There are two types of travel.

There first is where you are scrambling to get out of the house as fast as you can, which means you inevitably forget to pack something essential.  Maybe you’re packing too many people into too small of a car, which means no one is going to have enough leg room.  Or maybe you’re flying and you end up missing your flight.

Few people like travelling this way.  It’s hectic and stressful.

The alternative to this is one of luxury.

The beauty of travelling luxuriously is that it is calm, relaxing, comfortable and enjoyable.

While flying can often be the quickest way to get from point A to point B, some vacations are better done as a road trip, such as exploring the Grand Canyon, California Wine Country, and Sedona, Arizona.  Traveling by car is all about the journey instead of the destination.  See the countryside on your next vacation but do it in style.

Here are four tips to make sure your road trip is enjoyable and luxurious:

Have the right company

This is the single most important aspect of an enjoyable road trip.  If you are going to be driving for more than just a couple of hours, you want to make sure you’re doing it with someone whose company you truly enjoy.  When you’re in a car, the only way you can escape someone is by getting out of it, so make sure you pick the right company so you can really enjoy the open road.

Have the right car

Probably the second most important ingredient to a luxurious road trip is what you’re driving.  If your own car isn’t the most reliable or if its air conditioning doesn’t work or isn’t big enough for everyone in your trip to be comfortable, don’t take it.  Instead, rent a car.  When you rent a car, you don’t have to worry about what happens to it because it’s not yours.  Just make sure you get the insurance.  Having a car that will be comfortable and worry-free will make your trip much more enjoyable.  I recommend taking a convertible and letting your hair fly free in the wind.

Have enough time

If you want your road trip to be high-end then it cannot be stressful.  Rushing through a drive will only cause excess stress.  If you are trying to get from place to place as fast as you can, you won’t enjoy the driving anywhere near as much as you should.  Make sure you plan ahead to give yourself plenty of time to get where you are going.  Stop periodically to see the sights or take in a gorgeous landscape.

Have a backup plan

You always want to be prepared for the worst, because if disaster strikes and you don’t have a backup plan, your luxurious road trip could be ruined.  Having a roadside assistance program membership is the perfect way to protect yourself and your vacation.  In case of a flat-tire or another emergency, a roadside assistance program will be there to help you get back on your way as quickly as possible.

Author:

Julia S. writes on behalf of Allstate Motor Club, an auto club that provides emergency roadside assistance and a variety of other travel services. Visit Allstate Motor Club for more on travel deals, driving resources and membership information.