Some of the best memories and greatest adventures occur on road trips. There’s nothing more liberating or exciting than hitting the open road with some of your favorite people and searching for new places to see and things to do.
Almost 80% of family vacations are road trips but not all of them are a complete success. People run into trouble when they don’t plan ahead. You don’t have to plan every minute of your trip but it’s a good idea to be prepared before you head out.
Don’t let your trip fall flat.
Keep reading to learn how to plan a road trip that will delight and excite your traveling companions and give you memories that’ll last a lifetime.
How to Plan a Road Trip That’s Safe and Fun
The last thing you want to deal with on a road trip is car trouble or an accident. While you can’t always ensure this won’t happen there are some steps you can take to make it less likely.
You need to be proactive in avoiding an accident. Make sure you’re well rested, the car is properly maintained and that you follow the rules of the road.
Before you pile into the car you’ll want to fill car fluids like oil, windshield washer fluid, etc. and check your tire pressure.
You’ll also want to make sure you have a GPS or phone with GPS capability so you don’t get too lost. Don’t forget charging cords and back up battery packs so you don’t end up with a dead battery in the middle of nowhere.
Where Are You Headed?
You don’t need to plan every mile of the trip, in fact, some of the best adventures happen on a whim but it’s not a bad idea to have some kind of plan for where you’re headed.
This will help you arrange hotels if needed and figure out what fun things are along the way. It doesn’t have to be a trip to Disney for kids of all ages to enjoy the trip.
There are roadside attractions and interesting spots to explore almost everywhere. A little research and a few detours could allow you to find hidden gems that’ll help you create the most unique and memorable trip you ever have.
Plan Ahead and Pack Some Treats
You don’t want a car full of hangry passengers or a driver that’s falling asleep at the wheel. Make sure you pack some travel treats to curb your appetites and give you a boost in energy while on the road.
If you have younger kids you may want to fill a craft organizer box with a few of their favorite small treats so they have a choice without making a mess. This will also cut down on fights over the bag of grapes or container of crackers and cheese because everyone will have their own.
Activities Along the Way
Doing some smart goal setting and a little bit of planning can ensure everyone is satisfied and sufficiently entertained.
Not every road along the way will be filled with fun and adventure so you may have to create your own fun. Have some car games everyone can participate in as well as individual activities planned for the miles between destinations.
Go with the Flow
Everybody has their own ideas on how to plan a road trip that will be perfect for them. Don’t be too caught up in working out every little detail before you head out.
Consult everyone who’s going and figure out one activity each person wants to include on your trip.
The perfect road trip is more about the journey than the destination and what makes it perfect is the people that you experience it with.
Check out our blog for more tips on car maintenance, repairs, and tips like how to get rid of odors from your car after the trip.