Determine your time frame and budget. Road trips involving the whole family are generally built around school breaks, summer vacations and work schedules. The number of participants and their respective interests dictate what sights to see, the quality/quantity of meals, the type of accommodations needed and how many pit stops have to be factored in twixt here and there.
Decide what the purpose of this trip will be. While the primary objective is to spend quality time together with loved ones and see new things, the road trip could also have an educational component to it or be part of a scouting expedition to check out a new city in anticipation of an upcoming move. Engage participants in family meetings to decide which sights to visit and how much time to spend at each location along the way. Recruit older children to research destinations and print out information for a road trip travel folder. The more input everyone has in the planning process, the less likely they are to subsequently complain that they're not having fun.
Plan the route you want to take and put together a rough draft timetable based on your comfort level with long drives and the amount of time you want to devote to each stop. Determine whether you're going to be doing all of the driving yourself or trading off with other adult passengers. Depending on the season, check regional road advisories in advance to make sure that you won't experience delays or closures. Keep an eye on long-range weather forecasts as well.
Check out the availability of lodging along your route that accommodates your lifestyle and wallet. This is crucial if your trip coincides with community festivals, major sporting events or annual celebrations such as Mardi Gras. If you belong to AAA, chat with a representative about package deals, discounted accommodations for families and sightseeing attractions. If you're taking along the family dog or cat, you'll need to ask in advance whether hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts and campsites are pet-friendly.
Have your car, van or RV thoroughly serviced by a mechanic prior to the trip to ensure that brakes, tires and fluids are road-ready for your adventure.
Pack economically. The fun of a road trip diminishes pretty fast if your fellow travelers are wedged between suitcases, coolers and camping equipment. Most people tend to pack way more than they need without realizing that items like parkas, caps, socks and t-shirts can usually be found wherever it is they're going. Have snacks and bottled water on hand for those long stretches between stops.
Provide relatives and close neighbors with an itinerary of your road trip. It's also crucial to carry chargers for your cell phone(s) and GPS so that you can always make contact if you get lost or stranded.
