Tips for Road Travel

All set for a road trip? I have taken several of them since I was six or seven years old. These road journeys were family holiday tours within South India. The longest among my road trips were the three times I took the road journey from Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) to Mumbai (Maharashtra) and vice versa. It is over 12 years since I took such very long road trips – yet I cherish my memories of traveling through different States, terrains and different cultures. I still travel by road – but often restricted to within Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Here are a few pointers to consider for road travel:

Before you begin your road journey:

• Buy a road map and will work as your good companion during your drive.
• Plan your route.
• Identify points where you may want to take a break or stay at a hotel, if the journey is long.
• Talk to your friends and colleagues, who know the route. They may be able to guide you better – in terms of condition of the road etc.
• Ensure your car is in good condition. Servicing your car, before your journey.
• Take along your driving license and documents of your car including insurance.
• Fill your fuel tank, a day before your start your journey.

On Road

• Take break every two or three hours or whenever you feel tired or drowsy. If there are multiple people in the car, who drives, let them take over (if you are not comfortable driving long hours). Better avoid night travel during long journeys.
• If you are taking breaks ie; if you take your break at the end of your first day travel, on your way to your final destination; if time permits, you can visit the nearby park or go shopping at night.
• Try to get a good sleep at night to continue your next day’s long journey.
• Keep a book / notepad. If you aren’t driving alone, and if you have company, you can ask him/her to jot the places, distances, major spots and funny incidents.