Road tripping can be one of the best experiences of your life, but it can easily slip into the oblivion of terrible memories if you don’t plan properly. Planning is a critical part of actually enjoying your time away from home, and there are some things you simply cannot forget.

If you’re not quite the veteran at planning road trips, it helps to learn from others’ experiences. Take a moment to read through a few of the most useful tips for planning the perfect road trip this year, and get right to work on your next adventure.

Plan early no matter where you’re going

No matter where you and your travel party are planning to explore, it’s always best to start planning at least a few months in advance. Planning ahead assures that you can make the most suitable arrangements for your accommodations and entertainment.

Your plans may take many different shapes before you reach the final itinerary, and planning ahead gives you time to make adjustments if necessary. Some times of the year are super busy for travelers, so lock down those hot spots early.

Research is the key to planning a good time

Before you settle on a route for your road trip, spend time researching the possibilities along the way. Your ultimate destination likely has plenty of excellence to offer, but you don’t want to miss the hidden gems along the way.

Spend time researching interesting sites along your possible routes to make the journey to your destination a bit more exciting. You may also want to brush up on the differing laws from point A to point B, so you don’t find yourself in a hairy situation unintentionally.

For example, if you live in a legal state for recreational use of marijuana, you probably want to leave your treats at home. The laws concerning the use of marijuana present some ugly gray areas, and you don’t want to end up behind bars. Your road trip would definitely be spoiled at that point. However, if you do know for a fact that your road trip is not entering any areas which forbid the use of marijuana, then you can feel safe to take some small bongs with you to enjoy a bit of weed. However, this is only if you have double checked the law and covered your back!

Packing is important for an enjoyable ride

Packing is one of the most important aspects of executing a perfect road trip. If you forget to pack something vital, you may end up with some very unhappy travelers.

Make sure to pack plenty of healthy snacks and drinks for the road. Pack all the appropriate charging cords, and plenty of digital entertainment for down times.

Check the regular maintenance points on your vehicle

Before leaving for your perfect road trip, make sure your vehicle is in the most perfect condition possible. Check the tire pressure and tread. Check all of the various fluids under the hood, and make sure you have good windshield wipers.