Road trips currently make up about 22 percent of all U.S. family vacations. Are you looking into planning a road trip for your family?
There are tons of advantages that come with driving to your destination instead of flying.
Road trips also present some obstacles, though. For example, how do you fit everything you need into one car?
If you’re trying to figure out how to pack your car or truck for an upcoming trip, keep reading. Listed below are some tips that will make the packing process much easier.
Benefits of Driving Over Flying
When you drive to your destination instead of choosing to fly, you get to enjoy a lot of perks. Some of the greatest benefits include the following:
- Save money
- Enjoy the scenery
- Avoid jet lag
- Spend more quality time together
- Make stops whenever you need to
When you drive, you also have the option to camp out along the way instead of paying for expensive hotels.
If you attach a mid-size truck camper to your vehicle, you can enjoy nights out in nature and spend more time bonding with your family on your way to your destination.
How to Pack Your Car or Truck
Okay, you’re convinced that it might be a good idea to drive instead of fly. There’s still that pesky packing issue, though.
Here are some tips that will help you pack your car or truck the right way:
Start with Emergency Items
Start by making sure all emergency travel items are packed and easily accessible. This includes things like a first aid kit and emergency road kit. Store these items in the glove box or center console so you can grab them without unpacking the entire car.
Use Small, Soft Duffel Bags
Packing clothing in small duffel bags that have soft corners. This will allow you to store more in your trunk than if you were using big, bulky suitcases.
Co-pack
Everyone in your family probably doesn’t need their own suitcase. Try to co-pack and minimize the number of suitcases you’re putting in your car.
Follow the “First in, Last Out” Rule
This rule is very helpful when you’re loading items into your car. The items that go in first should be the ones you’re the least likely to need while on the road. Keep high-priority items toward the front so they’re easy to grab.
Use Luggage and Bike Racks
Rooftop bike racks and luggage racks can free up a lot of space and make your car or truck much less cluttered. If you’re driving a truck, you may also want to store items in the bed — just make sure they’re secured well.
Need More Travel Tips?
Figuring out how to pack your car or truck for a road trip might seem like an impossible feat at first, especially if you’re trying to pack enough supplies for a large family.
If you keep these guidelines in mind, though, you’ll find that packing for your trip isn’t as difficult as you might have thought at first.
Are you looking for more packing and travel tips? If so, be sure to check out the Travel Tips section of our site today for all kinds of helpful information.