There’s a special kind of freedom in a road trip: the open road, changing scenery and the chance to stop wherever looks interesting. A little preparation makes the whole journey smoother.

Plan the route, not every minute

Decide where you’ll sleep each night and leave the days flexible. Aim for no more than four or five hours of driving a day so there’s time to explore.

The essentials

  • A check of tyres, oil and lights before you leave
  • Offline maps in case the signal drops
  • A cool box with water and snacks
  • A playlist long enough to surprise you
  • A small bag for each night so you don’t unpack everything

Leave room for detours

The best memories often come from unplanned stops: a scenic viewpoint, a roadside cafĂ©, a lake you didn’t know existed. Say yes to at least one each day.