Seven out of 10 people in the U.S. plan to drive during an upcoming vacation, according to Hilton's 2026 Trends Report.
Travelers appreciate the flexibility, spontaneity and cost control associated with road trips, which also are expected to be popular this year because airfare prices are up roughly 30 percent. Summertime is doubly popular for visiting regional outdoor destinations such as state and national parks, beaches, lakes and mountains.
Like any travel, however, road trips can be unpredictable. Pair nature's volatility and the uptick in road construction that occurs during warm weather months with the possibility of car trouble, and it becomes clear that a smooth road trip requires some thinking and planning in advance — especially when it comes to safety.
"Many of the problems that leave drivers stranded during the summer are preventable," said Mercury Insurance Director of Product Management Justin Yoshizawa said in a recent press release. "A quick inspection before you leave can help identify issues early and give you greater confidence that your vehicle is ready for the miles ahead."
The slideshow above highlights five "road trip readiness checks" suggested by Mercury Insurance.
"Road trips create some of our best summer memories," Yoshizawa concluded. "Taking a little time to prepare your vehicle before you leave can help keep the focus on the adventure instead of dealing with avoidable problems along the way."
© Arc, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to TMSalesOperations@arc-network.com. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.