Are you looking to embark on an epic family summer vacation this summer? If you are, there are a few questions that stand between you and the open road Where will you go? When will you go? What will you do along the way? Can your vehicle take the wear? Can you afford it?

The most successful road trips are a deliberate combination of well-made plans and spur-of-the-moment decisions. You need to know where you’re going and what your Ford can handle, but you also need to be open to new experiences.

Whether you want to keep it green with an east coast vacation or head to the deserts out west, here are seven tips and tricks from us here at Hennessy Ford Atlanta to make sure your next road trip is safe, love, and economical.

1. Choose your destination wisely

So many choices! To narrow it down, there are a few things you must consider when brainstorming vacation ideas.

If you’re on a budget, you might want to choose a destination that doesn’t require plenty of driving. If you have young kids, for instance, you might want to stay closer to home. And if you’re looking for adventure, you might want to choose a route that will take you off the beaten path.

Wherever you choose to travel this summer, make sure to do your research ahead of time so you know what to expect and which cool sites to hit along the way!

2. Plan your route thoroughly

3. Budget and book ahead

The most essential part of any summer vacation is the planning stage. You need to decide on a route and map out your destination, of course, but you also need to make reservations for hotels or camping spots and figure out what along-the-way activities you’ll need to budget for.

Timing matters
More often than not, you’re going to find better hotel and attraction prices the earlier you book.

In other words, beat the rush and get your road trip planning done in advance. Research suggests that 42% of vacations are planned between April and June, while only 28% is planned between January and March.

Small Costs are a big deal

After all, it’s always better to over-budget and have money left over than to run out of necessary funds halfway through your adventure. Don’t forget to factor in “smaller” costs that build quickly like gas, food, and even souvenirs.

Online road trip planners are wonderful for minimizing the workload! This might seem like alot of work, but avoiding any stressful surprises down the road is worth the effort.

4. Get your automobile ready

The last thing you want is to be stranded on the side of the road because of a flat tire or empty gas tank. vehicle care is very crucial, especially when you’re about to embark on a time off.

Both distance and terrain make a heavy impact on just how prepared your Ford must be.

Before you hit the road, we recommend the following automotive services:

• Check your fluids and top off if needed
• Get an oil change if needed
• Make sure your tires are rotated
• Make sure your wheels are aligned
• Clean out your Ford interior
• Make sure your tires are properly inflated

relish your time off, but make sure that you stay on top of your summer Ford maintenance! We would be happy to ensure the safety of your Ford maintenance at Hennessy Ford Atlanta before you head out. Drivers in need of a service appointment to get their Ford ready for a summer vacation are encouraged to use our online service scheduler or contact our service center. 

5. Pack smart, pack less

Another very essential step in preparing for your time off is packing. This may seem like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised at how many people pack everything but essentials.

When packing for your summer time off, be sure to bring along the following essentials:

• a phone charger, or two
• sunscreen (it’s probably going to be hot)!
• a small first-aid kit
• snacks and drinks for the drive
• sunglasses
• more of water

In addition, be sure to pack light. The less you have, the more mobile you are. This is especially true if you are going on a cross-country adventure and need to be on the go for a long period of time.

6. Make the perfect playlist

A vacation without music is like a PB&J without the jelly – just not as good.

We recommend including a mix of old classics, iconic vacation songs, and some new hits. In order to make the perfect summer vacation playlist, you have to pick music that everyone will enjoy and that keeps the energy up.

If you’re going on a family adventure, make a game out of it and have everyone pitch in to create the playlist.

7. Enjoy the ride!

If you see a sign for an interesting attraction or a detour that looks like it could be fun, take it! After all, the best thing about taking a vacation is the adventure. You are making memories that will last a lifetime. Play silly vacation games to pass the time. While thoughtfully planning and preparation are important to having a successful summer vacation, it is very essential to be spontaneous.

Need a Recap?

By this point, you should have the tools needed to set off on one awesome summer vacation. To recap, our essential tips and tricks include:

• Choosing the right destination for you
• Compiling a playlist of adventure songs
• Planning your journey to that route thoroughly
• Budgeting and booking hotels ahead
• Remembering to just appreciate the ride
• Preparing your Ford for the drive (vehicle care matters!)
• Packing smart and light

At Hennessy Ford Atlanta, we truly believe in treating our customers like family. From our family to yours, safe travels this summer!