Anyone gearing up for a road trip this summer? Be sure to stay tuned to NewlyWife this week as it’s Travel Week! Matt and I recently hit the highway a few weeks ago to see some SoCal family and to watch Megan’s brother graduate from college in San Diego. It was a long drive, so we knew we had to be prepared.

Here I am with my mom and the buffalo/bison/whatever on one of the stops on I-5. Apparently, they've since taken him down, so I'm glad we got one last picture!

The first road trip essential was actually Matt’s first Christmas present to me: a radar detector. I admit, at first I didn’t know what it was when I opened it up. While not the most romantic gift on the outset, we were dating long distance at the time so it was an encouragement for me to drive up and visit. Having a radar detector doesn’t mean we are speed demons.  On long drives, you just want to make sure you’re focused and not speeding when you’re experiencing highway hypnosis. They’re pretty cheap and can help you avoid tickets!

Another essential, continuing in the electronics theme, is a power inverter. This guy plugs into the cigarette lighter and gives power to two- or three-prong plug devices. Power inverters come in handy when you’re wanting to charge an iPod, phone or a laptop. On our drive down, I ended up getting some work done and editing some photos on our laptop.  It helped us clear up space on our camera’s memory cards  for all the pictures we wanted to take that weekend.

Along with a power inverter and a laptop, it’s really handy to have a wireless card to access the Internet. Matt has one for work, so I managed to use it for very important things like work and … reading blogs.

During the long drives, it’s always important to keep yourself occupied. For most of the trip, Matt and I powered through an audio book, The 4-Hour Workweek. Finance books have been our audio books of choice in the past. (Looking for a good starter for you and your spouse? Check out Smart Couples Finish Rich.) They have really helped us get on track financially, so that we were able to purchase our own home just after we were married. But that’s a story for another day.

If  audio books aren’t your thing, perhaps music would help the ride go faster. It’s good to plan ahead to get your mix down. And make sure you get a lot of songs on that iPod so that the best songs aren’t ruined by repeats. (Anyone seen the road trip episode of “The Office” knows what I’m talking about!)

Finally, I recommend healthy snacks for the road. I know, I know, BORING! But really, I always seem to crave a veggie-filled salad or sandwich when there’s only fast food in sight. Don’t forget water, either.

What do you make sure to bring on a road trip? Anyone have any fun games?