Plan a Road Trip

• Step 1 Pick a road trip destination

  Some road trips are simply a loop, but most are to a particular spot. For many, it's ideal if the destination is a place you'd want to stay for at least a day or two to get a break from the drive. Discuss expectations, possible destinations, costs, how long you'll drive and how long you'll stay in one place with others going on the trip.

  Find road trip ideas on the Internet or go to the library and flip through back issues of travel magazines. If you don't already have one, get a good road atlas. Even if you’ll be using a GPS, an atlas will give you a broader perspective than electronic versions of maps usually provide.

• Step 2 Do road trip research

  Sure, you can just throw some clothes into a bag and go. But the most satisfying road trips tend to be those where you have at least a general idea what you're going to do. Research your route online with Google maps or another route finder. Look for scenic routes wherever possible. Search online for hotels, restaurants and attractions along your road trip route.

  Plan your road trip to avoid driving in urban areas during morning and early evening rush hour. Avoid driving to popular vacation spots, such as large beaches or lakes, on a Friday afternoon or returning from them on a Sunday. Check the Department of Transportation website for road trip detours, construction alerts and hazardous weather conditions.

• Step 3 Estimate your road trip costs

  Road trips can be fairly inexpensive, but it's smart to do some rough calculations on how much you're likely to spend on gas, food, snacks, hotels, entertainment, shopping and incidentals. Pack a cooler of beverages and snacks for both the road trip and the hotel room to keep food costs down and eat healthier. Pack plenty of cash for spending at places that don't accept credit and debit cards, such as roadside produce stands.

• Step 4 Make a list

  Make a road trip packing list at least a few days prior to your departure so you can purchase any items you'll need on the trip. Consider making a list of things to do leading up to the road trip. Put it on paper and gain peace of mind — as well as an assurance that you won't forget anything at the last minute.

• Step 5 Get your vehicle ready

  Replenish your car's fluid levels and tire pressure before leaving for the road trip. If your vehicle's due for a tune-up, oil change or you need to rotate tires, now is the perfect time. Pack a roadside emergency kit and a first aid kit.

  Clean your car's interior, but don't do a professional cleaning before a road trip. The wear and tear of a long trip takes its toll on the interior, so save the deep clean for when you get home.

• Step 6 Pack your bags

  Wash laundry a day or two before your road trip so you have plenty of clean clothes to choose from when packing. Refer to your packing list and check items off as you pack a suitcase.
  
  One great thing about a road trip is that everything doesn’t have to be packed in suitcases. Use bags and boxes to hold things you might want to access during drive time but won't need to lug into a hotel room each night. Load a cooler with snacks and beverages.

• Step 7 Enjoy the ride

  Listen to audio books or your favorite CDs as you drive. Tune in to local radio stations to enjoy regional music, local news and cultural events. Equip children with an activity bag filled with activity books and games to keep them entertained along the road trip.
  

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