Summer is here, which means it’s time to round up the family and get in the car for a road trip. Whether it?s a trip to see family or a sightseeing adventure, road trips are a great way for families to bond and make great memories. However, while fun and exciting, long hours in a car can also be a stressful situation. But no worries, with a bit of planning and preparation your Summer Road Trip can be one to remember ? for all the right reasons: Here are some tips to help.
- Book in advance. Being prepared beforehand is always a good idea. Whether you?re parking your trailer on a beach or staying at a 4-star resort, you need to be aware of how busy these lodging locations can get during peak travel months. You’ll want to book your accomodation well ahead of time to avoid locations being booked on the dates you intend to travel.
- Map things out. Yes. That kind of map. Map. Sure, everyone has in-dash navigation or portable GPS these days, but just in case you should have technical difficulties, it couldn?t hurt to have an old-school paper map on hand.
- Plan frequent stops. Kids are prone to uttering phrases like, ?Are we there yet?, ?I?m hungry?, and ?I need to go to the bathroom?. In order to give yourself a break from the repetitive statements, plan for a rest stop, a quick meal, or just a break to stretch your legs every couple of hours.
- Pack up some healthy snacks. Depending on the length of your road trip, the kids may need a quick snack in between stops. So to avioid any extra hyperactiviity with sugary snacks, instead pack healthier options. Fruit, natural granola bars or trail mix are great ideas, as are water and natural juices (no added sugar).
- Ge a vehicle checkup. Perform basic maintenance on your vehicle before you head out such as checking wipers and fluid levels. You will also want to schedule any necessary services such as oil changes or tune ups. Taking car of you car before getting on the road will ensure you getting to your destination safely and hassle free.
Tip: Since summer is one of the biggest buying seasons for cars, it could be the right time for a new car before hitting the road. If you plan to upgrade to a long-trip vehicle, in addition to price, consider fuel-efficiency, pet-friendly features, and cargo space. Auto dealerships begin rolling out their new models and discounting the outgoing year?s inventory, making it a good opportunity to land a deal on a car at significantly lower prices.
