10 Things to Do If Taking a Long Driving Trip

Driving is still a great way to see the US. The pros for this type of travel include being able to take many personal things along, stopping only when necessary, doing some sight-seeing along the way, and maximizing the use of gas (since highway travel is more mileage-efficient than city driving); some of the cons include taking much longer than, say, flying, possibly hitting traffic jams, and running the chance of car trouble or an accident. Despite the potential hazards, traveling by car can be done relatively inexpensively, trouble-free, and efficiently, if you are willing to abide by certain precautions and if you prepare properly for the experience. Here are ten important suggestions to consider:

1. Make a list of what you should do and what to take on the trip. Simply go down this list, crossing off each component as you complete or see to it. Some of the things to take with you include a First Aid kit, a cross-shaped lug wrench (which has much better torque than regular lug wrenches), water, gas treatment (useful if you run out of gas), a small compressor, some basic car tools, duct tape (with which to temporarily fix a hose), umbrellas, snacks, etc.

2. Carefully map out and print what routes you will take. Take maps and atlases along, though, in case you have to take an alternate route during the trip. As a matter of fact, if you can, invest in a good GPS device. Although they are still in the development stage, GPS devices keep getting better and better-the best ones are those that are satellite-fed, since they can be updated on a regular basis.

3. Make sure your roadside assistance membership is up-to-date. Although AAA is one of the most popular, there are other such services, some of which are connected to insurance plans or given away with some new cars. If your car breaks down (especially while far away from home), you may not want to put yourself at the mercy of a local tow-truck service. Roadside assistance plans include vehicle towing--with some limitations on the number of miles they will tow you. AAA strives to take its members to repair facilities it has special arrangements with. If a problem arises with their services, you can appeal to AAA and the shop ultimately has to abide by AAA's ruling. This is the advantage to taking your car to a "AAA-approved" repair facility.

4. Don't leave without a cell phone. These days, cell phone plans have become so inexpensive and accessible that there is no excuse for anyone leaving on a road trip without one of these life-saving devices. There is even a plan provided by the federal government which makes cell phone available for people with limited incomes.

5. Establish a check-in schedule with family and friends. Let people know where you are and where you expect to be by a certain time. If something bad or unexpected happens along the way, someone will be available to call for help or send you help themselves--in the form of cash, maybe?

6. Get your vehicle thoroughly inspected before you go. Have as many of your vehicle's fluids changed as necessary, especially the oil. Replace any tires showing excessive wear and have performed any other service recommended, especially those that pertain to basic car maintenance. You do not want to break down while on the road.

7. Make sure that all your legal documents are up-to-date. This includes your driver's license, insurance coverage, vehicle registration, and any other documents that may be requested if you get involved in an accident or get stopped because of a traffic violation. If you have any unpaid traffic tickets, pay them.

8. Bring lots of money, preferably in different forms. Although many people badmouth credit cards, they are still the safest way to carry large amounts of readily-spendable money. If an unforeseen emergency arises, you may need more money than should safely be taken with you in the form of cash. Since some places do not take credit cards, you should also take along some cash-the more the better, although it should not all be in one place.

9. Bring along and carry with you contact information for friends and family. If involved in a car crash, they may need to identify the inhabitants in ways that may not involve verbal communication. You may also need to contact someone, if in need; if close family members are not reachable when you need them (such as maybe daytime on a week day, when most people work), then you may have to go down a list until you find someone who happens to be at home or accessible.

10. Make sure that you leave your house in good shape so that you will not spend time worrying about it during your road trip. This means cancelling mail, making proper arrangements for pets, setting up lights that can come on at night (so the house does not look uninhabited), engaging your alarm system (if you have one), making sure that you do not leave any appliances running, and possibly having someone go by the house to check on it while you are gone.