How to steer clear of these 7 common mistakes that every road tripper makes at least once

In the U.S., nothing captures the essence of summer quite like a road trip, and over the past two summers, more travelers have chosen to hit the road in record numbers rather than take to the skies.

Last year, over 47.7 million Americans embarked on road trips during the July 4 weekend, marking the second-highest volume of Independence Day road travel ever recorded, according to AAA data, which anticipates that "road trips will remain the preferred choice" for summer travel, even amidst soaring gas prices.

Looking forward to this summer, AAA predicts that car travel will represent 97% of summer journeys, with an uptick in last-minute trip bookings.

"Americans are eager to explore this summer, but they are adopting a 'wait and see' strategy regarding their bookings and are more inclined to opt for long weekend getaways rather than extended vacations," stated Paula Twidale, AAA's senior vice president of Travel. "When they do decide to travel, the majority – 683 million people – will take to the roads to fulfill their travel desires."

This trend results in more travelers hitting the road, which increases the likelihood of logistical oversights.

If you’re planning a car trip this summer, make sure to steer clear of these common mistakes before you set off from your driveway.

1. Failing to create a pre-departure checklist

One of the greatest advantages of road trips is the freedom that comes with having your own vehicle, allowing you to make stops for any essential items you might have forgotten at home.

Nonetheless, being organized and prepared before you hit the road can greatly reduce stress. This is why having a pre-departure checklist is essential to help you remember everything you need.

When creating your checklist, consider the following questions about packing and logistics:

• Do you have your vehicle registration and a copy of your auto insurance card?
• Are you traveling to another country and need a passport or visa?
• Have you packed extra phone chargers?

Whether you're setting out on a quick weekend getaway or an epic cross-country adventure, reviewing an essentials checklist before you leave will help ensure a stress-free start to your journey.

2. Neglecting to prepare your car for the trip

Aside from providing peace of mind, there’s no better time to schedule maintenance on your vehicle than a few weeks before a major road trip.

A pre-trip tune-up should ensure that all vital fluids and filters are replenished and clean, tire pressures are correct, and that your lights and brakes are functioning properly. However, don’t just rely on a mechanic to get your car ready for the road.

Having an emergency roadside kit in your trunk can be invaluable in case of a worst-case scenario with no immediate assistance available. This kit should contain items like jumper cables, road flares, flashlights, and a first-aid kit. Some kits even come equipped with the necessary tools to change a tire, including a spare, in the event of a flat.

For an extra layer of reassurance, you might want to consider getting a AAA membership that includes roadside assistance, starting at $59 a year.

Additionally, check if any of your credit cards provide a roadside assistance benefit. As of March 2022, TPG identified the top four credit cards that offer this feature:

1. Chase Sapphire Reserve: Best for comprehensive travel protections, including roadside assistance.
2. Chase Freedom Unlimited: Ideal for roadside dispatch at a fixed rate without an annual fee.
3. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Top choice among Capital One cards for roadside dispatch at a fixed rate.
4. Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card: Best option from Bank of America for roadside dispatch at a fixed rate.

3. Failing to plan the optimal route ahead of time

Time management is essential for a successful road trip, especially when you have a limited number of vacation days. This is why preparing the best route beforehand can enhance the efficiency of your getaway.

At the outset of your road trip planning, it's wise to gauge the distances between your starting location and each stop on your itinerary, as well as the kind of terrain you'll be navigating. Consider whether your journey primarily follows a major interstate with plenty of gas stations at exit ramps or if it leads you through more isolated, mountainous roads without any facilities in sight.

Once you have a grasp of the distance and landscape, utilize Google Maps to chart the optimal route according to your preferences and available time. Remember to factor in necessary stops, such as refueling, restroom breaks, and attractions you want to visit along the way. If time isn’t an issue, opt for a route that includes detours worth exploring.

For instance, you can travel from San Francisco to Los Angeles on the freeway (I-5) in as little as seven hours. However, if you're not pressed for time, you could take the scenic route and enjoy breathtaking coastal views for nine hours along the Pacific Coast Highway.

4. Forgetting to bring your own snacks and beverages

While gas stations, convenience stores, and fast-food outlets offer easy meal options on the road, frequent stops can disrupt your journey and strain your budget—all for less-than-nutritious food. Moreover, during long stretches in rural areas, you may encounter a lack of food retailers or convenience stores, leading to frustrating delays in obtaining food or water.

Smart travelers always pack a cooler filled with drinks and snacks for everyone in the vehicle. This becomes even more crucial when traveling with children. By doing so, you can manage your food choices and have easy access to snacks whenever needed.

Think about getting an insulated water bottle that keeps beverages hot or cold for extended periods. Not only do they help you save money, but they also minimize the need for road stops, ensuring you stay hydrated or caffeinated on the go.

5. Attempting to fit everything into one trip

When planning a meticulously organized trip, it's easy to become overly enthusiastic and try to cram in as much sightseeing and driving as possible in a single day. However, it's important to leave room for unexpected detours and some spontaneity along the journey. Factors like traffic, road closures, and construction are typical on road trips, so it's perfectly fine to make adjustments as needed.

While taking the scenic route can enhance your experience, ensure that there isn't a significantly shorter option available. Overextending your driving hours or attempting to visit too many attractions in one day can lead to fatigue, increasing the risk of accidents. Aim to make several stops during your travels or consider booking a hotel for overnight stays on longer trips.

6. Failing to prepare entertainment options

Neglecting to download movies, podcasts, and audiobooks, as well as creating playlists before hitting the road, can lead to a significant oversight—especially when traveling with kids. Boredom is likely to strike during your road trip, so planning your entertainment in advance is crucial. Take advantage of your home Wi-Fi to download enough content on your devices to keep everyone entertained for the long haul.

Spending hours driving with children can certainly test your patience, so it's wise to have movies ready to play and offer engaging activities (like coloring books, tablets, and toys) to help keep the peace. Your fellow passengers will definitely appreciate your foresight.

7. Selecting the wrong vehicle

Summer ushers in sunshine, the conclusion of the school year, and a chance to embark on a road trip with family and friends. Whether you choose to use your own vehicle or rent one, selecting the right car involves careful thought.

Venturing off-road with a vehicle not built for rugged terrain, or opting for a gas-hungry SUV when a simple midsize car would suffice, are critical considerations to make before setting out. Selecting the wrong vehicle can quickly turn an exciting road trip into a frustrating experience.

Since road trips involve long hours in the car, prioritizing comfort and safety features is essential. Ensure the vehicle is spacious enough for all passengers to relax comfortably, with ample legroom to stretch out. It's also important to check that the car includes safety features like airbags, antilock brakes, and a backup camera.

Given the current fuel prices, opt for a vehicle with great fuel efficiency that offers a high miles-per-gallon rate. A fuel-efficient car will provide better range, leading to fewer stops and less time spent at the gas pump.

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