Prepare for a long road trip

Nowadays, the balik kampung phenomenon is a catch-all term to refer to humanity’s rush OUT of cities to go to respective hometowns or to holiday destinations, whether by land, sea or air.

Since this article is on a motoring site, we shall restrict the scope to motorised vehicles and the people who ride or drive them.

Before starting a long road trip,  it's only sensible to take precautions so that the journey is trouble-free and memorable.

Here are key ways to go about it:

Check the vehicle
Prior to the trip, make sure that your vehicle has been checked for good running condition. Emphasis should placed on the engine and brakes as well as the tyres. Also make sure that the tyres are properly inflated, including the spare ones.
Your vehicle’s lights, signal lamps, wipers and horns should also be working fine.
      
Prepare an emergency kit
Every car should have an emergency kit that contains a reflective triangle, flash light, a jumper cable and first aid kit.
Emergencies can happen any time and any place.
  
Get a good night sleep
Before heading out on the road, it’s a good idea for the driver to get full night’s rest. If you start the journey tired, it’s likely that you will feel fatigued throughout the trip.

Secure the luggage and cargo
Everyone will have their own luggage and its best for the items to be securely placed in the trunk so they will not move around during the trip.
Loose items can create noises and distract the driver who should be concentrating on keeping his eyes on the road.

Bring food
It’s a good idea to buy your snacks and drinks beforehand as convenience outlets and food stalls along the  expressways can be crowded during the “balik kampung” rush.
Not only would you have to contend with long queues to buy food, you may also face difficulty in finding parking.
   
Pack car-friendly items
It’s advisable to bring wet wipes and have easy-to-access trash bags in the car.
A car that is littered with used food packaging can be uncomfortable and unbearable especially in long distance driving.

Take breaks
Take a break if you are feeling tired or sleepy. Even a five minute break to stretch your legs can make a big difference. As a general rule, stop at least once every two hours for a break.

Bring along your favourite music
As radio stations may not always play the songs that you want, it’s good to bring your favourite albums so you do not have to keeping changing stations. Try upbeat music as they are helpful in keeping you awake and energized while driving.

Research the route
Try to follow departure times recommended by the authorities so there would be less vehicles on the road.
Accidents and traffic jams are likely to happen whenever there are too many cars on the road at any given time.

Have fun
Keep a positive attitude with your passengers to make the trip more enjoyable.
Although fun is waiting at your destination, it does not mean that passengers cannot enjoy themselves during the drive there.