6 things to check before going on a road trip

For a road trip without bad surprises

Synonymous with travel, discovery and adventure, the road trip convinces every year more. Is this your case? In this case, do you have all the things you need to know in mind before you go? From health insurance to preparing the backpack, here are 5 things you shouldn't overlook.

1. The budget for your road trip

In a road trip, the budget is in all points determining. Depending on the money set aside, you can actually expect to go more or less far. Road-trip in Brittany or New Caledonia? Just take a look at your accounts.

In addition to the cost of the trip, it is also important to identify the cost of your daily expenses so that you can plan the duration of your trip accordingly.

Finally on the budget side, also consider including that of a technical control if you ever plan to travel with your own vehicle. This step is important: it allows you to leave behind the wheel of a secure vehicle in perfect condition.

2. Safety and checking of the car

Speaking of safety, it is essential to do a few checkpoints on your vehicle before leaving for a long road. It is better to manage unpleasant surprises upstream (at home, and in your country), rather than having to endure the galley urgently, and in another language: this could cause you to lose several days on your itinerary.

So here are the 7 points to check on your vehicle:

• Tires: check pressure and wear before setting off.
• The brakes: whether it is the wear of the pads or the level of brake fluid.
• The oil level: very easy to check using the dipstick provided for this purpose.
• Coolant: check the cold engine.
• Wiper blades: replace approximately every year.
• Windshield washer fluid: this will prevent a hassle with a rag.
• Air conditioning: consider recharging with gas or planning to change the filters. A revision costs between 60 and 150 €.

The most reassuring will be to have your garage serviced before leaving. Unless of course you are a mechanic at heart and you feel like ordering the parts (on sites like piecesdiscount24.com) and changing them yourself.

3. Travel companions

Indispensable before going on a road trip: the choice of your travel companions! Yes, going alone, as a couple, with friends or with family is decided well in advance and is fraught with consequences. Whatever your choice, be sure to share the same interests with your fellow travelers!

4. The road-trip itinerary

Planning the route of your trip is one of the funniest steps for road trip enthusiasts: this is when the trip starts to become real!

Plan your route in particular based on:

• the length of your trip;
• your personal tastes (sea, mountains, countryside, deserts…?);
• the characteristics of your vehicle. A city dweller, for example, will have a hard time walking around the New Mexico desert. Opt instead for a 4 × 4;
• of course, the budget.

5. The culture of the country

Every budding or experienced traveler should find out about the country they are going to visit in advance. On the one hand, it is more comfortable to blend into the territory, but also more respectful of the locals. Before leaving, find out about local customs, but also special taxes, driving rules, the general condition of the roads or even local food.

6. Documents to remember

Last step before leaving: take stock of the essential documents to take with you, so as to be prepared for any eventuality. Here is a list of the most important:

• your identity documents: identity card, passport;
• your national or international driving license depending on the country to visit;
• your health insurance card

Also remember to e-mail yourself a copy of all these important documents in case of loss or theft on the spot.

With these tips, all you have to do is prepare your road trip in peace.