Road Trip Vacation Planning

With summer months just around the corner many more people are getting ready to do some serious Road Trip Vacation Planning. Whether you are heading out on the open highways with family or friends, a little advance work will make this the best time of your life. It really is true that “getting there is half the fun” and there are ways to make certain that your vacation is not dampened by boredom and frustration.

Any road trip must have a destination so this needs to be the first decision that is made. It really does not matter where you are going as long as you map out a route ahead of time. You can use the internet to determine the total mileage and highways to use. This type of road trip vacation planning will decrease your chances of getting lost or depending on vague directions to get you from Point A to Point B. With printed directions in your hand you will always have a handy reference map to use.

Determine what tourist attractions or special stops will be made along the way. You can let everyone have a part in this decision making activity. Kids are thrilled when they know that they have at least one special event to look forward to on the trip. Check out the cities that you will be driving through and find out what unique places may be waiting for your group when you arrive.

If you will need to stay overnight while traveling, it is best to make the reservations ahead of time so that you know you will have accommodations. Sometimes there could be a special festival occurring and the motels and campgrounds might be full. To avoid this kind of disappointment and inconvenience you should make inquiries and reservations at least 2- 4 weeks in advance of your departure date.

As you continue your road trip planning you need to decide whether to rent a vehicle or use your own car. If you are going to rent one you should make the reservations at the same time that you are confirming your rooms. Using your own car or RV makes things a little easier, but you need to take your car in for a tune-up, and make sure to check the tires and all of the fluid levels. A little proactive concern can mean the difference between an uneventful trip and hours spent beside the road waiting for a tow truck.

Pack early, and make a list of things that you need to take along. Don’t forget about sunscreen, a first-aid kit, a map, your cell phones and your chargers. Extra towels, hand-wipes, snacks and drinks will also need to be stored on board. A GPS unit for the car is not mandatory, but this is extremely helpful and worth its weight in gold to any traveler.

Keep books, snacks, sunglasses and games for the kids close at hand so that you do not have to keep stopping the car and getting these items out of the trunk or from the car top carrier. Remember that even though you have created a schedule with your advance road trip planning, you need to take breaks every few hours so that everyone can stretch and refresh themselves. This will help you keep tempers in check and boredom levels low. Now get busy with your Road Trip Vacation Planning and have fun.