There are a variety of reasons why you should travel by motorcycle – alone or with your buddies – it can be one of the best experiences of your life; it’s an opportunity for you to connect with yourself, whilst admiring the beauty of nature. Many young people with a penchant for adventure prefer motorcycling over any other mode of travel as they believe that the distinct thrill that comes from engaging in this challenging activity is unmatched in nature.

Additionally, a motorcycle is probably the most convenient and economical ride out there.  Motorcycles are easier to park as they take up less space, they are cheaper than most cars and also have a relatively lower impact on the environment.

Motorcycle riding is an activity which is equal parts exhilarating and dangerous; hence, there are certain guidelines that should be followed to minimize the threats to your safety as well as that of everyone around you.

Here’s a list of things that can assist you in planning your trip:

Find a suitable ride

While most motorcycle enthusiasts like to travel by their own vehicle – which is customized according to their preferences; some riders may be reluctant to expose their personal vehicle to the kind of vulnerabilities that are bound to arise over the course of a long trip. However, with the increase in the number of places that rent out motorcycles, it’s now possible for almost everyone to plan a trip with a motorcycle. As the market is becoming increasingly competitive, it’s becoming easier to obtain a bike at cheaper rates than before.

Prepare your motorcycle

There are a number of things that need to be checked before starting off on any trip; from checking the tires for air pressure to checking the fuel level – each and every step is equally important. Checking for damages becomes even more important if you’re traveling alone, since if any inconvenience arises while you’re on the road, you’ll have no one to depend upon. Therefore, it’s advisable to be extremely cautious and inspect your bike as frequently as possible.

Along with your basic safety gear, it’s a good idea to accessorize your ride according to your personal preferences in order to make your journey as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

Travel light

Traveling light is not only more convenient, but also time-saving as you will be wasting very little time on packing and unpacking. The idea is to pack all the essentials so that you don’t have to make too many stops for supplies, but at the same time, you must ensure that you don’t pack more than what is absolutely necessary. While carrying extra food can be helpful if you are traveling through isolated and remote roads, you can easily get rid of this extra luggage if there are a number of eating joints along your way.

Start off early in the day

Most riders prefer hitting the roads as early as possible because the weather is cooler and more agreeable. More importantly, you don’t have to worry about the blinding sun rays hitting your eyes or a potential headache that may be caused due to continuous exposure to the sun. If that’s not enough to get you out of bed early in the morning, it might help that everything looks more beautiful and quaint in the morning.

This also means that you can cover your desired distance before sundown. It’s advisable to get off the roads before it gets dark in order to avoid any kind of disaster. The probability of an accident increases as it becomes harder to spot road signs and approaching vehicles in the dark. Finishing your ride early will also allow you to catch a good night’s sleep in order to prepare your mind and body for the next day’s journey.

Stay hydrated

Exposure to harsh weather conditions for long hours can very easily cause dehydration.  In order to stay hydrated, it’s important to drink water at regular intervals – even if it requires you to specially make stops for the same. Dehydration can be detrimental to the body by adversely affecting your muscles and tiring you out, and you don’t want to ruin your entire trip with a medical crisis.

A lot of how you plan your trip will depend on the route, destination and company that you choose. Traveling with a group can also be a unique experience in itself as you are bound to form strong bonds with your fellow riders over time; it can even be the start of lifelong friendships.