8 Things We Do Before a Summer Road Trip

Summer Road Trip Tips

Road trips are one of the best parts of summer.

Whether you're headed to the Oregon Coast, Lake Chelan, Yellowstone, or just escaping for a long weekend, a little preparation can make the trip a lot more enjoyable.

Here are a few of our favorite things to do before loading up the car and hitting the road.

1. Download Everything Before You Leave

Cell service has an amazing ability to disappear exactly when you need it most.

Before leaving, download:

• Maps for offline use
• Music playlists
• Audiobooks
• Podcasts

Future you will be grateful somewhere in the middle of eastern Oregon.

2. Bring More Snacks Than You Think You'll Need

"I wish we'd packed fewer snacks." Said no one, ever.

Protein bars, trail mix, fruit, jerky, crackers—whatever your family likes. Just keep it low-mess and easily accessible. The best road trip snack is the one that prevents an emergency gas station stop.

Unless it's to our gas station, of course. Then it's totally okay. 😉

Try This: Ever tried taking a whole tray of Hawaiian rolls and turning them into mini sandwiches? The sandwiches pack nicely back into the bag, and you've got an instant lunch hit on the road.

3. Freeze a Few Water Bottles

This is one of those simple tricks that's surprisingly useful.

A couple frozen water bottles help keep a cooler cold for hours and become cold drinking water later in the day.

It's a win-win.

4. Make a "First Hour" Plan

The first hour often sets the tone for the entire trip.

Instead of everyone immediately reaching for screens, try:

• A road trip bingo card
• "Would You Rather" questions
• State license plate spotting
• A family playlist everyone contributes to

The miles go by faster than you'd think.

5. Pack Surprise Bags

A quick trip to the dollar store before your trip can be a lifesaver later.

Pick up a few simple toys or treats and put them in individual paper bags. When the back seat starts to get a little bored or fussy, you can give everyone their own "present" to open and enjoy.

It almost doesn't even matter what's inside. The surprise factor is half the fun.

6. Have One Unexpected Stop

Most people plan the destination. The best road trips usually include something unexpected along the way.

• A roadside diner
• A scenic overlook
• The world's largest something-or-other

The best memories often happen between Point A and Point B.

7. Start Earlier Than You Think

Traffic is lighter. Temperatures are cooler. Everyone is in a better mood (maybe).

Leaving 30 minutes earlier can sometimes save an hour of frustration later.

8. Give Your Car a Quick Once-Over

No need to overcomplicate it.

Before heading out:

• Check tire pressures
• Top off washer fluid
• Check the oil and other fluid levels
• Make sure your registration and insurance are handy
• Verify you have a spare tire and jack

Five minutes of preparation can save a lot of inconvenience later.

And if your car is due for a more thorough check-up before your next trip, we're here to help.

The Bottom Line

The best road trips aren't usually the ones with the perfect itinerary. They're the ones where everyone arrives relaxed, prepared, and ready for an adventure.

Wherever you're headed this summer, we hope it's somewhere worth remembering.