There’s nothing quite like the feeling of freedom that comes with the open road – and there’s no better person to share it with than your new spouse. Just married, chasing adventure with good music, scenic stops, and uninterrupted conversation? That’s honeymoon magic.
If you’re planning a honeymoon road trip, here are a few things to keep in mind before you hit the highway.
Avoid Breakdowns and Breakouts
Before you embark on your journey, make sure your car is properly serviced – especially the filters, fluid levels, brakes, tyres, belts, oil, and water. Check that your tyre pressure is correct and inspect your wiper blades, indicators, brake lights, and headlights.
If you’re travelling through different climates or remote areas, ensure your vehicle is prepared for changing weather conditions. And if you’re road-tripping during a South African summer, don’t forget to check the air conditioner – nothing kills romance faster than being stuck in traffic in unbearable heat.
It’s also worth downloading offline maps ahead of time in case signal drops along your route.
Clean Up, Stock Up
There’s no better way to begin your honeymoon than in a freshly cleaned car. Turn the pre-trip prep into part of the fun with a quick car wash date before departure.
Stock up on snacks, padkos, and plenty of water – buying from grocery stores beforehand is usually far cheaper than relying on petrol station convenience stops. Pack blankets and pillows for extra comfort, especially if one of you wants to nap between destinations.
Finally, don’t skip the emergency kit. Include essentials like:
- A flashlight and extra batteries
- Jumper cables
- A first aid kit
- Spare tyre and tyre repair kit
- Portable phone charger or power bank
- Emergency contact numbers
- Being over-prepared is always better than being stranded.
If You’re Renting
If you’re renting a car, companies like Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Thrifty offer a variety of vehicle options and pickup locations.
Look out for package deals that combine flights, accommodation, and car rental – they can save you a significant amount on honeymoon costs.
If you’re renting abroad, check whether your destination requires an International Driving Permit (IDP). It’s also important to note that manual transmission vehicles are still standard in many countries. If you’re used to driving automatic, reserve one well in advance, as availability can be limited and rates are often higher.
And yes – screenshot or print your booking confirmation. Airport Wi-Fi has a habit of failing exactly when you need it most.
Are We There Yet?
Planning the time spent in the car together can be just as important as planning the destinations themselves. A long drive can either become part of the adventure – or feel very, very long.
Prepare some entertainment ahead of time to keep the energy fun and relaxed. Think curated playlists, nostalgic singalongs, podcasts, audiobooks, or even a few classic road-trip games.
Here are a few ideas to make the journey more memorable:
- Car games
They’re not just for kids. Classics like I Spy or the licence plate game are surprisingly entertaining when the kilometres start blending.
- Story time
Take turns reading aloud from a book, sharing funny memories, or even telling each other stories you’ve never heard before.
- Create an on-the-road scrapbook
Snap photos of quirky roadside stops, beautiful scenery, and funny moments along the way. The blurry selfies and petrol station coffee runs often become the best memories later.
- Tunes for the trail
A good playlist can completely shape the mood of a road trip. Create one together before you leave, blending both your favourites with songs that feel like the start of a new chapter.
The journey is the honeymoon
A honeymoon road trip isn’t about rushing from one destination to the next – it’s about the moments in between. The unexpected stops, terrible padkos combinations, inside jokes, scenic detours, and quiet conversations are often the memories that last the longest.
So, leave a little room for spontaneity, keep your itinerary flexible, and enjoy the ride together. After all, the best love stories rarely stick perfectly to the route.
ALSO SEE: How to pick your honeymoon destination
Feature image: Pinterest