Bring your vehicle to a mechanic before leaving to ensure everything is in proper working order, get an oil change and fill tires with air. Pack a safety kit including flares, a flashlight, jumper cables, tools for changing a tire, a spare tire, windshield wiper fluid and a first aid kit. Enrolling in an auto club such as AAA (aaa.com) is a good idea in case you break down and need help or lock your keys in your car, especially in a remote area.
Purchase a GPS, if you don't already have one, as well as a road atlas. Relying on a GPS alone is a mistake, particularly in areas that are under construction or can't get a GPS signal. Printing out directions from an online mapping site can also serve as a smart backup.
Keep several rolls of quarters handy for tolls or vending machines. Invest in an automatic toll system like E-ZPass, but realize that each state differs in the toll system it uses and you may need to use cash.
Stock up on dry snacks, bottled water, juice and sodas and store them in a cooler with plenty of ice. Bring paper plates, utensils and several rolls of paper towels to clean spills. If you have little ones, pack sippy cups or bottles and formula or baby food.
Pack one outfit per person for each day of the road trip in duffle bags, plus a few extra items of clothing in case of spills or other mishaps. If you don't mind visiting a laundromat or will have access to hotel laundry service, you can get away with packing less. Comfortable, casual clothing like jeans and T-shirts work best for long periods in the car. Don't forget socks, one or two pairs of shoes, undergarments and a swimsuit if you'll be using a hotel pool or visiting a beach.
Keep toiletries to a minimum, especially if you'll be staying at hotels where they are offered in-room. Bring basics such as toothpaste, a toothbrush, deodorant and sunscreen, along with any prescription medications or over-the-counter medicines and baby items like diapers and powder, if needed. A large bottle of hand sanitizer or a package of baby wipes is useful to keep hands clean on the road and rolls of toilet paper come in handy for rest stops or gas station bathrooms that might be out of it.
Entertain yourself and your passengers with an MP3 player and jack to plug it into your stereo, or a variety of CDs. Books or e-readers, portable DVD players, travel-sized games, toys and crossword puzzles will keep your crew busy. Don't forget a digital camera and/or video camera to capture memories.
Stay in touch with a cell phone. Bring a car charger for your cell phone and chargers for any other electronic devices such as DVD players, cameras and GPS systems.
