Successful road trips are rarely totally spontaneous, unplanned events! Without the right planning, preparation and destination it is very easy to get into trouble. Trouble can later be a great story, but trust me, without the preparation that trouble can become very serious indeed…

Taking the time to properly plan your road trip can help make it a very pleasurable experience and allow you to avoid the plentiful pitfalls that can await you on your vacation. Road trips are possibly one of the best ways to spend your vacation, regardless of your age! They are also usually relatively inexpensive, especially if they have been well planned.

Planning Basics!

1. Decide upon who is going! Friends, family, or just you and your pets? The company you keep is going to keep is going to be the primary determinant of the type of trip that you are going to have. Is it going to be your hard parting brother/friend? Then pack lots of booze and hit the social sights! Beaches, festivals, and campgrounds are going to be the places you will likely explore. Are you taking your wife/partner? Then pack some books, comfortable chairs, and hiking boots and explore the wonders of nature. Parks, beaches and anywhere that you two will have fun will be your destinations. Taking your best bud? Head into the mountains for some fishing! Regardless of who you pick, make sure you have at least an idea of an appropriate destination in mind. Road trips are usually themed, is it a party, romantic, family, or simply an adventure!

2. Pick a Destination! Don’t just get into your car and drive that is a recipe for disaster! Have at least one destination in mind to get you started and so you know what type of things to pack and prepare for!

3. Planning Basics. Be prepared for the regular problems that crop up for any motorists.

4. Specific preparations. Pack your bags for your specific trip!

5. Prepare the Entertainment! Nothing launches a road trip better than a new ‘mix cd’. Pick wicked cool driving songs and the appropriate mood setters! Some people also enjoy games or audio books.

6. Budgets. Please prepare at least a rough budget for your trip! Running out of money on a road trip is no fun; make sure you have the basics and incidentals covered. Sometimes it is also handy to have a contingency fund for unforeseen expenses.

Preparation!

Don’t just get in the car and drive; there are a couple of important preparations that you still need to make. Some of the potential problems that you need to be prepared for are: Breakdown of the vehicle, personal illness, running out of money, getting lost or stranded, becoming a victim of crime.

1. Get your car checked out and ready for the trip. Check the vehicle preparations articles for detailed advice. If your car is no good, repair it or consider renting an alternative.

2. Pack the basics. If not already in your car all the time, grab a first aid kit, spare tire and basic tools.

3. Pack trip specific articles. These are things like camping supplies (If your planning on camping), clothes, comfort goods, entertainment goods, food prep and food items (If you plan on cooking your own meals), and bedding (Unless your planning to hotel/motel/b&b)

4. Figure out your financials. It is helpful to have some cash available! Always keep a cash reserve, you never know when there will be no debit or credit card facilities. Especially critical if you end up crossing a national border! (Make sure you have local currency)