There’s nothing like a good old fashioned road trip to get the blood pumping—windows rolled down, music blasting, enough snacks to make you feel like a twelve-year-old robbed a gas station?! Maybe you prefer to rock out with the family cooler in the backseat full of cold drinks and carrot sticks. Whatever your Jam, when someone says “Road Trip!” my little weird soul just squeals!
Whether you’re heading to the mountains, the beach, or a small-town hidden gem, hitting the road brings it’s own unique magic.. But let’s get real for a second—road trips with the tiny humans (and pets!…think Goldfish crackers EVERYWHERE!) take planning—and safety should always come first.
As a travel advisor and planner, and self-proclaimed road trip warrior Mama, I’ve learned a few tried-and-true road trip worthy safety tips that make every mile just a little more manageable. Here’s how to keep your Kid Crew safe, your ride smooth, and your vacation vibes high al the way to your destination.
🛠️Don’t Skip the Pre-Trip Vehicle Prep
I have to give 100% of the credit on this one to my husband. It isn’t so much a ”tip” around the Nicholson household, as the Law of the Land. Before going on any extended road trip, here’s my list of Must-Dos, complimentary of Brandon Nicholson.
🛞 Check that tire pressure ya’ll (Including the Spare!)—It goes without saying, but you just get better gas mileage when your tires are at their best. Why stop for gas more often than you need to?
🛢Splurge for the full-service oil change. This will not only guarantee your oil is ready for that open road, full-service will check all the fluids in the engine. Nothing is worse than driving through Texas when the AC goes out!!! I’m not fluent in Car & Driver but I do know that going on a road trip with old oil equals a very frustrated, if not still lovable, husband who meets his threshold of my lack of observation skills.
⚠️Test your brakes, lights, and wipers. Driving through the mountains—rain—-bad wipers? That’s a recipe for total time delays and possible higher insurance rates!
Bonus Tip: Many auto shops and/or dealerships offer FREE pre-trip inspections—schedule one a few days in advance just to make sure that you have the time in the event something needs attention.
Pack an Emergency Kit (Like for Real!)
It is my sincerest hope that you will never NEED a car First-Aid Emergency Kit—but in the event that you do, you will be so incredible grateful. Make sure to include fever-reducing medications as well as allergy stuff. On our last road trip through the Olympic Peninsula, I found out very quickly that I’m allergic to nature!~ Thank God for Allegra! Here are some items that are in my Car 911 bag, which stays in an out-of-the-way compartment in my trunk.
- First Aid Supplies: Bandages, Antiseptic, Saline solution, Eye Drops..etc
- Batteries and a Flashlight
- Water Bottles
- Printed Map (I know! I know! But what if you’re somewhere with no signal!)
- Blankets
For the Profoundly Prepped:
- Jumper Cables
- Portable Phone Chargers
- Road-side reflectors
- Emergency flares (again, thank you husband)
Mama Pro-Tips:
- Anti-Bacterial Baby-wipes. These are great for everyone if you’re far away from a shower.
- Hand-Sanitizer—this goes without saying!
- Kleenex
- Trash Bags—you’ll be so glad for these when you need them!
Share Your Route
I can’t say this enough. Share your route with someone you trust, NOT on Social Media! Let someone know where you plan to stop each night and when you should arrive at your destination. Resisting the temptation to post about your upcoming travel is difficult, but putting a giant sign on your Facebook that you’re not going to be home for X-Amount of days, feels like an invitation to me. These small tips will help keep you safe and gives those anxious ones, a little bit more peace of mind. If you are more tech savvy, there are some great apps that can help with this. We have Life360 which allows folks in your “bubble” access to your route via really cute traceable map!
Pro-Tip: If you can, plan your fuel stops ahead of time if you’re going further distances—especially in rural areas. Using apps like Upside can help find these gas stations that are on your route and often give rebates on your fill-up!
Final Thoughts
The joy of a road trip isn’t just about the destination—as cliche as it sounds, the joy really is in the journey. The best way to enjoy that journey is knowing you’re prepared for whatever the road brings. Keeping a copy of your insurance in your glove-box is key to being prepared for any emergency. Never underestimate the power of good snacks and cold drinks during a crisis. And the most important, know your limits. Take breaks, get sleep, and stop driving every several hours to move around. It’s better to get there a little late, than to not get there at all!
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