Tips for a Safe and Relaxed Family Road-Trip “And that’ s the wonderful thing about family travel: it provides you with experiences that will remain locked forever in the scar tissue of your mind.” — Dave Barry A family road trip is the best way to escape the boredom and monotony of everyday routine. If you want to make it safe, exciting and enjoyable, it is quite possible with some creative planning and preparation. Here are some ways as to how you can make your road trip both safe, relaxing and budget friendly. Planning a well prepared and hassle free road trip A well planned family road trip is the most relaxing and money saving. So, take the time to map out your journey from start to finish with driving directions online with aaamaps.com. Remember to give a copy of the itinerary to your family or friends back home. You can even get a portable GPS navigation system to chart out your trip. You should make time allowances for possible traffic jams, rest stops and other delays. You can use fuelcalculator.com for forecasting the fuel cost of your trip. Things to do before the trip Getting your car inspected by a certified technician to get your car worthy and reliable through the entire journey. The tire pressure should be right, the tires properly aligned and the engine must be tuned to get maximum gas mileage. The hoses and clamps also need to be checked. You an even have new oil filter and check the various fluids and oils. The oils and battery should be fresh too. Check the brakes for rust, pitting or any other damage. During summer, make sure the air conditioning system is in perfect working condition. Make sure to check the cabin air filter. Have proper child safety seats and seat belts installed for all the seats. You must get good night’s sleep the night before your trip as driver fatigue during the trip can be extremely dangerous. It is advisable to obtain detailed information on the weather reports and forecasts and road conditions to avoid surprises. Essential Things to take along Don’t forget to have in your car a copy of your car insurance, emergency phone numbers and other important contact information. There are a few basic tools you must have to meet any emergency situation when you set out on a family road trip. It is best to have an inflated spare tire, tire-changing equipments, a spot light and emergency flashers. Full tank of gas is a must during bad weather as cars usually run out of gas during a blizzard. It is necessary to have in the car a customized and functional first aid kit that is well stocked with bandages, pain relievers, allergy medication and antiseptic according to your family’s needs. You must also carry a cell phone fully charged and a charger. You can also opt for a “pay-as-you-go” mobile phone to be used in case of emergency. If you plan to take your pet along, you must include proper identification on the pet’s collar and carrier. Take an extra supply of food and water, dog tags and leash. Category:Home › Autos • Will the trend toward economy-size car models lead Americans back to buying smaller-sized cars? — part 2 • You should never use after-market auto parts when maintaining or fixing your car • Should a new car be rust-proofed? • Will the trend toward economy-size car models lead Americans back to buying smaller-sized cars? — part 1 • Five safest cars in North America • How to ensure your teen drives safely after getting a license • Pros and cons of using an hydrogen generator for your car • DIY automotive maintenance: How to change the oil