Taking a road trip during the fall is a savvy move. The roads are undoubtedly quieter without the crush of summer sightseers. Tourist hotspots will be less bustling, and the cooler weather means you don’t need to battle the intensity of the summer sun.
While everything on paper looks good, you may still have some road-trip anxiety — everyone wants their annual sojourn to go well, after all.
Read on to learn how to avoid any speed bumps this fall on your on-the-road adventure.
Get Your Car Checked
First, if you’re bringing your own vehicle and not renting one, take it to your mechanic for a once-over and a tune-up. Under-inflated tires, low oil or worn-out belts — to name just a few car ailments — can truly derail a well-planned trip.
Have a Plan in Case of an Emergency
A designated emergency fund is your greatest form of defence in case of the unexpected. If you have the capacity, set aside a portion of cash before you set off.
If your emergency fund isn’t enough, a line of credit or credit card can provide you with cash flow in quick time in case your car breaks down or needs repairs mid-trip.
Research online the types of loans available in Canada before you go, making sure to prioritize and highlight loans that you don’t have to pay fees for, like interest— with the typical exception being any draws that you make against your account.
Keep in mind that a loan should not be used to go on vacation; instead, it’s a safety net in case of an emergency — like your car requiring urgent repairs to get you home for work on Monday morning.
Check Your Insurance
If you’re staying within the country or in the same province, it’s unlikely your insurance will be impacted. Still, you should check in with your provider to familiarize yourself with your package and see if there are any limitations before you set off.
Generally speaking, car insurance doesn’t cover breaking down or mechanical failure.
Download Road Maps
You’d be remiss to assume your data will reach everywhere you go; this is especially true if you’re heading to a far-flung location.
Prepare in advance by downloading an offline map that follows your planned route. If you want to double down, go old school and invest in a paper atlas, too.
Pack Strategically
The great thing about a driving vacation is that you’re not too limited when it comes to packing. That said, it’s best not to go overboard and over-complicate matters.
Some pertinent items — beyond clothing and toiletries — that should make the cut include:
- Car paperwork.
- A first aid kit — don’t forget your health card, too.
- Sunscreen and bug repellent. Yes, it’s fall, but here in Canada —as you likely know — the weather can change on a dime!
- Jumper cables — just in case!
- Snacks and a refillable water bottle — always handy if you’ve got long rides between destinations with little infrastructure in between.
- Another failsafe in case your battery dies or you lose signal — a printed list of your accommodations, their addresses, and their phone numbers.
The Takeaway
Hitting the road for an extended period can be stressful. However, by preparing your car and your finances and downloading details in advance, you’re setting yourself up for a smooth trip that will go down in the books as a vacation of a lifetime!
