As the scorching heat of summer starts to relax into warm, mellow days of sunshine, many people find that this time of year is perfect to plan a late-summer road trip. Whether you’re looking to explore the stunning views across America’s country roads or save money on hefty airfare fees, a well-planned road trip can make memories that last a lifetime.

However, to get the most out of your road trip, it is essential to plan your excursion so that everything goes smoothly. To ensure that your road trip remains cost-effective, exciting, and memorable for the right reasons, it’s important to know what to prepare.

If you’re ready to embark on your trip of a lifetime, here are the eight top tips we recommend to ensure you get the dream road trip you deserve. 

 

  • Start with a Budget

How much money will you need for your entire trip? Will there be any extra charges along the way? Have you budgeted for gas and car costs? Considering these questions early allows you to account for everything you could or should need on your road trip, including accommodation, food, gas, car maintenance, and extra excursions. It is also vital to consider unforeseen expenses and emergencies and carry a little bit of cash on you should you need it. 

Sit down with your travel companion or companions to create a budget and discuss everything you need to budget for – this helps set expectations and ensures the trip is fun from beginning to end.

As many people choose road trips as an affordable and flexible travel option – it’s important to ensure your trip stays that way by planning ahead of time. After that, you’re ready to drive on!

 

  • Decide On Location and Accommodation

Maybe you plan to just get in the car and drive. Or perhaps you want to make sure you see the lights of Vegas or the top fifteen sites in Colorado – either way, it’s best to decide beforehand so everyone’s on the same page.

Once you’ve decided if you’re driving with a destination in mind, it’s good to consider accommodation. Who says you have to settle for a highway motel? Tailor your trip to what you like by researching local accommodation options en route. Whether you love a cozy campsite, a luxury hotel, or sleeping out under the stars, there are always options to explore on a road trip.

Take your time to research accommodation that matches your budget, needs, and interests. Look for must-have amenities such as free laundry service, parking, and early breakfast. Don’t forget the importance of good sleep on your vacation to stay safe on the road and make the best memories!

 

  • Clean and Service Your Vehicle

One essential thing to plan for is taking the time to prepare your vehicle before embarking on a road trip. Rectify any mechanical problems early, including annual servicing or oil changes, so you have plenty of time to have your vehicle returned. 

Aside from this, don’t forget to bring your car in for cleaning and detailing. Imagine cramming into a messy car for a three-day road trip. Imagine that vehicle with stained seats, mud-caked windows, and a kind of funky smell – sounds awful, right? Now picture climbing into a crisply cleaned, fresh-smelling car with shiny, pristine exterior detailing. That sounds like a road trip everyone would look forward to! 

Car wash and detailing experts like our team at Jazz Car Wash clean inside and out to ensure your car looks fantastic, smells good, and is comfortable to drive, so your road trip is set to be a success from day one! 

 

  • Create a Playlist

Is there anything better than hitting the road while blasting your favorite songs? Consider creating a playlist to create the soundtrack to your adventure! As a bonus tip, downloading all your favorite music or podcasts means you’re guaranteed a working playlist even when you drive out of range of radio or cell service.

Pull together a song request list from all your travel companions, or create themed playlists for each day. Whatever you do, it’s bound to help make your road trip one to remember!

 

  • Pack all Your Gadgets and Essentials

Check to confirm that you have packed all appropriate cables, chargers, and adapters for every gadget you plan on using during the trip. It will also help to ensure you have the most useful apps installed on your phone for road trips – including Google Maps and Roadtrippers. 

If you’re going the old-fashioned way and using paper maps – that’s great too! Make sure you have the necessary manual navigation tools, including a compass and instructions to reach your accommodations and sites. 

It’s also crucial to pack a safety kit along with other tools for emergencies, such as a vehicle breakdown kit, first aid kit, water, and a flashlight (Don’t forget extra batteries for the flashlight!)  Many people also find it a good idea to bring some blankets for the car if driving through colder regions – or just to get comfy during the drive! 

 

  • Pack Snacks

No road trip would be complete without a great selection of snacks! Packing a cooler is an excellent idea as it keeps your beverages cold and produce, fresh. You can also pack a cooler up on the way back, so both sides of your road trip are equally enjoyable!

 If you’re driving with kids, it’s important to space out snacks throughout the day to help keep them happy during your trek through the country. Snacks can be messy so just make sure to understand that you might have to allow a free pass while road tripping. For peace of mind, book your post-road trip interior clean prior to your vacation, so you know your car will be fully de-crumbed when you return – that way, you can let your local car wash worry about the road trip mess, so you don’t have to!

 

  • Adhere to the Rules of the Road

If you travel to a different country or state, we advise you to familiarize yourself with their specific road rules. Ensuring you’re familiar with the road laws in the areas you will be driving through is essential to avoiding road accidents and traffic fines and helps you rest easy knowing there will be no road regulation surprises. 

Check driving advice on the official tourism sites of the states or countries you visit. We know that every state in the United States has its own unique set of rules, and countries do too. So just make sure you’re prepared no matter where you go. 

 

Your Car is the Most Important Consideration

Your road trip can only be successful when your vehicle is ready and well-serviced. Do not start your vacation in a vehicle that is poorly maintained and not fit for the road. At Jazz Car Wash & Detailing in Littleton, Colorado, we will prepare your car for the next trip (and clean it after!), so you can have the trip of a lifetime. Contact us today for a full-service car wash or detailing service – we’re ready to help! See you soon, and safe travels!