Key Takeaways
- Preparing your vehicle, mapping your route, and understanding local laws are important steps in planning a trip.
- Checking your car’s brakes, tires, lights, and engine before the trip starts can help you prevent unexpected breakdowns.
- Passports, visas, and international driving permits (IDPs) should always be with you.
- Avoid overtiredness by taking breaks in between and switching drivers if possible.
- Don’t stop your car in isolated places, especially at night, and keep all the emergency contacts handy in case unexpected situations occur.
“Adventure is worthwhile in itself.”
— Amelia Earhart
(American aviation pioneer and author)
Imagine you are on the coastal roads of Italy for a road trip; the slow winds are touching your hair smoothly, the sun is about to set, and the sky is in the color of golden and pink, but suddenly your GPS loses signal, and you have no idea of where to go now! And worst of all, you have no understanding of the local language and road signals either. Sounds scary, right?
Well, if you are someone who is always ready to go on a trip but gets into problems unexpectedly, this post is for you. An international road trip is an unforgettable experience for everyone, but without preparation, it can be a perfect storm for you. From packing the right essentials to things to keep in mind during the trip, this guide will help you with everything. So, let’s begin without wasting your precious time.
Why it matters
An international trip is an exciting journey that allows one to explore new things and places on their own terms. However, we can’t underestimate the problems we face during these trips, such as unfamiliar roads and foreign traffic laws.
But by taking precautions like understanding the local laws of the destination, keeping potential risks in mind, and preparing for emergencies, these problems can be solved.
This guide will give you a more detailed explanation of why it matters so much and how you can prevent it.
Pre-trip preparations
A trip begins long before you kick off the engines, as it starts with your packing and then doesn’t stop till you get back home. Well, it’s important also, as the proper planning of a trip can save you from unexpected roadblocks while ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey. So here is a list of all your to-dos before you hit the road.
Prep Your Ride & Pack Offline Maps
Before you hit the road, make sure to have a proper inspection of your vehicle. Check the brakes, tires, lights, and engines to see if they are in proper condition or not. The oil change, fluid checks, and battery scan are equally important to prevent any mechanical issues during the trip. Also, don’t forget to pack an offline or paper map in case you lose the signal in mid-trip.
Plan Your Route & Watch the Weather
A well-planned route can reduce riskiness during the trip, so it’s good for you to research the roads you will be traveling on beforehand to find where you can stop for some rest or refilling of the fuel. Also, keep a check on whether forecasts for storms, extreme heat, or snow as that can impact driving conditions.
Fun FactThe Pan-American Highway stretches over 19,000 miles (30,000 km) from Alaska to Argentina, making it the longest road trip possible! However, there’s a 100-mile gap in Panama called the Darién Gap, where no roads exist.
Know the Road Signs & Local Laws
Every country has its own road rules, and not following them can get you in legal trouble, huge fines, or even behind bars. Like honking is a norm in eastern societies like India and China, but in western countries like the US and Canada, it is considered rude and a sign of aggressive driving. So, keep in mind to study the traffic signs, speed limits, and other driving customs of your destinations.
Carry Essential Travel Documents
The U.S. State Department reports that around 300,000 passports are lost or stolen annually, which shows that keeping documents like passports, visas, and IDPs (international driving permits) safe is something you can’t forget. For more detailed tips on securing your belongings, read How To Keep Your Valuables Safe When Traveling Internationally?
Also, make multiple copies to store at different places so that in case you lose one, you have another. Moreover, some countries have special insurance as a mandatory document for foreign drivers, so make sure you do good research about the needed documents at your destination.
Stock Up on Extra Water & Snacks
Long road trips can take you to areas where you may have no source of food and water, which makes it necessary to carry enough of them with you for staying hydrated and energetic. This becomes even more important if you are travelling with kids and your route has limited dining options. If you have limited space in your vehicle, self-storage can be a crucial backup for things you do not need immediately but want to keep secure.
Pack Emergency Tools & a First Aid Kit
It’s very important to be prepared for any unpredictable situations on a road trip so that you can begin managing the situation immediately. For example, if your car has a breakdown, tools like a stepney, jack, flashlight, and jumper cables can be a lifesaver. Additionally, a first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic, and basic medications is a must-have in case of minor injuries and illness.
Safety rules during the trip
When you hit the road, staying alert and following the safety rules are essential. The tips given here will help you make the most out of your trip while traveling on unfamiliar streets and adjusting to different driving cultures.
Stay in alert mode while driving.
According to a report, drowsy driving causes over 90,000 crashes annually in the U.S., which results in approximately 50,000 injuries and 800 deaths. (Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)
This data is proof that overtiredness can lead you to make mistakes while driving. To prevent that, take regular breaks, switch drivers if possible, and avoid driving at night. If you feel sleepy, stop the car in a safe area and take rest.
Follow the traffic rules.
While driving, make sure you stick to the rules like speed limits, road discipline, and traffic priority laws, even if the locals there are not following them. Stay watchful and drive warily rather than following unsafe driving habits.
Be aware of your surroundings
I remember when I was on a trip in Barcelona, one of my fellow travelers left his bag unattended just for a few seconds while taking a photo. And it was theft by a pocket picker, along with their wallet and passport. Our whole trip was spoiled because we all were trying to help them find their passport and other documents.
But you can take a lesson from this and prevent your trip from being spoiled. Keep your eyes open in case of any unusual activity, especially in unknown regions. Plus, don’t stop your car at any isolated places not atleast during the nights, and lock your vehicle properly if there is nobody inside.
Have respect for local traditions
When you are going to some other country, it’s important to keep their culture in mind, as what is acceptable in your home country can be offensive in theirs. So learn basic etiquette to interact with local people that too respectfully.
Eat healthy and stay hydrated
Going on a vacation and falling sick is nothing less than a nightmare. And if you don’t want this nightmare to be true for you because of food poisoning and dehydration, be mindful of what and where to have. Eat healthy from good restaurants or vendors with good hygiene and stick to bottled water.
Make the most out of the trip
Safety is important but not more than the enjoyment, so explore the local attractions, interact with residents there, and unfold new experiences for making a memorable trip. Most importantly, take plenty of pictures at different locations but while keeping their local customs of photography in mind.
Fun FactIn Switzerland, speeding fines are based on income. A wealthy driver was once fined $1.1 million for speeding!
Other important Safety Tips
- You can use travel apps to be updated about the road conditions there.
- Keep emergency contacts of the destination where you are going handy.
- Share your travel route with your family and friends in case of emergencies.
- Don’t keep a huge amount of cash with you; use digital payments more.
- Pack all your stuff smartly, like clothing, toiletries, etc.
- Learn the basic mechanical things about your vehicle, like changing a tire and how to start a car with jumper cables.
For more smart travel hacks, you can read Top 5 Tips for Your Next Trip in 2025: Travel Smarter and Safer.
Conclusion
Trips are an adventure and a memory for life, so living them to the fullest is also our responsibility, and planning wisely will allow you to do that. Understanding the laws, ensuring vehicle safety, and taking the right precautions can help us have a problem-free journey. This article has everything that can give you the confidence to enjoy every aspect of your adventures to the fullest. So, start now and have a safe journey!
What safety measures should be taken while traveling on the road?
Follow the traffic rules, stay alert while driving, keep emergency supplies like a first aid kit and toolbox, carry your documents, plan your route in advance, and be aware of your surroundings
hat is the golden rule of road safety?
The golden rule of road safety is “treat other drivers the way you want to be treated.”
How to avoid being targeted as an American tourist?
The best way to not be highlighted as an American tourist is to “avoid the temptation” by adapting to their local culture and not wearing anything flashy in accessories and outfits.
What to wear to avoid pickpockets?
Pick outfits with zippered pockets, or wear a money belt and an anti-theft bag.
How do you make sure all your things are safe when you travel?
To keep all your things safe, you can use anti-theft bags and store your valuable items in different places. Moreover, your documents are the most important thing, especially on an international trip, so make sure to keep them safe first.
