Summer road trips are the best!
There’s something about driving in the summer that gets the juices flowing. Maybe it’s having the windows down, or the music blaring or perhaps it’s the fact we take more road trips in the summer that sets it apart from the other seasons. Whatever your reason, it doesn’t matter. You don’t need a reason to take a summer road trip, but you should be prepared for it.
Spontaneity in my world seems to be more like a planned spontaneity when it comes to road trips. You know, ensure your vehicle has enough fuel, grab some water and snacks, know where you’re going, keep your phone charged but safely put away while driving. You know, planned spontaneity. Sometimes taking a road trip alone is kind of cool, but other times a few friends can increase the laughs.
Many years ago, a couple of friends and I decided at the last minute to watch the Little League World 
Series in Williamsport Pennsylvania. We decided to tackle this 5 hour drive through the night so we could get there early enough to grab a seat in the outfield. This planned spontaneity meant I would go home, pack a couple things, grab snacks, get gas and then go back and pick up my friends. I also needed a map since smartphones were still something of the future and not the present. It was worth taking the time to get things straight before heading out, even though one of my friends just wanted to hit the road right then and there. No map, no snacks, no change of clothes. Not a good plan if we wanted to get there early enough – or at all.
I think what can 
enhance a road trip is the vehicle you’re driving. Any of the featured vehicles in this post would be awesome to take on a road trip. Imagine…windows down, tunes cranked, wind blowing through your hair – for those who still have hair – and hitting the highways without a care. Sounds like a perfect road trip.
These days it’s my kids who want to hit the road for road trips. Each of my 4 kids all drive. It’s sometimes tough to get the point across to them that a plan needs to be put in place before making a road trip. Even the smallest road trip calls for a mini plan; which way to get there, who will be the navigator, snacks – don’t forget the snacks. Wandering around aimlessly is never a good plan. You could easily get lost in an unfamiliar area or run out of fuel at the worst time.
If you are planning a longer road trip, such as a few days, plan places to stop for stretching and washroom breaks. Find places which are easy to exit and then enter back onto the highway without too much 
difficulty. Although there are many aps you can add to your phone to help you with the mapping, there can be other benefits to asking humans for help. There are many auto clubs which can help you with this travel plan if you are a member. All you need to do is ask them. And part of communicating with loved ones is letting them know where your planned breaks will be and then letting them know you made it there. If you don’t reach your next break and they need to come to look for you, they’ll know where to start from. There are times when cell signals are non-existent. You could be in such an area with a broken down vehicle.
No matter how much you plan the longer trips, things can change. Allow yourself time to explore around the area so include “free time” in your plan. Be sure to include fuel, food and lodging in your budget for this road trip, as well as any entertainment you plan to do along the way. Let your passengers know ahead of time if you’re splitting any costs such as fuel and lodging. Splitting costs can certainly reduce your own personal costs.
Remember when I said I prefer the planned spontaneity? Ensure your vehicle is in top mechanical shape before heading out on the road. A sudden breakdown can add up when you’re away from home, plus it can certainly put a downer on your mood. For anything which can go wrong, having a credit card for any emergencies can really be handy.
These are just a few ideas to help you enjoy that road trip. I’ve used them many times and it seems to work out for the best. For more road trip tips and ideas, check out the links below.