Page 78 - Msingi Afrika Magazine Issue 1

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TIPS FOR ROAD TRIPS

Mike! 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