Traveling Tips for Driving This Summer

People are still going to be taking to the highways this summer in droves despite the very high gasoline prices.

So, if you are among them, then there are plenty of things you should do before your vacation to get your vehicle and yourself ready for the adventure. No one likes surprises when they are traveling. Being prepared for anything that comes your way will make things go smoother with less stress.

First of all, make sure your car, van or RV are in great working condition. The simple way is by getting your oil changed and let the technicians check all of your belts, tires, fluid levels, wiper blades, lights and air conditioning. If something is wrong or needs fixed, they can do it right there. Many of those 10-minute oil change places have the capacity to help you with the minor repairs and such things as radiator flushes.

You may never had done this before, but maybe it's time to put together a road emergency kit. By the time you have a flat tire, it's too late to wonder if you have a jack. You can even buy these kits in stores now that have everything from tire gauges to flashlights to first aid kits. It's all in one nice bag and be stored neatly in the trunk or bag of the minivan. A good thing to have along is a bottle of that instant tire inflator. When you do have a flat tire, you can use this to pump up the tire long enough to get to a safer place or a gas station. No one wants to change a tire along the interstate when 18-wheelers are whizzing by at 70 mph.

Make sure you bring alone bottled water for drinking and possibly cleaning your hands after fixing a flat tire. Keep your cell phone handy and maybe pack one of those handy instant cell phone battery chargers. They cost about $5 and give you an hour of talk time, just in case your phone battery goes dead or you forgot to charge it at home.

Know where you are going by planning your route online or with a map. Get hotel or campground reservations ahead of time so you won't be disappointed when you arrive at your destination.

If you are traveling with children, bring lots of activities, DVDs for the portable player, music, MP3 players, Etch-A-Sketches, coloring books, their favorite stuffed animal for nighttime, and road games.

Always have snacks and drinks available inside the vehicle so you don't have to stop just for refreshment. But do remember to stop every few hours to stretch your legs, go the bathroom and get refreshed. Safety is No. 1 and a tired driver is not safe. Switch drivers if you can. Take some time to enjoy the scenery and stop along the way at special sites.

Keep your doors locked at all times. Keep your wallets and purses in your sites at all times. And never, ever leave a child unattended in the car even if you are just slipping into the gas station to pay.