Road trips can be absolutely fun, exciting, and relatively cost effective ways of enjoying a vacation with family or friends. Efficient road trip planning will surely double the adventure and will provide a truly fascinating and hassle-free experience. Here’s a road trip planning guide with useful tips and advice on planning that perfect road trip vacation.

First, vehicle maintenance should be at the top of your list. Make sure that your vehicle is properly serviced and that you gas up before the trip. If needed, change car filters and fluids. Have your vehicle’s air conditioning system inspected and check the tires to fill them up to proper pressure. Have your mechanic test drive your vehicle and certify its suitability for the long trip ahead. Double check the horn, headlights, and brakes. An oil-change can also be considered. Have the vehicle’s interiors cleaned as well. You can also pre-plan or practice the arrangement of the baggage and the positioning of any perishables. The more space you’ll have, the more comfortable your passengers will be.

Second, be prepared for emergencies. Every vehicle should have an emergency kit that should carry the standard first-aid items. You should have bandages, antiseptic solutions, pain relievers, and medications for typical health conditions during travel, such as diarrhea. If anyone from the group has a long term illness, be sure that enough medication is brought and that the family doctor permits the traveling. Also consider medications for allergies and arthritis for the elders. Aside from first-aid, be sure to have basic emergency equipment such as car tools, spare tires, roadside flares, jack, tire sealant, and other items that may come in handy when the car breaks down. Be sure that your spare tire is in good condition before taking the trip. Bring with you a fully charged cell phone and a charger. Having a car charger would be a great idea as well.

Third, pack an adequate supply of food and water. Have lots of provisions packed in your vehicle not only for the ride, but also in case of emergency. In the event that you get stranded in the middle of nowhere, a steady supply of food and water should sustain you until help arrives.

Fourth, map out the drive. Road trips will always involve long drives over unfamiliar highways so take time to efficiently map out your route. It may be a good idea to speak with an automobile club for maps that will include the necessary detours. Also be sure to have regular stops not just for gas refill or bathroom breaks but for the driver to relax and to do some stretching for a bit. Also, plan well where you should stop for the night during the trip and back. Having reservations in a lodging area will save you lots of time. Most route maps that are available online or those sold in shops are very versatile and will offer you detailed road trip ideas along with tips on alternate highways, routes to bypass traffic, demographic and hotel information and even travel tips.

Lastly, be sure to plan some form of entertainment for your passengers especially when you have children tagging along. A portable DVD player and video games will keep passengers preoccupied during the trip. Bring some pillows and blankets to keep them comfortable at all times.

Road trip vacations can be a blast for families and friends or, they can be terrifying nightmares as well. So plan ahead and be prepared for any possible bumps on the road to ensure a fun and safe trip for everyone.