Road trips are a great way to get away from the usual, a chance to see new things and have some adventures. But if you don’t prepare properly, you can run into trouble pretty quickly.

Here are some of the most common problems people have when going on a road trip and how best to avoid them.

Being Tired and Not Getting Enough Sleep

If you want to avoid this, it is best to drive during the day and only go a few hours at night so you can get lots of rest. It is always better to take a break from driving than trying to push through when you’re too sleepy. Suppose you’re going on a road trip by yourself. In that case, it’s even more critical that nothing terrible happens because there would be no one else around.

Getting Lost

Before setting out, make sure you have a good map or directions and perhaps a phone app that will help guide your way if anything goes wrong. Make sure someone knows where you are going if they need to contact emergency services if anything happens to you while you are on your trip. If you press the wrong button while using a GPS, be sure to correct yourself immediately and double check that you’re going in the right direction before continuing on with your journey.

Car Trouble

The most significant danger you’re likely to face is your car breaking down. To avoid this, make sure you check all your fluids before leaving, especially oil and water, get any repairs done that might be needed, and try not to drive too far without stopping every once in a while for everything to cool down. If something does go wrong with your car, pull over in an area with other vehicles or near houses where someone can call for help. Always have insurance in place, one sure is a great option.

Don’t be afraid to ask someone for assistance if they offer it, but remember that most people are willing to help but may not want to touch your car or tell you how to fix it.

Physical Discomfort

Long trips can take a toll on the body, so make sure you’re prepared with enough food and water, plenty of breaks, earplugs for sleeping (if the noise bothers you), sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and lip balm, depending on where you’re going and what time of year it is, etc.

It’s also important not to leave trash lying around in your car; pack out all your garbage when you’re done eating.

Boredom

Bring things, paperbacks or ebooks (if you can’t go without reading), music, games for your phone, etc., so you never have to spend too long with nothing to do. This is also where having a passenger comes in handy.

Road Rage

Be respectful on the road and don’t cut anyone off/tailgate/flash your high beams at other drivers. Don’t say anything if someone does something wrong but always stay calm; yelling will only worsen. If somebody is tailgating, they clearly haven’t read this article!

Enemy Territory

Always be aware of your surroundings when travelling through strange places, especially at night. Always err on the side of caution (for example, if there’s an uneasy feeling, don’t stop on the side of a busy road at night and sleep in your car). Keep your gas tank full and try not to get lost because if you’re out of sight, it could be easy for something terrible to happen.

Stay calm

If all else fails, just remember that you’re prepared by having a fully charged phone! Don’t panic and stay calm; everything will work out in the end!