5 tips for the ultimate mid-year road trip

In need of a mid-year break? We sure are! If you find yourself sleeping in more, doom-scrolling and struggling to get on with duties and chores, you might be heading for a burnout. The cure? A road trip! 

What better way to relax and unwind than to hit the road – be it alone or with loved ones. Cheaper accommodation makes this the ideal time to visit a cosy cabin in the Drakensberg or take a road trip along the stunning Garden Route. Whatever your heart desires, book some time off and go for it! 

Before you get out of the hustle and bustle and head for the open road, follow these five tips from MiWay to help you plan the perfect mid-year road trip:

Get your car checked before heading out: 

Nothing ruins a road trip like car trouble. Make sure your car service is up-to-date before heading out of town to ensure a smooth, safe journey. Ask your mechanic to check the brakes, the tyres, the cooling fluid level and your windscreen for any small chips that could become cracks.

Know your travel goals: 

Be clear about what you want to achieve by the end of your mid-year getaway. Is the goal to spend time with friends who make you feel recharged? Are you travelling alone so you can unplug and get some much-needed rest? Plan your trip according to your travel goals. 

Keep road-trip essentials on hand:

There are a few handy tools that can get you out of almost any situation on the road. This includes packing a first-aid kit, making sure your car has jumper cables and all the tools needed to change a tyre. Check that you have a lock nut on hand, as this special key is needed to remove a flat tyre and replace it with a spare.

Make sure your interior is road trip ready: 

• A clean car makes for a clear mind. Pop in at your local car wash and give your car a little TLC with a full-house clean. 

• Set up a playlist. If you are travelling with friends or family, ask everyone to share their favourite songs and set up a road trip playlist. You can easily save on data costs by downloading the playlists.

• You should make sure your navigation app has an offline map saved to your phone because cell reception can be unreliable while in rural areas.

Give yourself enough time: 

This applies both to having enough time to get to your destination and to return home. Don’t rush the trip. Taking a scenic detour or just stopping to have lunch and smell the roses could be just the thing that helps you feel rejuvenated and ready to bounce back for the rest of the year.

For more on travelling, visit Get It Magazine.