Road trips transport us to more than just new destinations and provide more than fresh pictures for the family scrapbook. Road trips embody a sense of freedom - freedom from your daily routine, freedom to explore places beyond that tired commute, freedom to reconnect with yourself and/or your family. As such, a little preparation can make a road trip much more than increasing the miles on the odometer. One of the most important choices for the road trip is the mode of transportation, and this typically means a car, truck or van. Having taken multiple road trips, I can attest that three things should guide your choice of vehicle: budget,comfort and purpose. Typically, it is less expensive for you to take your own vehicle, but perhaps it isn't in great shape, it can't accommodate enough travelers or luggage, or you just don't want to add the wear and tear on your car. So, if you have the budget perhaps you can rent a vehicle for your road trip. Your comfort level might be a personal thing, but if you are hauling a family of seven (from adults to a newborn baby) from San Diego to grandma's in Oklahoma, you might want to consider something roomy to optimize everyone's comfort. If you plan on stopping at campgrounds and pitching a tent along the way, perhaps you need to get a truck or SUV for moderate off road driving and plenty of storage. Or perhaps, you are taking a romantic trip up the coast and a convertible might be what calls to you. Although technically not a car - taking a road trip on a Harley Davidson is never a bad way to go either.

Now that you have figured out your budget, your purpose and how comfortable you want to be, let's look at your main options. A mini van will provide you plenty of seating and adequate luggage storage, but they can be a bit pricey to rent and don't get good gas mileage. An SUV, even the small ones are similar in pros and cons to the minivan, big space,big price, bad gas mileage. You will most likely find the most bang for your buck with a larger American sedan (think your mid-range Buick or Ford). While gas mileage still isn't optimum, it is better than the minivan and SUV, still has room for up to six passengers (typically five though) and have you seen the trunk space on these things? Trust me, unless you plan on living out of the car or bringing every piece of sports equipment your family owns, you won't be hurting for storage. If you think you need just that extra bit of storage and perhaps an ounce more gas mileage, consider a wagon. No really, I am serious about this. My family has never been letdown by a Subaru wagon, and I am talking about multiple decades of road trip experience. If we are considering convertibles, then just be honest that you are simply going to get the flashiest one you can afford, and be happy with your choice.

Regardless of the car you decide on, remember to make sure the car is in good condition, that you have adequate insurance, that you shop around for the best prices, that you are safe out there, and that you enjoy the journey. After all, we all need to heed the call of the road to satisfy our wanderlust sometimes, but don't forget the journey home can be a splendid thing, too.

Learn more about this author, Cynra Canaan.
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