Tips to Being a Savvy Summer Traveler

As the weather gets warmer and the summer season approaches, many families and friends hit the road for quick weekend trips, week-long trips, and even month-long vacations. Whether you are taking a ride for a few miles or a trip across several states, make sure your family and automobile are ready and waiting to hit the road. Check out these tips to ensure your summer travels are safe, memorable, and car-trouble-free.

1) Check your tires often - When driving during the summer, adequate tire pressure is crucial to maintaining proper traction with road surfaces and avoiding tire problems like blowouts. Check the inside edge of your driver door to see if your car manufacturer lists correct tire pressures for your vehicle. Not only will proper tire pressure lead to safer trips, but it will also improve gas mileage. Be sure to check your tire pressure often, as the average tire loses around a pound of pressure each month.

2) Fluids - Another vital aspect of car maintenance involves your vehicle's fluids. As the weather gets hotter, oils get thinner and sometimes prevent engines from getting proper lubrication. Similarly, be sure to check your vehicle's coolant/antifreeze solution.

3) Rest of the vehicle - While tires and fluids are vital components to your car's health, the rest of your car should be checked out, too. Making sure hoses and belts are properly inspected can prevent serious car trouble during your summer travel adventure. Likewise, if you are not sure when your hoses and belts were last changed, you may consider having them replaced before embarking on a lengthy road trip.

A vehicle cannot travel anywhere without a working battery. Be sure to have your car's battery tested or replaced before hitting the highway. After all, it's much better to spend a few bucks now on a battery than on a tow truck three states away.

When you are driving down the interstate and Mother Nature conjures a downpour, you want your windshield wiper blades to adequately clear your windshield. If your wipers do not make full contact with the glass, replace them. Likewise, fill up on washer fluid.

4) Packing your suitcases - Pack only what is necessary; this does not include the kitchen sink! Consider making an ongoing list of items to pack weeks before your summer travels. Whenever you think of something important, write it down immediately instead of attempting to remember the item and eventually forgetting about it. Also, begin packing a few days in advance to avoid a last-minute cramming marathon. Many vacationers also pack a small cooler with bottled water and snacks to eat along the way. Not only will this save money at rest areas, but it can also keep screaming kids somewhat quieter as they point-out each McDonald's or Burger King along the interstate.

Remember to pack detailed maps and directions, particularly if you do not have an on-board navigation system. This may prove to be a lifesaver if certain highways are closed and you need to find an alternate route.

Never forget your vehicle registration, insurance cards, or driver's licenses. If you end up needing roadside assistance - or pulled by the cops - these documents will prove to be lifesavers.

If you take medications, be sure to properly pack all your necessary prescriptions in a safe place. Never store your medicines in hot places or where they may get wet.

Lastly, do not forget to pack your camera AND film or memory card. Many people remember to pack their cameras only to realize they left their memory card in the computer at home.

5) Packing your vehicle - One important but often ignored rule of thumb is to make sure you do not block the driver's views out of the car. Likewise, keep your cooler and other frequently used items easily accessible to avoid having to unpack and repack your car or truck at the first rest area. Start packing by evenly positioning items from side to side in the vehicle, with heavier items near the center of the vehicle. Most importantly, do not exceed your vehicle's payload limit.

6) Pack an emergency travel kit - Consider making an emergency travel kit filled with useful supplies as you set out on your summer road trips. Suggested items include a few bottles of water, nonperishable foods, paper towels, a few extra clothes and gloves, a blanket or utility mat, jumper cables, a basic toolkit, and a first-aid kit. In addition, you should never embark on a road trip without a flashlight and the number to your roadside assistance program, if you have one. Store the emergency kit in a safe place, whether in your trunk or under a seat.

7) Consider a scenic route - If you have kids, interstates may be the fastest way to get to the beach or Disneyworld. However, scenic routes provide a sense of adventure, especially for amateur photographers. From rolling hills on a highway surrounded by farmland, a picturesque route is much more exciting than straight, flat interstates. Who knows, you may come across the World's Largest Ceramic Rooster, or the ever-popular World's Largest Frying Pan. If you do decide to take a scenic route, be sure to add extra time into your travel schedule to account for stops at odd-tourist hotspots or landmarks.

8) Be a Friendly Driver - Driving is one of the most tedious activities for a mom or dad with kids in the backseat. As nerves get shorter and shorter, realize you are not the only person facing this issue on the highway. Road rage can be all-too-common during the summer months, so be sure to be a courteous driver, use your signals, and let other drivers pass. Nobody likes a person tailgating him or her, so do not be the person tailgating the car in front of you. While many people despise transfer trucks and RVs, be patient and give these drivers plenty of room. Chances are, they are just as tired and worn-out as you. Have fun while driving, but remember to keep your family safe.

9) Stop often to stretch - The key to a safe and enjoyable summer trip is preventing fatigue. Before you hit the road, be sure to get a good night's sleep the night before. Also, remember that while loading up on caffeine may help you stay awake in the short-run, it often leads to an extended lull in energy. Switch drivers every few hours, and make plenty of stops along the way to get out of the car and stretch. Whether you decide to stop at a rest area beside the interstate or a unique landmark, photo opportunities and unique souvenir shops may await you and your family in otherwise bypassed small towns.

10) Research your trip - Never hesitate to go online and research your summer travel plans. From hotels and travel directions to amusement parks, the Internet adds another whole dimension to the summer travel experience. Many online websites offer coupons or special discounted rates for hotels or admission to certain attractions. Likewise, check websites for places you plan to visit to make sure they will be open. Some attractions may be closed for renovations, while others may be closed for special events. As gas prices continue to rise, using coupons and discounts to save money can help pay for the extra cost of gas. In addition, be sure to check for major highway construction projects or closures along your route, as this may save hours later on when finding alternate routes.

Overall, the summer vacation season proves to be one of the most memorable experiences of the year. Whether you are hitting the road with your family or with friends, remember to take these steps to help your summer road trip become safer, more enjoyable, and more memorable. You, too, can become a savvy summer traveler and help others by sharing your own experiences and travel tips along the way.