Planning a summer road trip? Pack these tips

Americans from across the country will be hitting the road for a well-deserved summer vacation.

Summer is the perfect time to say goodbye to airport lines and hello to the great American road trip.

Whether you’re headed somewhere sunny, going camping in a national park or visiting family or friends in another city, these tips can help you save money and reduce stress while traveling America’s highways and country roads.

Savvy planning can help you avoid crowds on the road and at the destinations you visit. For example, hitting the road mid-week after the morning rush hour can help you get a great head start on your travels.

Visit attractions on unpopular days of the week to avoid long lines and annoying surcharges. Many attractions and hotels charge extra fees on popular travel weekends, like holidays.

This is an especially good year to consider a midweek visit to a national park. With the National Park Service celebrating its centennial this summer, look for special events at parks across the U.S.!

Whether you’re driving a motor cycle or minivan, tuning up your vehicle before hitting the road can be a smart way to ensure optimal performance and fuel efficiency.

Also, take advantage of fuel savings opportunities. For instance, using an ExxonMobil Smart Card helps drivers save on their fuel expenses. New customers who apply from May 1 to July 31 will save 12 cents on every gallon of fuel for the first two months after the account is opened. After that, they will enjoy ongoing savings of six cents off every gallon, every day when using the ExxonMobil Smart Card at any of the nearly 11,000 Exxon- or Mobil- branded stations across the continental U.S. Subject to credit approval. Drivers can apply online at ExxonMobilSmartCard.com or pick up an application at the station.

A road trip is about so much more than the destination. Bust boredom with games like “20 Questions” and “Name that Tune.” Don’t be shy about making small detours to see on-the-way points of interest -- it’ll break up the journey and be easier on the driver and passengers alike. Avoid typical disputes by rotating DJ duty. If you bring the right attitude, the old adage “getting there is half the fun,” will be true of your summer road trip.

With a few tips and tricks, you can hit the road headache-free this summer.