You just can’t beat the hitting the open road with friends and family to explore the outdoors and towns and cities along the way!
But, one needs to be prepared, especially when one’s family is on board!
So, here are some helpful tips we all need to take heed of, even us men!
Phone Holder
Over the past decade, laws on phone use while driving have increased and penalties have become harsher (and rightfully so). This has pushed the importance of hands-free phone kits.
Electronic Battery Pack
Charge before you leave your accommodation and use it to recharge your phone once it’s drained by maps and music. You can even use it to charge your portable music speaker and action camera.
First Aid Kit
Yes, boring but essential. If road tripping around somewhere with mediocre health care records, be sure to choose a first aid kit with needles, bandages, burn kit and antiseptics - and importantly, buy travel insurance before you leave. Also, if you are leaving the borders of your country, ensure that your medical aid will know and that you and your family will covered in case of emergency.
Neck Sleep Support
This item is not for the driver! If you are lucky enough to be the passenger and are prone to the nodding off, put this behind your head for a better sleep. This is a great travel gift as well.
Hand Sanitiser (antiseptic – liquid and wipes)
……..because you never know where you have to go to the loo. Baby wipes are great for cleaning hands and spills. I also suggest packing a few plastic bags for dirty shoes and food rubbish
Day Bag
Yes, “man bags” get a bad rap! But, you can fit a laptop, camera and a purse/wallet in a large bag during your road trip. It’s convenient and you will always know where to find your camera!
Waterproof Bag Cover
Keep your camera dry in potential downpours by covering up your day bag with a bag cover.
Mosquito/Midges Repellent
In warmer climates, mosquitos come out to play at dusk and are very irritating when trying to braai, sip on beer around the fire - or sleep!
High Factor Face Creams
Take skin cancer seriously, even in overcast weather the sun can have an impact.
Headtorch
This item is essential and will help out in all situations after dark!
Vehicle Check List
Before you get on the road for that long road trip, ensure you have everything in order. Some of the parts you must check out include:
Coolant Most new radiators have overflow bottles marked min and max water levels, which are easy to find. Older cars fill via the radiator cap. Never open them while the engine is hot or running. Top up with a 50 50 mix of water and antifreeze coolant.
Tyres The minimum legal tread depth is 3 millimetres. Get the right pressures at a filling station to avoid burning more fuel, wear the tyres and suffer poor handling.
Spare tyre
It is little worse than having to change a wheel, only to find the spare missing, flat or damaged. Also check the jack, its handle and the wheel spanner are there too.
Engine oil
Without oil, your engine will overheat, weld itself together and self-destruct. With the engine cold and the car level, check the dipstick. Top up as necessary via the cap at the top of the engine and give the oil time to run down to the sump before rechecking the level. Do not overfill.
Windscreen washer bottle It is difficult looking through smears of exploded flies and miggies, so top up your washer bottle before you leave. You can use a water and detergent mix. Also check your wiper blades for wear and replace if necessary.
Lights Go through all your lights, indicator, brake, dip, full beam and fog lights - one by one.
Fan belt Check for cracks in the rubber or excessive play. A prolonged shrieking while you are driving means either it is loose and slipping. Do not forget the timing belt too.
Hoses Park on a clean tarmac, then check underneath for oil or water leaks after a few hours. Even a small leak can lead to dangerously low fluid levels on a long journey.
Boot
This is the time to clear out your boot all unnecessary clutter. Your luggage will take up enough space!
All emergency equipment
Emergency equipment includes: flashlight, screwdrivers, pliers and an adjustable spanner. Although usually absent; flares, medical kits and fire extinguishers may come in handy in worse-case scenarios. Carry a reflective warning triangle too.