Mistakes Every New Road-Tripper Makes

Road trips are an excellent way to explore the country. If you’re new to road-tripping, look out for these common mistakes every newbie makes. It’s okay, we’ve all made them a time or two!

Here are a few mistakes every new road-tripper makes at least once!

If you play your cards right, after your first road trip, you’ll be hooked on road-tripping for life. Road trips are an excellent time for exploration and unique experiences. But if you don’t plan accordingly, your trip could run amuck quickly. Here are some of the top mistakes every new road-tripper makes. Keep these in mind before you hit the open road for a successful trip.

Related: Tips on Preparing for Your Road Trip

#1 Mistake: Skipping A Tune-Up

If you’ve never taken a road trip before, you may not know the feeling of ending up on the side of the road in an unfamiliar town with car troubles. Preparing your car with some preventative maintenance before your trip is the best way to keep yourself and your passengers from having this experience. And, don’t forget to put air in your tires – or at least check them for air pressure.

#2 Mistake: Not Curating The Perfect Playlist

Don’t underestimate the value of entertainment on long drives. Fumbling with your phone on the road is unsafe, regardless of how far you’re going, so make sure you prep it before you leave. Curating a playlist specifically for your trip can make the drive even more exciting, so find music that correlates to the journey you’re embarking on.

#3 Mistake: Forgetting the Good Snacks

Healthy snacks will provide you with plenty of road trip energy—but don’t forget a couple of guilty pleasure snacks. Once you’re in the car, you won’t want to stop, and once you’re tired of eating carrot sticks and almonds, you’re going to wish you had a bag of chips. Don’t skip the healthy snacks altogether, but consider bringing a few of your favorites along, too.

Top Guilty Pleasure Road Trip Snacks

M&Ms
Pringles
Sour Candies
Combos
Cheese Crackers
Juicy Fruit Gum

#4 Mistake: Overplanning Or Under-Planning

Too much planning leaves zero wiggle room for mistakes or spontaneity. If you take a wrong turn, you may end up missing one of your planned attractions, or you may be so committed to the schedule that you can’t make room for unexpected attractions.

However, under-planning can leave you with just as much trouble. Create a basic idea of a few things you’d like to do along the way to make your trip more fun and memorable.

Related: 5 Smart Planning Tips For Your First Adventure

#5 Mistake: Failing To Do the Research

Today’s travelers have the luxury of plugging a phone GPS in and hitting the road. However, you should do a little research before just trusting your phone’s GPS. Check for alternative routes, construction, and everyday traffic patterns before committing to the path your phone suggests.

Road-tripping requires a lot more than finding a destination and hopping on the interstate. Take a look at these mistakes every new road-tripper makes before you plan your first adventure.