Behind the Wheel: 7 Insights I Gained from Road Tripping

For many years, I had a fear of driving.

Like most suburban teens, I got my driver's license on my 16th birthday. However, after living in a city for over a decade (goodbye, auto insurance — hello, subway fares!) and experiencing one terrible car accident, I became anxious about getting into a car, let alone behind the wheel.

Yet, nothing pushes you out of your comfort zone quite like a global pandemic.

With international travel off the table and a reluctance to use public transit, I realized it was time to hit the open road again. Here are the lessons I learned during my initial road trips as the driver.

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You can earn bonus rewards points

Initially, for my first road trip, I planned to reserve a rental car from Hertz since I hold complimentary Hertz Gold Plus Rewards status through The Platinum Card® from American Express. This membership tier provides me with benefits such as one free additional driver, possible car upgrades, 10% more Hertz points, and the ability to bypass the counter at many airport locations. Perhaps the best perk is using the CDP discount code 211762, which grants me four extra hours for free on rentals within the U.S.

However, after some deliberation, I realized it was the perfect moment to make a significant decision and purchase a car. I bought my vehicle in North Carolina, and since I paid for it in full, the dealer allowed me to charge an amount of my choice to my Platinum Card. Along with earning 1 point for every dollar spent, I also received an additional 1,000 Membership Rewards points due to a promotion for large purchases of $1,500 or more.

Regardless, I knew I would end up with a nice collection of bonus points.

Avoid overspending on insurance or assistance

You’ve likely heard this from us before, but it bears repeating: Before purchasing collision insurance from a rental car company, check if you have a credit card in your wallet that provides primary auto rental collision damage coverage, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve® or Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.

Certain credit cards even come with roadside assistance benefits for any issues that may arise while driving. In addition to the aforementioned Reserve card, other cards offering similar benefits include the United Explorer Card and the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, among others.

Choose the right vehicle

Whether you're driving for two hours or two days, selecting the right car is crucial, especially if you don’t drive often.

I learned to drive in a Ford Focus, which was my very first car. Feel free to poke fun at me, but I ultimately decided to purchase a Ford Focus again. It also boasts great fuel efficiency, which is an important consideration even when renting a car and potentially adding several hundred (or even thousands) of miles to the odometer.

Choosing a vehicle that I felt comfortable in significantly influenced my decision to buy a car, and it also impacted my rental choices. During a recent trip to Arizona, I was upgraded to a higher-end, compact SUV. However, since I had never driven an SUV or a luxury car before, I went back to the rental desk and requested — you guessed it — a Ford Focus.

The agency didn’t have any available, but they did offer me a downgrade to a comparable small sedan. According to the agent, I might have been the first customer ever to ask for a downgrade, but I felt much more at ease in that Toyota Corolla.

Depending on your driving location and time, there are additional factors to keep in mind. My Focus isn’t exactly built for adventure, so I know I need to rent or borrow a vehicle with all-wheel drive and higher clearance if I’m heading into heavy snow or tackling steep, rocky back roads to reach a trailhead. I’ve done both, but my Focus and I would be much better off in a vehicle designed for those types of challenges.

Check your vehicle

When I purchased my car, I looked it over to ensure it had four wheels and a working radio. However, during my first road trip, I learned to inspect a few more things, such as tire pressure (I now keep a tire gauge in my glove compartment) and oil levels. It turns out that there’s nothing you can’t learn on YouTube.

If you’re using your personal vehicle, make sure to plan ahead enough to give it a thorough inspection — or take it to a shop for a quick tune-up.

Even if you’re renting a vehicle, it’s wise to perform at least a quick check to ensure everything is functioning properly, including knowing which side the gas tank is on and how to operate the headlights and windshield wipers — you get the picture. Additionally, taking photos of the car is crucial in case any issues arise when you return it.

Choose the right snacks

Now more than ever, it’s essential to keep your car stocked with healthy, satisfying snacks and meals to avoid stopping at crowded service stations during your journey.

For my first road trip, I packed a cooler filled with Farmer's Fridge meals, which I was fortunate enough to try. Their handmade meals (like breakfast oats, seasonal salads, and bowls featuring options from kimchi fried rice to falafel) can be delivered right to your doorstep, and they’re travel-friendly, conveniently packaged in spill-proof, heatable jars.

You might recognize their fridges (essentially vending machines filled with actual meals) from airports nationwide, including Chicago O'Hare (ORD), Indianapolis Airport (IND), and Newark Liberty International (EWR) in the New York area.

It’s probably a given that you should bring plenty of water, and it might be wise to check which coffee shops along your route have drive-thrus. I still feel more at ease with my feet on the ground than in a car, which is why I love having a hands-free hydration pack (like a Platypus) in the vehicle. This way, you can sip a drink without taking your hands off the wheel or your eyes off the road.

Get your apps in order

It seems that every time I get behind the wheel (even in a parked car), the Bluetooth disconnects, and all of my navigation apps require updates.

Before you shift the car into gear, ensure your phone is syncing correctly with your vehicle, if that's an option, and that your GPS is set up (I personally prefer Waze, but choose whatever works best for you). The last time I drove regularly, MapQuest was the height of technology, so I still find it remarkable that cars can now guide you and kindly remind you when you've missed an exit.

But if your car lacks this modern technology or you simply enjoy traditional maps, just be sure to have a CD book filled with your favorite playlists to keep you entertained during the long journey.

Schedule breaks along your route

Even if you’re driving out of necessity, it doesn’t mean you can’t lighten up a long trip with enjoyable stops that allow you to clear your head and regain focus.

On our drive back from North Carolina, my friend and I made stops at Hanging Rock State Park, Pilot Mountain State Park, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, and a variety of wineries in Virginia (of course, this was after we wrapped up our driving for the day).

Even on my briefest road trips, I always look for a park along the way where I can take a break and stretch my legs. For instance, while traveling from Tucson to Phoenix in Arizona, I took a refreshing 30-minute hike around Catalina State Park, which left me rejuvenated and ready to continue my journey.

Bottom line

As air travel becomes less feasible for many Americans, it’s no wonder that road trips continue to surge in popularity. A recent survey by Bridgestone, for instance, revealed that more than one-third of drivers intend to embark on road trips of 500 miles or more this winter alone.

Having previously relied on airplanes, trains, ferries, ride-hailing services, and even choosing to walk for hours instead of driving, I can assure you that my return to the road has come with its share of challenges. However, it’s no exaggeration to say that getting back behind the wheel has restored my sense of freedom, especially during a time when the world feels so confining and limited.

If you're considering a road trip, these tips and tricks can make your journey safer and more enjoyable. Well, at least for you — perhaps not for the poor soul who ends up in the passenger seat.