Reserve Lodgings Early

The first step in having a successful road trip is booking lodgings early. Whether you're planning on staying in a hotel or at a campground, reserving your family's spot a few weeks ahead of time will minimize stress when you're on the road. For top hotels like Courtyard by Marriott Fort Lauderdale, the cheapest time to book is about two weeks before your trip. When you reserve rooms in this window, you can get cheaper rates on rooms and save money on your vacation. 

While you're on the road, it's essential to stop when you need to. Even if you weren't planning on lodging for the night, having extra room in your budget allows you to stop for the night if you're getting drowsy at the wheel. Rather than forcing yourself to drive while sleepy (or packing on the energy shots), head for a hotel and rest for the night. When you set aside money for your family vacation, be sure to include enough funds to be flexible. By planning your lodging and potential emergency stops, you can eliminate stress when you're on the road. 

Check Car Maintenance

Once you have your lodgings sorted out, it's time to shore up your car. If you plan on using your vehicle for your road trip, it's crucial to make sure it's in good working order. A few weeks before you hit the road, take your car to the mechanic and have them give it a tune-up. Getting routine maintenance for your vehicle can help keep you and your family on the road. Even small tasks like refilling tires, checking the oil, and topping off washer fluid can help make your road trip a success. 

It's also important to make sure your car insurance policy is up to date before you leave your driveway. While no one ever plans on getting in a wreck, there is always that possibility. In the months leading up to your vacation, contact your insurance agent and make sure your policy is well-suited for the trip. If you're worried about safety, adding something like accident forgiveness can help protect your finances in the event of a wreck. Caring for your vehicle before you get on the road can help keep you safe on vacation. 

Pack Up and Go!

Finally, it's time to load the car and get going! If you're traveling with children, make sure you pack entertainment in an easily accessible place. Things like books should be avoided, as they could cause motion sickness that would slow down your trip. If possible, add portable DVD players to the passenger seats of your vehicle to keep your children entertained without facing potential sickness. Keeping the little ones occupied will save you from the chore of dealing with the dreaded question "Are we there yet?"

When it comes to packing your car, it can be tempting to overpack. Because there aren't weight constraints on each suitcase, it's easy to toss everything you think of in there. While you won't get penalized for overpacking on a road trip, it could reduce your gas mileage and end up costing you money. As much as possible, try to pack lightly and efficiently so you can save money on gas as you're driving. 

Overall, hitting the road for a family road trip can be incredibly rewarding. With a little bit of planning, you can make your next road trip a hit. 

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