11 Essentials for a Great Road Trip

Get your car into shape

Reliable wheels are essential. Is your car due for an oil change? Even if it isn't, have the fluids topped off and tire pressure checked. Proper pressure will ensure you get the best gas mileage possible. Then you can spend the money you save on more important things, like beef jerky and a killer pair of gas-station sunglasses.

Keep your credit card company in the loop

Before leaving, call your credit card company and/or bank to let them know you'll be traveling. That way they'll be less likely to reject the charge when you coast into a gas station on fumes in the middle of nowhere, aching to refuel. This leads to another tip: Always carry cash in case of an emergency.

The cooler is king

Don't underestimate the benefits of a well-stocked cooler. It will save you time and cash, but that's not all. Stock it with fresh fruit, yogurt, water, and protein bars, and the healthy snacks will boost your self esteem after you've just devoured an Arby's Super Roast Beef.

Stay off the chain-restaurant train

Do a little research before you go, or use your smart phone to find stellar local fare along your route. Good food is everywhere, even in the middle of nowhere. Just make sure you don't attempt any eating challenges. Sure, the promise of gruffling a five-pound ostrich burger for free is tempting, but you and your passengers could pay a heavy price afterward.

Entertainment for the ears

Good music is essential. Whether you keep it on an iPod, CDs or old-school 8-tracks, make sure you have variety. Don’t get caught on a long trip with a lone Kenny Rogers cassette. Yes, "The Gambler" and "She Believes in Me" are great songs, but if you listen to them repeatedly for days, you'll lose your mind. 

Audio books are also great entertainment. Not only do they make the miles fly by, but they can help dupe your friends and family into thinking you're well-read. Just make sure you choose appropriate titles for everyone in the car. Depending on who's riding shotgun, 50 Shades of Grey could be awkward.

A race with no winners

Like a fine wine, a good road trip is meant to be savored. You'll probably encounter stretches you want to pass through quickly, but don't let that get in the way of enjoying the land and the discoveries you make along the way. Don't rush it. Relax, enjoy the scenery (unless you’re driving through Nebraska) and remember this isn't the Cannonball Run.

Keep things fresh

Specifically, the air in your car. Of course, you can hang Little Trees from your rear-view mirror, but consider packing air-freshener spray for particularly challenging moments.

The games people play

Nothing passes the time like playing a good game. You can't go wrong with classics like "I Spy" or "20 Questions," but if the demographic in the car is a little older, try trivia. Pack an old edition of "Trivial Pursuit" (sans board) and have someone read questions. Playing for dinner or driving duties raises the stakes. Just be sure to avoid gambling on answers or you could be bankrupt 45 minutes into the trip. 

Easy on the energy drinks   

It's a classic rookie mistake: you want to drive all night, so you create your own energy-drink super cocktail. You start with truck-stop coffee and add some 5-hour Energy, Red Bull or Rockstar, then you down some stuff from the checkout counter that doesn't even look legal. When it all kicks in, you're convinced you’re going to set the cross-country driving record and find a solution for world peace. Six hours later, you're a blubbering mess too tired to drive and yet too wired to sleep. Don't do it.

Pillow talk

Bringing your own pillow is a simple trick that can save you a lot of aggravation. Not only can you use it to catch some Zs in the car, but if you're hitting a lot of roadside hotels and motels, the chances of finding that perfect pillow are slim to none. Getting quality sleep during your trip is essential. The road knows when you're most tired and that's when she pounces.