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Hit the Highway

Mapping Out Your Perfect Road Trip

Story by Drew Woolley

Fall is the perfect time for travel and new experiences with family and friends. And while flying can have its conveniences, most travelers prefer to hit the road when mapping out their next adventure. According to AAA’s domestic travel forecast for a recent holiday weekend, 87% of travelers planned to make trips by car.

Prepare for the Road Ahead

“I usually tend to drive, and most people choose to drive. And the reason for that is, for most families and groups of people, it’s the most affordable way to travel,” says AAA Texas Communications Manager Doug Shupe. “It’s also the most convenient. You can leave when you want to leave and return when you want to. But there definitely needs to be some preparation before taking a long road trip.”

Before everyone piles into the car, make sure you’re ready for the journey. That includes giving your vehicle a quick inspection, planning a route, and having the supplies—and the tunes—to keep everyone happy until you reach your destination.

Safety Check

Before any lengthy road trip, Doug recommends taking your vehicle for a tuneup at a trusted repair facility. But if you can’t find time for that, it’s still a good idea to do a few quick checks on your own.

Check your tires to make sure they’re properly inflated and in good condition. That includes the tread. If you can put an upside-down quarter in the grooves of your tires and see the top of George Washington’s head, it’s probably a good idea to replace them before taking a long trip.

If your vehicle’s battery is more than 3 years old, consider having it tested before getting on the road. Vibration can also cause a battery to fail sooner, so check that the terminals are secure and free of corrosion.

Examine your radiator and cooling system to make sure they’re in good condition. Check belts and hoses for cracks or fraying that could lead to problems after extended use.

Ensure your wiper blades are in good shape in case you pass through a rainy patch, and have someone help you check that your headlights, taillights, and turn signals are all working properly.

Planning Your Route

1 of the best parts of any road trip is mapping out a path, as long as there’s a little room for improvisation. Plan ahead and make the most of these tools that can help you find the right stops along the way.

  • Know what’s coming—Apps like Roadtrippers and GasBuddy can help you pick the best place to make a pit stop. Get suggestions for must-visit restaurants and scenic drives or just scope out the most affordable gas prices so you can make the most of your detours.
  • Go analog—GPS is an invaluable resource on the road, but it’s still smart to have a physical map to orient yourself just in case you lose signal or your battery dies. Maps can even be a fun distraction for kids and give them a hands-on way to follow along with where you are.
  • Track your itinerary—If you’ve already set up all your reservations for hotels, restaurants and attractions, TripIt can keep track of it all in one place. The app syncs with your inbox to compile an itinerary, so you don’t have to search for each confirmation email, and sends you reminders so you can focus on having fun.
  • Don’t be afraid to rest—If you’re driving for multiple days, be realistic about how far you can go before resting for the night. It’s better to lean toward too many stops than too few. You can even pull over for a quick 30-minute nap if you’re feeling drowsy.

Fun & Games

Hitting the open road also means getting to spend plenty of time with your favorite people. So don’t forget to prepare the food, games, and music that will help you make the most of it.

  • State of play—Road trip games are classic, from the Alphabet Game and I Spy to 2 Truths and a Lie and 20 Questions. Make your own fun by taking turns thinking of a movie and describing it in the worst way possible to see who can guess it. Or, learn more about each other by picking a category like songs, books, or foods and building your own top-5 lists.
  • Fight the munchies—Stopping at hole-in-the-wall restaurants is a must for any road trip. But someone is bound to get hangry in between meals. Everyone’s favorite snacks will vary, but it’s hard to go wrong with some trail mix or jerky. You can even pack fruit and rice cakes for healthy options.
  • The perfect mix—Planning out a playlist that will make everyone happy is a tall task. You want music that will fit the mood and maybe even complement the terrain you’re driving through. Fortunately, you don’t have to do it alone these days. If everyone shares the same music service, you can make a shared playlist that everyone can contribute to. You can even make a game out of it, guessing who’s the secret Swiftie or where all those oldies came from.