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Planning the perfect road trip – Top things to keep in mind

Tasked with planning the perfect road trip for you and your friends? If so, there are numerous aspects you need to consider before hitting the highway in search of adventure.

In this guide, we’ll cover all the bases that will ensure you have a memorable trip, no matter where you go this summer.

The absolute essentials

It might not be the most exciting part of planning a road trip, but covering the essentials will allow you to get preparations that will guard your finances and personal safety out of the way first so you can focus on the fun stuff.

The first order of business: auto insurance. If you own your car, you already have this, but make sure you have documentation confirming your coverage stowed away in the glove compartment before hitting the road.

If you normally live a car-free life but are renting a vehicle to go on a road trip, an insurance policy will be presented to you as an option by your rental agency.

Often, they can be on the expensive side, leading many to decline – we don’t recommend foregoing insurance entirely, as all it takes is one fender bender to ruin your holiday.

Instead of risking a repair bill in the thousands of dollars (or in the case of an accident, a civil suit which can put you on the hook for a lot more), opt to get a better insurance deal online.

Internet-based firms like Bonzah don’t have the overhead their established competitors have, allowing them to offer better rates. Check them out and save money by buying protection you most definitely need.

Secondly, make sure you have a fully-stocked emergency kit in the trunk of your car. Inside, you’ll have everything needed to deal with a car break down, as well as minor and major injuries. Candles, chocolate squares, and jumper cables will provide light, sustenance, and a means of charging a dead battery, while a reflective blanket, bandages, and CPR mask will help you deal with the aftermath of a serious car accident.

Finally, not only should you have a spare tire and a jack in the back of your car, you should be well-versed on how to actually use the latter tool to remove a flat and put on the former. Many car owners have these two essentials in the trunk of their vehicles, but never actually learn how to change a tire – trying to figure this out on the side of the road won’t just waste your time, it will put you at risk of injury and/or damage your car.

Learn how to change a tire before hitting the road – if you have no desire to do this, purchase a membership in an organization like the AAA (American Automobile Association), as these bodies offer services like roadside assistance, which will perform this task for you at no charge.

Road trip snacks

Inevitably, the long days spent en route to your destination will mean that the occupants of your car will get hungry and thirsty, often at different times. To keep on an efficient schedule and make up the miles you need to get to where you’re going, it helps to have a collection of road trip snacks in your vehicle.

Before leaving on your trip, fill a giant cooler with ice and pack it full of water, chocolate milk, popsicles, ice cream, cheese sticks, and other treats which need to be kept cool in a warm vehicle.

Treats which don’t require refrigeration can be stored in a duffle bag: jerky, chips, gummy bears, and others will make for munchies that will make sure you and travel mates in the back seat will stay happy campers.

Road trip games for adults

We all had games we played in the car growing up – some of them, like 20 questions and the license plate game, port well over to adulthood. Some, though, are ones we would have never dared to do with our parents in the car.

Cards Against Humanity is a prime example, as it pits you against your car mates in a contest you say the most salacious, taboo things possible. Never Have I Ever, similarly, can get rather raunchy in a hurry, so it is also a great choice if you are looking to play games that are spicy in nature.

Want to play something a little less crass, but definitely adult? ‘Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon’ will test your knowledge of Hollywood, while ‘Don’t Say It’ will give you the chance to call out your friends for slipping up mentally, while taxing your brain to avoid doing the same. ??In the latter game, those who say a forbidden word are obligated to contribute money towards the snack and/or alcohol pool.

Best road trip songs

As you pilot your ride through some of the best landscapes in America and Canada, you’ll want a set list of killer tunes to provide a soundtrack for your wanderings. Yes, it is fun and intriguing to listen to what local radio stations have to offer, but it is also a truism the further you get from the city, the wonkier the tunes that local DJs choose to spin.

As hard as it is to believe, there are places (mostly in the American West and the mountains of Western Canada) where all signals fade to snow (even Sirius XM). When either of the aforementioned two scenarios happen, you’ll want to have your own roster of tunes ready to go.

In general, the best road trip tunes are the ones that are setting you and your friend’s world on fire at the moment, but if you are looking to add some campy traditional road trip songs to the mix, there are a few that come to mind.

Give some consideration to songs like ‘Born to Run’ by Bruce Springsteen, ‘Sweet Caroline’ by John Denver, or ‘Take it Easy’ by The Eagles – there are certainly more classics out there which pair well with road trips, so do your research beforehand and have fun with the process.

Road trip apps

The information age, thanks to the rise of smartphones, has finally disrupted the road trip, as apps have been launched which have greatly enhanced the whole experience.

Waze is the best known of these, as it alerts drivers to cheap gas stations, construction, traffic jams, and even speed traps.

Google Maps have effectively replaced paper maps (download maps for offline use, as you may drive into dead zones at various points in your journey), while iExit tells you about the services situated within a short drive of interstate exits.

Check out the app store for more options, as new platforms which could revolutionize your road trip are launched all the time.

How to plan the perfect vacation to The Bahamas

Need a break from your routine? Kick back and relax in the islands of The Bahamas, as its inviting white sand beaches, powder blue water, and warm people will recharge your batteries like few other places on Earth.

In today’s blog, we’ll talk about everything you need to know before planning the perfect vacation in The Bahamas.

trip to the bahamas

Book an epic place to stay in the Bahamas

Start by deciding what kind of accommodation you want to book – most go for hotels, as it is the type to which they are accustomed. Others opt for bed and breakfasts and guesthouses, as they are looking to interact with the locals.

If you want a home-like atmosphere with plenty of privacy, though, you’ll want to look into getting a villa, as there are numerous rentals in the Bahamas available.

Often perched alongside exclusive beaches, you’ll never be more than a few dozen steps from the ocean, but if you don’t feel like the feeling of sand between your toes, your own personal infinity pool will suffice.

Your villa comes with a load of other amenities as well: grills, outdoor showers, game tables, state-of-the-art electronics, and much more awaits you in your home away from home, making it a much better deal than a luxury hotel for many travellers.

When to go to the Bahamas

Being in the tropics, The Bahamas is warm year-round, so it’s tempting to think it doesn’t matter when you choose to travel there. However, there are two things to keep in mind when picking a time to book your vacation – peak season vs off-season crowds and the weather.

When Northern Hemisphere winter is in full effect, throngs of Americans, Canadians, and Europeans flock to this island nation. If crowds and higher prices bother you, travelling here between December and March might not be the best idea. The weather is ideal this time of year, though, with dry conditions and temperatures that are warm but not hot.

During the rest of the year, the beaches of The Bahamas become much more spacious, but if you are paranoid about encountering rain on your holiday, April through November brings more frequent torrential downpours.

On the other hand, most wet season showers only last 30 minutes to a few hours, with the sunshine returning afterwards. Much of the time, mornings are bright and sunny, so get your beach time before early afternoon, and you should be fine.

Which island should I pick in the Bahamas?

The Bahamas is composed of over 700 islands – naturally, it can be a bit overwhelming to try and narrow down the one where you want to base yourself.

Looking for an island with all the urban amenities you could ever want? Grand Bahama is where you’ll find Freeport, one of the most significant cities in the Bahamas. With a wide range of restaurants, shopping opportunities, casinos, and other sources of amusement, you’ll have plenty to do when a rainy day strikes.

The Abaco Islands will appeal to those who love nature, as there are six national parks in this part of the country. Protecting colourful coral reefs and old growth stands of Bahamian pine trees, they are marvellous places to spend your vacation time.

Bimini is an easily accessible spot for those living in Southern Florida, as it is little more than 50 nautical miles from Miami. While its beaches are every bit as amazing as ones found elsewhere in the Bahamas, this place was infamous for being part of a pipeline for illegal hooch during Prohibition, as well as a favoured haunt for Ernest Hemingway (we’re sure that’s just a coincidence).

Engage in the famed author’s favourite pastime by going out on a game fishing expedition: with the Gulf Stream passing just offshore, the diversity of sea life in the area will make it easy to catch something impressive for dinner.

Finally, those who want to swim with the pigs will want to head to the Exumas. Famous enough for having what may be the most stunning beaches in The Bahamas, the Instagram worthy pig swim is what draws many here.

Apart from that, local fish frys, snorkelling, diving, and star spotting (scores of celebrities own islands in this part of the Bahamas) are other reasons to spend your Bahamian holiday here.

things to do in the bahamas

Things to do in the Bahamas

Once you have arrived in The Bahamas, the first few days will likely be lazy ones spent on the beach or on a sun lounger on the deck of your infinity pool. After that, though, you may begin to tire of this routine.

Fortunately, The Bahamas offers plenty of things to see or do. This is especially true in Nassau, the capital of this country. With numerous museums, monuments, and art galleries found here, days with inclement weather or days of departure/arrival spent in this city will be filled with activity.

Outside the main settlements, your days will revolve around the water, with diving, snorkelling, water sports, and fishing all being common options for those looking to get off the beach to do something active.

Be on the look out for golf courses if you enjoy swinging clubs yourself – the Exumas are home to one designed by Greg Norman, so take time to tee off there if you have the chance.

Best places to eat in the Bahamas

As a popular vacation destination for people around the world and its rich multicultural roots, the Bahamas has its fair share of excellent restaurants.

Rock House Restaurant is a great choice for those on Harbour Island, offering freshly caught seafood and locally produced ingredients in the course of giving its interpretation of Bahamian and Mediterranean dishes.

Most eateries of note are found in Nassau, though – Social House Sushi & Grill is a great place to go if you need to feed your raw fish addiction, while Luciano’s of Chicago will give those seeking a taste of the European continent (French and Italian) exactly what they seek.

On outlying islands like the Abacos or Bimini, most luxury resorts offer the best dining you’ll find, so look to these places if you are looking for a break from making dinner for yourself in your villa.

Top schools for the budding writer

Always had a way with words? If so, you may be thinking about going to school to improve the quality of your sentence structure, narrative, and flow. There is more to the process than simply picking a school which has a vaunted Bachelor of Arts program – you should be searching for one which specializes in helping talented writers thrive.

In this blog, we’ll recommend four colleges in America who have a proven track record turning wordsmiths into professionals.

1) Northwestern University

Of all the colleges on this list, Northwestern stands out above the rest of its longstanding track record of churning out acclaimed and frequently published writers over the years.

Its stable pool of decorated professors are responsible for setting up authors like Veronica Roth of Divergent fame for the commercial success they have enjoyed to date.

With plenty of opportunities to put their skills to good use (student newspaper, interning at papers in the area, writing competitions held by the English faculty, etc), Northwestern University is set up to help literary types succeed.

2) Washington University of St. Louis

Are you already an established writer who wants to add a valuable credential to the end of your name? Washington University of St. Louis offers one of the most prestigious Master of Fine Arts programs in the United States, making it an option you should have at the top of your list.

Its courses go into deep detail on topics which will help you lift your communication skills to the next level, and with scholarships available which can help budget challenged scribes (i.e. most of us) to afford tuition fees, this program is one every career writer should consider taking.

3) John Hopkins University

This suggestion turns a lot of heads, as most know John Hopkins to be an engineering school. Despite seemingly being the antithesis of an ideal school for creative types, the program they set up for writers many years ago has developed into one of its better kept secrets.

Its strength lies in forcing writers who sign up for this program to indulge in a variety of different styles of writing. From straight up journalism to more esoteric pursuits like creating poetry, this series of courses will take you through every application of the written word.

4) Brown University

Want your writing degree to come with Ivy League cred? Check out either the Bachelor degree in creative writing or the Master of Fine Arts program offered by Brown University.

With no core requirements in these programs, you are free to choose whichever courses you like, giving you the opportunity to give yourself an educational background that will support your future works.

With a strong alumni network that include numerous Emmy and Pulitzer award winners, you can be sure of the calibre of the instruction you will receive at this prestigious university.