Whether you're heading to the lake for the weekend or taking a cross-country road trip, a little preparation can go a long way. Before you hit the road, take a few minutes to review helpful tips for a smoother journey.
Give Your Car a Quick Once-Over
The best road trips start with a reliable vehicle. Before you head out, spend a few minutes checking the basics — or, if your vehicle is due for maintenance or you haven't had it inspected recently, consider scheduling a pre-trip vehicle inspection.
Check these key items before you leave:
- Tire pressure and tread
- Engine oil
- Windshield washer fluid
- Windshield wipers (especially if rain is in the forecast)
- Coolant level
- Battery (especially if it's more than three years old)
- Headlights, brake lights, and turn signals
Make Sure Your Wallet Is Road Trip Ready
You've checked the car and packed your bags. Now make sure your payment options are also ready for the trip.
- Add your debit or credit card to your digital wallet for fast, secure payments while you travel. Learn how to keep your digital wallet secure—and why it's worth using.
- Bring a backup payment method in case a card is lost, damaged, or declined.
- Keep a small amount of cash on hand for places that don't accept cards.
Quick Tip: Your mobile banking app can do more than check your balance. Before you travel, explore Card Controls to see how you can temporarily turn your debit card on or off and set spending alerts to help protect your account.
Budget for the Unexpected
Even the best-planned road trips can come with unexpected expenses. Building a little extra into your travel budget can help you enjoy the trip without worrying about surprise costs, such as:
- Fuel price fluctuations, especially when traveling through different regions
- Parking fees or valet parking at your hotel
- Emergency vehicle repairs or replacement transportation
- Last-minute hotel stays or itinerary changes
- Spur-of-the-moment activities like local treats or souvenir shopping
Quick Tip: Keep digital copies of your reservation confirmations and receipts in one place — whether that's a notes app, email folder, or digital wallet. They'll be easy to find if your plans change, you want to track travel expenses, or you need to submit a reimbursement.
Plan Ahead to Save Time and Money
From last-minute getaways to long-awaited vacations, a few minutes of planning can help you save time and make the most of your travel budget.
- Check traffic, weather, road construction, and toll routes before you leave to help avoid unexpected delays and costs.
- Save on attractions by checking for online discounts, bundled tickets, coupons, or free admission days before you go.
- Compare gas prices along your route before you need to fill up using a gas price app.
- Pack drinks and snacks to cut down on costly convenience store stops.
Quick Tip: Use AI to build a personalized itinerary, compare fuel prices, discover local restaurants, find free attractions, or uncover community events happening while you're in town. It can save you research time and help you make the most of your trip.
Review Your Roadside Assistance Benefits
Before you hit the road, take a few minutes to review the benefits that come with your checking account. If you have First Mid Benefits Checking, 24/7 roadside assistance is already included. Knowing what's covered can help you avoid paying for duplicate coverage and get back on the road faster if the unexpected happens.
- Save your roadside assistance phone number in your contacts.
- Keep your insurance card and vehicle registration easily accessible.
- Review the services available, including towing, battery jump-starts, flat tire assistance, lockout service, and emergency fuel delivery.
Quick Tip: If you’re traveling far from home, check whether your roadside assistance has limits on towing distance or the number of service calls so you know what to expect before you need it.
Ready to Hit the Road?
The best road trips are remembered for the people, places, and memories — not the unexpected detours. A little preparation before you leave can help you spend less time worrying and more time enjoying the journey. Safe travels!
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Discover more practical tips and money-saving ideas to help you prepare for whatever comes next.
Discover more practical tips and money-saving ideas to help you prepare for whatever comes next.