Any time of year can be great for a road trip but Summer seems to be peak season to load up your car and your kids and hit the road! We have had a few chances this year to go out of town so far. One trip being an impromptu getaway and the other a 5 day vacation to Cedar Point and Put-in-Bay. I still wouldn’t call either of these a real “road trip” but that is next on our list!
When you are getting ready to go on a road trip there are a few things you will want to keep in mind as you prepare for your Summer road trip.
1. Be sure to check that your vehicle is safe and in working order. Check all of your car’s fluids. When was the last time your oil was changed? Do you have windshield washer fluid? Are you car tires inflated properly? Do you have extra fuses for your vehicle? When we got a “new” van it had a different type of fuses then my husband’s car!
2. Make sure your vehicle insurance is current. We have had the same insurance company for 15 years but we got a new vehicle last year after an accident totaled our Transport mini van. I had the original insurance card in my wallet but not the new one with the Chevy Venture’s information! I had been driving around for a few months before I realized that which could have been if we had been pulled over.
3. Don’t rely on your smartphone or Google to direct your route! I have been heading somewhere when storm clouds rolled in and my smartphone couldn’t reach Google or navigate from my current location! I make sure to print a very basic map just in case. If you belong to AAA or another motor club then stop in and ask about free maps from them.
4. Make sure your riders are safe! Be sure to check child restraint height and weight requirements as well as being sure they are properly installed. Over 80% of child restraints are not used or installed properly! Double check state laws that you are traveling in as well to comply with stricter safety standards.
5. Make sure all of your riders are comfortable. Adding a few amenities like bottled water, dvd player, and lightweight blankets can go a long way to aid in comfort.
6. Have your kids grab a snuggle toy or favorite toy. If your children have something they are familiar with and love then they will be able to transition down the road a little easier. If your child has forgotten there’s then you might check out your local gas station on the way to see what you can find. We found Beanie Boo’s cheaper at Circle K then at the mall!
7. Keep hydrated and less hot with a cool beverage! Check out the super awesome deal that CircleK is having on their Polar Pop Cups. Each 32 oz cup only costs .79 to fill. That’s an awesome deal.
This is a sponsored post on behalf of Circle K Great Lakes and their #PolarPopCup sweepstakes. I was compensated for this post but all opinions are my own.
