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16 TIPS FOR ROAD TRIPS!
For sure, road trips are beautiful and fun. They offer endless possibilities
for all kinds of learning and the opportunity to see the beauty of nature. Mike Runo, a constant road trip runner shares these tips with us, for a successful road trip. Enjoy!
HAVE ROAD LEGAL TYRES
Having good, road worthy tyres cannot be overemphasized for a road trip. The trip itself depends on it and the safety of the travelers also.
HAVE A VALID DRIVER’S LICENCE
A local driver’s licence is good enough for road trips around one’s own country, but having an international driver’s licence can be of great advantage, especially when doing a cross-border trip. Anyway, a licence is a must for a road trip.
FUEL CONTAINERS ARE A GOOD IDEA
Sometimes things don’t go the way we plan. Meaning that fuel can run out in the vehicle in the most unlikely places where a fuel station may not just be available for refueling. An extra gallon of fuel can be a life and time saver in such situation.
PASSPORTS, VALID VISAS, IDS ETC
Even for regions that allow visa free regime for member states, an ID or passport is still very much important to present at the border posts. And for those not within such free visa regime states, valid visas are a must for crossing borders. Don’t start your trip without them.
US DOLLARS. THEY ARE EASILY EXCHANGED WITH LOCAL CURRENCY
It’s unlikely to get into forex situations on your road trip if you have some US dollars with you. It’s acceptable everywhere. But for safety purposes, be careful how you handle such currencies and how much you carry or show at ones. It’s not worth attracting bandits to yourself on your road trip. And most of all, spend wisely. Its a road trip experience, not a shopping spree.
CARRY COOLANT…VERY IMPORTANT FOR LONG DISTANCE TRIPS
Be sure to understand that if as humans you need to hydrate or cool off during long distant road trips, then be aware that your vehicle also needs to cool off. Don’t forget.
EXTRA SET OF BRAKE PADS IF THE JOURNEY EXCEEDS 10,000KMS
This is as important as it is worth for a good road trip. Put safety first before you step out
REMEMBER YOUR ENGINE OIL FOR REALLY LONG DISTANCES
Carry extra engine oil in case you don’t find any on your trip.
ANTI MALARIA MEDS / YELLOW FEVER CARDS
Anti-malaria meds are very important especially if you will be doing stop overs along the way. And also mosquito repellent will sure be handy. Yellow fever vaccination certificate is also important for immigration purposes. Don’t go without it.
DRINKING WATER. YOU WILL NEED LOTS OF IT
This is certainly a life saver tip. Severe dehydration during long road trips is not uncommon. Prepare for it.
BIRTH CERTIFICATE FOR YOUR CHILD
It’s important if you are travelling with a child or children that you carry their birth certificates along with ID’s and passports.
INFORM YOUR BANK
Let your bank know of your intended travel and the dates so they don’t flag your card transactions while you are away.
OBSERVE TRAFFIC RULES
Apart from breaking traffic laws concerning speed limits, your life also depends on it.
If you’re entering a country which drives on the opposite side of your country of origin, be aware of the changes and adapt quickly so you don’t make mistakes.
CARRY A COPY OF YOUR LOGBOOK
Carry the Logbook for your vehicle which should be left at your exit border point.
Have a copy of your Logbook certified by the Border police and customs officials. Carry during your travel, temporary export documents, signed and stamped on both sides by customs.
BE MINDFUL OF THE HOST COUNTRY’S ROAD CULTURE AND ETIQUETTE
All things being equal, you shouldn’t have much issues with this if you have a friendly disposition about things and the changes you will meet in the country you are visiting. Friendliness begets friendliness. Ask questions when you are not sure of what is expected of you.
HAVING DONE ALL… have fun
ABOUT MIKE
Mike Runo is a biker, car racer, auto care consultant and the CEO of Mike and The Mechanics based in Nairobi, Kenya.
For more details on services and pricing, please call:
+254-721 923 625
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