Well my dearest, fellow Namibians…we have reached that time of the year again. The month of Road trips is upon us, and this year promises to have the roads as busy as ever. So in the spirit of the road trip and the festive season, we have decided to compile a list of things to do and things you will need to take your road trip to a whole new level!
So first off a quick trip into history, the first ever road trip took place in 1888 in Germany. Karl Benz’s – the inventor of the first patented motor car, the Benz Patent-Motorwagen –wife travelled from Mannheim to Pforzheim and back again with her two sons, in the hopes of generating publicity for her husband’s invention. Clearly, it worked as Mercedes-Benz is now a household name. And from there the modern day road trip was born and we all engage in them rather regularly, whether for work or play.
Either way, there are still a few things to consider before hitting the road. Hopefully by now, you know where you are heading to. The coast, another country, a family farm or lodge, the destination is rather important, but then again so is the journey. So what are the crucial necessities for your road trip?
1. Padkos! As a true Namibian tradition, no road trip is ever complete without the snack pack. Whatever floats your boat, whether it be tea sandwiches, your favourite brand of crisps or a delicious sampling of biltong…be sure to keep the car stocked. You don’t want to find yourself driving between two towns with a rumbling tummy.
Padkos - Image: wwww. clubcarcafe.com
2. Next up, a road trip sound track. Music is a fundamental part of any road trip, to fill the silence and keeping you alert. And of course a car-karaoke session is never a bad idea.
3. Be sure to choose your trip buddies wisely. If you are travelling with family then choices are not so important. However you do not want to be stuck in an enclosed space with an unfortunate travel partner, i.e. someone who constantly needs a bathroom break.
4. Now we can get down to the nitty-gritty…if you are as useless at directions as I am, remember a GPS or map. I promise you, you do not want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere with no cell phone reception when you could be lounging on the beach.
GPS - Image: American foundation for the blind
5. And we do live in Namibia, we all know bathrooms are not always readily available on the long stretched between towns. A roll of toilet paper is never a bad idea.
6. Pillows, bedding and comfy clothes, absolutely essential. There is nothing worse than being stuck in a car for over six hours if you are stuck wearing something uncomfortable. Likewise you are going to want a pillow when you’re napping in the backseat.
7. Remember to keep your camera in the car with you, to capture all the wacky moments of your trip.
Selfie - Image: Pinterest
8. Before you leave town, give your car a once over to be sure that everything is working as it should. Also make sure your tyre pressure is what it needs to be. And remember to buckle up. Always keep emergency numbers on hand, just in case.
We all want to reach our destinations as quickly as possible, but please remember to stay safe and alert on the roads. Now as you all head out of town, we wish you safe travels and a good holiday. Remember to appreciate the beauty of the Namibian landscapes when you’re on the road again.
If you have any other tips for travels please share them in the comment section below.
Author – Jescey Visagie is a proud Namibian and is passionate about writing and language. Tag along for the ride as she tries to uncover new insights into Namibia and explores what the country has to offer.
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