Traveling by airplane is a convenient way to get around. It’s an especially good option if you’re traveling out of the country or you’re traveling overseas. Although it’s convenient and fast, it isn’t your only option.
Going on a road trip can be a lot of fun, even if it will take you longer to get to your destination. Not to mention, it can be cheaper, and it can provide you with more freedom.
You’ll save even more money because you don’t have to check any bags when you travel by car! However, you do have to pack your car carefully. Not only can the way you pack affect your safety, with limited space, you don’t want to run out of room.
Consider a Trailer for Large Items
One of the best reasons to hit the road over hopping on a plane is the amount of stuff you have to bring. Especially if some of that stuff is large, bulky, and awkward, like canoes, bicycles, or snow skis.
If you have items like these to bring along with you, consider packing them on a trailer attached to the back of your car. Although you can secure them to the top of your vehicle, they can make your vehicle top heavy. This can increase your chances of a rollover, which is one of the most dangerous types of car accidents, with 30 percent of passengers being killed in this kind of accident.
Pack Your Bags With Saving Space in Mind
Avoid the temptation to just toss stuff in your bags. Although it makes packing faster, it also takes up more space if you don’t carefully pack each item. You’ll ultimately end up needing to pack more bags, and the more bags you have, the less room you’ll have in your car.
Instead of folding items in your bag, roll them to save space. Space saving bags are also a good option, as they can remove the air from your clothing, so you can pack more in a smaller space.
Have a little extra space when you’re done? Avoid the temptation to fill it. It’s always good to have a little space left over so you have plenty of room to put items that you may pick up on your travels.
Pack a Small Carry-on To Keep in the Front Seat
When you get on a plane, you pack bags to check and you pack a carry-on. You should do the same when you take a road trip so something important doesn’t end up in a bag at the back of your trunk.
Things you should pack in a carry-on include:
- Sweater or jacket
- Hats, gloves, and scarves
- Gum and snacks
- Medication
- Lotion
- Makeup and lip balm
Put Items You Will Need Closest To the Door
Packing a carry-on style bag to keep inside the cabin of the car is only the first step. There are other items you may need to take on your road trip, and they should be placed as close to the door as possible.
For example, you may want to bring a Bluetooth speaker, a hand warmer, and a book to enjoy when you get to your destination, but you may realize you want those items while you’re in the car too. Keep these kinds of items close to the door and pack items you won’t need until you get to your destination, like swimsuits and ski gear, in the back.
Strategically Pack Bags To Keep the Rear View Mirror Unobscured
If you’re going on a long road trip or you’re traveling with multiple people, it won’t take long before your bags pile up in the back. Although you technically have the space to keep piling bags, you should stop short of the rear window.
Every car has plenty of blind zones without you adding another one to the list by piling bags all the way up to the ceiling. Purchase organizational trunk bags, put clothes in space saving bags, and rethink exactly what you need to make sure you can still see clearly out of your rear window.
You have many options when it’s time to travel. If you’re ready to hit the open road, make sure you know how to pack. When you’re careful about what items you pack and where you pack them, you can increase safety, find what you need when you need it, and save a little space for items you purchase on your travels.
