How to Plan the Perfect Summer Road Trip!

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The AAA reports that a record number of Americans are planning to take a road trip this summer – and to help with that, the association has launched its Great American Road Trip awareness campaign.
The campaign will help travelers map out the best route, safely get where they are going and save money along the way.

Travelers are expected to gear up for the Great American Road Trip in record numbers this summer. If you haven't done so already, book your hotel and attractions and make sure your vehicle is road-ready.🚗🚙🧳📷 #GreatAmericanRoadTrip #Summer2023 #roadTrip pic.twitter.com/cppdDlIAtw

— AAA Blue Grass News (@AAABGNews) May 5, 2023

Road trips are a great way to see the country and have fun with friends or family. But before you hit the open road, you need to ensure you have a few things.
Here is a list of road trip must-haves:
A Decent Car: This is the most critical road trip must-have. Ensure your vehicle is in good condition and has a full gas tank before you hit the road. Having a spare tire, jack, and lug wrench is also a good idea.
A map or GPS: You don’t want to get lost on your road trip, so have a map or GPS to help you navigate. If you use a GPS, ensure it is up-to-date with the latest maps. It’s a great idea to have your route mapped out ahead of time, with rest stops, points of interest and lodging all researched before you hit the open road.
Food and drinks: You’ll need to eat and drink on the road, so pack plenty of snacks and beverages. Having some water bottles with you is also a good idea if you get thirsty.
A first-aid kit: Ensure the first-aid kit has bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and other supplies. Just in case of any accidents, having a first-aid kit on hand is always a good idea.
Sunscreen and insect repellent: Sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is recommended, and insect repellent with DEET is effective against mosquitoes and other biting insects. You’ll spend a lot of time outdoors, so protect yourself from the sun and bugs.
A camera: A digital camera is a good option, as it is lightweight and easy to use. You’ll want to capture all your road trip memories, so remember to bring a camera, extra batteries and a decent-sized SD card.
A journal: You can use a journal to write down your thoughts and experiences on your road trip. Journaling can be a great way to document your journey and remember all the fun things you did.
A portable charger: A portable charger is a small device that can charge your phone on the go. You’ll need to keep your phone charged for navigation, taking pictures, and staying in touch with friends and family.
A sense of adventure: The most important road trip must-have is a sense of adventure. Be prepared for anything, and enjoy the ride!
Before embarking on your summer road trip, AAA recommends downloading the AAA mobile app, which will help you to locate the cheapest gas prices or EV charging stations along your chosen route. You can begin exploring your road trip options by visiting AAA’s Great American Road Trip page.