5 essential tips to make your summer getaway go smoothly

Planning your next summer getaway? Turn your vacation up a notch from the standard road trip with these handy tips and really make the most of your travels. From how to organize your vehicle for the trip ahead to how to create fun activities like group challenges, this collection of ideas will help you plan your best getaway yet.

Get creative 

Round up your travel partners beforehand and decide on something you’d like to achieve together for a ’group challenge’. How about a group selfie under the state’s welcome sign at each border you cross? Or you could collect a natural souvenir in each place you visit such as rocks, shells or leaves that you can take home and put on display?

If you’re foodies, then an itinerary to taste-test and create your own league tables of the best burger or ice cream joints along the way is a great plan. Whatever you decide, you’ll have a great group activity to focus on and plenty of memories to share for years to come. 

Choose your ride wisely 

Make sure you have a ride that’s totally right for your trip and that can take you there in safety and comfort. Whether you need lots of room for your family and their luggage, or a stylish convertible for a trip to the beach, Hertz is your one-stop-shop for finding the perfect car for your getaway. 

Have a loose plan 

All the most popular attractions and destinations fill up quickly and some even require you to book in advance. So, do your research and make all the necessary reservations before you hit the road if you want to be sure that you’ll be able to enjoy them. Also, take a good, long look at travel review sites to learn about lesser-known activities and spots along your route that you might otherwise miss.

Another great piece of advice is, no matter what you’ve got planned, be flexible. Weather, road diversions and tired travelers can throw a wrench in your carefully planned itinerary, but there’s always unexpected fun to be had if you can keep your cool and play it by ear. 

Come Prepared to Keep the Kids Entertained 

Traveling with kids? Keep them engaged with activities they can enjoy on the move. Art supplies, building sets and books can keep kids busy for hours, especially if you stash them out of sight a few weeks before the trip so they’re a big surprise when you do produce them.

Be sure to have plenty of tech options ready to go, too. Download movies or favorite episodes of TV shows onto their devices or pick an audio book you can all enjoy as a screen-free option for the whole family. And don’t forget to make a few road trip playlists for your own car karaoke! 

You can also prevent some sibling squabbles before they start by ensuring everyone has plenty of space to spread out. A great solution would be to rent a spacious SUV or van so the whole family can road trip in comfort, space and style. 

Organize Your Space 

Little touches can make the difference between a calm, tidy car and complete chaos ­– especially if you’re traveling with children. Have a designated trash bag handy so you can quickly dispose of refuse at each fuel stop.

A simple shower caddy can help keep essentials like paper towels, wet wipes and snacks within reach. Plus, packing a small bag with the things you know you’ll often need saves you from having to dig through your luggage at a highway rest stop to locate your phone charger. 

Remember, wherever you’re headed, Hertz has just what you need to get there. Check out more helpful tips for planning a trip.