Road trips can be an absolute blast or a total nightmare. The reason the movie “Vacation” is so funny is because it contains a thread of realism. A great trip is 50% preparation and 50% attitude.

Car
Service your car a few weeks before your trip, not the day before. By servicing it in advance your trip won’t be spoiled if you need repairs that will take more than a day. Don’t forget to ask your mechanic to check your spare tire.

Clutter
Once your car is back from the shop, take a few minutes to clear the clutter. It will make for a more relaxing trip if you don’t have to shift your gym bag every time you need something.

Be Prepared
If you don’t have jumper cables, pick some up. They are as little as $20 - much cheaper than having a tow truck jump start your car. Also, keep a gallon of water in your trunk. If your car overheats, you can give it enough water to get you to a gas station.

Give one of your passengers a second set of keys. You never know when you’re going to lock your keys in the trunk.

A first aid kit and flashlight are good things to keep in your car at all times.

Need chains? Buy them before you leave town. Make sure to keep them accessible when packing your car. You don't want to have to unpack your entire trunk on the side of the road in the middle of a snow storm in desperate search of your chains.

Decide now if you want to pay an installer to put your chains on when you hit the snow. If not, practice putting them on in your driveway.

Make sure your cell phone is charged and accessible.

Getting There
Online maps are usually ok, but occasionally, they can steer you astray. A map book like the Thomas Guide is an excellent investment.

Have all the phone numbers you may need ready at your fingertips.

Enjoy the Ride
A small ice chest with water and other beverages can be a life saver when you aren’t sure where the next rest stop will be. Purchasing snacks at the grocery store before you ever hit the road is a smart idea. The markup on snacks at the convenience store or service station is outrageous!

On the Road
Well-lit, busy gas stations can provide a safe place for a quick break. Avoid rest stops that are unpopulated and out of the way. If you want to be really prepared, take along a roll of toilet paper.

Limit your driving to five or six hours a day and take frequent breaks. Driver fatigue is a top cause of accidents.

Timing
If you are meeting up with someone – don’t say you will arrive at 10:00 am. Say you will arrive between 10:00 and 11:00 am. When holiday traffic is heavier than expected, you will appreciate the hour of leeway.

Attitude
Make the journey as enjoyable as the destination.