Road Trip Checklist

A car that is in good running condition and has a few accessories on hand to make the trip easier is crucial to a successful road trip. It's not just a means of transportation—it will also be your family's base of operations for hours. Make sure to pack these essentials for safe traveling:

• Registration and insurance: Do not leave home without them. Make sure they are current.
• Car manual: Your car manual has all the essential info you need about your car. Plus, you never know when you'll be out of Wi-Fi range or in an LTE dead zone. It's better to have a backup.
• Spare tire: Check the one you have is in good condition before you set off.
• Roadside assistance: If you are traveling on the road a lot, this is an investment that will save you time and headaches when you have unexpected car troubles.
• Empty gas can: Even if you are good about not letting your gas fall below a quarter tank, you may travel through an area where gas stations are few and far between.
• Roadside emergency kit: Make sure your car emergency kit contains jumper cables, light sticks, reflective vests, rain gear, a warning triangle, raincoat or poncho, whistle, tire pressure gauge and so on.

These emergency accessories make life safer on the road. Have these accessories ready to go in a backpack, and stored in the trunk for easy retrieval.

• Road atlas: There isn’t cell service everywhere. An updated map is a good backup.
• Spare cash: Many small businesses prefer cash over a debit card. Plus, cash makes it faster to go through tolls.
• First aid kit: Basic supplies such as bandages, antiseptic and safety pins can be invaluable in an emergency. Make sure the kit includes painkiller/anti-inflammatory medication and an antihistamine.
• Flashlight: Make sure you always have two. Don't forget to pack extra batteries.
• Water bottles: If you get stranded (especially in the summer), it's essential to stay hydrated while you wait for roadside assistance.
• Toilet paper and trash bags: For emergency bathroom stops, if you can't make it to a rest stop.

Long hours in the car means you need to make it as comfy as possible to sleep and relax.

• Sunglasses: Keep your eyes safe and keep squinting at bay. Nobody likes to squint when they’re in the car or driving.
• Blanket and travel pillow: Make napping in the car as comfortable as sleeping in your own bed.
• Travel mugs and reusable water bottles: Minimizes the chances of unnecessary spillage.
• Hand sanitizer: Some rest stops and gas station bathrooms are not as clean as you might hope. Keep a bottle of hand sanitizer at the ready to help keep germs out of the car.
• Towel: Just in case you want to wash your face at a rest stop.
• Snacks: Road trip food is the best. Keep nuts, granola bars and other small snacks on hand.

Pack efficiently with the right luggage for every member of your road trip crew. Everyone from kids to grown ups can be responsible for neatly packing their stuff for your road trip.
Look for hardsided luggage with telescoping handles and 360-degree spinning wheels for easy maneuvering from car to destination. Use packing cubes to maximize space in these sleek suitcases. Multi-purpose backpacks can hold travel supplies or clothing. Some duffels have telescoping handles and wheels and convert to suitcases. Soft-sided rollerboard-type duffels and stylish leather duffel bags are convenient for short road trips. Tip: Just like the airlines, give everyone in your car a limit to the number of carry-on items they can bring with them.

At some point on your road trip, you are going to get the inevitable "are we there yet?" question. Pack these entertainment essentials in the car to keep the kids occupied.

• Phone chargers/USB cord: Extra phone/tablet chargers will keep everyone happy.
• Travel games: Perfect for family road trips to keep the kids entertained.
• Books: Road tripping is the perfect time to catch up on reading.
• Playlist: Good tunes are essential for the ultimate road trip.

Proper planning is key for a successful road trip. Here are some tasks you should complete before you head out:

• Get your car serviced: Tire check, oil and coolant changes, battery levels checked and windshield washer fluid topped off.
• Check car insurance: Double check to make sure your coverage is adequate and current.
• Organize snacks.
• Prepare playlists.
• Suitcases are packed and loaded.
• Charge all of your devices.
• Have an idea of your route: Don’t just rely on GPS. It’s good to know the basic route you plan to take.
• Fuel up.