A road trip is a great way to enjoy an affordable vacation, but it can turn into a disaster if you aren’t properly prepared. Traffic tickets, car problems, and other unexpected issues can pop up if you don’t take steps to avoid them. If you want to have the most enjoyable experience possible and avoid unpleasant surprises, here are a few strategies for planning a successful road trip.
Before leaving on your road trip, take your vehicle to your mechanic for a check-over. Ask your mechanic to check the brakes, fluid levels, tires, and anything else that could potentially cause problems on your trip. If you’ve noticed any strange sounds coming from your vehicle, make sure your mechanic checks those out, too. The last thing you want to do is drive off in a car that has mechanical problems.
It's important to make sure you are familiar with all the rules of the road. This is especially important if you plan to cross state lines. Always follow the speed limit and pay close attention to “speed traps” (areas that quickly change from a fast speed limit to a slow speed limit). Many attorneys for traffic tickets can successfully get fines reduced for tourists who are unfamiliar traveling through the area.
Traveling with kids can be torturous if you don’t have plenty of entertainment options. In addition to bringing along DVDs and smart phones, keep your kids’ minds active and engaged with road trip games. Some ideas include magnetic travel board games, backseat bingo, license plate games, and coloring books. You can even keep kids entertained with games that don’t require equipment, including The ABC Game and 20 Questions.
Always keep snacks on-hand throughout your road trip. To save space and avoid the need for a cooler, opt for snacks that don’t require refrigeration. Chips, apples, bananas and dried fruits, and nuts are all great options. To keep water cool, invest in insulated water bottles or freeze plastic bottles of water before you go. These simple strategies can help you have a more successful and enjoyable road trip.