7 Tips and Tricks for the Best Summer Road Trip

Are you looking to embark on an epic family vacation this summer? If you are, there are a few questions that stand between you and the open road Where will you go? When will you go? What will you do along the way? Can your vehicle take the wear? Can you afford it?

The most successful road trips are a deliberately combination of well-made plans and spur-of-the-moment decisions. You need to know where you're going and what your Honda can handle, but you also need to be open to new experiences.

If you have young kids, for instance, you might want to stay closer to home. If you're on a budget, you might want to choose a route that doesn't require more of driving. And if you're looking for adventure, you might want to choose a destination that will take you off the beaten path.

Having the perfect destination laid out is vital not only for the enjoyment of the ride, but for practicality as well. Once you've decided on a destination, it's time to start planning your destination.

If driving cross country, you will want to research any historical landmarks or famous attractions that might be worth stopping along the way to enjoyment (check out this list of popular Atlanta attractions). If you're planning a family time off with kids, be sure to factor in a lot of rest stops and opportunities for them to burn off energy.

If so, you can easily contact one of our accessories teams to learn the best options for you. For instance, will this route require specialized accessories that can be added to your Honda prior to departure? If you're seeking extra of a back roads travel experience, be sure to plan your destination thoughtfully in advance.

You need to decide on a destination and map out your route, of course, but you also need to make reservations for hotels or camping spots and figure out what along-the-way activities you'll need to budget for. The most urgent part of any adventure is the planning stage.

Research suggests that 42% of summer vacation is planned between April and June, while only 28% is planned between January and March. In other words, beat the rush and get your time off planning done in advance.

Small Costs are a big deal

After all, it's always better to over-budget and have money left over than to run out of necessary funds halfway through your vacation. Don't forget to factor in "smaller" costs that build quickly like gas, food, and even souvenirs.

The last thing you want is to be stranded on the side of the road because of a flat tire or empty gas tank. vehicle care is very urgent, especially when you're about to embark on a adventure.

Both distance and terrain make a heavy impact on just how prepared your Honda must be.Before you hit the road, we recommend the following automotive services:

• Get an oil change if needed
• Check your fluids and top off if needed
• Make sure your wheels are aligned
• Make sure your tires are properly inflated
• Make sure your tires are rotated
• Clean out your Honda interior

Enjoy your road trip, but make sure that you stay on top of your summer Honda maintenance! We would be happy to ensure the safety of your Honda maintenance at Hennessy Honda before you head out. Drivers in need of a service appointment to get their Honda ready for a summer time off are encouraged to use our online service scheduler or contact our service center. 

5. Pack smart, pack less

Another important step in preparing for your road trip is packing. This may seem like a no brainer, but you would be surprised at how a lot more people pack everything but essentials.

When packing for your summer vacation, be sure to bring along the following essentials:

• a phone charger, or two
• plenty of water
• sunglasses
• snacks and drinks for the drive
• a small first-aid kit
• sunscreen (it's probably going to be hot)!

This is especially true if you are going on a cross-country adventure and need to be on-the-go for a long period of time. The less you have, the plenty mobile you are. In addition, be sure to pack light.

We recommend including a mix of old classics, iconic summer vacation songs, and some new hits. In order to make the perfect summer vacation playlist, you have to pick music that everyone will appreciate and that keeps the energy up.

While very careful planning and preparation are urgent to having a successful summer time off, it is important to be spontaneous. Play silly road trip games to pass the time. If you see a sign for an interesting attraction or a detour that looks like it could be fun, take it! You are making memories that will last a lifetime. After all, the best thing about taking a vacation is the adventure.

• Packing smart and light
• Compiling a playlist of summer vacation songs
• Preparing your Honda for the drive (vehicle care matters!)
• Budgeting and booking hotels ahead
• Planning your journey to that route careful
• Remembering to just love the ride
• Choosing the right destination for you

At Hennessy Honda, we truly believe in treating our customers like family. From our family to yours, safe travels this summer!