{"id":334,"date":"2021-06-25T17:34:12","date_gmt":"2021-06-25T17:34:12","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/huachen.me\/?p=334"},"modified":"2023-11-14T00:58:10","modified_gmt":"2023-11-14T00:58:10","slug":"road-trip-ready-how-to-save-and-be-safe-during-summer-travel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/huachen.me\/index.php\/2021\/06\/25\/road-trip-ready-how-to-save-and-be-safe-during-summer-travel\/","title":{"rendered":"Road trip ready: how to save (and be safe!) during summer travel"},"content":{"rendered":"

In 2020, pandemic travel restrictions made it extremely difficult to travel by plane, so families opted to pile into their cars and hit the open road. In June 2020, AAA found that Americans were planning 700 million road trips<\/a> and that car travel accounted for 97% of the favored mode of transportation. There don\u2019t need to be travel restrictions for drivers to take road trips. Many travelers prefer driving hundreds (or thousands!) of miles and experiencing parts of the country they\u2019ve never seen before. Also, for families, a road trip may be more affordable than buying airline or train tickets for a big group. As summer travel season arrives, it’s important to know how to save and be safe. So, if you\u2019re trying to cut costs on your vacation and keep yourself (and your car!) safe, follow our tips for the best road trip ever.<\/p>\n

Before you hit the road<\/h2>\n

Check out your car<\/h3>\n

The last thing you want is to have car problems when you\u2019re in the middle of nowhere with no cell service. Take your car to your preferred mechanic for a general inspection to ensure all of the basics<\/a>, like battery, lights, fluid levels, etc., are good to go. Also, get your tires filled to your car\u2019s maximum recommended level to improve fuel economy<\/a>. Tire pressure recommendations are typically listed on a sticker on the inside of the driver\u2019s door. If they aren\u2019t there, check your car owner\u2019s manual for the numbers instead.<\/p>\n

Pack accordingly for summer travel<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s important not to overpack on a road trip. Sure, you don\u2019t have to follow an airline\u2019s strict luggage rules when you\u2019re traveling by car, but you should still only take what you need. Overloading your vehicle can make your trip way less comfortable and negatively impact fuel economy. If your car is too heavy for your tires, they may not be able to grip the road safely, putting you and your passengers in danger. Pack the basics for summer travel like cellphones, chargers, a cooler, food, plates, utensils, towels, soap, and extra clothes. Since we\u2019re still in a pandemic, don\u2019t forget masks, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes too! Then, carefully consider what other items you absolutely need once the essentials are packed up.<\/p>\n

Pack an emergency kit<\/h3>\n

If an emergency happens, you need to be prepared. Every car emergency kit should include baby wipes, water, non-perishable snacks, medications, road flares\/reflective triangles, blankets, jumper cables, a first aid kit, toilet paper, a flashlight, batteries, tire sealant, and a paper map (you never know when you\u2019ll lose cell service).<\/p>\n

Depending on when you\u2019re traveling, you may need to add or take away items from your emergency kit. Summer travelers will need to add sunscreen, hats, aloe, and bug spray. If your road trip is in the winter, make sure you pack cat litter, a de-icer, a collapsible snow shovel, solar blankets, and a sleeping bag.<\/p>\n

Get the right insurance coverages<\/h3>\n

You\u2019re going to be on the road a lot, and while we hope you get to your destination and back safely, you want to be protected in case of an accident. It\u2019d be frustrating to be involved in an accident far from home without the right coverages (and remember, you can\u2019t add the right coverages after<\/em> an incident). Adding the following before your trip can potentially save you money if the worst happens:<\/p>\n