Tips to Stay Safe on Your Next Road Trip

Get your car tuned up. Check the windshield wipers, the tires, change the oil, etc. Everything we should be doing when we give our car a checkup. Pack things you'd typicallyl need if you have car trouble, like a couple gallons of water, an empty gas can, spare tire and jack, and flares or traffic triangles. Take your car charger to your cell phone. If you don't have a car charger, they're not expensive considering how much peace of mind you'll have with a full battery.

Plan your route and estimate when you'll need to stop. I have two thoughts on this. First, I enjoy going without a strict plan and making time to mosey down little (and sometimes long!) roads. Secondly, I don't enjoy being on twisting farm roads as the sun is going down and being within site of the highway but unable to reach it. Avoiding things like going too far before stopping for gas will make it much easier for you. If you're reluctant to stop in small, unknown towns, try to time your gas station stops to the major cities you'll be hitting. Monitor your speed so you don't waste gas going faster than necessary as well.

Check online for hotel rates or campgrounds. Smaller hotels can sometimes be booked online too. Look for those travelers coupons book in restaurants. Denny's, IHOP, and Shoney's are three that usually have them. The coupons usually have some valuable maps, since many state maps lack good detail. You can also find many motels and hotels to stop off at without needing a reservation.

Consider taking along someone needing a lift. Not a hitchhiker, but someone you find ahead of time who's going the same direction. You'll have help with gas money and someone to talk to when the highway gets monotonous.

If you're crossing many states (here in Texas you could drive a couple of nights before getting to another state) look for their visitors center as soon as you cross the border. You'll often find maps and other information on sites of interest.

Staying Fed