How to Plan a Summer Road Trip

Summer is rapidly approaching and the kids are wrapping up final papers, projects, and exams, which means it’s time to plan a road trip and head on a family vacation.

How to Plan a Summer Road Trip: Step by Step Plan

Follow these tips to help your road trip run smoothly and safely without costing too much money.

Have a Savings Account

Even though driving to a destination can save you money when compared to purchasing airplane tickets, it is important to have some cash saved up to finance your adventure. Bankrate recommended planning out how much money you will need to accommodate everything you want to do along your journey and ensuring you save enough to meet those needs. Factor in food, lodging, and emergency expenses. In addition, it is important to have cash in case you wind up at a location that does not accept debit or credit cards.

Keep Your Car Prepped

Because your vehicle will be the primary mode of transportation during your summer road trip plan, ensuring it is properly prepared for the journey is crucial to a successful family vacation. Bring it into your mechanic to make sure all parts are properly functioning and your tires are good to go. Consider renting if your vehicle is older or you want to avoid wear and tear on your own car.

Capitalize on Home Safety

Leaving your house for long periods of time can be dangerous. Independent Traveler emphasized the importance for planning ahead for security when you leave for a vacation. Criminals may take advantage of your absence. Or, calamity may strike in the form of flood, storm or other natural disaster. Ask a neighbor, friend, or family member to stop by your house intermittently to check up on things. Have him or her water plants, collect mail, and ensure your belongings are safe and secure. This is an important part of planning a summer read trip.

You may also want to keep particularly valuable items stored away in a climate control storage unit. This may be an especially good idea if your hometown has a history of troublesome weather. For example, Port Arthur, Texas is known as one of the rainiest cities in the U. S. according to Climate. com. Planning ahead and storing valuable items at the nearby Bryan or College Station storage facility can help ensure you can enjoy your vacation without worrying about your valuables. Contact a local SecurCare Self Storage facility and speak with a professional. Learn more about storage options available to you.