With gas prices dipping to a 11-year low according to AAA, taking the car for your next vacation is not a bad idea. When you also consider the long lines expected at the airports this summer, it’s the way to go! Yes, you may not get to your destination as quickly, but with some road trip essentials taken care of for the long ride it isn’t so bad – even with the kids in the car.

The key is advance planning and taking care of these top road trip essentials:

• Kid Supplies
  With kids you’re always better being overly prepared than under prepared. Bring plenty of diapers, wipes, extra clothes, something they find comfort in having like a doll or blankie, and plastic bags for who knows what garbage or wet clothes need to go in it.

• Snacks
  Go with healthier selections like a granola bar, nuts, carrot sticks, or fruits. It’ll keep your energy up longer than a bag of greasy chips or candy. Fruits like apples, sliced cantaloupes, and grapes are also bite-size and can keep everyone hydrated. If you’re travelling with kids, pour their favorite cereal into a Zip-loc bag or go with large pretzel sticks.Pack it all in a small backpack that you can keep in the vehicle by your side so that there won’t be the hassle of having to exit at the next service area just to get to the trunk for it.

• Check Tires
  Inspect your tires and check the pressure before hitting the road. You’ll notice a much smoother ride and tires inflated to the proper pressure can also improve gas mileage. Better gas mileage mean less stops you need to make at the gas pump. And while we’re on the topic of tires, have with you a full-size spare tire. A donut spare will have you crawling at a snail’s pace.

• Smart Phone Mount
  Unless you have a passenger who’s going to hold your phone for you the whole drive, it’ll benefit to get a dock for your smart phone. This is especially key if you’re using it for navigation purposes. Having to fumble with your phone while driving is unsafe. Make a smart investment and enjoy the ride seeing where you need to go clearly from a mounted screen.

• Navigation
  Having an updated navigation system in vehicle can save you time on the road because you’ll know exactly where you need to go and how to avoid traffic tie-ups. For those without a built-in navigation system in vehicle, your smart phone will do just fine with the right app (a few mobile apps here will help keep you up-to-date on real-time traffic and more).

• E-Z Pass & Electronic Toll Passes
  You’re bound to hit a toll or two while on the road. Rather than have to rummage for change at each one, plan ahead. Take with you the E-Z Pass for travel on the East Coast or look into advance pay options with electronic toll passes in other states.

• Cooler
  A refreshing cold drink will keep everyone happier. Keep a cooler accessible to you while driving. Pack it up with ice and things should stay nice and cold for a good several hours. Bringing a cooler with you can help save time on the road because there’s less of a need to stop by the gas mart for a cold drink or pick-me up.

• Entertainment for the Kids
  If you don’t want to hear “Are we there yet?” or “How much longer?” for the zillionth time, have a packet holder strapped to the car seat in front of them filled with fun activities to do. If you’re vehicle has the luxury of an entertainment system to watch a new movie, that should keep them quiet and busy for a good hour or two. If equipped with a tablet, make sure it’s set up with fun apps to keep them busy. Also handy to have and to keep kids occupied are traditional things like crayons and comics.

• Visit the Bathroom Before Leaving
  If you don’t want to have to make a pit stop for a run to the toilet every 30 minutes have everyone go before leaving the house. When making a stop for gas, everyone should go visit the toilet whether or not there’s a sense of need for it. When everyone’s bladder is emptied at the same time there’s less likely the chance you have one person saying they need to go and then another one saying they need to go another 30 minutes later.

• Research Ahead
  Finally, before hitting the road take time to research the key stops you’re making. Having an idea of where to go and where to eat helps save time and frustration in having to plan it all out while in the car.

Happy & safe driving this summer!

Photo by Kurtis Garbutt via Flickr.