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THE ULTIMATE CHECKLIST FOR ROAD TRIPS

ACROSS INDIA!

Contrary to popular belief, a road trip doesn't mean taking car due to
impulse and visiting the various location. There is lot of systematic
thought and planning involved and lot of groundwork to be done before
beginning the adventurous trip.
First and foremost task is to pick the destination, out of which you have
to identify the best route to reach the place. How are the road conditions,
In which season or weather condition your trip is going to happen, will; i
be able to drive throughout the trip, whom should i take along on the
trip, proper eatery and lodging available on the route, safety and tour
expenses should also be kept in mind before conceptualizing the tour.
All these factors should be taken carefully into consideration before the
journey starts.
Here's a list of things you need to remember which are jolted down from
my experience.
1. Your Ride
When you plan to travel in India, keep in mind India offers all types of
terrains and climatic conditions. You will get an experience of diverse
and extreme landscape and road conditions. Choose your ride carefully
and get prepared for untoward situation or circumstances occurring
during the trip.
2. Your Target Destination
The diverse topography of India ensures that there is always a tourist
season somewhere or other. Don't hesitate to use flight or train for the
trip instead of personnel car. I have friends who have transported their
bullet bikes using train to Jammu before embarking on the famous Leh-
Ladakh-Rohtang-Manali road trip.
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3. Duration of the Trip

A journey from Bangalore to Delhi doesn't count as road trip unless you
venture into town and cities on the route. A road trip is not always a long
drive but exploration is an important aspect. Stay in few places in the
route for few days and take advantage of the aura and splendid
experience it provide. India has lot to offer so spare couple of hours
before a halt to discover something new.
4. Driving Companions
Tour makes sense when you travel with your highly energetic friends.
Your endurance level will be different with whom you are travelling
with either parents, friends, colleagues, family. Long drives are not
everyone cup of tea, comfort factor is also taken into account. Everyone
take turns and rotate seats. Don't let the fun journey become arduous and
painful for all.
5. Essential Equipments
It's a vital part of a road trip to be prepared for the unexpected.
 Flashlight
 First Aid Kit
 Road Helpline Number/ Service Centre
 Foot Pump & Puncture Repair Kit
 GPS/ Navigation System
6. Achieve the best balance between drive and halt
My personal rule is that road trip shouldn't be more than 25% of the
driving time. You can distribute your drive time as per your
convenience, alternating between long and short spells.

7. Comfort your Ride

Your car should be services before taking it for the long trip. You must
inform the service centre about your long trip so they fine tune your ride
accordingly. Also, while on a trip, whenever your car gets breakdown
take it to the repair station and don't take chance.
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8.Check Posts and Tolls

While driving, a person will come across a lot of tolls and police check
posts. You should have cash or fast tag recharged to pay toll tax. If you
are driving a vehicle registered in different state, then you might be
subjected to frequent checking. Make sure all your papers are valid and
updated including your driving license, RC, car insurance and pollution
certificate.

9. No to spare fuel
I am against carrying and petrol or diesel bottle or cans in the car as it is
highly inflammable but you can attach it on your bike. Don't wait for the
fuel indicator to hit the red mark. Tank up whenever the is 20% fuel
remaining.

10. Night Driving

I personally love driving at night, especially in hilly areas. But it should
be avoided unless you know the road very well or expert in driving
through hilly roads as there are sharp bents and narrow roads which
makes it difficult for driving. The road should be familiar with and a
relative or friend should always be in constant contact.

11. Plot your route

When you plan a trip, first systematically chalk out the route and
destination you want to stay which will give you overall view of the
journey and help you in making the cost estimation of the tour, no of
days to be spend, total distance to be travelled. Also plan a rough driving
time for each day, it helps in keeping the correct sequence of destination
to avoid going off the plan. Then I go on with research on the road
condition and nearby food plaza or outlets available on the route.

12. Don't always rely on the Google map

Don't completely rely on the navigation system to get to the destination.
The types of road, distance, time of arrival and traffic conditions are
irregular when away from bigger, more organized cities. Verify routes
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with locals and don't think you are running late just because your travel
time doesn't match with the Google map.

13. Schedule your booking in advance

Hotels should be booked well in advance before the trip starts. Inform
the hotel where you are staying at and let them know that you are on the
way. Also ask for local guide contact number which will help in visiting
local destination.

14. Keep your loved ones informed

Keep your loved ones aware of your whereabouts. Inform them of your
destination and estimated arrival time before stating the journey. Once
you reached the destination, inform them.

15. Don't hesitate to take less travelled roads.

Don't hesitate to talk to strangers. You never know what you will learn.
For sightseeing true culture take less travelled road. The simple life of
small towns and villages are a delight to witness and learn from.

BE SAFE. DONT DRINK AND DRIVE. USE DIPPER AT NIGHT.

HORN OK PLEASE.