The weekend is here again, and it’s time to unwind and hopefully take two days off work. There are always several things to do on a weekend apart from sleeping in; attending events, going to the beach, and watching a movie are just a few of those. The weekend is also a perfect time to take a road trip, either to a new place or to somewhere you are already familiar with.
It is quite common for people to take road trips to attend wedding ceremonies, burials, or child dedications outside of the town they live in. Some other times, you can just be taking a leisure road trip to visit attraction sites like the Obudu Cattle Ranch, the Olumo Rock in Abeokuta, or the famous Ikogosi Warm Spring.
To make a road trip enjoyable and not a nightmare, it’s always good to be well prepared with essential things for the journey. Things we need for a trip vary from person to person, but for the most part, a lot of things are basic when you’re travelling by road to another town.
A Good Car
Everyone who has ever taken a road trip within or outside Nigeria will testify to the importance of travelling with a good car. Whether it is hired or personal, please ensure that your car is in good working condition, there is enough fuel, water and engine oil, and your tyres are in good condition. A lot of road accidents and robberies can be avoided if people travelled with cars in good condition, and also you won’t be left stranded by the roadside and become easy prey to robbers.
It is also important to ensure that your driver’s licence is valid, and your car’s registration papers are complete and available for any law enforcement officer to see.
First Aid
Considering that road trips are accident prone, it’s very important to always have a first aid kit with you. You don’t necessarily have to use it, you could help someone with it on your way. Also, it is fairly common for road sickness to set in, especially if you are on a long trip. A first aid kit will come in handy then. Apart from the regular contents of a first aid kit that are used to treat cuts and wounds, you can add painkillers and a few over-the-counter drugs for mild illnesses. If you ever get terribly ill while on a journey, please visit the hospital nearest to you or call the emergency helpline.
Toiletries
Few things are uncomfortable as looking for water or tissue while on a road trip. Unlike trips within the city, it is almost always difficult to buy toiletries on a highway. You are most likely going to find food more readily available. Save yourself the discomfort and stock up on the toiletries you can possibly need on a journey.
Food
It is always a good idea to pack some snacks and drinks for a journey; you can get hungry easily from all that motion. Depending on your body, you may want to keep it light so that you do not have an unexpected episode of diarrhoea while on the journey.
Entertainment
Good books are my favourite companion on any journey. As long as you are not the one driving and watching the scenery is not your top priority, you can dig into a book and have a good time.
Music is also a good companion while on a road trip. If you’re travelling solo, an iPod, MP3 player, or your phone will do the job. If you’re in a group, be sure to select music that everyone will enjoy, and play it in the car.
Being well prepared for a road trip is part of the fun. There are no anxieties and you are sure that if you run into any minor problems on the way, you’re more than ready to handle it.
About the author: Amina Salau is a writer and editor running The Illuminated Pen. You can find her online at www.theilluminatedpen.com and on Twitter (@_Aminah)
