Whether you are taking a long weekend trip from New York City to Philadelphia to Washington, D.C., or setting out on a two-week excursion of western sights on the famous Route 66, or are heading up into the Colorado Rockies for a week of sun and snowboarding, it's a good idea to be prepared and safety conscious. You will be less anxious, and more able to enjoy the drive and the sights if you follow a few simple rules in our Road Trip Tip guide:

Planning

• Plan a general route and alternative routes in advance.
• Be flexible and allow for the unexpected such as road construction and detours.
• Anticipate rush-hour traffic, especially if you are near urban and suburban areas.
• Find out if your vehicle's manufacturer provides a roadside assistance service. If not, consider joining an auto club that includes roadside assistance service.
• Carry roadmaps or an atlas to aid in navigation even when using GPS.

Vehicle Preparation Tips

• It's a good idea to have your vehicle checked by a mechanic and have the oil changed.
• Make sure your driver's license, vehicle registration and insurance are up to date and that current documentation is in the vehicle's glove compartment.

In addition, you will want to carry the following items in the vehicle's cargo area or trunk:

• A high-intensity flashlight with extra batteries
• Spare tire with a tire iron and car jack
• Safety cones, reflectors or safety flares
• First-aid kit, bottled water and a blanket
• Small fire extinguisher
• Extra quarts of engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power steering fluid can be helpful
• Tire chains (if you are in the mountains and snow or ice are possible)

Safety Guidelines

• Share the driving with another family member or friend, if possible.
• Avoid being a distracted driver and let someone else take charge of navigating and selecting music or entertainment options.
• Turn on your vehicle's daytime running lights or headlights.
• Tell friends or other family members about your travel plan along with your anticipated route.
• While on the road, always fill up the fuel tank before you head out into remote areas.
• Know your physical limits behind the wheel, and don't push yourself to a point of fatigue or exhaustion.

Some Items to Pack

• Bring CDs, DVDs, and an MP3 player with favorite music and audio books for the road.
• Keep a camera handy for unexpected photo opportunities.
• Pack a cooler with food and drinks.
• Bring garbage bags so you can clean the car as you go.

Keep it Interesting

• Opt for mom & pop diners and local cafes instead of fast-food chains.
• Allow time in your road trip plan to stop and enjoy the scenery, geography, monuments and time to take pictures
• When possible, exit the interstates and main roads occasionally to explore small towns.
• Try to navigate scenic byways instead of interstates when possible.
• Talk to local residents, as they can be a great source for interesting and out-of-the-way destinations.