Road trip: Tips for planning

Traveling across country can be quite an undertaking. However if you prepare and plan you can have an enjoyable adventure.

When planning your trip, consider the different routes and attractions available to you. If you have definite stops this may make planning even easier. One certain thing to consider for your road trip is the season. If you are traveling through the National Parks during summer you may want pre-reserve your accommodations far in advance. The same applies if you are looking for a quiet weekend get-away to the mountains in the winter. Another thing to think about is how many miles you want to drive in a day.

Once you have your stops planned, you can have professional routings done at your Automobile club or go on line to do it yourself. If you choose to go to your local Travel Center to speak with an AAA Member Services Associate, you will be pleased at the wealth of information available to you there. They will provide you with suggestions to enhance your trip. They also have state maps and tour books with local information by state and town, these books also list hotels and restaurants. By becoming a member you are also protecting yourself in case of unforeseen problems on the road if you have a breakdown or flat tire.

Now that the planning is done you should take your car in for servicing. Have a complete tune-up done; make sure the tread depth and pressure of your tires are in good order, and don't forget the spare. You may even want to replace your windshield wiper blades. Having your car in top condition is one of the most important items on your travel planning check list.

You are days away from leaving on your trip. Start packing your bags. Only take necessities. Remember the more you take the more gas you will burn so pack accordingly. Do remember your cell phone, charger and GPS. Also, purchase Travelers Checks and prepaid credit card like a Visa or Master Card if possible, this is safer than traveling with cash, and can be replaced if stolen. Don't forget your reservation confirmations and pre-purchased attraction tickets.

It is time to take off your adventure waits. You are not the only driver out there, so be a polite driver. Remember don't cut someone off when you are passing them, make sure you use your signals and have plenty of room. No tailgating, give others their space. Don't drive in the left hand lane, there is a reason it is call the Passing Lane. Being a polite drive can really cut down on Road Rage.

A few last minute considerations for your trip bring a journal and document your travels. You may what to share this information with friends who are thinking about a road trip.
And most importantly, have a Fun Safe Trip.

Learn more about this author, Anne Burgess.
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