Road trip hacks

Oct 09, 2019

Road trip hacks

Oct 09, 2019

Be prepared for the open road with OnStar

The road awaits. You’re just about to pack up the car, fill up the tank and give it all you’ve got. But before you take on the great American road trip, OnStar has a few travel hacks — some of which require an OnStar Safety & Security Plan*  — that can help when you’re going across the country. Or even across town.

Stay full

Traveling can take a toll on your stomach — eating at odd times and odd places inevitably catches up with you. Don’t let it. Pack some of your favorites — snacks and meals — in glass jars or other reusable containers. Then, when hunger strikes, you’ll be ready.

Stay out

As in … outdoors, out in nature, out where adventures happen. Grab your camping gear and sleep under the stars. You’ll save on lodging while gaining riches in life experience, and you can even try some simple hacks to make camping a little easier. Not the camping type? Just push your blue OnStar button and an Advisor can help you find the nearest hotel and provide you with directions.

Stay safe

Staying alert and well-rested is one of the most important ways to keep yourself safer on the road, so don’t hesitate to pull over if you’re too tired to continue driving. And if you or any of your passengers suffer from any kind of medical emergency while on the road, push the red Emergency button*  for a connection to an Emergency Advisor*  for additional assistance — Advisors are ready to help 24/7. (Click here if you need a reminder about which button to push in different scenarios.)

Stay organized

What items will you need to use the most? Are they accessible? Make use of the many storage compartments in your vehicle, and stock them with necessities you’ll need for the road like tissue packets, napkins, guidebooks, a notepad and pen, and hand sanitizer. That way, they’ll be on hand when you need them most. Also, keep bags on hand to gather up any trash you and your passengers make during the trip, and be sure to throw it out in a trash can at every stop.

Stay connected

There may come a time when your passengers want to reach out and chat with someone, like a hotel concierge or family member. Or when you’re stopped at your destination, you may want to share updates and photos of your trip on social media. No need to rely on spotty campground Wi-Fi — if it’s even an option — when you have an available in-vehicle Wi-Fi® Hotspot.*

Stay loose

While plotting your route, leave wiggle room for taking the back roads. They’re scenic and less crowded. And you never know when you’ll find a roadside fruit stand or antique store. When you’re ready to head back to civilization, OnStar TurnbyTurn Navigation*  can show you the way. In fact, switching things up is a good idea even when you’re not traveling: science shows that taking a detour from your regular commute can help exercise your mind.

All your OnStar services in one package

You want all the safety and all the conveniences? We have the OnStar plan for you: Get Roadside Assistance, Automatic Crash Response, Alexa and more.

Worried mom reaches family with OnStar

Kim couldn’t reach her husband and kids after they hadn’t returned from a skiing trip. She contacted an Advisor — and was connected to her family.

How OnStar can save your day

Here are six ways OnStar can help you with our specially trained Advisors and available services.

All your OnStar services in one package

You want all the safety and all the conveniences? We have the OnStar plan for you: Get Roadside Assistance, Automatic Crash Response, Alexa and more.

Worried mom reaches family with OnStar

Kim couldn’t reach her husband and kids after they hadn’t returned from a skiing trip. She contacted an Advisor — and was connected to her family.

How OnStar can save your day

Here are six ways OnStar can help you with our specially trained Advisors and available services.