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Planning a road trip? The top 5 considerations for your travel checklist

For those able to go on road trips at the moment, preparation is key.

No matter whether you’re doing a day trip to the National Park or venturing further within your state, there are a few things to think through before setting off on your adventure.

1. Car maintenance

If you’re travelling more than two hours in one direction, consider checking that your vehicle is safe and in full working condition before starting your trip. This includes:

  • Ensuring tyres are inflated properly and have enough tread for the journey
  • Cleaning your windscreen and checking that the wipers are in working order
  • Ensuring you have enough oil, fuel, water and radiator coolant
  • Checking your spare tyre is in good condition
  • Making sure all indicators are working
  • Ensuring your car is serviced regularly

2. Road trip supplies

Wondering what to bring with you on your drive? Consider packing:

  • Sunglasses and sunscreen to shield you from the glare
  • Important documents like your driver licence and car insurance details
  • A car-compatible charger for your tech
  • A selection of podcasts and playlists to keep you entertained
  • A comfy pillow to relax on (when it’s not your turn to drive)
  • A range of snacks
  • A refillable water bottle to keep you - and potentially your car - hydrated
  • A good navigation app or Sat Nav to get you to your destination
  • A thermos for warm drinks
  • An empty tote bag for impromptu roadside purchases

For longer road trips, you might also want to bring jumper cables, coolant for your radiator and oil for your car engine, in case of an emergency. Also, try not to over-pack your car and block the view from any of the windows.

3. Roadside assistance

Before setting out on your journey, having an up-to-date roadside assistance policy can offer extra peace of mind. Depending on your coverage, this can help with everything from towing to flat batteries, from getting locked out to empty fuel tanks.

4. Take regular breaks

Consider sharing driving responsibilities with someone else in order to avoid getting tired whilst driving. If you’re the only driver on your trip, it’s advisable to take regular breaks or naps at rest areas as needed. This can help you stay well rested and make your drive a little safer. For more information, visit Transport of NSW – Centre for Road Safety.

5. Make sure you’re properly insured

Accidents can happen, so it is worth checking that your vehicle is covered for whoever is driving. This not only applies to your personal vehicle but hire cars too.

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Distributed by Commonwealth Bank

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This article is intended to provide general information of an educational nature only. It does not have regard to the financial situation or needs of any reader and must not be relied upon as financial product advice. The commentary provided from external companies that are not a member of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia Group of Companies (the CBA Group) does not represent an endorsement, recommendation, guarantee or advice in regard to any matter. The CBA Group does not accept any liability for losses or damage arising from any reliance on external companies and their products, services and material. Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124.

Car Insurance is provided by Hollard Insurance Partners Limited ABN 96 067 524 216, AFSL 235030 (Hollard) and distributed by the Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124, AFSL 234945 (CBA). Hollard is the insurer of this Car Insurance product. Hollard is not part of the CBA Group. CBA does not guarantee the obligations or performance of Hollard or the products Hollard offers. Neither CBA, nor any of its related bodies corporate accepts liability or guarantees payment of any claim or benefit in respect of general insurance products issued by Hollard. CBA may be paid a commission if Hollard issues you with a Car Insurance policy. Details are provided in the Financial Services Guide (FSG) by clicking on the link, or by calling 13 1361 for a paper copy.

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This information has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making any decision about this product you should consider this information in relation to your own circumstances. A Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) is available at all Commonwealth Bank branches, by downloading them from commbank.com.au or by calling 13 1361 and should be considered before making any decisions about this product. You should also read the Premium, Excess and Discount Guide (PEDG) and Financial Services Guide (FSG) by clicking on the links, or by calling 13 1361 for a paper copy.