There’s nothing quite like a good old-fashioned road trip. I love exploring the country and hitting the road. I’ve been a lifelong road tripper since I was young. I love to fly, but I also love to travel by car. It’s the best way to see the country. That said, if you are planning on traveling right, a camper trailer with shower and toilet should be a good choice for you. Furthermore here are some tips that will help you plan your adventure.

Determine Your Destination and Make a Plan

Although planning doesn’t have to take too much time, you need to know where you’re going and what places you want to stop along the way. The best part of a road trip? Seeing the sights along the way. MapQuest is my favorite tool and I use it as my primary plan of attack on my road trip.

Although GPSs are popular these days, I don’t recommend them. However, you can’t always rely on them when you encounter construction or other hazards along the route. It is important to have a map of the places you are traveling to and alternate routes to avoid unexpected situations.

Check Your Vehicle

Take your car to the mechanic a week before your trip to get it tuned up. This will ensure that your vehicle’s fluids are properly topped off and your tires are at their best for the road. It’s best to have your vehicle checked out by someone you trust before you leave on your trip. It can also be more expensive if it is an emergency situation.

Make sure you have a road safety package in case of an emergency. My American Automobile Association Premium Membership Card (Premier Member) is what I have in this kit. American Automobile Association membership is essential if you have a car without a warranty or automatic roadside assistance. It can save you a lot of money if you need to have your car towed. If your car is not “roadworthy”, you may consider renting a vehicle. This is what I did for my trip to Arizona. I found a great deal on a rental car and was able to take my trip with peace of mind.

Make The a Music Playlist

Every road trip needs music as the soundtrack of our lives. Every time I hear “No Jacket Required,” a Phil Collins song, I think of my trip to Seattle. That was the main music I listened to on that trip. Every time I hear Wilson Phillips’ music, I think of the beautiful walks on the beach at Pink Sands, Bahamas Harbor Island. It’s almost like having a theme song for every vacation, but even listening to it today brings back wonderful memories of memorable trips. It’s also great for catching up on books I haven’t read yet but are easier to listen to. Audiobooks are a great option. You can download them to your iPhone, iPod, or other PDA device – you name it!