A road trip is meant to be exciting, and it is until you start stressing about all the things that could possibly go wrong. Breakdown anxiety is pretty common, especially if you’ve never experienced it, but all that stress is a sure way to ruin a trip. Being prepared for all eventualities is the best way to reduce all that stress. Below are some things you can do to reduce those anxieties before setting off on your road trip.
Check the car before you leave
A lot of your anxieties are sure to dissipate if you know the car is okay. Before setting off on your trip, it’s worth having the car looked over for any potential issues. You could either do this yourself or have a local mechanic take a look for you to relieve some of the stress and put your mind at ease.
It’s actually recommended that you give your car a mini service before taking it on a long trip. That can include checking the tyre pressures and tread depth, oil level and coolant, washer fluid, battery, brakes, lights and making sure your spare tyre (or repair kit) is all in order. Having all that checked and given the go-ahead is going to give you much more confidence and help you to enjoy your trip.
Get the number of a towing company
One of the biggest anxieties drivers have before a trip is if they do breakdown, what happens if they’re stranded somewhere difficult to move from? We’ve all had those nightmares of getting stuck on the motorway where there’s no hard shoulder to utilise.
If you do break down (which is unlikely), then your life will be made so much easier if you have the number of a company offering towing services. The costs are more than worth that bit of extra peace of mind. You feel much better knowing that if the worst really does happen, rather than stressing out, you can call someone to come tow you to safety.
Pack a few essentials
What causes a lot of anxiety is the lack of control in a breakdown scenario. Even though it’s unlikely, you can prepare as much as you possibly can, have the car checked over and over, top to bottom and yet still something can go wrong, and you can feel completely helpless.
To give yourself back a bit of that control, the best thing you can do to manage that kind of situation is to pack a small emergency essentials kit. Nothing too crazy, like a full camping kit, but stuff like extra water, snacks, a torch, blankets, etc. You might never use them, but knowing they’re there might act as a bit of a safety net and stop you from feeling so anxious on your travels.
The most important thing is to realise how rare serious roadside breakdowns are. Most trips go completely smoothly and are a positive experience. If you are really struggling with potential breakdowns happening, try some of the tips above. The more prepared you are, the better you’ll feel going on that road trip.
Check out our Travel Adventure videos below!
[youtube-feed feed=6]
Hi, I’m Crystal – a Kentucky-based Aromatherapist, wife, mom and the voice behind The Cinnamon Hollow. I share cozy, real-life inspiration for healthier routines, simple home living, essential oil use and safety, beauty, pets, and family adventures. From everyday tips to travel guides, my goal is to help you create a warmer life and embrace each day as its own little adventure. Always remember to live life, one adventure at a time! read more
