First timer road trip survival guide
It's that time of year: school's out (though work is probably still a thing), the warm weather has hit, and Australia's colourful collection of summer music festivals are set to kick off.So you've just got your P's or have had them for a while but are on your way to your first summer of on the road freedom. Get excited, guys! But first: get road-trip-ready. Here is what you need to know before you head off on your first road trip with your friends.
Prepare
Your destination may only be an hour away, but that shouldn't change your car-prep steps. To make sure you get to your festival destination on time and in one piece, take a moment to consider the unlikely but inconvenient 'what ifs'. What if you get a flat tyre en route or your car battery goes kaput? Make sure someone kinda knows how to change a spare tyre, and chuck in a set of jumper leads, if you can, because it's better to be safe than sorry, right? Especially when you're driving with four friends who are raring and ready for a boogie.
Pack
Sometimes a car boot isn't as spacious as you think, so don't be that person who packs just about everything they own to take to a music festival. Even if you're committing to the mother of all music festivals that goes for five days and four nights, you just need the basics. Hot tip: prioritise packing extra undies over that fifth t-shirt you won't wear – fresh is always best.
Fuel up
If you're a passenger, donate some dosh to cover your petrol share. Just because it's your friend's car doesn't mean you shouldn't chip in. Your mate is driving you, after all, and all you're required to do is eat, sleep and repeat.
Playlist
There's nothing worse than getting into a car for a long-haul drive and realising that the playlist isn't organised. A little effort goes a long way, so avoid the track-skipping with a pre-made playlist. Ask your friends to add their tunes prior to taking off and all you'll need to do is hit shuffle and cruise into the sunset.
Snacks
This one's easy: pack enough snacks to satisfy your appetite – but don't eat them all in the car before you even arrive. (Yes, this can be a challenge.) Choose your food items carefully: refrain from snacks that are likely to give you food poisoning after a few hours out of the fridge, and don't pack items that will melt after a hot trip in a car.
Other things you may have forgotten that we're here to remind you about
- Don't forget a first-aid kit, insect repellent and sunscreen. Summer is known for hot sun and hungry mosquitos
- Once you've arrived and parked, think of a smart and safe spot to store your car key. It's a small object that could easily get lost. If that happened, you'd be in an annoying – and potentially expensive – pickle.
- Have fun
Related: 10 things you’ll only understand if you’ve travelled 200km with a toddler
Related: Four fun games for summer road trips
Related: Five tips for travelling in road-trip convoy
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