How to Plan the Perfect Road Trip

Summer was made for road trips. The warm late-night air, the spontaneity that comes with never really knowing the day of the week — it’s these little things that make for a perfect vacation on the road to nowhere. Even if summertime doesn’t necessarily get you some predetermined time off (a.k.a. you work a typical 9-to-5 desk job), there’s something about the warm weather that makes it so much easier to take the weekend trip somewhere unknown.

But before you spontaneously hop on Route 66, there’s a few things you should do to make sure your drive is safe and enjoyable instead of disastrously unprepared-for. Use this checklist to make sure everything is A-Okay before you take the wheel.

What to Do

Stock up on music or podcasts — you’re sure to hit an area without service somewhere.
Let your car insurance know you’ll be traveling.
Have your oil, tires and battery checked.
Create a loose plan.
Let a friend or family member know where you’re headed, and be sure to update them along the way if you make any changes.
Do some basic research on the areas in which you’re stopping.