Road trips are the vacation of choice this year. According to the American Automobile Association, road trips are set to make up 97 percent of travel this year as Americans reignite their love for car adventures and vacations. For those looking to explore the open roads across America and take in the sights that the country has to offer, there is no better place to start than the lone star state of Texas.

Known for its live music, delicious barbeque, and stunning scenery, road tripping around Texas can be the adventure to remember. However, like any other travel plan, it is important to be prepared before setting off. From figuring out the perfect road trip itinerary to being prepared for any emergencies, here is what you need before embarking on your first Texas road trip.

The Perfect Road Trip Itinerary

If you are going to explore Texas, you need the perfect itinerary. Your itinerary will depend on the sites you want to see and what your idea for your road trip looks like. If you are after the culture and art scene in Texas, Houston is a must-stop on your itinerary.

 Regular art exhibits in Houston like Wildlife Photographer of the Year and shows by the Health Museum are quite popular and can provide a rich cultural experience for you and your family. Other must-visit locations include Amarillo (the city behind Flo’s V-8 Cafe in Pixar’s Cars sequel), Wichita (for its waterfalls), and San Antonio (for its famous Market Square and historic churches).

Get The Right Trip Insurance

According to the American Hotel & Lodging Association, 72 percent of people plan on taking an overnight road trip in the next 5 months. Of those people, 75 percent expect to drive 2 or more hours. Long hours in the car can mean increased risks on the road and wear and tear. Your trip could be delayed due to a car accident, natural events, or even traffic disruption, causing you to miss check-in dates for your accommodation or tour sites. This is why you need road trip insurance before setting off. 

The good news is that insurance companies are capitalizing on the increased popularity of road trips by offering detailed insurance packages for road-trippers. For instance, the Armor insurance policy by Seven Corners covers emergency vehicle return, emergency medical evacuation, and the cost of return passage for your children if you were to become ill while traveling.

If you want to compare trip insurance, comparison platforms like Squaremouth.com, and InsureMyTrip.com offer policies from over 31 travel insurers. If you do get into a car accident, it would also be helpful to have the information on a car accident attorney that is local to your road trip destination.

For instance, if you get involved in a motor accident whilst in Austin, car accident lawyers in Austin would be more familiar with the local laws and procedures to make the process speedy and stress-free. 

Essential Emergency Gear

If you are going to go on a road trip to explore Texas, it helps to be prepared. You could encounter a punctured tire, dead car battery, or another car-related emergency. Putting together an emergency kit for your car filled with useful tools and gadgets can help you stay on the road and avoid undue stress.

Some of the tools you should have in your emergency gearbox include an air compressor, jumper cables/jump pack, a multi-tool, and a road trip tested GPS. You may also want to include some personal items in your emergency kit like snack bars, basic over the counter medications for pain, allergies, or car sickness, and a flashlight.

It is worth noting that you should also perform standard car checks before setting off on your road trips. Check your tire pressure and have your brake pads and fluids checked before you drive. Once you have ticked all the right boxes, its time to relax and enjoy the beauty of Texas with your family.