Preparing for a Road Trip

Road trips can be memorable experiences and with a little careful preparation all of those memories can be the good kind. Taking a road trip is the best way to see this beautiful country we live in. The mountains, lakes, abundant trees and greenery would be completely missed by anyone traveling by plane. And for a large family on a budget, it is still the cheapest way to go.

The first thing that needs to be done before taking a road trip is to have your car checked out either by yourself, if you are knowledgeable in car repair, or by a reputable mechanic. Some things to look for are as follows:

1. Check that your tires are in good shape and have enough air in them.
2. Check that all of the car's fluids are full to capacity, including the oil and windshield wash.
3. Make sure that your brakes are in good working order.
4. If you haven't had a tune-up in a while, this would be a great time to do that.
5. Be sure that your inspection and registration stickers are up to date.

Although it may seem insignificant, making sure that your radio is in working order is also helpful on a long road trip, especially if you are traveling with teenagers.

Once you know that your car meets all the safety requirements necessary for a road trip, the next step is to make sure it meets the cleanliness requirements. Remove everything from the trunk that will not be needed on your trip. If you are heading for the beach in florida, there is no reason to be bringing your son's hockey equipment along for the ride. The same goes for the glove compartment and any other areas of your car where you store things that you use on a regular basis. Having a clean car will not only make the trip more enjoyable but will allow you the space to pack the things that you will be needing on your way.

It's also a good idea to wash your car both inside and out before taking a trip. A few days on the open road will certainly result in a messy car. Starting with a clean one will help to lessen the severity of it. If you decide to not wash anything else, be sure that the windshield, windows and mirrors are all clean. You will be traveling on unfamiliar roads and will want the clearest view possible. It's a good idea to bring along a bottle of window cleaner and some paper towels in case there is a need to clean them again.

There are a few things that you should have in the car in case of an emergency. These items should be in your car at all times, but especially on a road trip. They are as follows:

1. A flashlight
2. Jumper cables
3. First aid kit
4. Emergency flares

Having a map on hand of where you are going, a blanket, and a cell phone are also good ideas.

After the car is in tip top shape, it's time to prepare yourself for the road trip. Make sure that you have gotten enough rest before leaving. Don't try to "make time" by leaving directly after a long day at work. Your destination will wait for you to get some sleep and a good meal before you get out on the road to get there. A tired and hungry driver can be a safety hazard and a tired and hungry companion can be an annoyance to the driver.

When packing for a road trip, keep things light. Only pack what you know you will need. Most hotels and motels keep things like blow dryers and irons on hand. If you are unsure, call a few places and find out. You can always rinse out a pair of socks or panties in the sink if you run low. Buy travel sized containers of your favorite grooming aids. If there isn't a travel size available, use a small empty container and fill it yourself. Carrying too much along is an inconvenience and will cause the car extra wear and tear.

Most people find it advantageous to carry a small cooler for cold drinks and water, and some snacks that are convenient to eat in the car. If you are traveling with small children, make sure they have a toy or two with them to prevent boredom and questions like, are we there yet?

Taking some time to carefully prepare for any road trip, no matter how far you are going, will lead to less emergency stops and a more enjoyable and safe trip.