Tips For Planning A Road Trip

Every summer we love going on a family road trip to someplace we have never been to! We have been doing this for the last few years and it really helps us escape the 110+ degree Las Vegas heat for a few days. A week off helps us relax, rejuvenate and get us ready for the upcoming chaotic school year. I thought I’d share some things I’ve discovered and learned over the course of planning road trips. Here are 4 tips for planning the perfect road trip.

4 Tips For Planning A Road Trip

Tip #1: Vehicle Maintenance

My first tip is the most important (in my eyes) for any type of road trip that you are thinking of taking, you want to make sure your vehicle is up for the trip. The last thing you want is to be in the middle of nowhere and your car breaks down. I always take which ever car I will be taking on my road trip in to get the oil changed and a once over by a professional to make sure its road trip ready.

Tip #2: Budgeting

I like to plan our summer road trips almost a year ahead. Okay confession time, I usually am planning it in my head while I am still on the current years vacation. This gives me enough time to research how much I will need to save/budget for the trip and if we really can afford it.

Some questions you will need to know:

• How much will you spend on gas?
• Will you be staying in a hotel? Are you camping, if so what are fee on the camp ground? Are you staying in any hotels in-between home and your destinations, and on the way back?
• How much will you spend on food?
• Will you be going to any theme parks? Or any attractions?
• What is your wiggle room budget like? It’s always safe to have an emergency fund saved up as well for road trips, they are road trips after all!

Once you have all of these questions answered, then you can start setting that money aside!

Tip #3: Plan Ahead.

Now that your vacation budget has been set and you know where you are going! Now it’s time to plan your trip.

• When are you leaving? Does anyone need to take time off from work?
• Who is going with you?
• What hotels or camp grounds are you staying at?
• What stops are you taking along the way? Will you be staying the night there?
• If you have pets, who will be watching them?
• Are you attending any theme parks? Which days will you be there?
• Do you know all the gas stations or rest stops along the way?
• Where will you be eating, have you looked at restaurants where you are going yet? Or along the way?
• Will you need to do any laundry while you are on vacation?

Tip #4: Packing

Now it’s time to pack! Everything for your vacation has been books for months and your only days away from leaving on this vacation you have been planning, for what seems like FOREVER! Do you know what are you needing to do before you leave? Do you need to drop the dogs off at the sitters? Have you scheduled when are you taking your vehicle to get serviced? Have you cleaned the house? Yes I love coming home to a clean house. Now pack your bags and enjoy your vacation! Have you ran to the store to pick up your road trip snacks?

Have fun and enjoy the trip!