Road Trip

With the price of airfare and overseas traveling skyrocketing off of everyone's reasonable budget range, another great form of travel has made a strong comeback: road trips. There are plenty of great places to see, literally just a couple of miles away, and the drive there can be great bonding time for you and your friends or family. To make the most of your trip, planning is all it takes, so use this helpful guide to see what you'll need to prepare for your time on the road.

Some Things to Keep in Mind

• Plan early: When going on a road trip, the last thing you want to do is scramble around and toss things into your trunk. Everything is about saving space and keeping things as light as possible and the most efficient way to do it is to plan your trip and what you're going to pack early. Knowing the places which you want to stop by during your trip is also better than going with what you feel like at the spur of the moment. Don't waste gas by driving around in circles! Also, if you plan your route out in advance, you can make sure that you'll get the shortest or most scenic way to your destination.
• Safety: Make sure your car is in tip-top shape before you start off on your venture. Your brakes and air conditioning is a good place to start, but also make sure that your tires are inflated to just the right pressure.
• Lodging: If you plan on staying at hotels or motels along the way, make reservations early. Rooms can get pricey if you wait till right before the trip. Of course, early reservations mean that you'll have to be planning the trip early on as well so keep that in mind. Another option for the more adventerous is camping, which is usually free. All you need is a tent and you're set to go!
• Better safe than sorry: As much as you may want to escape society for the few days, weeks, or months that you're on your road trip, you should bring your cell phone (and charger) anyway. The benefits of having one on you far outweigh the costs, so keep it on you for emergencies!

The Essentials

GPS  If you don't already have one, investing in a GPS system is a great idea. If you find a good one, it can be easier and safer than using a map to navigate. It's also much harder to get lost using a GPS system. Check out this guide to see what kind of GPS system best fits your needs.	Maps  Technology is amazing, as illustrated by the new GPS systems. However, you don't want to be left helpless if it unexpectedly breaks down on you. It's a good idea to keep at least one map in the car with you at all times.	Duffel Bags  Duffel bags of all different sizes are great for holding and organizing all the clothing you need for the trip. Have one smaller bag (that you can carry around) that has all your important belongings: money, ID, cell phone, etc. Remember to bring an extra bag for dirty laundry!	Money  You can't forget money! Whether you decide to bring cash or use your card, make sure to keep it close to you at all times. Keep in mind that it's a good idea to keep some bills and/or change with you in the car -- you never know when you'll need it for those tolls!

For The Ride

Music  No matter how well you click with your friends, there are bound to be moments when the car gets quiet. Burn some of your favorite songs onto cd's and bring them for the ride! It beats the awkward silence and static of the radio.	Cooler  A cooler filled with your favorite drinks and snacks will be a lifesaver. Also, it's cheaper to buy your snacks and beverages before you start your trip -- items at the convenience stores are overpriced. Try to find a cooler that is collapsible so that you can save room in your car when you don't need it.	DVDs  DVDs are another great way to pass the time. These days, it's easy to find small and light portable dvd players,  so turn on a movie and enjoy the ride. It'll definitely be an idea the kids will agree to!	Headphones /Earplugs  Headphones and earplugs may actually do more for you than noise control. Many agree that it can help you to preserve your relationships with the rest of the people in the car! When the rest of the car is singing outloud to the song on the radio, headphones or earplugs can offer you an escape so that you can finally get some shut eye.

In Case of Emergencies

Toilet Paper  This is one item that you definitely cannot be without. There will be times when the nearest rest stop just won't be close enough, and in these situations, rolls of toilet paper will do the trick.	Flashlight  You don't want to be left in the dark if your car happens to break down in the middle of a deserted road, so make sure to have these handy! Even a small one will do.	Emergency Car Kit  These kits will have just about everything you need in the case of an emergency or problem with the car. Even if you don't end up going on a road trip, this will be an investment you won't regret!	First Aid Kit  For all the little bumps and bruises, to the more serious injuries, this little kit will get you through it all. This is especially important if you plan on taking part in a lot of outdoor activities. Check out this guide to make sure you have the right things in your kit for traveling.	Spare Keys  Make sure to have an extra pair of car keys just in case you lock yourself out. Think about all the trouble you could save!

For The Fun Times

Camera  Make sure you have a camera to take pictures of all the pretty scenery and fun activities you do on the trip. If you have a digital camera, make sure you have enough memory!  Even a cheap, disposable camera is better than coming out of the trip with no pictures to remember it by.	Journal  Pictures are great, but having a journal or sketchbook can be another creative way to remember your trip. Jot down little stories or incidences that happened on the trip, or sketch great views! Both are unique ways in which you can keep note of your trip.	Foldable Beach Chairs  You never know the amazing places you'll end up on a road trip. Make anywhere you want a rest stop by packing a few foldable beach chairs!	Blanket   A simple blanket is great for a road trip because it can be used for unexpected cold weather as well as something for everyone to sit on for a picnic or lunch break. Some like ones made of waterproof materials.

External Links

• About -- Simple tips on how to save money on your trip.
• Carcare -- Some helpful road trip information on caring for your car.