Top Road Trip Tips from Three Rivers

Going on a road trip is a great way to spend quality time with friends, family, or a significant other. However, spending so much time together in close quarters like the car, a campsite, or a small hotel can sometimes create some friction among the group. Of course, it’s impossible to please everyone, but it can also be extremely helpful to have a conversation with your road trip group beforehand to make sure everyone’s on the same page. Take some time to discuss what kind of trip you’d like to have. Are you planning to camp outdoors or stick to hotels? Do you want to stay on-the-go or take the slow, scenic route? Is there a certain stop that’s especially exciting to a certain friend or family member? Managing these expectations ahead of time can help things go smoothly later on, especially if everyone on the trip has something to look forward to!

A big factor in planning your road trip is deciding on a budget. Figuring out how much money you’re willing and able to spend will significantly shape the outcome of your trip. Making more stops, staying at nicer hotels, and eating out for every meal are definitely fun ideas, but they can become expensive. If you’re trying to keep costs down, consider camping out for a few nights rather than staying in a hotel. You can also stock up your car ahead of time with healthy snacks to avoid stopping at gas stations and convenience stores. If you do opt for hotels, make sure they have a flexible cancellation policy in case your plans change. Certain hotels will allow you to cancel your stay within 24 hours, free of charge. You’ll want to give yourself the flexibility to change your plans when needed, without incurring unnecessary fees. 

Once you have an idea of the stops you want to hit along your journey, the next step is to map out a general timeframe. Our tip is to get on the road as early as you can, especially if you’re taking major highways, or have a lot of distance to cover in a single day. Not only will you be taking advantage of the daylight, but you’ll also avoid commuter traffic by getting an early start. The same goes for driving to popular destinations. If you can help it, try not to visit a touristy area like a popular beach on a weekend day, and instead opt for a mid-week visit to avoid traffic and over-crowding. 

As we navigate our busy day-to-day schedules, it’s so easy to miss out on the amazing experiences right in your backyard. Our state of Pennsylvania has a wealth of beautiful sights and landmarks that are definitely worth considering as you plan your next road trip. One example is Cherry Springs State Park in Coudersport, PA. Located on Pennsylvania’s northern border, this is a perfect stop for anyone heading northbound toward New York, New England, or Canada. It’s far enough from Pittsburgh to give you a completely different feel from the city and offers lots to do in a beautiful, scenic environment. Cherry Springs State Park is known for its exceptionally clear skies, perfect for a night of stargazing. There are also plenty of spots for hiking and camping, so consider skipping the hotel for a night and drift to sleep under the stars instead!

Let’s say you’ve done all your planning, locked in a budget, and made a list of stops to hit. There’s still one last step before you’re ready to hit the road. Before you leave for your road trip, it’s extremely important to make sure your car is in its best possible condition. Make sure you’ve had a recent oil change, and that your engine, tires, and fluids have all been checked. Be sure to keep a spare tire on hand, as well as a car jack, jumper cables, and any tools you might need. Pay attention to details like your wiper blades, and make sure they’re in good condition. Lastly, give your car a good cleaning to make the interior space fit for the journey ahead. Here at Three Rivers, we’re happy to help prepare your vehicle for your next road trip. We offer services to all makes and models at our Mopar Service Center. You can even schedule your appointment online by clicking on the “Schedule Service Appointment” button under the “Mopar Parts & Service” tab. Or, simply give us a call and our friendly associates will assist you with any maintenance or repairs you might need. From all of us here at Three Rivers CDJR, we can’t wait to help you prepare for the road trip of a lifetime!