Courtney Caldwell | RoadAndTravel.com

1) Have good directions in print and with GPS - They don't always match so best to have both - Make sure someone at home has your route

2) Make sure you plan your route destination around known weather patterns during certain times of year ie: Driving through mid country during May - August is Tornado season. July - October is Hurricane season

3) Make sure you have an emergency kit in your car that includes water, bandages, rope, blanket, ​tools, umbrella (for heat and rain), food, any meds you take or may need, kneeling pad (for changing tires or getting under car, flash light, change of clothes.

4) If children are along, make sure they have all the entertainment for the duration of the trip. Kids get bored easily. If they're not happy, your dream road trip could turn into a nightmare. So toys, snacks, games, diapers (if necessary), pillows, blankets.

5) Plan your hotels or campgrounds well ahead of time. Most people do road trips during the summer, busiest time of year. If you wing it, you could find yourself sleeping in your car because hotels, motels and campgrounds fill up.

Plan your daily route and how many miles you'll drive. Fewer hours if driving alone as the road can make you sleepy. Stop and take breaks every couple of hours to stretch you legs. There are tons of roadside cafes along all major freeways now. Try to keep your driving during daylight hours for best success.

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7) If you're driving back routes, more scenic, make sure you have a clearly defined map of where you're going each day. Always keep at least one family member apprised of your route or route changes in case you disappear, have an accident, etc. You should also have an ICE number in your phone (In case of an emergency) so in the event you have an accident, police can call someone without delay.

8) Never go off road alone.

9) Check in with one family member or friend each day. It's not just your personal safety, but parents, friends, etc worry.

10) Have AAA for your car or some other roadside assistance. AAA is the best

11) Make sure your car is road-worthy to avoid breakdowns. Have your vehicle completely checked out, change of oil (bring a can with you too), clean windows, clean engine, and make sure it will be able to withstand the duration of the trip. Breaking down in another state is no picnic. Make sure your heater and A/C work.

12) And last, depending on how long your road trip is, good idea to identify the local PDs in each city through which you drive and keep a list of their cities and phone. You never know.

​Source: RoadAndTravel.com