Road trips can produce some of life’s most fun memories. They can also produce numberless annoyances, inconveniences, and misadventures if not planned properly. Of course, the irritations can also produce amusing memories in retrospect, but when you’re in the moment, poorly planned road trips are never fun. So save yourself a headache by taking control of your next road trip with the following tips.

The Route

Chances are you have a destination in mind when you start planning your road trip--a sporting event, ski weekend, family reunion, or something else. Just as important as selecting your destination is plotting out your route, and the internet has made finding the fastest way from point A to point B easier than ever. You can even find out where your favorite restaurants are before the key is even in the ignition. Always check the weather along the route and bring a map, just in case.

The Budget

Nothing ruins a road trip faster than running out of money and gas 74 miles short of your destination. Make sure you honestly calculate expenses to make sure you have the money to handle them. Obvious budget items include gas and food. Make sure you have emergency cash or a credit card to handle any unforeseen repairs. Ways to save money include bringing a cooler and stocking it with beverages, snacks, and sandwiches to defray the expense of eating out.

The Vehicle

All those little things you’ve ignored for the past few weeks--the busted taillight, the brittle windshield wiper, the sluggish starting--need to be checked or fixed before you leave. Getting stuck in the middle of nowhere with a dead battery is not only inconvenient, but you'll also end up paying more for an emergency repair than you would have done with preventative maintenance. Even if you don’t sense any problems with your vehicle, be sure to get your brakes and tires checked and the oil changed, if needed, before you hit the road. If you’re overdue for routine standard maintenance, your future self will thank you to get that taken care of now.

Safety

The most important aspect of travel safety is making sure the vehicle is in top running condition. Don’t let a smoothly running vehicle, however, lull you into a false sense of security. Always travel with extra water, especially in the summer. Make sure you have blankets in the winter. Carry a first aid kit any time of year. Your spare tire and jack should be inspected before you leave, as well.

Fun

No matter how great the destination, it’s the time spent on the road during a road trip that can be most memorable. Don’t travel with people who you know are going to get on your nerves. When traveling with young children, plan stops at parks and other family-friendly establishments to break up the monotony of being strapped in a car seat for long periods of time. Bring games. Play games. Sing songs.

Well, what are you waiting for? Start planning your next road trip!