5 Tips for Your Next Road Trip

A road trip can be a fantastic vacation idea that creates lasting memories for you and your family. Whether you are driving across the country or just to a neighboring state, being on the road gives you the chance to explore the area and experience new places. Adequate preparation is one of the keys to ensuring your trip is safe, relaxing, and enjoyable.

1. Optimize Your Vehicle's Interior

You'll spend a lot of time in your car on your trip, so it's worth a little extra preparation to make the environment as comfortable as possible. Before you leave, it's a good idea to clean out all the debris and vacuum the floor mats. You may want to put a bag or small box in the car for trash while you're on the road. If you are using child safety seats, make sure that they are the right sizes for your children and that they are installed correctly in your vehicle. Some other things you may want to bring on your trip include blankets, neck pillows, and first aid supplies. If you will be bringing pets, consider installing a seat cover that's easy to wash, which can help minimize fur and odors.

2. Add Extra Cargo Capacity

If you are traveling to an area where you plan to spend some time outdoors, you may have some gear you need to bring along. Rather than trying to fit snowboards, bicycles, or camping equipment in your trunk, consider carrying some things on the back or top of your car. You may want to install a bike rack on the back of your car or add a cargo container to the top. If you want to carry stuff on the roof of your vehicle, make sure you can secure it safely. Customized equipment, such as subaru forester cross bars, can make it easier to tie equipment to the top of your car in a safe and secure manner.

3. Create a Navigation Plan

For many people, part of the fun of a road trip is the chance to explore scenic highways and take detours to see the interesting sights in a new area. Even if you plan to leave time in your schedule for exploration, it's a good idea to have a general plan of where you want to go and how to get there. While integrated navigation systems and smartphones can provide detailed maps most of the time, there may still be some remote places that don't have the necessary network connectivity for turn-by-turn GPS directions. You may want to bring a physical map and have a basic plan of where you want to go each day of your trip.

4. Prepare Your Infotainment Center

If you have a newer vehicle, chances are it has some sort of infotainment functionality. You may be able to access navigational data, play music from satellite streaming services, or link your smartphone through Bluetooth to answer calls. While these integrated tools can improve safety by removing the need for you to hold your smartphone while driving, they can also be distracting if you need to constantly adjust settings and content. Before you leave on your trip, it's a good idea to set up the music and entertainment services you want to use. This could mean downloading videos on a child's tablet or creating a playlist on your phone. If you want to try out satellite radio, you may be able to sign up for a trial subscription.

5. Develop an Emergency Plan

It's always good to have a plan for dealing with emergencies, especially when you will be in an unfamiliar area. Make sure you know the local emergency numbers where you are going and the contact details for a roadside assistance service if. You may also want to stock your car with flares, extra water, and food.

A little preparation can make your next road trip a safe and fun experience. Before you leave, consider installing a roof rack, creating a navigational plan, and stocking your vehicle with emergency supplies.