Tips for first-time road trip travellers

We’ve all been there: you’re driving in an unfamiliar area with your spouse; one of you is behind the wheel, while the other frantically tries to decipher the map in order to exit the freeway on the right off-ramp.

If you’re like me; you’ve been stuck with the navigating job, and if you’re (even more) like me; you’ve missed the correct off-ramp once or twice (or three times).

Going on road trips can be a taxing and slightly stressful situation to find yourself in with your partner, but the good news is that it doesn’t have to be! With just a little planning ahead of time, and perhaps a hefty dash of patience (from both parties) it’s very easy to ensure that your road trip goes as smoothly as possible, without any terse words to spoil your adventure.

Here’s a list of the most pertinent “do’s and don’ts” that came up in our recent road trip through Namibia.

Do:

Research where you are going. Do they drive on the same side of the road as you are used to? Will you be using a manual or automatic car? Are road tolls to be paid in cash or by card?
Take pictures! It may seem strange to take pictures whilst on the road (don’t take them while you are driving unless you’re a passenger!), but once the trip is over, having those pics of you and your spouse laughing over car games, or strange sights along the way will be a welcome reminder of your trip.
Download music (or a music app) to your phone. Sometimes long car trips pass through areas of no mobile signal, meaning that any music streaming services are interrupted. Depending on where you are going, Spotify or Deezer might not have full access on all roads, particularly if you are going into rural areas. Spend the extra few dollars and buy an album (or audiobook, if that’s your thing) to listen to when the signal inevitably dies.
Learn to read a map. Google maps will only get you so far, and not all roads are visible on it. Learn. To. Read. A. Map. (This is a note to self, as much as it is to any reader).
Ask locals where to eat. They have the inside info on where’s good, and can tell you whether that Lonely Planet/Trip Advisor stop is really worth your while.
Cash is king: Carry local currency, as well as some USD/Euro/relevant other currency in the event there are no ATMs or other outlets to pay via card. While some countries allow you to purchase visas before arrival, many others you can buy at the border, and it is always just SO MUCH EASIER if you have the correct change and currency for payment. Same goes for toll booths; on previous holidays we’ve gotten caught, not realizing that toll booths ONLY accept cash or credit card; not debit card. Avoid the hassle and have your bases covered ahead of time.
Research at least some of the stops, particularly if you are in very rural areas. When you’re out in the desert, one wrong turn can set you back several hours of driving time. Research whether it’s really worth your time to visit a particular tourist site, and pay close attention to road signs and traffic prompts to ensure that you stay on track.

DO NOT

Under pack or overpack; there is definitely a fine line for the sweet spot when it comes to packing. Be deliberate with each item that you bring with; what purpose will it serve? Are you REALLY all that likely to use it? If it got lost or damaged on route, would it be a huge disaster? If you’re unsure; download our ULTIMATE ROAD TRIP PACKING LIST
Forget the camera! Depending on where you are going, you might find that your smartphone is good enough for taking pictures; in this instance, BE SURE TO PACK A CAR CHARGER – when you’re driving around Africa (or anywhere, really), there is no shortage of strange and unbelievable sights, wildlife and sunsets to capture. Don’t let a pesky battery spoil your opportunity to capture those memories.
Read the entire car trip. As a passenger, you have the unofficial job of keeping your driver entertained. This might mean chatting, opening drinks, passing snacks, or generally just keeping them company. The driver is doing their bit to get you to your destination; don’t leave them alone in it!
Sleep the entire car trip. (Read above).
Pack your sunglasses in your luggage. When the sunlight hits that windshield, you’ll be desperate for a pair of specs to cut through the glare. If your driver has made the faux pas of forgetting/packing their own, do the decent thing and offer them yours. After all; they’re the one who has to keep their eyes on the road for safety!
Drive hell-bent on your destination. The entire point of road trips is to enjoy the journey; get off the freeway every once in a while, and check out a few sights along the way. Each step that you take of the beaten track will help make your trip more memorable.