by Lisa Kadlec

Created on: October 24, 2008

A successful road trip begins BEFORE you walk out the door and get into your vehicle. You must prepare for your trip in advance. The following twenty tips are designed to help you plan ahead, prepare for, and enjoy a successful road trip.

Make sure your vehicle is "road ready". Have your local mechanic check it out before traveling a long distance to make sure your tires are in good shape, inflated properly, and all belts and fluid levels are good. Make sure you have a spare tire in good shape. If an oil change will be necessary during travel, have it done prior to leaving. Let your mechanic know you want it "road ready" for a trip so he can look it over thoroughly.

A week or two before your trip, make a list of all the items you want to take with you. Add to it as things pop into your mind so you don't forget anything. Several necessary items you'll want to take are your Driver's License, Registration, Insurance Card and a Roadside Assistance phone number (just in case).

If you belong to AAA, get a trip-tik. They will map out the most direct route and are usually aware of road construction sites. If you are not a member, get a trip-tik through a friend who is a member or get a good map and plan your course accordingly. Allow time for traffic congestion/road construction, etc.

GPS systems are great but not TOTALLY reliable. Make sure yours is as up to date as possible if you plan on using it.

If you have pets and you have a pet sitter coming in to take care of them, make sure to get together with them to go over your pets' routine. Leave a note with detailed instructions, a number where you can be reached and your veterinarian's phone number. Also leave an emergency vet number just in case. Make sure you have left enough food for the duration of your trip and enough medicine if your pet is on medication. You're taking this road trip to have fun and enjoy yourself so you do not want to be worrying about anything back home.

If you live alone and do not have anyone staying at your house while you're gone, either ask a neighbor to pick up your mail and newspaper daily or place your mail and paper on hold until your return. Get an inexpensive timer from a hardware store and use it to have one of your lights go on and off automatically to give the appearance of someone being home.

Pack the night before you leave so you are not feeling rushed in the morning. Cross off the items on your list as you pack them so as not to forget anything. If you do forget something, don't

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