With high airfares, the worries over flying- Is the scanner safe? Are my kids going to be groped by the TSA?- and just the hassle of luggage and fees I know my family is doing more driving to destinations up to 12 hours away.  And from what I am hearing, many others are, too.  Preparation is the key to any successful road trip.

5 Tips for a Successful Road Trip

Better Safe Than Sorry.

The funny thing about preparation is that when you prepare for the worst it rarely happens.  So my family doesn’t leave on any road trip without knowing we have roadside assistance at the ready- just in case.  Luckily Allstate recently released their Good Hands Roadside Assistance program.  The nicest features of this program are that you don’t have to be an Allstate customer to utilize it, and with no annual fees you only pay for the program when you use it.  Another terrific feature for the optimists and procrastinators of us is that you don’t have to pre-register for the service.

That said, it is a good idea to register- and you can do it through the widget below. By pre-registering for Good Hands Roadside Assistance you can add up to 5 users to your account (making this a great product for families with young drivers) and add automatic payment information.

You can register directly on the widget, or through Facebook.  And, at the bottom of the widget, you can add add the Good Hands Roadside Assistance number to your phone and download the free mobile app.

Check 1, 2, 3

There are a few things you should always be aware of before leaving on a road trip.

1. Check your tire pressure.  If you don’t know the pressure your tires should be at, stop by a local garage and just ask.  And then make sure they are filled to that point.
2. Keep your “What If” kit prepared: blankets, first aid kit, water, non-perishable snacks, flashlight.
3. Cell phone chargers because you can’t call for help if your phone is dead.

Are We There Yet?

Nothing is more annoying than a whiny family in an enclosed space.  We have the girls pack activity bags with a few of their favorite things to keep them occupied, as well as a couple favorite movies each. In car games like Road Trip Bingo, I Spy and the License Plate Game are great for getting kids to look out the window and talk with you.

I recommend planning your rest stops at fun areas like parks, restaurants with a playplace or, if you’re over-nighting in a hotel, a swimming pool.  Just letting everyone out to run off pent up energy will make a huge difference in everyone’s attitude.

I will also make a stop at Target’s Dollar Spot for inexpensive surprises for the kids.  Something new, even if it’s corny, is good for a tiny bit of peace.

You Are What You Eat

And too often on road trips that is junk.  Plan ahead and pack road-trip ready foods that your family likes.  Some of our favorites are squeezable applesauce, peanut butter filled pretzels, grapes, nuts & dried fruit, individual bags of graham snacks or crackers and licorice.  Get everyone a refillable water bottle and buy some individual drink mix; fill up at your rest stops.

The Light’s on For You

If your trip requires a single overnight hotel stay pack one bag with what you will need for that stay- a change of clothes, night clothes, toiletries, a swimming suit (if there is a pool) and a favored cuddle buddy.  Don’t haul in all of your luggage for one night in a hotel.

Do you have a fool proof road trip tip?  Please share it in the comments!  And be sure to check out the Good Hands Roadside Assistance program from Allstate.
 
 
Disclosure: This post has been sponsored by Allstate Good Hands Roadside Service, who wishes you safe travels. All tips and opinions are my own.