Pros

Travel in a road vehicle allows you to set your own pace (barring construction or traffic jams) and stop when and where you please.

It is also generally quite affordable when compared to travel by plane or train, especially when two or more are traveling together.

You can take many things with you in a road vehicle that you might not be able to include if traveling by air or rail.

There are many road vehicle options available to meet your travel requirements, including those with sleeping facilities.

If you’re traveling with your children, you don’t need to worry about them bothering other passengers.

You can even choose to travel during the night when your children will be asleep.

Road travel is also easiest when a pet is being taken along.

Cons

Unless driving is the only way to reach your destination, it takes longer than it does to take a plane or train.

Driving yourself can be stressful and tiring, especially when you’re dealing with traffic and/or trying to navigate an unknown area.

There’s always the possibility that car trouble will delay your journey. 

Be prepared

Check your vehicle. About a week before you leave for a long road trip, have your mechanic check for anything that could cause problems. That involves fluid levels, brakes, and tires. Be sure your spare tire is fully inflated, and you have jumper cables and extra wiper fluid on hand.

Join a roadside rescue service. Having that 1-800-number that immediately ties you in to approved local tow services and mechanics is going to save you a lot of hassle. It will also shield you from some of the dangers of being on the road.

Have your documents and a clean record. Never travel without current documentation of license, registration, and insurance. You may also want to pay any outstanding traffic and parking tickets before you leave. Eliminating the risk that your vehicle can be impounded seems like a good idea.

Bring a spare key. Stuff happens.

Carry cash for tolls. Toll roads can pop up in the most bizarre of places, and their fares might be higher than you expect. Stock your center console with dollars and coin rolls.

Get a credit card that provides discounts and perks. You’re going to be buying a lot of fuel, so at the very least get a gas credit card that allows you to pay for gas at the pump. You can also use it to take advantage of discounts and perks offered by the card issuer. In addition, using a card like this can help you track your fuel expenses separately, making it easier to budget.

Consider your options:

With some cards, you may be able to choose a billing date that works best for you. However, while a gas credit card is easier to get than a traditional credit card, they’re only accepted at a specific gas station chain and are useless elsewhere. They also have high interest rates. So, while gas credit cards might be good for consumers looking to build credit, they may not be as reward-friendly as traditional cards. Before you apply, weigh the costs as well as the pros and cons to determine what type of card is best for your situation.

Be in control

Use a GPS. There’s no reason to get lost. Usually.

Pick a speed and stick with it. High speeds coupled with rapid acceleration and de-acceleration will cripple your fuel economy. 

Clean your vehicle before and during your trip. Even if you can tolerate some chaos, the accumulated junk and minor filth will start to drive you mad in the close quarters that define a road trip.

Make up your own road games. If time on the road is going to eat up a lot of your vacation, make the journey as fun and interesting as the destination. Allow time for frequent stops in response to any signs that pique your interest.