Summer is the perfect time to hit the road and discover new back roads in your state or drive cross-country. A summer road trip is a great opportunity for those once-in-a-lifetime experiences and a great way to make memories with your friends and family. A little planning and preparation will make your road trip even better. Here are some tips that can be essential to summer road trip success.

Plan your route. One of the most exciting parts of a summer road trip is the planning stage. By getting everyone involved, you can ensure that everyone gets to visit the stops they want to see along the way. The most important part of planning your summer road trip is mapping out your route.

Book reservations for your accommodations. If you’re not able to stay with friends and family along your route, it is recommended you make hotel or campground reservations in advance. Also, research what each company’s policy is for late check-ins or canceled reservations in case you get delayed by weather or road construction.

Perform maintenance on your vehicle. Have your vehicle, RV or travel trailer well inspected and serviced before you leave. Check fluid levels, belts, fans, hoses, filters, tires and brakes. Make sure your spare tire is usable and if you’ll be traveling over a lot of rough, gravel roads consider taking along more than one spare tire.

Pack the vehicle for safety and fun. While a summer road trip can be a lot of fun, there will also be times when being in the vehicle for several hours together could get tiresome. To ensure everyone stays in good spirits, pack a few items for entertainment and travel-friendly snacks like pretzels, animal crackers, raisins, cereal, fruit, granola bars and trail mix. Stop at grocery stores along the way and stock up on bottled drinks, sandwich supplies and ice.

If you are driving a pickup on your big summer adventure, you can see immediate gas mileage improvement by installing a truck bed cover on your pickup. A truck bed cover, also known as a tonneau cover, will reduce drag, making your vehicle more aerodynamic at high speeds.

By making these preparations ahead of time, you’ll ensure that your unforgettable adventure won’t be ruined by setbacks along the way.