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Road trips can be exciting and a great way to get an up-close look at small towns, scenic vistas and roadside attractions. But planning one often comes with a long to-do list.
From car troubles to impending weather to restless pets or family, there are plenty of things that can turn a trip you’ve been looking forward to into a stressful one. Taking the time to plan makes a big difference. With proper preparation, road trips can be smoother, safer and much more enjoyable from start to finish.
The most important thing to do before heading out on the road is to ensure the vehicle is in good condition. Check the tires’ for pressure and check the tread depth to ensure it isn’t too worn.
Top off all fluids, including oil, coolant and windshield washer fluid, and test the battery, lights and brakes. If unsure how to do anything, or if something isn’t working correctly, have the car inspected by a trusted mechanic. Time spent preparing in advance can help prevent car issues while on the trip.
If your car isn’t reliable enough for a long trip, or you don’t want to put extra miles on it, consider renting a Hertz vehicle using your AAA Membership. There are thousands of off-airport locations to find for a ride that meets your family’s needs.
Keep insurance cards, vehicle registration and your AAA card within easy reach. Store them in your glove compartment and have any mobile apps like the AAA Mobile App readily available.
Having quick access to these documents can save time and reduce stress in case of a traffic stop, accident or the need for roadside assistance. It’s also smart to double-check that your registration and insurance are current and not set to expire during your trip.
One of the most exciting things about a road trip is being able to stop when something on the side of the road catches your eye. However, it is still essential to have a few basic things in order before hitting the highway.
First, plan a general route. Provide your itinerary to a friend or family member who isn’t traveling with you in case of emergencies.
Don’t forget to use the AAA Triptik online planner and/or print out maps or order a printed TripTik (allow two weeks for delivery) in case your cell service goes out.
Check the weather before and during every part of the trip and pack accordingly for any condition. That could mean sunblock, umbrellas, extra layers or even snow chains, depending on your destination and the time of year.
Have a car phone charger and a phone mount so you can see directions without taking your eyes off the road. Or even better, have the map directions speak to you through your car speakers.
Also, don’t forget to put an emergency road trip safety kit in your trunk that includes a flashlight (with fresh batteries), jumper cables or a portable jump starter, first-aid supplies, bottles and snacks that won’t melt.
Book a room at a AAA Diamond hotel and save with your Membership.
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Traveling with pets can take a little extra planning. However, many people take their pet family members on road trips for various reasons, including the fact that it can sometimes be less expensive than boarding them.
Also, many pets (and their owners!) suffer from anxiety, so bringing a dog or cat on a trip can ease everyone’s mind.
Ensure that all pets' vaccinations are up to date, and pack copies of their vaccination records with important papers for the trip. Have your pet wear a collar with their name and your cell phone number imprinted on it.
If you haven’t already done so, get your pet implanted with a microchip at their veterinarian before leaving; this will help identify your animals if they’re lost and don’t have their collar on.
Always use a carrier or a pet harness/seatbelt to keep them secure while the car is in motion. Pets should ride in the back seat, never in the front, where deployed airbags can be dangerous.
Pack food, treats, bottled water, a portable water bowl and dog waste disposal bags, along with the animal’s favorite toy or bed to keep them relaxed.
Plan to stop every two hours for bathroom breaks, quick walks and some fresh air. Never leave a pet alone in a parked car. Even when it doesn’t seem hot, temperatures inside a car or truck can rise quickly even with the windows cracked open.
Before traveling, use the AAA Mobile App to research pet-friendly hotels and make reservations in advance to ensure a comfortable stay.
While it’s more adventurous to find a place to sleep at the spur of the moment, when traveling with pets, it's essential to secure lodging ahead of time since not all locations have pet-friendly rooms. Often, there is an additional fee for allowing pets to say, so, budget for this accordingly.
Practicing safe driving habits protects not only everyone in your car but also others on the road. Always wear a seatbelt and ensure all passengers are buckled in properly as well. That means wearing the shoulder strap as intended and not moving it out of the way.
If possible, switch drivers every couple of hours to give each other breaks. Maintain reliable daily driving limits; most people can comfortably handle four to seven hours on the road in one day.
Never text and drive, and avoid distractions like eating or adjusting the music while driving. Be alert for sudden changes in traffic or storms that may appear without warning. Be a defensive driver to stay ready for anything that might happen on the road.
Also, remind passengers, especially children, to keep their hands and arms inside the windows and their feet off the backs of seats and the dashboard, which can cause serious injuries in the event of an accident.
The best road trips require a lot of preparation, but they're also a lot of fun! To keep the drive interesting, find some music, podcasts and audiobooks everyone would enjoy.
Pack plenty of snacks and drinks so you won’t have to rely on random gas stations or fast food for all meals. Be flexible; if the kids or the dog get restless, be ready to stop and stretch a little. And don’t feel bad about stopping for some unexpected sightseeing. That’s half the fun of driving to your destination.
Don’t forget to download the AAA Mobile app to locate hotels, restaurants and gas stations along the way. The app also helps road warriors locate AAA Approved and Diamond Rated hotels, including pet-friendly options. And of course, the mobile app can be used to request AAA Roadside Assistance and track your service vehicle’s arrival time.
Members also have access to discounts on lodging and attractions across the country, helping to save while enjoying the journey to your destination.
Time for a road trip?
Be ready for your next road trip with a car inspection. AAA Members receive a free vehicle maintenance inspection upon request with any paid service at a nearby AAA-owned Car Care center or AAA Approved Auto Repair facility, a 36-month/36,000-mile guarantee on repairs at AAA-owned Car Care locations, and a 24-month/24,000-mile warranty at AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities. Members also receive a 10% discount on repair labor (save up to $75).
