What are some of the most important things to consider when planning a road trip?

Answer 1

Some things vary depending on your budget and who you are traveling with, but here are some basics:

Safety:
1) Have car serviced and make sure it's functioning reliably.
2) Have a cell phone with you, make sure battery is ALWAYS charged.
3) When you stop for gas, check tire pressure and oil as well.
4) Have on hand: good spare tire, jumper cables, flares, $200+cash set aside for emergency only, drinking water, energy bars, flashlight and extra batteries.
5) If you have to pull over (flat tire, whatever) have other occupants get out of car safely and move to a place off of road, if it is available and safe to do, weather permitting.
6) Have in a roadside emergency service such as AAA. Some cell phone plans offer such a service for a nominal monthly amount, but check the details first.
7) All baggage and heavy items (including food coolers) should be in the trunk of your car. If you have a Van or SUV, install a barrier system behind the back seat.
8) Be prepared for extreme weather ... pack appropriate emergency supplies for winter, summer or storm possibilities, depending on season you travel.

Comfort:
1) Have food, water, blankets or sleeping bags, and pillows.
2) Stop every 100 miles for a short break.
3) Take a power nap (20 minutes) if you need to.
4) Have a baggage plan ... i.e. check in advance how the baggage you are taking fits in your car, and have a plan so that you know where things are and can pack and unpack easily.

Navigation:
1) Have appropriate maps, and learn how to read and follow one.
2) Check websites for construction and hazard reports.
3) When you see a sign to tune in to a radio frequency for information, do it.
4) Inquire locally before taking secondary roads. In winter esp this could save your life.
5) Have a good working compass and know how to use it.
6) Carry gps system if you have one.

Children:
1) Stop frequently for them to expend energy.
2) Have plenty of water available, and low-sugar snacks (cheerio's, cheese sticks, etc.)
3) Play verbal games with them.
4) Have age-appropriate activities.
5) Make sure they are in the kind of child seat appropriate for their age ... in an accident, even a minor one, a child in an adult restraint can be seriously injured.

Pets:
1) Keep in a carrier or restraint device.
2) Have food and water available.
3) Stop frequently, keep on leash at rest areas
4) If pet does not ride well, consult vet for treatment advice.

Misc:
1) Weather. Research the weather for areas you are traveling, keeping in mind changes in elevation as well. Be prepared.
2) In hot weather, consider traveling in early morning and stopping by 2pm or earlier.


Have fun!!!

Answer 2

1. Who are you going to travel with?
2. Do you take the fast route or the scenic route?
3. Will you take unexpected stops -- to see the world's largest ball of twine, for example?
4. Are you allowed to smoke?
5. Regular meals or constant snacking (Chips and Gatorade!)?
6. Sleep or drive all night?
7. Always have a road map, and someone who know how to use it!!

Answer 3

Have your tires checked (proper air pressure, no hidden nails, etc.). Check all fluid levels (radiator, oil, power steering fluid, transmission fluid). Change your oil if you hadn't done it for a while. Check spare tire and all tools for changing a flat.
Put extra drinking water, blankets, snacks, etc., in the trunk in case of breakdown.

Answer 4

probable renting one. in case you purchase one, you have no longer any gaurantee which you will sell it later - or in case you do sell it, you will could take a bathtub on the advertising value. call up a condo place - get their value for renting one. Now, bypass verify out buying one (new/used). Do the math. additionally, understand the pinnacle-aches of possessing as against renting. good success!

Answer 5

don't ever say "i think we can make it to the next city before we get gas"