How To Prepare For a Road Trip

Invest in a good map. And make sure your destination is on it.

Pack emergency supplies, including blanket(s), flares, a first aid kit, energy bars, plenty of drinking water, and a working flashlight with extra batteries.

Make sure you have a good spare tire or a donut in your trunk. Or, at the very least, one of those “tire-in-a-can” flat repair kits. And while you’re at it, make sure your jack and tire iron are where they should be. Jumper cables are a good idea, too.

Throw some pillows and sleeping bags into the back seat so you can snooze in the car or take advantage of camping sites. Super-store parking lots are also a popular place to crash overnight.

Have at least one credit card with you for emergencies.

Stock up on snacks, and meals to cook on your car engine while you drive. The Internet is full of easy recipes you can download. Basically, all you need is some nice chicken, fish or chops, some vegetables, a little seasoning, lots of aluminum foil, and a hot engine.

Take along a collapsible cooler or two filled with ice to keep your beverages cold and food fresh.

Always be realistic about how much driving you can handle. When you’ve had enough, pull over and call it a day – or night.