It\u2019s no surprise that traditional road trips are the most popular type of vacation<\/a>\u00a0 families take in the United States. According to Travel Agent Central, almost 80 percent of the families who took a vacation in 2016 chose a road trip instead of another type of vacation. Road trips are cost-effective, and they give families the freedom to stop when and where they like, for as long as they like. In this age of rising airline baggage fees, driving also allows families the choice to pack more of what they need and pick up souvenirs along the way.<\/p>\n

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Traveling together in the car is also a great way for families to bond with one another. This is especially important these days, when many families struggle to maintain a healthy work\/life balance<\/a> and often have a hard time managing to have dinner together more than one or two nights a week. Read on for some helpful ideas you can use to plan your next family vacation on the road.<\/p>\n

Think About Renting a Trailer or RV<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you will be traveling for a week or more, you may want to think about renting a trailer or RV if you don\u2019t have one of your own. The benefits of traveling in a trailer or RV are several, particularly if you have small children who get impatient after long hours on the road. Traveling with an RV or trailer will make it possible for you to stay at campgrounds along the way, which can save you money on places to stay. You will also be able to cook your own meals, which is another potential money saver, as eating out can often burn up more than half of a family\u2019s vacation budget. Cooking your own food can also give your family healthier options for meals than what you\u2019ll find in many restaurants, and all RV manufacturers<\/a> find extremely clever ways to create storage space inside your vehicle to store plenty of vittles for the road.<\/p>\n

If you opt to rent an RV or trailer, make sure to rent from a reputable dealer. If you are lucky enough to have your own and don\u2019t need to rent one, make sure you have the proper insurance, roadside assistance coverage and a Good Sam RV warranty<\/a> in case something goes wrong on the road.<\/p>\n

Think About the Places You\u2019ll Stop at Ahead of Time<\/strong><\/p>\n

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One of the fun things about a family road trip is planning it. Once you know where you\u2019re going, find out what attractions are along your route. Maybe there\u2019s a hiking spot you\u2019ve always wanted to try, or an amusement park where you can all enjoy a fun afternoon. Don\u2019t forget to look for interesting museums along the way, too.<\/p>\n

Knowing what you\u2019d like to see before your trip starts will help give your vacation some organization, as well as give everyone some things they can look forward to seeing. But remember that often the best things about a road trip are the unexpected adventures. Advanced planning doesn\u2019t mean that you shouldn\u2019t make unplanned stops along the way.<\/p>\n

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Have a Plan For Where You Will Stay<\/strong><\/p>\n

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The last thing you want is to arrive at a hotel or campground after a day of driving to discover that there are no accommodations available. Whether you\u2019ll be camping or staying at hotels or in rental homes<\/a>, it\u2019s smart to make reservations for the places you\u2019ll be staying ahead of time.<\/p>\n

Do Some Research Ahead of Time<\/strong><\/p>\n

It is always worth it to find out about the destinations you will be going to before you arrive. Doing this will help you and your family get more out of your road trip. If you will be visiting a wildlife reservation<\/a>, for instance, you may want to look up what types of animals and plants can be found there or find out about scenic areas your family might want to see. If you will be going to an urban area, find out what the best attractions are and see about purchasing tickets in advance. You might also consider making reservations for tours ahead of time so you will be sure to get the bookings you want.<\/p>\n

Know What to Do if Something Goes Wrong<\/strong><\/p>\n

Nobody likes to think about getting hurt or sick on vacation, but it sometimes happens. Pack a first-aid kit that includes things like cold medicine, bandages, and an over the counter pain reliever. If you will be traveling to different country or to another state, be sure to contact your health insurance carrier before your trip to ask if you will be covered. If not, you might want to consider purchasing a travel insurance policy that includes health coverage.<\/p>\n

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This is a collaborative guest post, the ideas and views expressed do not necessarily represent those of Mommy Ramblings.<\/p>\n

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