5 Tips for a Relaxing Road Trip

There’s a reason road trips remain a favorite way to travel: You set the pace, choose the route and have the freedom to stop whenever something catches your eye.  A little preparation can make a big difference. From planning your route and packing smart to scheduling breaks and preparing for the unexpected, a few simple steps can help you spend less time worrying about the details and more time enjoying the ride. Whether you’re heading out for a quick weekend getaway or embarking on a longer adventure, these road trip tips can help make every mile smoother, more comfortable and more enjoyable.

Why a road trip?

Road trips remain popular with travelers who value flexibility and control over their vacation plans. They can also be more budget-friendly than other travel options and easily tailored to your interests and schedule. Before you hit the road, however, make sure your vehicle is ready for the journey. 

1. Get a tune-up or rent a vehicle

One of the best ways to start a relaxing road trip is to take care of your vehicle before you leave. Having your car inspected and serviced at a trusted auto repair shop can help ease concerns about unexpected problems on the road. If you’d rather avoid adding extra miles to your own vehicle, consider renting a Hertz vehicle. You can recieve exclusive discounts & benefits with your AAA Membership. With thousands of convenient off-airport locations, it’s easy to find a vehicle that fits your family, trip and budget.

2. Make sure your AAA Membership is up to date

With your AAA Membership, you can hit the road with added peace of mind knowing Roadside Assistance is available when you need it. Plus, your Membership comes with a range of travel benefits and discounts that can help you save on hotels, attractions and more — making your road trip more rewarding from start to finish.

3. Pack an emergency kit

Being prepared can make all the difference if something unexpected happens. Your road trip emergency kit should include: 

• Important papers such as your driver’s license, registration and insurance information
• A paper map
• Spare cash
• Water and nonperishable snacks 
• A first aid kit
• Jumper cables
• Safety cones
• Blankets
• A shovel
• Extra device chargers. 

Having these essentials on hand can provide extra comfort and confidence during your journey.

4. Map out your itinerary

Planning your itinerary in advance can help keep your road trip running smoothly. Map out your route, research drive times between destinations and set realistic daily mileage goals, leaving plenty of time for stops along the way. The AAA Mobile App can make planning and navigating easier, while also putting helpful AAA Membership benefits at your fingertips. You can use the app to find nearby gas stations, AAA Discounts, trusted auto repair facilities and quickly request Roadside Assistance if you need help along the way.

5. Plan your entertainment

Even the most scenic road trip can feel long, especially for children. Prepare entertainment options before you leave. Adults might enjoy books, magazines or travel journals, while kids can stay busy with coloring and sticker books, travel bingo, card games, small toys and stuffed animals. Smartphones, tablets, and video game consoles are options, too, but traditional games can encourage conversation and keep everyone engaged.

Start your next road trip with AAA

Join the millions of people who trust AAA  to help make their road trips easier, more affordable and more enjoyable. Start planning your next adventure with AAA Trip Canvas, a powerful research tool that helps you discover destinations, build an itinerary and find inspiration for your trip. Then, put your AAA Membership to work along the way with savings on hotels, rental cars and entertainment, plus travel resources and roadside assistance for added peace of mind. From mapping out your route to finding ways to save once you hit the road, AAA can help you make more of every mile.