Unlike flying, which is almost always a stressful experience, a road trip can be an enjoyable way to see more of the country while either heading to a particular destination or traveling with no fixed plans. Let’s face it- most of us are incredibly distracted, and being in a car for a long period of time is an excellent way to bond with friends and family while seeing sights you may not otherwise get to see. Here are a tips to make sure your next road trip is a fun and successful experience:

Pack smart

Besides basics like toiletries and clothes, you should also bring wet wipes, cell phone chargers, jumper cables, a first-aid kit, and a spare tire. It’s also a good idea to bring a cooler along so you can stock up on fresh foods along the way like roasted nuts, cheese sticks, whole fruit, granola bars, and other snacks.

Be safe

Before going anywhere, you need to make sure your car is roadworthy. Check out https://www.kwik-fit.com/ if you need tires or a service. Make sure you check your tire pressure before you drive, and ensure you’ve topped up your oil and water. Before driving, make sure you’ve had a good sleep. Stop often to stretch your legs, get some fresh air, and rest your eyes, and if you feel like you’re nodding off, end the driving day early and get some rest.

Do some planning

You don’t need to have a strict schedule, but creating a rough itinerary is a great idea. You should make a list of the main things you’d like to see and do along the way, and maybe even some of the stops you’d like to make. This will help you work out how long the trip will take and how much money you’ll need. At the same time, don’t plan too much or you won’t be able to randomly stop at parks, roadside attractions, and souvenir shops along the way. Road trips are all about flexibility so be sure to allow time for spontaneity.

Choose your travel buddy wisely

Remember, the people you travel with should be the people you’re quite happy to spend 24 hours a day hanging out with. Spend some time working out your unique skills- if one person is great at navigation while the other prefers to drive, that’s a match made in road trip heaven. Just make sure you have the same ideas about accommodation and how many hours you’ll spend on the road each day.