The ACE Virtual Road Trip kicks off this week! We’re in California visiting the beach and enjoying the sunshine!
Our trip is off to a great start, but we know that sometimes things go wrong on the road. Bad weather can strike unexpectedly. You may lose your GPS signal and get lost. Maybe you forget your prescription at home, or you run out of gas in the middle of nowhere. Situations can feel even worse when unexpected expenses like flat tires and car accidents strike.
Luckily, there are ways to prepare for the unexpected on your summer road trip.
Download digital maps in case of lost signal. Honestly, download everything you might need from your devices on the road! Maps are especially important because they can help you find your way when cell phone towers are out of reach. You can download maps for offline use or pull up turn-by-turn instructions from your GPS and take a screenshot to help keep you on track.
Bring gear for all weather conditions. A light drizzle can quickly turn into a thunderstorm when you’re on the road. If you’re planning outdoor activities, rain can put a damper on the fun. Pack an umbrella and at least a light jacket for your travels. Depending on the time of year, you may want to bring rain boots and a coat, too.
Don’t overpack. When you start to think about all the possibilities of weather and activities for your trip, you may want to pack every piece of clothing you own into the car. But overpacking can cause unneeded stress (“why can’t I find my toothbrush?”) and even weigh down your ride. Stay light on the road and worry less about your stuff.
Always check your vehicle’s tire pressure before you leave. Studies suggest you could improve your gas mileage by 0.6% by riding with properly inflated tires. Plus, well-inflated tires are less susceptible to flats. If you’re driving your own car, getting a tune-up before a long trip is a great idea.
Always fill up the gas tank when it’s half-empty. In day-to-day life, you may wait until the gas hand hits low before refueling. On the road, with no clear idea of when you’ll find the next gas station, take advantage of fuel whenever you can. Filling up often means there’s less likelihood that you’ll run out of gas when it matters.
When money emergencies strike on the road, ACE can help. Get money from friends or family to help pool resources in the case of trouble by using our MoneyGram services. It’s easy to send or receive money in one of our stores or online! Other solutions also include payday loans and installment loans to get you back on the road quickly.
Want to win some road trip essentials like a $100 prepaid card for gas and a 20-gallon Yeti Cooler? Enter the ACE Summer Sweepstakes!
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. To enter and for full rules, go to www.acecashexpress.com/summer-sweepstakes. Starts 12:01 PM CDST 7/22/19 and ends 11:59 PM CDST 8/18/19. Open to residents of 50 U.S./D.C. 18 or older, except employees of Sponsor, its immediate families and those living in the same household. Odds of winning depend on the number of entries received. Void outside 50 U.S./D.C. and where prohibited. A.R.V. of prize package not to exceed $550. Sponsor: Populus Financial Group, Inc., Irving, TX.
