Planning for an epic road trip through the Garden State? New Jersey has a lot to offer, from beautiful landscapes to pristine beaches. Plus, it’s a small state, so it is easier to explore.
However, just because it’s a small state doesn’t mean you should ignore planning and everything else needed for a successful road trip.
So, don’t let an unexpected turn of events ruin your happy moments in New Jersey.
Here are expert tips to make your road trip through the Garden State unforgettable.
- Plan your route (and pick your destinations)
Yes, it’s a small state. But this doesn’t mean you can (or should) explore it in a day or two, at least if you are looking for a good experience.
You don’t want to be figuring out your next destinations while in your car. This can ruin the whole experience.
Here’s what to do instead.
New Jersey has plenty of destinations and attractions. So first, identify your attractions (and those of the people you’ll be traveling with).
Are you a beach person? If yes, you want to pick destinations along the coastline. The Garden State boasts some of the best beach towns in the country, including;
- Long Branch
- Point Pleasant Beach
- Beach Haven
- Ocean City
- Cape May
- Wildwood
Want to explore the hidden gems New Jersey has to offer?
You probably want to discover a place or something new to you. These might be waterfalls, caves, battlefields, and museums. Luckily, the Garden State offers all these and much more.
Consider the following routes or destinations;
- Ken Lockwood Gorge
- Sterling Hill Mining Museum
- The Faery Cave at Great Meadows
- Speedwell Park
Here’s a route to consider for a waterfall road trip in New Jersey.
Dunnfield Creek Falls > Buttermilk Falls > Boonton Falls > Hemlock Falls > Hacklebarney Falls.
- Prepare your car
Car trouble can turn a dream road trip into a nightmare.
Fortunately, you can prevent or rather minimize the chances of this nasty turn of events by ensuring your car is in tip-top shape before you hit the road.
Here’s how to ensure your car is in top shape for your epic road trip through the Garden State;
- Top off essential vehicle fluids: Your vehicle depends on multiple fluids to run efficiently. Inspect and top off the coolant, engine oil, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid, among others.
- Check your tires: Your tires must be able to handle the elements of the road for many miles, safely. First, consider the anticipated weather conditions. For instance, if you’re taking a winter road trip, consider winterizing your vehicle with snow tires or cables/chains. Also, ensure your tires have adequate pressure, enough tread and traction, and no exposed wires.
- The brakes: Ensure your brakes are working properly. Check for delays in braking or weird sounds when slowing down, and repair or replace your brakes when necessary.
- Check the lights: Your trip might go late into the night. Therefore, you must ensure your lights are working properly. And even if you’re not planning to travel at night, it’s still essential to have properly working lights, including turn signals, headlights, brake lights, and backup lights.
Note: Tires influence gas mileage. Smaller tires increase fuel efficiency while larger tires decrease fuel economy due to their weight. Tires also impact handling, acceleration, braking, and overall safety on the road. Therefore, ensure they are in proper working condition. Remember to carry a spare (or two if you have space).
- Pack snacks in plenty
A rumbling stomach can quickly derail a fun road trip. Even the most scenic views lose their appeal when you’re feeling “hangry.”
Packing plenty of healthy snacks is essential for long journeys. This provides your body with sustained energy and helps avoid boredom-induced snacking at gas stations.
Think beyond chips and candy. Choose nutrient-rich options that will keep you and your travel companions satisfied.
This could include fruits, vegetables, nuts, yogurt, and homemade trail mix. Plan enough for everyone to avoid those mid-trip snack emergencies!
Here’s a list of more healthy ideas;
- Beef jerky
- Popcorn
- Protein bars
- String cheese
- Grapes
- Carrots
- Walnuts
Additionally, don’t forget to stay hydrated. Ensure the water supply is well-stocked for maximum energy.
Note: Don’t eat or carry food that might spoil the fun. We’re talking about certain spicy foods that might give you a running stomach or foods that easily go bad, that may give you food poisoning.
- Plan for accommodation
When the sun goes down, you’ll need a place to spend the night waiting for the next day to continue on your road trip. And since it’s a road trip, you might need to book several hotels or accommodation for your various stops.
It’s good to make your bookings (or some of them) early in advance to avoid unnecessary inconveniences.
So, before you start your journey, research the best accommodations and hotels within New Jersey. Consider your routes while deciding on where to rest for the night. Compare costs for different hotels and ensure you get the best deals.
If possible, pay for your hotel bookings in advance so that you’re sure of a place for the night.
- Switch driving roles
Driving can be tiresome, especially if you’re taking a long trip. Plus, you also want to enjoy the beautiful views while someone else drives.
Therefore, ensure at least one more person in your crew knows how to drive.
Sharing driving responsibilities helps prevent driver fatigue and improves overall safety on the road. It allows you to rest and recharge for a more comfortable and enjoyable journey for everyone.
Experts say you should stop and rest for 15 minutes after every two hours of driving. However, this can vary depending on numerous factors.
Watch out for signs of fatigue while driving and stop to take a break or switch roles. Driving fatigue signs include;
- Constant yawning
- Variations in driving speed
- Trouble keeping your head up
- Sore eyes
- Drifting over lanes and hitting the kerbs
- Daydreaming
- Delayed reactions
Additionally, as you switch driving roles, remember your car too needs to rest as well.
- Document your adventure
Lastly, you want to keep a memory of your good moments in New Jersey. So, don’t forget to carry your camera to capture all the fun and awesome memories.
Alternatively, you could use your phone to capture the hidden gems, pristine beaches, and everything that you feel you want to keep a memory of.
Capture short videos as well to post on your socials and share your adventure with friends and family.
Enjoy your New Jersey road trip
You now have a few tips for an epic road trip through New Jersey.
So, what’s next?
Go and enjoy your road trip. It’s the only thing left.
Stay flexible and open to new experiences. You never know what you might discover along the way, therefore, don’t be afraid to take a detour or explore a new town. Remember, some of the best memories are made when you least expect them. So, embrace the journey and enjoy the ride.
If you experience any legal challenges, including accidents, seek help from a law firm in NJ.
