If you love your car, you will find that the lure of the road is inevitable; whether the desire to travel is within or you just want to break out your beloved motor to experience all it has to offer; there is a richness to a long road trip that you can’t find when flying or catching a train. When you’re in control of the wheel, there are no restrictions, no rules and you can go wherever you desire. Before heading out, there are some guidelines you should follow to ensure you make the most of your time on the road.
Check your Car
A week before you head out on your road trip, be sure to check your vehicle. These checks will be the difference between a life-changing road trip and a long agonising drive back home; simple checks such as fluid levels, brakes, and tyres will save you from the inevitable ‘what if’ reflection, if you’re unlucky enough to break down; do everything you can to ensure that it’s not due to your negligence. If you are travelling through foreign countries, be sure to check that your car meets the standards required in said countries.
Lastly, If your number plates are cracked, broken, faded or have any marks obscuring the lettering, then they’re considered illegal, so your first point of call will be to replace these.
Clean your car
Whilst the best intentions to keep your car pristine are set out in the beginning, the likeliness of that continuing to happen is small. Many of us tend to use one side of our car as a dumping ground for all wrappers, empty water bottles and sports gear. Starting afresh with your vehicle is imperative for an enjoyable journey, so grab a bin bag and start cleaning! It’s also wise to note that along the trip, it may be helpful to do mini cleanouts to keep up the standard of your perfectly clean car.
Have a plan (not a rigid one)
If you are a true adventurer, then the sound of a plan seems like an unlikely thing to do, but it’s always good to have a backup when travelling solo. Be sure to make a rough route, so you can check in advance all routes are clear; because things are never going to go your way entirely, no matter how lucky you are! If you want to leave most of the adventure up to the ways of the road; be sure to map out the amount of hours per day you will drive and where you will get some shut-eye. Taking a tent along with you is always a great idea, especially in hot climates; simply stop in a suitable place and get some much needed sleep, however, if camping is not your style, have an idea of hostels/hotels that you can settle down in for the night.
Stick to scenic routes
No one likes the motorway; but if you’re going on a roadtrip, then the motorway will become your worst enemy. The long straight road, which often seems like a never ending journey should be avoided at all costs to ensure you stay alert and your senses stay invigorated. Now, we’re not suggesting that country roads will always be the best alternative, but they definitely offer more adventure and an opportunity to see new sights.
Make the best playlist
There’s not much that beats driving along, listening to your favourite music as loud as possible, with adventure on the horizon; so, be sure to build up the perfect playlist for all types of driving. Whether it’s a relaxing cruise engulfed by the sunset or meandering around some beautifully built mountain roads, the music you play will enhance the experience tenfold, releasing a euphoric sense of freedom. Think Steppenwolf – Born to be wild, Talking heads – Road to nowhere and War- Low Rider.
Prepare, Prepare, Prepare
Whilst most road trips are problem free, it’s best to be prepared for any incident. It’s always suggested that you take an emergency breakdown kit in the car with you at all times, especially in cold weather; with that in mind, for an extended trip, be sure to double up on the essentials. Include a jerry can of petrol, a spare wheel, blankets, extra clothing, tinned food and bottled water, as well as a real map and sharpie; just in case technology fails you!
Where to go?
With preparation covered, the best bit of the planning can get underway; where to go? With Europe on our doorstep, there really is an incredible amount of places to go that will take your breath away; here are some of our top picks.
Verdon Gorge circuit, France.
Provence has always lured drivers in from across Europe, offering up beautiful scenery, weather and food. Rise from the market towns to the highly perched villages with vaulted streets, driving higher and higher until finally, you reach the Verdon Gorge; Europe’s answer to the Grand Canyon, just as spectacularly breathtaking. Offering an enthralling drive for the more daring drivers, the drop is some 2,000ft deep, keeping you alert at all times. Enjoy the winding roads down the curve around the majestic Sainte-Croix lake. This is a drive for the adventurer and will most definitely be an experience remembered for a lifetime.
North coast 500, Scotland.
One of the most famous routes in the UK; this trip is a favourite amongst thousands of car enthusiasts. Drive your way up to Scotland and take yourself around the beautiful circular route across 500 miles of road, running to and from the coast of Inverness, this route shows off some of the best scenery Scotland has to offer. Loop your way around the Applecross Peninsular, which offers a truly mesmerising view. With any of time of year being perfect for this route, there are no limitations as to when you can endeavour on this Scottish journey.
Col de Turini, France.
One of the most famous driving routes in Europe, this incredible road was first featured on Top Gear in series 10, when Jeremy and co were searching for the greatest driving road in the world. A challenging, yet rewarding drive, with long straights linking 34 hairpin bends. At it’s highest point, the road reached 1607 metres, offering some exceptional views. With rock on one side and a large drop on the other, it’s definitely not a road to lose concentration on, but once you’re at the bottom, it will leave you with a thrill to remember.
Atlantic Road, Norway.
As the official website states ‘Welcome to one of the most amazing road trips in the world’. Situated in Norway, this spectacular 5 mile long road rivals some of the most iconic American routes; with 8 breathtaking bridges over the ocean, it has become an attraction for drivers across the globe. Connecting a chain of Norwegian islands, the road offers twists, turns and stunning views. On a clear sunny day, you can spot whales and seals in the waters below, however when the weather turns on you, you can find yourself driving through a water storm of great strength, this is when you can witness some spectacular (albeit a little scary) views. A route that should be of top priority to any daring adventurers.
With preparation covered and some inspiration to fuel your adventurous fire, where will you be heading in 2017?
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