Planning for a road trip comes naturally to me since I have been on the road for a few years now, on and off. If this is that time of the year when you are ready for the next big road trip of your life, a little planning can help you avoid mishaps later on. The idea of heading for a road trip in a car is exciting but it comes with a downside of planning and packing. Don’t worry, we are here to help. Here are a few planning tips that you can keep in mind to plan your road trip.

Plan for the route you want to take: You sure know where you wish to go, but planning for the route and stops in advance can take away the hassle. Nobody likes being stuck in a car for long with unhappy passengers for long hours. So before you consider your trip, check GPS before leaving to avoid chances of getting stuck in traffic jams. There are many other applications that can help you plan your routes.

Set a budget: Driving to your destination is going to cost you less than flying. But still there are going to be other expenses such as tolls, lodging, dining, etc. You need to calculate your expenses and hidden expenses beforehand so that you are not left out with no money. You can even use a travel budget calculator to do the same.

Look where you can save money: Even after setting your budget, you can manage to save a bit. There are a few things that can be done about saving money. First, tank up your car so as to have a solid start. Make sure you pack light and keep your cargo weight in check. Lighter car means easier drive. It is best to look for gas stations where multiple fast food chains are located as the price of fuel is going to be less. Stick to the speed limit so as to be safe while you drive and get good average. Avoid road rage and don’t drink and drive.

The best way to save on your expenses is by packing some food on the go.

Make sure your car is in good shape and is packed like a pro: It is important to ensure that the vehicle you are going to drive on your road trip is in primo condition. You would never want your vehicle to break down in the middle of the road, leaving you clueless about what to do next. Also, while packing stuff in your car, make sure you place the items you need the most on the top and the least useful things in the bottom. Be organized when packing your car for road trip.

With these tips at tow, you’ll be able to reduce the stress of planning for a road trip.