Post Contributor: Donna of Good Home Health
Italian icon and starlet, Sophia Lauren stated the importance of vacation beautifully, and to the point, when she said, “I always try to have a vacation.”
Life is busy, and most people won’t disagree with you. Your work and personal life can often make you feel like you’re lacking some much needed “me” time and the best way to enjoy some downtime is by going on vacation. Even if you go away for the weekend or for a week, a good old-fashioned summer road trip can do wonders.
Consider these travel tips to ensure that your road trip is everything you hoped it would be this summer.
Don’t Stress Over an Itinerary
If you’re someone who loves or needs to have everything planned out in advance, try to rely less on your itinerary. While it’s important to plan the essentials like where to stay and where to go, but try to be a little more spontaneous.
The great thing about taking a road trip these days is that there are actually apps, like Roadtrippers, that will help you celebrate spontaneity while helping you do a little planning.
Allowing yourself to sit back and enjoy the scenery, rather than fret over the details, will likely make this summer’s road trip a little more memorable.
Get Rid of That Vacation Guilt
Many busy people have a hard time taking a vacation because they are afraid that there’s never a good time to take a trip or they just feel undeserving. If you want to ensure that you have an enjoyable time on your trip, you have to get rid of the guilt before you even hit the road.
Remember, everyone deserves a little time off, even you.
Make Sure Your Car is Road Ready
While airplane travel is faster and often times more convenient, you miss out on some of the best parts of a road trip. Before you hit the road, it’s essential to make sure your car is ready for the road.
Make an appointment with your trusted mechanic to get your fluids topped off, oil changed, brakes checked, and tires rotated (if necessary). Don’t forget to check your spare tire and make sure you have other “must haves” like a roadside emergency kit.
Be Smart About Your Use of Apps
Whether you’re downloading an app like GasBuddy to help you find the best gas prices or Spotify to create a road trip worthy playlist, use your apps wisely. Apps are a game changer in travel, but they can also be distracting. Distracted driving continues to be one of the biggest contributing factors in car accidents, so it’s important that you search for information before you start driving.
If you have a road trip buddy with you, put them in charge of looking at maps or playing DJ.
Try to Stick to Your Healthy Routine
Does sticking to your healthy routine mean that you should pass up on the roadside pie shop or a margarita with lunch? Absolutely not, but if you stick to your routine of eating healthily and exercising, you’re likely to feel better while on vacation.
Allow yourself to relax and even do a little more lounging, but find fun ways to relax such as doing yoga stretches by famous landmarks or challenging yourself to find the best vegan restaurant on your road trip.
