By Anna Geannopoulos
Taking a great American road trip has been on my to-do list ever since I bought a car in Savannah and realized that I somehow had to get it through 2,849 miles back to Portland, Oregon.
Now, at the end of my last spring quarter in Savannah, it is the perfect time to take a road trip. Not only am I moving back home, but unless we find another fuel source, in a couple years car travel might be forced into premature retirement. So instead of driving a grueling five days of straight travel, I’ve planned a 13-day camping get-away.
If, like me, you are called to the open road here is a checklist of things you must do/have before leaving:
1. Get your oil changed. Your car without oil is a ticking time bomb. You don’t want your engine exploding in the middle of a cornfield in Kansas.
2. Plan your route ahead of time. If the sheer idea of planning a trip overwhelms you, break it down into smaller bits. Pick three places you definitely want to go, chart your route there and see what your path runs into along the way. I advise making reservations early and compiling a folder of important information such as phone numbers and addresses of all places you’re staying, so you can call and tell your hotel that your engine blew up and you won’t be able to make it in tonight.
3. Budget your trip wisely. Make sure you leave enough money for gas so that you don’t get stranded halfway to your destination.
4. Plan for the worst. Driving through Tornado Alley? Look up warning signs of tornadoes and what to do if something strikes. Car breaks down? Consider investing in an AAA membership.
1. Prepare mentally for long hours on the road. Consider renting a couple audio books from your library. But know your limits. Long distance driving takes a lot of energy and patience. If you feel like you might fall asleep, pull over and rest. Falling asleep at the wheel traveling 80 mph down the highway is not a good situation.
Of course, there are many other things to consider before leaving on a road trip, but don’t let the great outdoors scare you. Go ahead and get out there. And don’t worry, I’ll be reporting from the road so you can learn from my mistakes.
