Road trips are one of the greatest American adventures. No matter what time of year it is, or where I’m going, there are few things I enjoy more than packing everyone’s bags and taking the highway out of town. Wherever the road takes us, it’s important to be prepared. Here are my top tips for a safe and successful road trip.
Road Maps are Essential
If any of y’all have ever missed a turn or gotten lost on a detour to avoid traffic, you’ll know the importance of a good map. You can save yourself so much stress by planning your route ahead of time. Fortunately for us, so many phone apps can help navigate us through unfamiliar territory. You can get so much more than directions, too. There are apps to help you find good eats, quirky roadside attractions, and anything else you might look for out on the road. Of course, I also always carry a paper map in the car—just in case I need it when cell service gets spotty.
Know Your Driving Laws
Part of the fun of a road trip is driving in new places. However, this also comes with extra responsibility and precaution. Every state has a different set of driving laws, and some are stricter than others, so it’s a good idea to pay attention to the rules of every area you’ll travel through. One of my top tips for a safe and successful road trip is to browse through any unfamiliar driving laws ahead of time. Better safe than sorry, right?
Keep a Clean Car
Between kids in the backseat, food on the go, and all of our luggage, the car can start to feel very cramped very quickly. Clean out the car before loading any of your bags. This is also a great chance to make sure you have everything you need—like that spare umbrella or blanket—and that nothing is in the way of everyone’s stuff. I also make a point to give the car a once-over at every stop to throw out trash and rearrange bags as needed. A clean car means happy travelers, and that makes the journey better for everyone.
