Road trips are all about fun, adventure, and the open road. Admit it, you got excited at the mere thought of it!

Hitting the open road with family and friends is undoubtedly a good time, but one that needs a bit of planning. You want to make sure everyone stays safe while having the time of their lives.

Let’s look at the top road trip tips you can take to ensure you have an epic ride.

Get Your Car Road Worthy

Nothing will put a damper on your road trip like having car trouble. That’s why you should always have the car inspected before you head out on the open road.

Check the oil and have all fluids topped off. Look over the tires, making sure the tire pressure is good. And have a mechanic ensure everything is working properly.

That’s also a good time to make sure your car has an emergency kit, just in case something should happen. Lastly, have a set of custom-fitted car mats installed to keep road dust and other debris out of your vehicle.

Plan Your Route

One of the most important road trip tips is to make plans… but make them loose.

Of course, you need to know where you’re going and how long it will take to get there, but a road trip is about the unexpected stops you stumble upon along the way. So give yourself plenty of extra time for any side adventures you find.

And as always, calculate your mileage. Make sure you know how much gas your car will need for the roundtrip.

Have Snacks and Entertainment

It’s inevitable, at some point you’re going to get bored and hungry. That’s when you’ll be glad you packed a bunch of snacks and things to keep you entertained.

Prepare a road trip playlist of music to keep everyone’s spirits up. Puzzle books and car games are always a favorite pastime. If you’re traveling with kids, make sure to bring along their favorite toys.

Plus, since rest stops can be few and far between, bring plenty of food. A small cooler will keep the colder things chilled. And have a designated trash bag to keep everything tidy.

Don’t Pack Too Heavy

When planning a road trip, you want to be sure you bring everything you need, but don’t pack the car up too tight. Tight quarters make for an uncomfortable ride.

If it helps, make a rule of one suitcase per person. Or you pack only what can fit in the car trunk.

Shoe racks on the back of seats will help keep everything organized and out of the way inside the car. And don’t forget to use the space under the seats too!

Take Plenty of Breaks

Even though you’re just sitting, car trips can be exhausting. For your own safety, and sanity, you need to take plenty of breaks.

Get out to stretch your legs and change up drivers if you’re getting too tired.

If you’re planning a long road trip, consider renting an RV or looking for an Airstream for sale. It will give everyone plenty of space to stretch out in with fewer stops needed along the way.

Use These Road Trip Tips for an Epic Open Road Adventure

Road trip memories will last a lifetime. And by using these road trip tips, you can be sure those memories will be full of fun and adventure!

Planning a trip on a budget? Check out these tips on how to plan the perfect trip when money is tight!