Avoiding the Nightmare Road Trip

The family road trip. We’ve all seen the movies and heard the stories. Some of us have even lived through them. How do you avoid the nightmare and make your next road trip a great memory you’ll want to save forever?

Here are 4 tips to help you get started:

• Plan ahead. Don’t put your packing off until the last minute. Make a list of everything you’re going to need before you start packing, and check it off as you go. Check it again before you leave.

• Double check your reservations before you leave. If the hotel you’re going to be staying at is overbooked or the pool is going to be closed, it’s better to find out from the comfort of your home than the hotel lobby. 

• Plan for contingencies. You’re going to spend an awesome week at the beach, relaxing and soaking up the summer rays. You've packed your swimsuit and towel. The only problem: it’s pouring down rain. Think through your plans and make sure you have some back-up ideas in case things don’t go the way you thought they would.

• Keep other people in mind. Different people have different interests. Just because you love going to art galleries or touring Civil War battlefields doesn’t mean your six-year-old will. Once you’ve picked your vacation spot, check the local tourism board for activities other people can enjoy as well.  

With the right planning, you and your family can enjoy your time on the road, and tell the stories for years to come.