It’s time to shake the dust off your tent and kick the caked mud off those hiking boots — road trip season is upon us!
Whether you’re an avid hiker, a beach worshipper or a city skyline gazer, the changing season means more opportunities to hit the road and explore somewhere new. But like any vacation, road trips take some decision making. If you want to be both travel-efficient and fuel-efficient, you’ll be sure to check this list of tips before hitting the road.
Where to go?
Start by brainstorming what type of adventure you’re craving. Maybe you want to explore a foreign city and experience its nightlife. Or maybe you want to immerse yourself in nature, hike a new hill or break out of your comfort zone. Either way, aim to roll through somewhere unfamiliar. Hitting the road less travelled has its perks, such as the beauty and rawness of discovering something new.
If you live in Toronto, Bruce Lake is a beautiful spot to cruise to. You can hike through the 800km of winding trails around the Hilton Falls and Scotsdale Farm—and you can even camp. Vancouverites could make their way to Gibsons on the Sunshine Coast for some serious natural beauty and quaint Farmer’s Markets. Hit up Gaspé if you are living in Montreal; it’s about an 11-hour drive but worth every minute. Check out the small towns and crash in the bed and breakfasts along the way — there are tons of hidden gems.
What to pack?
Photo Credit: BucketListly
The starting point for packing is snacks. Obviously. No matter where you are off to, you need to munch on snacks with variety and nutrition (plus the occasional bag of roadtrip chips). Snacks like protein bars, nut mixes and dried fruit can go miles in keeping your energy up on a long trip, so be sure to include those on your next grocery list. Pack your essentials (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, medications) and then work your way to clothing. You always only end up wearing half of what you bring, so be a bit picky! Think about the types of weather or situations you may encounter pack smart.
And of course, pack what you need to survive. If your road trip is more camp-focused, make sure you are ready for changing weather conditions. You’ll need a solid sleeping bag, a tent and a sleeping pad. And maybe a travel buddy to cuddle with if it’s cold.
Who to travel with?
Photo Credit: BucketListly
Speaking of which, who you travel with will likely dictate the type of adventures you find yourself on. Decide what type of trip you want (romantic, spontaneous, laid-back) and review your friend list. Once you’ve identified your travel buddy, be sure to discuss your views and expectations on finances, road trip stops, sleeping arrangements and activities. Seriously, put it all out on the line. Transparency is key — you don’t want to be 15 hours into your road trip and realize your travel buddy isn’t willing to pay for their half of the gas.
Photo Credit: Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada, Inc.
What to listen to?
A well-thought out playlist is so essential to setting the right vibes for your road trip! Imagine if you had to spend 10 hours in a car that had no stereo system. Welcome to you and your co-pilot rehearsing lyrics to the only Bruno Mars song you know over and over and over again.
Build your playlist on Apple Music™ and sync that baby up to Apple CarPlay® in a car like the 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage and Mirage G4. Simple, ear-pleasing bliss. This also takes the pressure off of your adventure partner to DJ throughout the entire trip. Who wants to be glued to the dashboard or an iPod when there are lakes, trees and cities to see?
What to drive?
Photo Credit: Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada, Inc.
Wherever your road trip takes you, you need to drive something reliable and cost-effective (we aren’t made of money, right?). The 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage and Mirage G4 are designed with both in mind. The sedan is built with an aerodynamic body to maximize fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions. Plus, the Mitsubishi Mirage is equipped with available distinctive front fog lights and vibrant High Intensity Discharge headlamps (a rare feature on subcompact cars), meaning you can maneuver those late night back-highways with safety and ease. Road trips also require adequate cargo space — which the Mitsubishi Mirage has plenty of, compared to its closest rivals.
Wherever the road takes you this summer, be sure to explore something new. Try new food, see a new site — just have a new experience. And with the 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage and Mirage G4, you’ll get to wherever you’re going safely, in style and with a minimal dent in your wallet. Talk about a travel win.