Print directions – Road trip tip

by Gadling Staff on

With the invention of GPS, many people may be tempted to forgo carrying printed directions for their road trip. However, physical directions and a detailed map of the area are necessary in many situations where GPS may fail. Example problems with a GPS include:

  • A slow or weak signal which prevents the unit from updating;
  • The GPS doesn’t recognize streets in some rural areas;
  • The device could die or malfunction;
  • The unit can be insistent, taking you in circles, and not allowing you to try another path;
  • The device doesn’t always find the best way around unexpected road construction or detours.

While technology is wonderful, a good map can save you a lot of frustration.

Bring change – Road trip tip

by Gadling Staff on

Stock your console with a few handfuls of change.

Loose quarters, dimes, and nickels can be used to pay for toll road travel, might come in handy if your cell phone battery dies and you need to make an emergency call, or if you need a late-night cup of coffee from a gas station to keep you going just one more hour down the road.

You’ll also be glad you brought along loose change if you need to make an unscheduled stop at a carwash or Laundromat — like when you spill that cup of coffee in your lap.

Buy a power inverter – Road trip tip

by Gadling Staff on

A power inverter is a small device that plugs into your car cigarette lighter and outputs electricity through a standard grounded socket, converting DC power from the car battery into AC 110-volt power just like you have in your house. You can plug literally anything into your power inverter: a blow dryer, air mattress pump, video game, cell phone, computer, etc.

It’s great for on-the-go entertainment — or for solving last-minute emergencies.

Have a scavenger hunt – Road trip tip

by Gadling Staff on

On road trips, consider a scavenger hunt.

Before departure, the adults on the trip are charged with learning about interesting things online that we may see on our way. We give each person a list of things to look for and try to take a picture or draw a picture of what that item is when we see it.

Prizes are awarded at each pit stop and are usually a postcard or key-chain from that stop. It’s fun to see who collects the most “trophies” from each trip.

Ask the locals – Road trip tip

by Gadling Staff on

Don’t be shy about asking for tips, advice, or suggestions. After all, locals know the place better than you.

“Driving late one night on business through downtown Mitchell, South Dakota, the Corn Palace was an intriguing site. Sitting at my hotel bar that evening with a glass of wine, I struck up a conversation with a Mitchell couple who sat near me. Their pride in community was evident, regarding both chosen career paths as well as inside knowledge of local landmarks. Their willingness to talk about Corn Palace history gave me insight beyond local travel brochures and internet websites. The next morning, I made a point to visit the Corn Palace, with better appreciation thanks to that local couple!”