1. Research Your Route
This seems like a pretty obvious tip, but since we’re so accustomed to asking Siri to take us to the state park or mall, it’s easy to pack the car, get the kids situated and be on the road without really looking at a map. If there's time to do some exploring, finding some interesting stops before hitting the road will help you keep to your schedule. Knowing and avoiding temporary trouble spots like construction zones and detours will make your trip a lot more enjoyable.2. Have an Atlas or Map
Your smartphone may pick the worst possible time to lose signal or crash its GPS app, particularly when traveling in areas without good cell coverage. Many GPS apps only download the current section of map that the app is using, and if your signal goes down, your directions may disappear as well. To be safe, you can either print maps of certain areas or purchase an atlas to keep in the car for emergencies.3. Be Prepared for Emergencies
Nothing can destroy a road trip more quickly than an emergency. Even something as small as a flat tire can derail the entire trip if you haven't planned for such events. At United Heritage Credit Union, we have several options for protection just when you need it. Our CruiseControl program offers 24-hour roadside assistance, coverage for trip interruptions should you need food and lodging while your car is repaired and benefits for car rentals. UHCU Insurance Services also offer auto coverage to protect you in case of an accident.4. Plan Your Breaks
Pre-planning your stops along the way will make it easier to answer the age-old question of “Are we there yet?!” Having planned stops also takes away the fear of not having enough gas or not knowing where the closest restroom is. Building in breaks also gives you a more realistic arrival time, and allows you to build in some extra time to allow for spontaneous sight-seeing stops.5. Sort and Prepackage Snacks
If you are traveling with kids, handing them a family sized bag of chips will probably lead to disaster. It may take a little bit of time, but having individualized snacks available will make everyone a bit happier on the road.Packing a small, easily accessible cooler will also save you money – roadside snacks are typically very expensive!