Summer won’t be complete without a road trip with your family! Imagine spending the day at the beach, visiting famous landmarks, and making new memories together. But before you hit the road, there are a few things you need to do to get ready. Here are five tasks to check off your list:
Task #1 Make sure your vehicle is in good condition
It would be impossible to go on a road trip without a vehicle, so you first need to make sure yours is in good condition. This means getting a tune-up, if it’s due, and checking the oil level and tire pressure. You should also pack a spare tire in case you have a flat on the road.
You might think your car is good to go because you’ve had it checked a few months back, but you wouldn’t want to be halfway to your destination when your car suddenly decides to give up on you. A road trip is a fun adventure, but it can quickly turn into a nightmare if you’re not prepared.
Err on the side of caution and have a mechanic recheck it, especially if you have an all-wheel drive like a Subaru. Besides, a Subaru scheduled maintenance is necessary if you want to keep your car running for a long time. So, get the oil changed, brakes checked, and fluids topped off before leaving for your trip!
Task #2 Map out your route
You can’t just hit the road and start driving — you need to have a plan. You should map out your route in advance so you know where you’re going and how long it will take to get there. This is especially important if you’re going to make any stops along the way, like sightseeing or visiting family and friends.
A helpful trick when planning your route is to look for scenic roads that will make the drive more enjoyable. This is a great way to see parts of the country you wouldn’t usually get to experience. And, if you’re traveling with kids, it can be an excellent way to break up the monotony of a long drive.
Task #3 Pack all the necessary supplies
Once your vehicle is serviced and your route is mapped, it’s time to start packing the car. You’ll need to bring along food, drinks, clothes, toiletries, and anything else you might need for the trip. If you have young children, you’ll also need to pack some snacks and activities to keep them entertained.
Keep in mind that it’s better to overpack than under-pack. Having too much food and water is always better than not enough. And, if you’re traveling with young children, it’s better to have too many activities than not enough. You don’t want to be caught in a situation where your child is bored, and there’s nothing you can do about it.
Just ensure you’re not packing your whole house into your car. Leave enough leg room, so everyone is comfortable, and make sure you can still see out the rear window. This way, you’re prepared for whatever comes your way during the trip without compromising your car’s safety.
Task #4 Get everyone in the family on board with the plan
A road trip is only as good as the people on it, so you must ensure everyone in your family is on board with the plan. This means getting everyone’s input on the trip’s route, activities, and rules. Otherwise, you’re likely to have some unhappy campers on your hands.
One way to get everyone in the family involved is to have each person pick one activity that they want to do during the trip. This could be as simple as visiting a particular landmark or eating at a specific restaurant. By involving everyone in the planning process, you’re more likely to end up with a trip that everyone will enjoy.
Task #5 Set some ground rules for the trip
Even if everyone is on board with the plan, there are bound to be disagreements during the trip. To avoid any major arguments, you should set some ground rules for the journey. This might include no fighting in the car, no complaining about the food, and no backseat driving.
You could also make rules based on everyone’s responsibilities. For example, one person could be in charge of navigation, another could be responsible for keeping the car clean, and someone else could be in charge of entertainment. By assigning specific tasks to each person, you can ensure that everyone is pulling their weight during the trip.
Taking a family road trip can be a lot of fun, but it’s not one you can do spontaneously when you have small children. By following these tips, you’re guaranteed an enjoyable summer road trip with your loved ones and some great memories to last a lifetime. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!
