Whether you are traveling to escape the winter chill or looking to accomplish the travel goals you have left for the year, driving south can improve your overall wellness. With a rich cultural heritage and breathtaking sights, there’s a lot that the Southern states can offer to any northerner.
This season would be the perfect time to visit this area of the country, especially Florida, Georgia, and Louisiana. If it’s your first time, however, you may need to be prepared for anything that comes your way. Make the most of your road trip to the south by applying these important tips:
1. Plan your itinerary
A great itinerary is the cornerstone of any successful travel plan to the south. Regardless of your destination, you will have to take the routes offering the best sights and sounds. It’s also important to plan your stopovers since the trip could last more than a day. Your itinerary should also include visits to iconic landmarks such as Providence Canyon in Georgia or the Johnny Cash Museum in Tennessee. Look for ideas online and create a checklist of places to visit.
2. Check your vehicle’s condition
Driving to the south is just like any other road trip. You will need to make sure the car you will be using is fit for the road. Because of the tropical and humid climate, you may have to prepare for high temperatures and torrential rains, especially at this time of year. Be sure to have your vehicle serviced and get an oil change. You should also bring along all-terrain tires so you can swap your winter tires as you enter the deep south. If you have room in your budget, consider renting out an RV or camper to make the most of the experience.
3. Follow local traffic laws
There is not much difference between the traffic laws in the north and the south. Laws against drunk driving and overspeeding are universal so you don’t have to learn a lot just to operate a vehicle in this region. You should be careful when driving on the highway since motorists tend to be rash in the south. That’s because the roads there are more open which provides drivers more leeway. Not only that but traffic rules are generally less strict in the south. According to Finder.com, many of the states with the least strict traffic laws, though there have been efforts to penalize certain violations like failing to wear a seatbelt or texting while driving.
4. Know who to call
No matter where you are going, you will need to have someone to reach out to in case you run into trouble. Aside from contacting a family member or friend living near where you are, you should also contact emergency services. If the accident happened in South Carolina, you may also have had to report the accident to the state DMV and contact a Myrtle Beach personal injury attorney in case you suffered major injuries and damages to your vehicle.
Driving to the South can be an exhilarating experience if you prepare well for it, so consider these tips as you plan a road trip to this wonderful region as a way to de-stress.