Are you gearing up for an exciting road trip? Let's ensure your journey is as smooth as the open road ahead.
Here are some essential tips to help you prepare for an unforgettable adventure:
Perform Vehicle Maintenance
NOW is the time to schedule a travel check up on your vehicle to ensure your vehicle is road-ready. They'll checking:
Fluid Levels
Tires
Tire Pressure
Belts
Filters
Battery
Brakes
Lights
Windshield Wiper Blades
Air Conditioning/Heater
A few minor fixes during this type of appointment can keep you from being stranded along the side of the road or larger maintenance issues later.
Plan Your Route
Before hitting the road, map out your route and identify key stops along the way. Whether it's taking a scenic route, planning rest areas before or after a major city to avoid having to wait in longer lines for gas, or finding unique attractions to make the most of your journey. Planning your path is important. Research construction plans and road closures by going to the Federal Highway Administration so you can prevent long detours by taking alternative routes.
Pack Wisely
Pack light but smart not only in your bags, but also in your storage area or trunk. Essentials like snacks, water, a first-aid kit (including prescribed and OTC medications as well as motion sickness medication), and emergency supplies should be readily accessible. Be sure to know where your spare tire is, and don't forget entertainment options like music playlists or audiobooks to keep everyone entertained. Download everything you can so that you are sure to have access to things in areas where connectivity to your network may be spotty.
Plan Breaks Strategically
Plan regular rest stops to stretch, refuel, and let the kids burn off some energy. Incorporate fun activities like short hikes or playground visits to make the breaks enjoyable for the whole family. Consider packing food or getting your meal to go then stop at a park so you can really some movement in without risking picking up a bug from a fast food play area. Also consider driver fatigue! Rotate drivers at each stop, and ensure a passenger is awake at all times to help the drive with navigation and conversation.
Create a Travel Kit
If traveling with kids, pack a travel kit with snacks, games, toys, and activities to keep kids entertained during the journey. Consider dry erase markers so kids can color on the windows, twist up colored pencils if they prefer to draw on paper so you don't have to sharpen and a handled grabber to get things they inevitably drop without having to pull over. Also, be sure to save some things just for the return trip!
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