As much fun as the summer has been, it’s time to start looking forward to a season of milder weather, brilliantly coloured leaves and crisp air. Summer might get all the attention, as far as seasons go, but you count discount fall’s many charms.
And to make the most out of fall, you have to go on a road trip. The peak of summer heat has subsided, meaning that the trip never feels uncomfortably sweaty; the rolling hills full of foliage make for a beautiful sight out the window; and campgrounds and hotels aren’t overflowing with peak season crowds.
But to get your fall road trip right, you’ll need to do some planning. Luckily, this article has all the key steps right here:
The Right Vehicle
Many urbanites don’t have a vehicle, either because they don’t have the money to purchase one outright, or they get by fine on public transit. You’ll need a vehicle for the road trip (obviously). But rather than buy one (a ridiculous expense for a small road trip) or rent one (one of the poorest price-performance services out there), consider the newly popular “car subscription service”.
Without going into too much detail, it’s a month-to-month vehicle subscription that works like a flexible lease – often used by contract employees or even fleet leasing for small businesses.
It’s also perfect for a road trip.
The Right Itinerary
Pick a route that offers scenic views, but also has amenities and rest areas along the way. Well-traveled routes will have an industry around them of restaurants, hotels, campgrounds, etc., while off-the-beaten-path routes may lack these entirely – at least for long stretches. Probably the best resource online for road trips is Lonely Planet: this list of North America’s best road trips is packed with fantastic ideas.
A Roadside Emergency Kit
These can be purchased in their entirety online, or you can tailor make one. If you choose the latter, make sure all the usual suspects are there: spare batteries, spare cell phone, flashlight, water, blankets, first aid kit, etc. The roads in fall aren’t as populated as in the summer time, so you might be waiting a while to flag another motorist. It’s best, therefore, to be prepared.
A Comprehensive Packing List
Do like Santa does: make a list and check it twice. If you plan on camping, have all your gear ready to go in the car before your day of departure (the most frustrating thing in the world is when you realize, the day of, that you can’t fit everything). Keep a cooler full of snacks and hydrating drinks, and pack enough clothes to last you until you can reach a washing machine. Fall is also famous for being fickle weathered, so pack for warmth and cold.
People You Love (Or at Least Like!)
Finally, the last ingredient in any great road trip, fall or otherwise, is your travel companion(s). Brainstorm games to play, either in the car or at a rest stop, and come mentally prepared with some topics of conversation.
The days might be getting shorter, but that doesn’t mean your trips can’t be long. Have fun out there on the road, and remember to take lots of pictures!