Three key steps for planning a successful road trip

After spending months cooped up indoors due to COVID-19, the urge to pack up the car and discover new places is especially strong.

Whether you’re a couple looking for a quiet getaway or a family seeking kid-friendly fun, now is the time to take a road trip.

A little planning can go a long way to making your vacation go smoothly. Here are a few tips:

Plan ahead

The first step in planning a road trip is shopping for essentials that will leave you prepared for your journey’s many twists and turns. Don’t forget a first-aid kit that includes items such as bandages, hand sanitizer and Gravol.

And while the open road beckons, it’s best to leave with a route in mind.

Many provincial and regional tourism agencies have suggestions for driving tours, with all of the activities and adventures mapped out.

If you have a destination in mind, a quick online search of the route may uncover some unexpected stops along the way that will make the drive even more worthwhile.

If you’re travelling with children, some of the magic can be found in the little stops along the way. At the very least, it helps to cut down on the number of times the kids ask ‘are we there yet?’

If you’re travelling with older children or teens, it’s good to involve them in the trip planning, so they have stops that pique their interest.

And while planning is good, so is the freedom to expect the unexpected. It’s okay to change plans midway when a new opportunity arises.

Be ride-ready

It’s a good idea to take your vehicle in for a check-up a few weeks ahead of your trip. Have the oil changed, check the fluid levels, get the battery tested and the tires inspected.

You do not want to have to pull over on the side of the road.

Make sure you have a spare set of keys that one of your co-pilots can carry in their purse or backpack, if yours get lost.

Also, take an inventory of the emergency supplies in your vehicle. Make sure you have a flashlight with extra batteries, a basic tool kit with a wrench and jumper cables, emergency flares or reflectors and extra windshield washer fluid.

Pack right

When packing for your trip, don’t forget to keep Gravol handy in your glove box to make sure you and your family have a nausea-free road trip!

Gravol offers effective relief of nausea, vomiting and dizziness due motion sickness to make sure your road trip remains uninterrupted. Gravol is available in an Immediate Release and Long Acting caplet that provides up to 12 hours of nausea relief.

If you are travelling with little ones, Gravol Kids offers great-tasting and convenient chewable tablets. For those who are looking for a natural option, Gravol Ginger is made with certified organic ginger for non-drowsy relief from nausea and upset stomach.

Bring a cooler for drinks and snacks on the road, especially if you’re travelling with kids whose food cravings can be unexpected.

It’s also wise to check the weather reports and pack appropriate clothing for cool or rainy days.

Driving time is a great opportunity for some family fun. Pack card games and activities for kids and download some podcasts for times when you want everyone to sit still and listen.

Or, consider making a family playlist: Turn up the volume, and hit the road.