How to Pick the Best Car for Road Trips

If you’re experiencing cabin fever, then you have the green light to go on a road trip! Epidemiology expert Dr. Amanda Castel points out that people have more control on road trips, so if you’re careful, then you can get less exposed to the virus as compared to traveling on an airplane.

Indeed, cars give you the luxury of privacy while traveling, which is really important as we’re navigating through the COVID-19 pandemic. But before you go on a roadtrip, you have to choose a vehicle that can accommodate your comfort, budget, and safety during the trip. Consider the following factors when choosing the right vehicle fit for your road trip.

Count Your Budget

Whether you’re looking to buy or rent a vehicle, the very first factor you have to consider is your budget. Older models may come cheaper but US News’s guide on car mileage warns that you have to be on the lookout for common performance issues based on the car’s mileage. On the other hand, new models may chip away from your budget but they have better gas mileage and more safety features.

If you’re renting a car, it’s important to take note of some factors that may affect the rental fee, too. There’s a charge for every additional driver, which is another cost to think about unless there is only one designated driver. Try to avoid renting cars near the airports because they have hiked prices, or renting one on the day of your trip.

Pick Based on Your Travel Purpose

The vehicle of your choice must be suitable for your needs during your trip. A lot of individuals who often go on outdoor expeditions might want to ride vehicles like Land Rovers, which can withstand rough terrains.

When it comes to camping trips, however, the most popular cars of choice are RVs or camper vans. There are around 41.8 million Americans who go RV camping because it brings the convenience of having your home on wheels even in outdoor adventures. Some of the most iconic camper vans are created by Volkswagen, and they’re revered for their large seating capacity. Other RV models also include ideal features for campers, such as a running gas stove and a full bathroom.

But if these are not necessary, sedans or SUVs can more than do their job in bringing you from point A to B with a lot of comfort and safety.

Make Your Trip Comfortable

Ensure the comfort of all the passengers by looking for cars that have large seating capacities and temperature control features. If you’re bringing a lot of stuff, then choose minivans like the Honda Odyssey which has lots of space for passengers! You should also consider pickup trucks so you can store a lot of stuff at the back of your car. You might want to bring bicycles, kayaks, and other additional equipment for your trip.

If you’re bringing kids, then you can keep them comfortable through hot weather by attaching sun shades on your windows, as recommended by USA Today’s article on long drives. You should also check the AC and heating features of your car for a more comfortable ride.

Look for Safety Features

Road trips can get rough, which is why it’s important to invest in a vehicle that can protect you during tough situations. Before going on a trip, check the functionality of the airbags, the seatbelts, and the brakes.

Most of all, look for extra safety features, such as backup cameras and blind spot monitory systems. Our article on Winter Driving Safety emphasizes that snow, rain, and fog can hamper the visibility of your vehicle and make you vulnerable to accidents. Sensors, monitors, and cameras can serve as your car’s guide, even through tough weather conditions.

Your journey matters as much as your destination. Before you embark on your roadtrip, choose a vehicle that can cater to all of your needs as you drive towards your pitstops and final destination.

Written By: Janella Boiler