What to Check Before Going on a Road Trip

 Road trips are surreal, believe it or not.  With the right car, it could be the most memorable experience of your life. If you are an enthusiastic traveler with a great group of travel buddies and live in Spain, you must consider a road trip. If you have already planned for one, great!  

As road trips primarily involve a car, it should be your priority to ensure the car you are driving is up to scratch to serve you without falling apart. 

And to ensure that it makes your trip fun-tastic, we have laid down a perfect checklist that you can follow.

Checklist for Car Road Trip 

For a smooth journey,  your car should be in tip-top condition. If you don’t want to take your own car, you can always rent a car at Mahon Airport in Menorca.

Binicars offers a wide range of cars for hire. Do check their website for more details. You can book your vehicle online too.

Make sure your Car Battery is new or completely charged, and in good condition. Even if it is not new, it shouldn’t be more than three years old. Also make sure the electrical charging points are functioning well and there isn’t any corrosion.

The Tyres are very important and there are two vital things you must check – air pressure and treads. The tyres should be neither overinflated nor underinflated. They should be just right. Also, the treads should be deep enough so the tyres don’t wear out. Don’t forget to carry a Spare Tyre. 

Change the Air Filters to prevent dust, bugs and dirt from entering the filters and maintain better air quality inside the car. Air filters should be changed after every 20000 kms.  

Check the Engine Oil level.  If it needs refilling, do it without hesitation.. 

Inspect all The Car Fluid Levels, including brakes, windshield, transmission, power steering, radiator etc...

Check the Brakes and their accessories, like hose, drums, rotors, brake fluid and brake pads. 

Ensure the HVAC system is working properly for proper air circulation and adjust the steering, mounts, suspension and shocks before you hit the road. 

Test drive a day or two before to ensure all things are in perfect shape. 

If you are looking for car rental at Menorca, you can browse Binicars’ exceptional fleet of cars. 

Tips for Car Camping with Kids

 Car camping is a great, fun summer activity for kids. In fact, it can be a great weekend getaway for the entire family. If your kids enjoy hiking, biking, and trekking and don't mind sleeping under the stars, you should give them a car camping experience. However, bringing the little ones for a road trip will require some good planning, starting from the car rental service in Menorca to food and sleeping essentials. In this blog, we will share tips on car camping with kids in Menorca.

              

1. Plan with Friends who Have Kids 

Camping with a big group will make your adventure memorable and fun. Kids need more kids. They will eventually get bored of you. So, make sure they have plenty of friends to camp with. Camping with friends is also a good way to detox your mind. You can divide the responsibilities between you all and have a good weekend's fun. 

2. Choose a Good Car Hire Service in Menorca

The kind of car you travel in makes a lot of difference. So, consider a spacious car with a big bunk to accommodate camping gear. You can check Binicars Renault Trafic, a perfect rental car for the whole family. Binicars is a leading car hire company in Menorca that allows pre-booking and online booking of cars and scooters. You can book your hired car from Mahon airport and return it at the same place. For more details, you can talk to us here.

3. Pick a Good Camping Ground

Although most parts of Menorca are wild or beaches, there are two excellent camping spots where you can take your kids - Son Bou and S'Atalia. Both have activities, supermarkets, bars, and restaurants. Son Bou is a modern camping site with more urban options like chalets, pre-set tents, and bungalows. S'Atalia is rawer and more classic and will give you a proper camping feel. You can rent tents here. If you are not camping in Menorca, then choose a ground that's near to your house, probably within a 3-hour radius, which offers scope for family activities, such as bike trails, a swimming pool, playground, hiking spots, etc. 

4. Remember to Plan for the Weather 

Hope for the best. Plan for the worst. The weather can turn worse anytime, although the chances are slim in Menorca. However, if your camping location is elsewhere, it is suggested to be prepared with rain jackets, tarps, and boots for the kids. Even if it rains, Menorca has plenty of local sites with good indoor activities for kids and adults.

5. Pack Early and Double-Check Your Gears

Camping with kids could turn into a nightmare if your kids realize that you haven't packed their favorite softball. Whether a week-long trip or weekend camping, plan early and create a list for your kids - supplies, food, gear, activities, toys, first aid kit, clothes, and cooking. Pre-pack your car a day before so you can get out of the house or hotel on time. If you have doubts about something, then pack it. Portable chairs, sleeping pens, picnic tables, etc., can come in handy for appeasing toddlers.

Looking for a car to hire at Mahon Airport? Don't forget to pre-book your car at Binicars.  

6. Carry Enough Kid-Friendly Food

You will need food for the car drive as well as for the camping. Therefore, carry plenty of kid's food, including finger foods, snacks, crackers, PBJ sandwiches, biscuits, muffins, and marshmallows. Carry ingredients and cookware for pizza, mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, and other one-pot meals. 

7. Divide the Work and Stay Organized 

Camping works best when each has a role and a duty to fulfill. If dads are in charge of pitching the tents, moms can get the fire started, and kids can set the table or help the parents. Also, staying organized is mandatory at a camping site. Do dirty dishes immediately, teach your kids to put things back where they belong, and eat & sleep when they are asked to. Also, no fighting or pulling hair. 

8. Don't Worry About the Dirt

Camping is all about embracing the dirt. And it will be hard to keep your babies clean. Don't fret about basic hygiene. While washing hands before mealtime and cleaning their face and teeth before bed is a must, set your kids free for the rest of the time. Make sure to carry extra pairs of socks and clothes for the dirty brats. However, don't forget to keep insect sprays, mosquito repellents, first-aid kits, sunscreen, and band-aids in case of small accidents. 

Binicars offers premium car rental at Menorca airport. Pre-book for amazing discounts.