Road trips are a fun and less expensive travel alternative. In order to have a really great road trip, it is necessary to make the vacation as much about the journey as the destination. This guide will give you some helpful tips on how to plan a road trip.

Whether you are hitting the road with your family or with your friends, there are a variety of things you can do to make your time in the car a more pleasant and enjoyable experience. A road trip is only a success if all the passengers have a good time along the way!

While road trips can certainly incorporate spontaneity, the majority of successful road trips include some sort of advance planning.

1. Decide where you want to go. Pick a place that all road trip participants agree upon.http://www.dumblittleman.com/2009/07/how-to-plan-kick-butt-road-trip.html
2. Pick places between your starting point and your end point that you want to see. Plan a route that incorporates them.
3. If you do not want to plan manually, there are a number of different roadtrip planning websites that will create a plan for you. All you have to do is tell the site what you like to do and how you want to get to your destination and the site can generate a route filled with fun activities and things to see.http://www.wikihow.com/Plan-a-Road-Trip
4. Depending on your traveling style, you might want to book hotel rooms or campgrounds in advance. If you are more a fly by the seat of your pants personality, you can let fate decide.http://www.roadtripamerica.com/tips/How-To-Plan-A-Great-Road-Trip.htm
5. Make sure to get lots of maps, travel guides, or even a GPS unit. You might find someplace you didn't know about before that you want to explore, and you always want to have some way of making sure that that you don't get hopelessly lost.

While road trips are a less expensive way to travel, money is still necessary. It is good to know before you go just how much money you would like to spend.

1. Calculate gas, lodging and food. Decide where you might want to cut corners if necessary.
2. Check in with your traveling companions about their budgets. Make sure you are all on the same page regarding how much you want to spend, or not spend.

The most important element of a roadtrip is, of course, the vehicle. You might want to rent a car to avoid putting stress and milage on your own vehicle. But if are planning on taking your own car, make sure it is in decent running condition.

1. Get a tune-up.
2. Make sure all of your fluid (oil, anti-freeze, etc.) are topped off, and bring extra with you in case of emergency.
3. Check your tire pressure and tire tread.
4. Make sure your registration and insurance are current.
5. Consider a roadside assistance plan if you do not already have one.http://www.howtodothings.com/travel/a2984-how-to-plan-a-road-trip.html

Packing well is essential to having a great time on a road trip.

1. Bring the essentials — clothing, socks, shoes, underwear, toiletries. Remember that you will be in a car for most of this vacation, so pack accordingly.
2. Create multiple playlists of songs to listen to on the road. Try to represent everyone's musical tastes. Don't depend on the radio to keep you entertained!http://www.dumblittleman.com/2009/07/how-to-plan-kick-butt-road-trip.html
3. Know that you will get hungry and thirsty. Make sure to leave room for a cooler, and pack it will snacks and drinks. This will keep you from having to stop as often and allow for instant gratification in areas where stop options may be few.http://www.ehow.com/how_4887374_plan-a-roadtrip.html
4. Pack some activities that you can do in the car. A trivia book is a great example!