School holiday road trip tips

The school holidays are upon us once again, and the RACV has provided a series of tips on how to get to your destination safely and keep your home protected, if you choose to hit the road.

Road trips are a great way to support regional economies and have a cost-effective holiday, and RACV General Manager of Mobility, Elizabeth Kim, has a few tips to make it even cheaper.

“For real-time trip time estimates, fuel pricing along the way, and parking rates when you arrive, download the arevo app,” Ms Kim said.

“The app also gives you great offers and discounts at attractions across Australia. Arevo is free to download and provides you with the information you will need to plan that successful road trip.

“The last thing you want on a family road trip is for something to go wrong with the car and having no solution in sight.”

It’s also important to make sure your car is up to date with service requirements, and you have both adequate car insurance and emergency roadside assistance.

“Before a road trip is a good time to review your car insurance. Pay particular attention to the coverage you have for a hire car, windscreen damage, and towing of your vehicle,” Ms Kim said.

Once you’re sure your car is ready to go, you should also ensure your home is safe – the last thing you want after coming home from a trip is to find your most treasured belongings are missing.

RACV Head of Home Insurance, Kirsty Hayes, says a few simple things can be done to give you peace of mind when travelling.

“If you have a trusted neighbour make them aware that you will be away and ask them if they can keep any mail or deliveries safe until you return,” she said.

“Set a timer for some lights to come on at night and double check that every single door and window is locked properly. The How Safe is My Place app is full of tips and resources to help safeguard your home from burglary.”

The How Safe is My Place app is free, and was developed in conjunction with Neighbourhood Watch to get you thinking about risks in your home, and the easy things you can do to make your home more secure.

The RACV also recommends packing a Survival Car Kit, containing wet wipes, nappies (if needed), toilet paper, jumpers or coats, bathers and towels, a torch, cash, socks, a first aid kit, extra water, jumper leads, a phone charger, and a backup paper map.

It’s also a good idea to break up longer trips with stops along the way for eating, toilet breaks, stretching your legs, and taking in the local sights on the way to your destination.