Ready For A Road Trip- Check This List Before Venturing Out

February 24th, 2009 • Related • Filed Under • by trisha

Spring is in the air! Well perhaps only in our minds but it will be here before you know it. As the cold and dreary days of winter come to an end many people are left struggling with a bad case of cabin greatroadsceneallposterse fever and what better way to brighten your spirits than a road trip to usher in the warmer weather? With tighter budgets and a goal of keeping costs low many people may even substitute one or two trips on the road in lieu of a longer more structured (expensive) summer vacation. Before you load up the family and the car review the following checklist to ensure you get the most from your next road trip.

Check your vehicle….twice- It would seem obvious but some people are so eager to get their trip rolling they fail to do a basic maintenance check on their vehicle. Before hitting the open road make sure your primary means of transportation- your vehicle is up for the task at hand. Winter months can be brutal on car maintenance so be sure to check the following things to make sure your car is in tip top shape.

Make sure tires are in good condition and are properly inflated to ensure a comfortable, safe and fuel efficient trip.
Top off all fluids and check oil for all appropriate systems such as engine oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, etc.
Consider a tune up to check for leaks, lose belts or other items that may be showing wear and tear.
Make sure your battery is in good condition.

Get a map and a plan- One of the great things about a road trip can be the adventure of ending up wherever the road take you. While this can be great fun if you are traveling with a friend or companion you may want to have a general idea of where you are heading and how you are getting there. There is nothing wrong with taking the road less traveled unless it leads you to places you would prefer not to discover. It is especially important if you are traveling on a tight budget or with children to have a plan on where you would like to end up and how you will finance your trip to your destination and the return trip home.

Prepare for the unexpected- When traveling by the seat of your pants it is important to have a few things stocked in your car in anticipation of unexpected situations. Your vehicle may have passed all pre-road trip inspections but accidents can happen. Be sure to pack extra food and water in the event you get lost or experience car troubles in an isolated area. If you are not already a member of a travel club, consider signing up before heading out on the road. It is probably well worth the cost of membership to have backup in the event you find yourself stranded or locked out of your car in an unfamiliar location.

Plan games to pass the time- It may seem very romantic or adventurous the first hundred or so miles on the road but you may soon find that both you and your kids can quickly get bored with the passing scenery. Consider packing games or having road trip activities to pass the time when the miles seem to stretch longer than anticipated.

Stay alert- This is especially important when traveling to parts unknown. You should always remain aware of your surroundings and implement safe travel practices to ensure your adventure is just that- a fun adventure that will likely produce great memories to share for years to come.