A road trip is a fun and exciting way to travel and explore new destinations. With so much to see and do, a road trip can be an amazing and unforgettable experience. To make the most of your journey, here are essential road trip tips, tricks, and things you can do before you hit the road to ensure your time traveling is as stress-free and enjoyable as possible.
1. Have All Your Official Documents Organized
Sometimes unexpected situations happen on the road. Be sure to organize all your important papers like your car’s registration and insurance card. Keep your license handy in case you get pulled over, and if you’re crossing country borders, make sure your passport isn’t expired. If you have roadside assistance, have that information ready and available. If you don’t, consider joining an automobile club like AAA or contact your insurance company to opt in to their roadside assistance program.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, being prepared with proper documentation can help resolve roadside situations more quickly and safely.
2. Schedule Your Car for a Maintenance Check
Besides an awesome itinerary, the most important key to a successful road trip is having your car in working order. Before you take a road trip, give your car basic maintenance. One of the most essential road trip tips is to visit a mechanic before your journey. While you could easily top off fluids like engine coolant on your own, it’s ideal to visit a mechanic so they can get under the hood to ensure your car is in tip-top shape. They can inspect the battery, fuses, hoses, belts, filters, brake system, and tire treads. Don’t forget to fill up that windshield wiper fluid.
This is also the perfect time to get an oil change. ExxonMobil offers Mobil 1 Annual Protection motor oil which promises a once per year oil change. Mobil 1 Annual Protection provides guaranteed protection for one full year of driving or 20,000 miles per oil change. That means less time waiting around service stations and more money better spent enjoying yourself on the road.
Regular maintenance can prevent breakdowns and keep you safe on the road.
3. Bring a Spare Car Key
I once locked my keys in my car while it was running. Yup. That happened. I guess I got too excited for sushi. Luckily I was in a busy suburban area and my roadside assistance arrived within 20 minutes. But what if I had been somewhere more remote? If I had just had an extra key, all the stress about my car running out of gas while waiting for the tow truck could have been avoided. And my dinner wouldn’t have been ruined. I now always have a spare key with me at all times. Just make sure you carry it on you and don’t leave that one in the car too.
4. Check Your Cell Phone Coverage Areas
On a recent road trip, I was upset to find my cell phone coverage wasn’t great in the countryside. This is especially concerning in case you break down somewhere. And losing your GPS signal can be nerve-wracking since you may have no idea where you are. When you plan your journey and have a general idea of where you’ll be driving, check if your cell phone carrier has a strong signal in the area. If not, consider getting a prepaid mobile phone from a different carrier that shows good coverage in spotty areas you’ll be traveling through.
Not only will you always be able to make phone calls if needed, it’s a good backup in case your phone loses its charge. Also, make sure you have a working cell phone car charger so your phone will never die on the road. The FCC provides helpful information about wireless coverage and emergency services across the country.
5. Check Your Tires and Tire Pressure
There’s nothing worse than being stranded on the side of the road. Your tires are what ground your car to the road, so inspecting your tires before a big road trip is vitally important. Make sure the treads are deep enough to ensure adequate traction for quick braking on wet roads or in emergency situations. You may need to replace your tires if the tread is too worn. Tires with good tread will keep you safely grounded on the roads while giving you maximum traction and helping you avoid accidents.
You’ll also need to check your tire pressure. Be aware the number on the tire’s side is the maximum pressure it can withstand, not the recommended amount. Tires should be slightly less inflated in winter and inflated closer to their maximum recommended pressure in summer. Never over-inflate tires as they could potentially blow out. And always bring a spare tire just in case. To be safe, consult a qualified mechanic if you’re unsure about your tires or want an expert opinion. For more information on choosing quality tires for your road trip, check out our Cooper Tires review.
6. Plan Your Route with Maps, GPS, and Travel Apps
Ever hear the expression, “If you don’t plan ahead, you’re planning to fail”? Well, you can’t really fail at a road trip, but you could get lost or miss extraordinary sites and stops. You could take one road when there’s a more scenic route just a couple of minutes down the road. Or you could miss the best-ever apple pie when all you had to do was turn right.
Having a good idea of where you want to go and what you want to see will make your time much more enjoyable. Check guidebooks, take notes, and do research online. Download a travel app to mark all your preferred points of interest. And do yourself a favor and bring a physical paper map as backup. Technology like cell phone signals and GPS can be lost or break. With a good map, you’ll always be able to find your way.
Looking for inspiration? Check out these amazing destinations:
7. Have Cash on Hand and Notify Your Financial Institutions
Even though most of us use credit and debit cards for everyday purchases, it’s a good idea to have a stash of cash on hand while you’re driving. In fact, it’s a necessity. Not only will you need it for tolls, but if your wallet gets lost or stolen, you’ll at least be prepared. It’s also good to have a spare credit card or two hidden away just in case unexpected expenses arise.
Be sure to contact your credit card companies and bank to let them know you’ll be traveling. It’s not uncommon to have your credit card account frozen because their computers think your card is being used fraudulently when you’re just on vacation. If you need help managing your travel budget or setting up alerts for your accounts, consider checking with institutions like Needham Bank that offer travel-friendly banking features. Avoid the hassle and drive financially prepared.
8. Pack an Emergency Kit
A well-stocked emergency kit can be a lifesaver on a road trip. One of the best road trip tips for safety is to include items like a first-aid kit, flashlight, batteries, jumper cables, basic tools, duct tape, a blanket, bottled water, and non-perishable snacks. According to Ready.gov, you should also include items specific to the season and climate of your destination.
9. Download Entertainment and Offline Content
Long stretches of highway can get boring, especially if you’re traveling solo or with kids. Download podcasts, audiobooks, music playlists, and offline maps before you leave. If you’re traveling with children, having tablets loaded with games and movies can make the journey much more pleasant. Don’t forget to pack chargers and car adapters for all your devices.
10. Plan Your Accommodations in Advance
While spontaneity can be fun, having at least a rough idea of where you’ll stay each night can reduce stress and ensure you don’t end up scrambling for a room in an unfamiliar area. Consider these great options:
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11. Stay Healthy on the Road
Road trips often mean fast food and long periods of sitting, which isn’t great for your health. Pack healthy snacks like nuts, fruit, protein bars, and plenty of water. Take breaks every couple of hours to stretch your legs and get your blood flowing. This will help you stay alert and reduce fatigue.
The CDC recommends taking regular breaks during long drives to prevent drowsy driving and maintain alertness.
12. Know Your Route’s Rest Stops and Gas Stations
Before you leave, map out rest stops, gas stations, and food options along your route. This is especially important if you’re traveling through rural areas where services may be sparse. Apps and websites can help you locate clean rest areas and well-reviewed gas stations along your path.
13. Prepare for Different Weather Conditions
Weather can change quickly, especially if you’re traveling across different regions or elevations. Check the forecast for your entire route and pack accordingly. Include rain gear, extra layers, sunscreen, and sunglasses. In winter months, keep an ice scraper, snow brush, and sand or kitty litter for traction in your trunk.
14. Share Your Itinerary
Always let someone know your travel plans, including your route, planned stops, and expected arrival times. Check in regularly with family or friends, especially when traveling through remote areas. This simple safety measure can be crucial in case of an emergency.
15. Enjoy the Journey
Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination. One of the best road trip tips is to not rush through your trip trying to hit every planned stop. Allow time for spontaneous detours, photo opportunities, and unexpected discoveries. Some of the best road trip memories come from unplanned moments. These road trip tips will help ensure your journey is safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable.
Looking for more travel inspiration? Explore these destinations:
Do you have a road trip tip or trick you would like to share? Let us know in the comments how you’ve mastered travel on the road!
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