Road Trip Preparation - 12 Things To Do Before You Leave, So You Can Enjoy It

Road trips are a terrific opportunity to explore new places, try new things, and create lasting memories with your friends or family. Plus you can do all this without the burden of an airport.

Whether you’re going to the mountains or the beach, road tripping can be an incredible experience. But like all vacation experiences, you need to do a little bit of preparation on how to prepare for a road trip before you leave in order to make the most of it.

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A lack of preparation can result in some car road trip problems that are easily prevented. Too many road vacations have ended in tears because of flat tires, mechanical issues, and/or getting lost.

How to Prepare for a Road Trip

Before you even think about gassing up the car, there are a few things you should do to make sure your vehicle is in good shape and that you’re prepared for the journey ahead. This road trip preparation checklist will help get you organized and ready to go.

Here are our tips on how to prepare for a road trip so you can relax and enjoy it:

Plan but Allow for Improvisation

Any road trip can be entirely ruined by not having a strategy or indecision. If someone in your group finds it difficult to make decisions, you don’t want to wander aimlessly trying to figure out where to go.

Before hitting the road, determine what everyone is interested in seeing beforehand. Make a list of potential destinations, roadside attractions, rest stops, and other points of interest en route to your final destination. This way, you’ll have something to fall back on if you need it. However, be willing to ditch the plan if something better comes up!

Luckily, there are many tools and applications. You can choose the ideal route based on the sights you want to see, the amount of time you have, and the number of stops you want to make. In addition to digital apps, it’s also a good idea to bring a printed map with you on the trip.

Prioritize Vehicle Maintenance

In addition to routine car maintenance, you should ensure that your vehicle is in the right condition to get you to and from your destination. Remember that driving on dry, icy roads in the winter will require different requirements from your car traveling in the summer.

It can be best to visit your neighborhood auto shop or technician for a tune-up. Ask them to change your oil and check your car’s brakes, brake fluid levels, radiator, coolant, air filters, windshield wiper fluid, hoses, belts, and batteries.

You should also ask them to perform an oil change. Your mechanic can take care of and resolve potential difficulties in advance, so your vehicle is primed and prepared for the long journey.

On your own, you should check your tires to ensure they are in excellent condition and properly inflated. Ensure your headlights and brake lights are in working order.

Clean Out Your Vehicle

A clean car will make the experience more comfortable, and it’ll be easier to keep track of things. You can use a hose to wash the outside of your car and a vacuum cleaner to clean the interior before you start packing.

You should also clean your windows and mirrors so that you have a clear view while driving. You should also clear out any garbage, old receipts, or anything else you don’t need from your car.

Prepare Snacks and Meals in Advance

Assume there isn’t enough time to stop at a restaurant and pack any perishable foods in a portable cooler. So that everyone can get snacks along the way, keep them in a place that is within reach. I like to use a small, soft-sided cooler and place it on the floorboard in the backseat. This way, drinks, and snacks are always within reach without the need to stop along the side of the road or at a rest stop.

Choose meal options that won’t require much cleanup. Some easy-to-eat snack foods that won’t make a mess include granola bars, trail mix, dried fruit, crackers, and nuts. Easy-to-eat meals include sandwiches, wraps, quesadillas, and snacking boards with deli meats, cheeses, and crackers.

To keep everyone hydrated, pack a reusable water bottle or thermos for each person in your car. Bring along some powder packets or fruit juices to mix with water so that you have something other than plain water to drink.

If you’re planning to stop for lunch or dinner, make sure to research the best restaurants in advance so you don’t waste time trying to find a place to eat.

Keep the Necessary Documents At Hand

While having the necessary documents in the car is always important, it is especially crucial while traveling a great distance from home. Be sure to keep your driver’s license, registration, proof of insurance, and any other required documents within reach.

You must bring your passport or passport card if you anticipate crossing foreign borders. Ensure that everyone traveling with you has a passport, that their passports are valid, and that they have all gotten the necessary visas from the government’s foreign office.

Create a Budget

Preparing a road trip budget before the trip will help you avoid many headaches. Decide in advance how much money you will spend on meals, lodging, and other incidentals. This will help you stick to your budget and avoid overspending.

If you’re traveling with others, be sure to discuss the budget in advance so that everyone is on the same page. It can be helpful to appoint one person as the designated money manager to keep track of spending. You can find more tips on how to budget for a road trip and free printables here.

Even though you might be accustomed to using your credit card everywhere, doing so while on a road trip might not always be viable. You might travel through tiny towns and rural areas where businesses like roadside food vendors, independent gas stations, and small shops don’t accept cards. Therefore, always keep enough cash on hand for these uses. I strive to have at least $100 a day on hand, just in case.

Ensure You Get Enough Rest

Long car trips may be draining. You might feel terrific at first, but after around five hours, you’ll probably start to feel stressed, irritable, antsy, etc. Prepare for your journey the night before by getting seven to eight hours of sleep.

If at all possible, avoid driving late at night. Driving while tired can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol. If you must drive late at night, take turns with another driver so that both of you can get some rest. Additionally, don’t push yourself above your comfort zone because driving when tired can be risky.

Stop Every Two to Three Hours

It is crucial to schedule rest, food, and beverage breaks. If you’re taking a long road trip and driving for more than five hours, plan to take a break every two to three hours. This will give you time to use the restroom, grab a snack or drink, and stretch your legs. It’s also a good opportunity to check on your vehicle and make sure everything is running smoothly.

If you have kids, this is the perfect time for them to burn off some energy so they can sit still for a longer period. If you’re traveling with pets, this is an excellent opportunity to give them a potty break and some exercise.

Travel in the Off Season

Throughout the winter and summer, many popular outdoor places are packed. When you visit at these times, you might spend the majority of your time stuck in traffic or attempting to escape crowds of people.

Whenever possible, visit during shoulder season instead. It’s a fantastic option to visit the same locations, but with fewer tourists and for far less money. Weekdays are always less crowded than weekends, so if you have the option to travel mid-week, take it!

If visiting in the autumn or spring is not an option, try to arrive as early in the day as possible. This will help you avoid traffic and crowds of people.

Assess the Road and Weather Conditions

A pleasant road journey can become a nightmare in bad weather. Depending on the circumstances, it could be risky, cause delays, or lead to detours. To avoid being caught off guard, pay attention to the weather and traffic conditions throughout your trip.

I use the digital Accuweather app and set up alert notifications along the route. This way, I’m alerted if bad weather is expected.

Keep a safe following distance, particularly when near trucks. If you tailgate a truck, you endanger yourself and become a burden for the driver.

Additionally, be mindful of conditions such as flooding, black ice, and rockslides. These can lead to dangerous situations if you’re not prepared. If the weather is particularly bad, consider pulling over and waiting it out or changing your route altogether. Your safety should always be a top priority.

Pack an Emergency Kit

You can never be too prepared for a road trip. Always keep an emergency kit in your trunk, just in case. This should include items like jumper cables, flares, a first-aid kit, a flashlight or headlamp, and extra blankets and clothes. Get our road trip packing list here.

Keep Spare Supplies Ready

Tire trouble can happen to even the most cautious drivers during a lengthy journey. Check the spare tire’s pressure level with a tire gauge to ensure it complies with your car’s rest. Keep a lug or torque wrench, a tire jack, and a spare tire in your car so you can replace the tire if necessary.

Make Sure You Know What Common Road Signs Mean

Drivers and other road users can benefit from the information provided by traffic signs. They serve as reminders of the regulations in place to protect your safety and aid in conveying information to drivers and pedestrians to maintain order and lower accident rates.

They can become dangerously neglected. It is crucial to familiarise yourself with the common traffic signs and their meanings to ensure everyone’s safety.

Divide the Packing List

Don’t let your companions just put everything they want into their luggage and call it good because you’ll spend a significant amount of time in close quarters. Make a list of the shared equipment you will require once you know your planned activities.

Condense and conserve some space that is required. As a result, there is no room for things you do not need. It is best only to include items you know you’ll need on your travels, along with some emergency first aid supplies.

Track The Devices You Intend to Carry

Don’t forget to keep track of all the electronics you intend to bring, including your phone, tablet, laptop, and even Nintendo Switch to keep you entertained.s and a twin USB car charger. If you can, bring extra power banks and a twin USB car charger. Make sure that everyone packs their cables for their various technological devices.

Always remember that the journey matters more than the final destination when taking a road trip. So instead of anxiously anticipating the end of the voyage, take in every minute while you’re on the road.

In Conclusion

By following these tips, you can make your road trip much more enjoyable and less stressful. Traveling can be tiring, but it’s worth it when you get to reach your destination safely and without incident. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride!

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AIRFARE
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ROAD TRIP/CAR RENTAL
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LODGING
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PACKING
- Travel in style with a suitcase, carry-on, backpack, or handbag from Away and Eagle Creek.
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TRAVEL PLANNING
- Looking to start travel hacking and want a place to keep track of it all? There’s the free TravelFreely site.
- For budgeting help, get our road trip budgeting tips here.
ATTRACTIONS/ACTIVITIES
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  - Groupon for discounted local attractions and event tickets
  - Undercover Tourister for discounted theme park tickets
- Find guided outdoor activities led by local guides at 57Hours.
- Find information on local trails with the AllTrails App.
LEARN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE
- We use and recommend Rosetta Stone to learn a new language. We bought the $179 lifetime option with unlimited access to ALL 25 of their languages.
Need something else to plan your perfect trip? Visit my travel resources page for more trusted partners.

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Road Trip Preparation – 12 Things To Do Before You Leave, So You Can Enjoy It