The Myrtle Beach Area
Tips for Successful Road Trips
Whether you're driving down the coast or just a couple of hours, we know driving can be a daunting task. We searched high and low to bring you some tips for enjoying a road trip with your family this year. Think we're missing something? Add your comments and tips to the comments below.
Plan Ahead
Look at your route ahead of time. Check alternate routes when traveling during the busy summer season and plan around major cities if you’re going to time it around rush hour traffic. Will there be toll roads? Be sure you have enough cash or change to move swiftly through.
Car Maintenance
This is a pretty obvious tip, right? Always make sure you have the proper tools with you in case of car trouble. Check to make sure you have a spare tire and the equipment and bring your AAA or road services cards in the car. Make sure your registration and insurance cards are in a safe place and up-to-date. You don’t want to get fined for something simple that could cost you more money in the long run. Lastly, be sure you don't have any required maintenance before you leave. No one wants to stop for an oil change on the way to the beach!
There's An App & Bookmark For That!
Download a few apps ahead of your drive. GasBuddy and FuelMyRoute can help you find the cheapest gas on the go nearby. RoadFood and TVFoodMaps can pick out unusual spots to eat along the way. Let your kids pick a few games for their gadgets beforehand so you don't run into issues down the road. Don't forget the car chargers!
Take Your Time
We know you’re excited to get here but we’d like you to arrive safely. Don’t try to drive too many hours in one day. Rest stops are great spots to grab a quick nap or cup of coffee if you’re feeling groggy. Be sure to watch out for speed limit changes, especially on the smaller roads into town. We’ve seen lots of people pulled over coming and going from the beach as these are common speed traps.
Plan Kid-Friendly Games
Kids can get bored easily in any situation, let alone when they’re going to be in a car for anymore than 15 minutes. Bring along a bag of things to do that includes things like activity books, tablets, travel-sized games and anything else they love to do. There are also tons of fun road trip games to play. Give them a map of the 50 states and see how many different license plates they spot along the drive (winner gets to pick the first dinner out!). Eye spy is also a lot of fun and keeps kids busy for awhile.
Pack Smart
Use tupperware containers for healthy snacks and let your family pick out their own special treats that are just for road trips. Be sure to bring plenty of waters and fluids to cut down on money and time spent at convenience stores. Pack things like bandaids, pain relievers, antacids and any prescriptions you need. Don't forget a roll of paper towels for easy clean up- you're bound to have a mess or two.
Don’t forget the tunes
Make sure you have a travel charger for your electronics. If you have time, create a fun playlist for your road trip with favorite songs from everyone in your crew. Have each member of your family pick a Pandora station and play it on random- that way everyone is happy. Music is one of my favorite things about road trips and it serves as a soundtrack for the vacation.
