First-Timer’s Road Trip Essential Checklist
Throw your hair back, and let your hair down — there’s really nothing like going on a road trip! There’s just something magical about planning your own route, and being able to really explore a destination, all whilst having the flexibility of stopping whenever and wherever you want. If you’ve always wanted to go on one, here’s how to get started!
1. Sort out your car rental
A car is the hero of any road trip, and it’s imperative to arm yourself with a good one. Think about what kind of vehicle you’d like — do you want to go with a small nifty one that you can zip around with, or a comfortable SUV? Do you want a manual or automatic car, or anything goes?
Easily get your car rental covered with Klook, where you can pick from reputable car rental companies like Avis and Hertz. We love how transparent the whole process is — don’t we all hate hidden costs that only pop up later on? Even better: there are even free cancellations available. You’ll also be able to pick up and drop off your car at different destinations.
#KlookTip: Having a car is great for storing all that extra stuff — e.g. strollers and what-not — if you’re travelling with little ones in tow!
2. Double-check your insurance
When it comes to insurance, the more the better. Go for the full insurance! Other things to take note of are to name all the co-drivers if you have more than one driver, and check if the insurance covers the car’s windshield and tyres (not all do). Some travel insurance plans also include car rental excess cover, just as additional assurance.
You can select from the insurance options on the side panel when you book your car rental on Klook.
3. Download useful apps
If you’re feeling super daunted about the whole process, we feel you! Get started with the ‘Roadtrippers’ app, which is an all-in-one planning app.
Most rented cars will come with a trusty inbuilt GPS, but it’s always good to have a reliable SIM card on hand. However, if you intend on driving into mountainous areas such as The Grampians in Melbourne, it’s best to download offline maps — either on ‘Maps.Me’ or ‘Google Maps’ — just in case your signal drops. After all, you wouldn’t want to be stranded somewhere without knowing which direction to drive in. For navigation, ‘Waze’ is also gaining in popularity as a better alternative to Google Maps.
Do also make sure to check and research if the country you are heading to uses their own navigation apps. For instance, if you're driving in Korea, Google Maps doesn't work - it's best to download 'Naver Map' or 'Kakao Map' instead!
Costs can also rack up fast whilst you’re on a road trip — keep your spending in check with a budget tracker such as ‘TravelSpend’.
4. Apply for an International Driver’s Permit if needed
You’ll need an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) to drive in countries like Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, the U.S., and some European countries like Spain, France, and Italy. If you’re planning on going go-karting in Japan, you’ll also need an IDP!
For Singapore residents, you can apply for an IDP either online (processing and delivery will take up to ten working days) or directly at the Automobile Association in Singapore, where you can collect it on the spot. An IDP will be valid for a year from the date of issue.
5. Check on any required passes
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Tasmania
For destinations such as Tasmania, you’ll also need a National Parks Pass for entry into the National Parks! You’ll also need the pass to buy ferry tickets for Maria Island, or to obtain a free shuttle pass into Cradle Mountain (part of Lake St. Clair National Park).
6. Search for road closures
A fallen tree after a storm, or road maintenance works, can cause certain roads to be closed at certain times — throwing your original route out of array. Before you set out each morning, make it a habit to search for any possible road closures to properly plan your journey.
7. Pack light
As much as we’d like to just throw all our baggage into the car each day, things can get messy and overwhelming real fast. Boot space is limited, after all, and you won’t want your baggage to be eating into your legroom. Comfort is key when it comes to a road trip! We recommend packing light, and only bringing what you really need.
#KlookTip: Always have your essential items — think: water, medicine, wet wipes, or cash — within easy reach; perhaps in a small bag that you can keep in the front with you.
8. Plan a rough itinerary
As YOLO as we’d like to be, having a rough itinerary will definitely come in handy. We recommend booking your accommodations ahead of time so that you’ll have an idea of where you’ll need to drive to at the end of each day. It’ll also help keep you on track to reach your final destination where you’ll be returning your car. The in-between can then be adjusted on the go!
9. Cater extra time for photo stops
That being said, the beauty of going on a road trip is the utter flexibility to stop whenever and wherever you feel like it. See a scenic view along the way? Pull over (when it’s safe to do, of course) to snap a photo. See a hiking trail that wasn’t in your original plan? Simply find a parking lot, and lace up your shoes. It’s entirely up to you!
10. Take lots of breaks
Take it from us: driving fatigue is real. It might be tempting to make good time by going on and on, but drivers can burn out, or get sleepy, faster than they expect. Always take lots of breaks to rest your eyes and stretch your legs. It’s also important to clock enough sleep the night before for everyone’s safety.
#KlookTip: As a general rule of thumb, try not to drive longer than three hours in a go without taking a well-deserved break.
11. Set out on a full gas tank
We can’t emphasise this enough: never set out on an empty gas tank! Most car rentals will come with a full gas tank but, in the case that it doesn’t, always make a gas station your first stop. Besides, driving with the gas light on for extended periods of time can damage the car too.
12. Buy an automobile phone charger
Image credit: New York Times
In between navigating and taking lots of pictures, it’s natural for phone batteries to run out fast. On top of having a portable charger, one of your best buys will be an automobile phone charger. This charger has a USB port that plugs directly into the car’s cigarette lighter, allowing you to charge your phone on the road. It’s a total lifesaver!
13. Have a first aid kit on hand
Accidents happen, and that’s completely okay. All you have to do is to be prepared for such occurrences, and have a first aid kit in the car. Make sure your first aid kit contains items like antiseptic lotion, bandages, plasters, gauze pads, safety pins, antibiotic ointment, and adhesive tape.
#KlookTip: Don’t forget the tweezers too, which can come in handy for removing any pesky splinters.
14. Load up on snacks
Do we need to say more? Bring on the chips and M&Ms, it’s going to be a party. This is especially so on days when you’re looking to clock a greater distance without sufficient time to stop for a sit-down lunch (but don’t forget to take many short breaks!).
15. Create a sing-along playlist
Tell us, what’s your road trip jam? Create a playlist of all your favourite sing-along tracks to belt at the top of your lungs or, if it’s easier, simply hit any of the road trip Spotify playlists. Our favourites include ‘Songs to Sing in the Car’, and ‘Roadtrip Sing-along Songs’.
#KlookTip: If you’re worried about a spotty connection, Spotify also allows you to download playlists for offline listening pleasure.
16. Know how to change a tyre
One of the most common road trip mishaps would be a blown tyre, perhaps from just running over a nail on the road. Roll up your sleeves, and learn how to change a tyre before you embark on your road trip.
P.S. Don’t forget to check that your car has a spare tyre before setting off. If you’re doing a winter road trip, make sure your car has winter tyres too.
Your road trip awaits!
Here are some ideas for your next road trip:
