It’s exciting to know you’re about to get away from the regular hustle and bustle of life for a while. Traveling with friends or family on a summertime road trip is one of the most enjoyable ways to spend time with those you love and take the edge off of life.
Getting wrapped up in the hype of a summer getaway is fun, but don’t let all the excitement cloud your mind during your prep. Preparing or planning a family road trip is key to maintaining the delicate balance between fun and anarchy.
Take the time to make sure you have everything in order before you head out on the open road. Here is a brief checklist of a few things you should consider while prepping for your big summer road trip.
Related Read: Road Trip Advice: 11 Essential Tips For New RV Owners
5 Preparation Tips For Your Summer Road Trip
Get a full night of rest before leaving
Sleeping is important, especially when you’re planning a long drive. Your mind should be fresh and rested. Your eyes should be clear and your vision sharp. That means you need a full eight hours of sleep (without your contacts) the night before the big trip.
Check that your vehicle is up to par
The vehicle you’re using for the road trip should be looked over with a trained eye. You should make sure that all of the main mechanical maintenance is up-to-date, and check some specifics.
- Check the fluids in your vehicle, including the brake fluid.
- Make sure your tires have plenty of treads.
- Check that your windshield wipers are good.
- Make sure that all of your lights are working.
- Get your mechanic to give the vehicle a good “once over” before you leave.
Your vehicle is paramount to a successful adventure, so you also need to install tracking devices without monthly fees on your car to make sure that it is safe for the road.
Scout out the route you’ll take
You likely have a cool smartphone with a very capable GPS app readily available, but it’s helpful to give your brain a “heads up” on your route. Look over the possible routes to your destination, and choose the most suitable path.
Always pack food and drink
Whether you’re traveling with kids or not, you still need a snack bag or cooler full of goodies. Spending money on junk food from convenience stores along the way can drain your liquid funds for the trip. It’s much easier to simply grab a drink and a snack from the back seat.
Comfort and entertainment are also crucial
You don’t want a car full of bored individuals, so make certain to pack for comfort and entertainment. Plenty of blankets and tablets for movie snuggles along the ride will keep the atmosphere in the cab calm, quiet, and copacetic.
