Planning a successful road trip

Cars.com illustration by Paul Dolan

With the holidays here and kids off school, we are all thinking about taking a vacation. So many destinations but let's be real, the price of airfare makes it super hard for families to go on a last minute trip.  However, when I think about some of the best vacations I have ever taken, I think about road trips.

Road trips ca be so much fun, but they can also go terrible, so here are some tips to have a successful road trip

Pack light

There is nothing more annoying that being on a road trip without leg room because you have over packed. Make sure your suitcases fit on your trunk. Any coolers should also go on the trunk. You should only have in the passenger area your personal items. You might also want to take some pillows and a blanket but be mindful and make sure they will not be taking space from other's passengers.

Have a reliable vehicle

You are going to get on the road with your family/friends. You know you need a reliable car with all the things are going to make your trip more comfortable. It might be time to look for a car that offers all the gadgets and gismos that will make your trip a breeze. Things such as: Air conditioning, cruise control and bluetooth.

If your car does not offer all the things you need, you might want to consider start looking for a car that is equipped with everything you need.

A great idea is to get rid of your old car and get some money for it. The best way to do that is by visiting carjunkyardsnearme.com. The website is a great resource and has information on local places near you that will get you money for your old vehicle, so you can start planning buying your new car.

Pack enough snacks

You want to make sure you have plenty of water and sodas (if you drink them). Make sure to pack snacks that everyone would like. Small packaging is better than the big bags (you can even put the big bag in small ziploc bags). Since you will be eating make sure to have a "trash" bag available for everyone. Gum and candy are also great snacks to have with you. Think beyond the potato chips when choosing snack. Do not forget to pack napkins too.

Get your music ready

You know a road trip is not the same without good music. Get a playlist with a lot of songs on it so you have variety. Do not rely on radio stations. I like to download my music, just in case the internet connection is not great. 

Do not forget your maps

Yeah you read that right. You might not have to take an actual paper map, but you might want to download your driving directions to make them available offline. If you happen to lose your internet connection you are going to be happy you downloaded them. That happen to me on a trip to the mountains in Colorado. We were in the middle of nowhere with no internet. So glad I had the offline maps to help us reach our destination.

What are your tips for a road trip?