June 28, 2022
Ten Tips for Your Next Road Trip
In between piso-fare promos and ambitious travel bucket lists, it’s not at all surprising that people fly more often these days. While does make old-school road trips seem like a things of the past, it’s not actually the case. You just have to look around and see all the new cars everyone’s driving around to know that Filipinos are more capable now more than ever to take to the road.
That aside, there is still that undeniable, romantic allure of going on a road trip that you can’t experience on board a plane. If that’s what you are looking for this summer, here are some tips that can help you preserve the romance of a travel classic.
1. Clean your car before and during your trip.
This is a real no-brainer but let’s get this out there. Clean your car- inside and outside. Go ahead, leave the napkins, gum wrappers, receipts, and cigarette butts under the seat. By the time you’re halfway to your destination, you’ll be sorry.
A road trip can be a messy affair no matter where you go and being confined to hours on end on such close quarters like your car, the accumulated junk and minor filth that you didn’t clean-up will drive you mad.
2. Lay out a flexible schedule.
Delays are one thing you can count on when going on a road trip. This can be from a friend running an hour late to the meet-up point or unexpected detours due to road construction (in the Philippines, you’d notice that a lot of major road works are always done during the summer). If you’ve been on a lot of road trips, you know by experience that some things just won’t go your way- be ready for that.
3. Anticipate trouble spots. If you’ll be going out on a long trip, chances are you’ll likely find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time, like being at a toll booth at rush hour or driving out south on a long holiday. You’ll want to plan your trip ahead so that you can avoid these trouble spots or at least minimize how long you’ll be there.
4. Divide labor among your passengers.
Some people can read maps, some can’t even to save their own lives. Some are good at planning (and cooking) good meals, while there are those who think that a big bag of chips are enough. When it comes to your road trip companions, know who does what the best and what really matters to your friends. We all have our own personal preferences, after all. This way, you can get a lot more done efficiently and to everyone’s satisfaction, or at least, minimal complains and whining.
5. Pack light to make room for souvenirs.
Who knows what kind of cool knick-knacks you’ll be running into when you’re on the road? It’d be a shame if you can’t bring home all the cool souvenirs if your travel bags are filled with luggage.
6. Bring a spare car key.
You’ll never know when it’ll come in handy. With spare keys, it’s better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. Sometimes the excitement of stopping over to rejuvenate with a drink or merienda can make you forget the key inside the vehicle so before you even go imagine throwing a rock on that car window to retrieve the keys, make sure to keep a spare one with you at all times.; yes, you read that right, keep the spare with you, not inside your bags.
7. Always let someone know where you are.
Text someone, either a friend or a family member, where you are on the road and where you are planning to stay. On the off chance that anything happens to you and the group, it’s good to have somebody know where to pinpoint your last known location.
8. Ask a local where to eat.
Nine times out of 10, a local can point you to the best places to eat. If you’re too shy to ask, do some research to find out the local specialty so you can be sure you and your friends won’t be missing out on important food trips.
9. Sign up for a road assistance service.
If summer road trips are an annual tradition between you and your friends, it’s not uncommon to encounter common car troubles. If you’ve tried everything to no avail, it’ll be a smart investment to sign up for a road assistance service. Whether it’s a flat tire or engine problem and you’re in the middle of nowhere at night, road assistance services can help out. Or maybe just get motor insurance from us so you’ll be entitled to our COCOGEN Road Pal Rescue.
10. Take pictures but don’t make it all about the pictures.
The onset of social media has left a lot of people focused on taking great pictures instead of actually creating lasting memories. Go on adventures and take pictures to remember them! You didn’t drive all the way just to fill your camera’s memory card. It doesn’t hurt to post on social media as long as you don’t forget to bask yourself in the experience itself.
What are you waiting for? Go pack your bags, buckle up, roll down your windows and let your hair down because this 2016, you can make another summer to remember!
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The author of this article contributed in their own personal capacity. The views expressed are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of COCOGEN Insurance
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