Inflation and the lingering threat of COVID don't appear to be holding folks back from traveling this year, but many are choosing to alter their normal plans and take to the road for summer vacation. According to a recent survey from Forbes Advisor, 87% of Americans say they plan to travel at least as much as they did in 2022. Nearly half (49%) said they plan to travel more in 2023 than they did the previous year. Inflation has influenced the ways in which Americans are traveling, however, and 46% of respondents told Forbes they are likely or very likely to change their travel plans because of it. Of those who expect to change their plans, 15% said they would choose to take a road trip rather than fly to offset costs. Of course, preparation for a road trip looks a little different than with other means of travel, and AAA suggests those planning such a journey keep the following tips in mind:

• Bring your vehicle to an auto shop for a thorough inspection before you leave to ensure everything is in working order.
• Check that your tires are properly inflated and in good condition – including your spare tire.
• Plan for an emergency by packing things like a first aid kit, jumper cables, motor oil, nonperishable food, drinking water, a roadside emergency kit with flares and a flashlight. These supplies should be easily accessible. You should also keep your roadside assistance number on-hand in case you need to call for help.
• Familiarize yourself with driving laws at both your destination and in the areas you'll drive through.
• Plan your route ahead of time. Mapping your path before you leave will allow you to check out more scenic routes or roadside attractions than you might if you just followed your GPS. One way of accomplishing this is to plot your route on a paper map first, then use your GPS to help get you there. It's also a good idea to plan your stops (hotels, campgrounds, etc.) before you leave so you make adequate time to rest.
• The person who is driving should take a break about every two hours or take turns driving with a passenger if possible. If they find themselves too tired to drive with no alternative, it's best to pull over to a safe place to take a short nap.

In the slideshow above, we'll look at the best road trips in the United States, according to Via Travelers.

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