On the Road

There is something exhilarating about going on a road trip, throwing oneself out into the throes of life and its many surprises. It can be interpreted to be an act of defiance, of rebellion even, when we drive away from the stressful pressure cooker we’ve come to know as modern living. There are no deadlines to worry about when we go on adventures such as a safari in South Africa. Decisions and itineraries rest entirely on one’s own whims. You can be late for nothing in particular and just drive away into the wilderness and watch the sun rising and setting. There is immense joy that comes from being open to change, something only this kind of carefree travelling is bound to bring, the actions that brings life to our adrenalines.

The possibilities of discovering unexplored territories within ourselves are as endless and as varied as the many routes we pass. Hitting the road can be life-changing, opening our eyes to endless opportunities. Everyone should try out this adventure sometime.

Long drives on safari holidays can take its toll on you and make your trip prone to untoward incidents. Here are some tips how you can lessen the stress and keep safe on your adventure.

Plan your trips well. Plan your routes such that you avoid passing by highly congested highways which can add stress to your journey. Be prepared to encounter unexpected delays such as road works along the way. Obstacles like these are obviously difficult to predict so get information from people living in your travel destination.

Map out pit stops. Whether it’s just for a little stretching, a quick trip to the comfort room, a light snack or a short break every two hours will help you avoid tiredness and loss of concentration.

And if you have young children, prepare on-board entertainment. Prepare children’s music, games or audio books on hand. Cartoon movies are also a good alternative to keep children still for a number of hours.

Check your tires before you start your journey. Worn tires increase the risk of losing control when driving in wet conditions. They also alter handling and the vehicle’s stopping distance. Check the tire pressure too because this can have an effect on steering and braking.

Once on the road, there are even more safety tips to remember. The most important of these is buckling up and do this before you get the car moving. Ensure you have your driver’s license, car registration and insurance papers.

Anticipate stops and apply progressive, light braking to keep control of vehicle at all times. Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. Do not speed up when being passed. Continue at the same speed, or slow down. Move to the other side of the lane to give the other driver more room and a better view ahead.

More importantly, avoid using your mobile phone or looking at billboards while speeding along the highway.

Remember, the best time to travel is during the day when there is light and you have had a good night’s rest.