Rediscovering the freedom to travel brings with it a unique sense of excitement. Maybe you have retired early. Or you’re at a point in your career when you can finally find some flexibility that allows you to enjoy travel as you did in your 20s.
Perhaps your children have grown up and left home or gone to university?
Well, whatever your circumstances, there is nothing quite like being able to answer the open road call. And knowing some tactics to survive a road trip is just one part of your travel plan.
It’s your time now to plan another memorable road trip and remember the excitement of your youth.
9 Tactics to Survive a Road Trip
What are the best tips for surviving and enjoying road trips?
Here are nine good ones that should help you on your way.
1. Research your destination, check the details
Ensure you know as much about the country you will drive in as possible.
Look at the best places to make stops and plan daily so you can stop regularly and break up the journey.
But it’s also important to check health recommendations for the country you are visiting—do you need inoculations, and if you take regular medication, what happens if you lose it abroad?
Make sure all your existing vaccinations are up to date, too.
If you do have an underlying health condition, it is worth speaking to your doctor for advice about the country you are travelling to.
Check your travel insurance, too, and make sure you have all your paperwork to hand before you zip those suitcases closed.
2. Get a WISE Travel Card
Wise is a smart, cost-effective way to manage money across borders. With lower fees than traditional banks, it provides real exchange rates, meaning you save more on currency conversions.
Wise’s borderless accounts allow you to hold and manage multiple currencies, which is great for frequent travellers.
We love using Wise to manage our daily expenses. Spending is easy with the Wise app or our debit card.
3. Organise Data for the Road Trip
Airalo offers an innovative solution for travellers wanting to stay connected without the hassle or expense of roaming fees. Through its eSIM technology, Airalo provides affordable mobile data packages across over 190 countries, so you can enjoy a seamless online experience without swapping SIM cards.
No need to swap our SIM cards as the eSIM is digital.
When you need to top up, simply download the app to reload a data plan, and stay connected anytime, anywhere.
4. Download your City Walks of Europe
Grab your Self-Guided City Walks for stops along the way.
TravelKiwis City Walks offers a unique and interactive way to explore cities. It provides curated walking routes that highlight must-see attractions and hidden gems.
Ideal for self-guided travellers, these walks allow you to dive into a city’s culture, history, and local spots at your own pace. Each walk is thoughtfully designed, making it easy to navigate and perfect for those who want to experience the essence of a city.
For anyone seeking an authentic, flexible, and enriching travel experience, TravelKiwis is an excellent choice.
Find your city walk today.
5. Sort your Accommodation
Booking.com simplifies accommodation booking with its vast options, from luxury hotels to cosy homestays and Airbnb.
Known for competitive pricing, it offers flexibility with free cancellations and clear policies, so there are no surprises. The platform’s user-friendly interface, combined with customer reviews and ratings, helps you find the perfect place to stay that suits your budget and style.
Booking.com’s reliable service and global reach make it a trusted partner for travellers wanting quality and convenience.
Choose your accommodation with Booking.com.
6. Get your Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is necessary to cover unexpected medical emergencies, stolen or broken items and travel delays.
We use Cover-More Travel Insurance, a trusted name for travellers who provide peace of mind with comprehensive coverage options for all kinds of journeys. Their 24/7 global assistance means help is always a call away, making it a dependable choice for those who want to travel worry-free.
Covermore’s flexibility and extensive support network make it ideal for anyone looking to protect their trip investment and health abroad.
7. Take plenty of snacks and ideas to pass the time
Keeping yourselves occupied and laughing is a great way of livening up a road trip.
Everyone has their version of the license plate game; you should make one of your own. Get competitive! You need to get creative because you will spend much time in your car.
For snack ideas, eating fruit is always going to be a winner.
But also try to find some snacks that perhaps come from the local cuisine and educate yourself on them as you go around the country.
Try not to get hungry or thirsty while you are on the road. You want plenty of energy to explore the stops along the route.
Related Post: 20 Best Places to Visit in Italy
8. Aim to meet new friends
You are at a stage where you have the confidence to converse with almost anyone, so why not put that into practice?
Many people around the world would be interested in getting to know you. Like friends Bea and Jurgen, we met in Hoi An, Vietnam, and again in Hamburg, Germany, three years later.
In countries like Thailand, a smile can open doors, start friendships, and often bring a smile in return.
So, get out there, don’t be afraid to meet new people, and convey the kind of body language you would want to see in return.
You will be amazed at the results you get.
9. Let your hair down
You don’t need us to tell you, but age is just a number.
Travelling extensively when you’re over 50 is a great sign that you are young and have many more adventures ahead.
So, when you get to your destination, throw yourselves into it.
Eat and drink where the locals do.
Join in with their parties, watch the sunrise on the most beautiful beaches, and embrace the daily life of your destination.
It is a brilliant way to rediscover your love of travel and immerse yourself in the culture of a new place.
Remember to download these Free travel apps before you go and pack these essential items, too.
Now It’s Time to Plan
Driving allows you to be flexible with your schedule, too, so if you fall in love with a particular town, you can stay an extra day or two. It also puts you in a position to explore a little more.
You can follow your nose, wander, get lost, and rediscover the adventurous feeling you had many years ago.
Why not give it a go?
About the Authors
Terry and Maura (aka TravelKiwis) are creators of city walks. Originally from Wellington, New Zealand, they have travelled extensively throughout Europe on road trips. If you plan a road trip to Europe, check out what to see in their Destination blogs and City Walks.