When vacation time rolls around, everyone looks forward to a well-deserved break. You’ve been saving and planning for months, and the day has finally arrived to go on your big adventure. But are you prepared for every eventuality and possible problem? Here are five of the most common road trip disasters you might encounter and how you could fix them.
Vehicle Breakdowns
Saving for a vacation is hard work, but it’s worth it when you get to hit the road without the stress of daily life. While you might have allowed enough money for accommodation, food, and fuel, have you set any aside for unexpected costs? A vehicle breakdown is one of the most common problems a traveler can face, and not everyone has the funds to cover the expenses. If that’s the case, fast loans could be necessary.
You can choose a cash loan from a reputable lender with affordable repayment terms, then worry about paying it back in manageable installments once your holiday is over. A vehicle breakdown can be an inconvenience on your road trip, but it doesn’t have to spell the end of it.
Reception Loss
Mobile phones have become a staple of daily life. By 2025, most people are expected to use them for the majority of their internet needs, and over two-thirds currently use theirs for travel.
Smartphones are so convenient and reliable that you never stop to think that not everywhere in the country has the means for them to operate. If you want to avoid being lost in the middle of nowhere with no reception to load your GPS or make a call, then plan your travels with that thought in mind.
Download your maps for offline viewing, and consider researching which parts of the country have patchy reception. Always alert a friend or family member if you are going to be out of range for some time.
Car Sick Travelers
At least one in three people are susceptible to motion sickness, which doesn’t always make them the best travel buddies! If you’re going on a road trip, ensure you are prepared. Bring bags for unexpected situations, eat ginger candy, and try motion sickness medication. The more prepared you are, the better your chances of avoiding those sudden stops.
Traffic
Traffic can hold you up for hours, and it’s particularly bad in Boston, Washington, and Chicago. If you don’t want your entire schedule to be put off by traffic you didn’t expect, then avoid traveling at peak hours. Leave home early to avoid the morning crowds, then time your breaks so that you’re off the roads when you expect them to be the busiest. Traffic can cause anyone to lose their cool, but a bit of research beforehand can ensure it’s less of a problem.
Running Out of Fuel
When you’re traveling in an unfamiliar part of the country, you aren’t going to know when the next fuel stop is. Without that knowledge, you won’t even know if you’re going to make it to the next one or not. Plan your stops in each town and work out how many miles to the gallon your vehicle can do. All this information can protect you from having to wave down passers-by for help from the side of the road.
If you want your next vacation to go off without a hitch, all it will take is a bit of planning. Consider fast loans for those unexpected repair costs, and create a plan for reception losses, fuel, and traffic. You can then hit the road, knowing you have full control over what comes next.