Mar 14, 2022

Road Trip Sign in the Desert

And How to Find the Best Vehicles at Your Local Volkswagen Dealer

So, you’re planning out your first big road trip of the year.

The great thing about being centrally located here in Lee’s Summit is that you can travel in virtually any direction and find excitement and adventure. You could travel down to the Florida panhandle for some family time at the beach or head to the Pacific Northwest for some of the most amazing mountain views in the entire country. A cross-country road trip is just as much about the journey as it is about the destination.

However, a long journey requires some big-time preparation. When you are hundreds of miles away from home, the last thing you want is to realize that you’ve forgotten something important. To ensure that your journey is as pleasant as possible, here is a checklist of essential road trip items broken down by category.

The Absolute Must-Haves (For Legal Reasons)

Going on a road trip means that you’re going to be driving through a lot of different states and their highway patrol officers. The last thing that you want is to get pulled over and not have the proper documentation in order. Dealing with out-of-state tickets is a pain in the neck.

Before you hit the road, make sure you have your:

  • Driver’s license
  • Vehicle registration
  • Proof of insurance

Handy Things to Have in Case of Car Trouble

Experienced road-trippers know that you need to be prepared for anything when it comes to long distance travel. One rogue nail or a faulty car battery can bring your road trip to a screeching halt, so it’s best to think ahead. The following items and services should help you get through any problems you may have with your car.

  • Roadside assistance (included with VW Carefree Coverage) or AAA card
  • Emergency roadside assistance kit
  • Extra car key
  • Car manual
  • Spare tire
  • Jumper cables
  • Tire pressure gauge
  • Flashlight or headlamp
  • Duct tape
  • Ice scraper (for winter traveling)

Things to Make the Ride More Comfortable

Going on a road trip means you’ll be in the car for hours on end, which can be tough if you have trouble sitting still or don’t like confined spaces. Your passengers – kids especially – will need certain things to make the ride comfortable and enjoyable.

Here are some items that make being on the road easier:

  • Travel pillows and blankets
  • Cozy breathable clothing
  • Sunshades for windows
  • Eye mask or sunglasses (for daytime napping)
  • Refillable water bottles
  • Variety of snacks and drinks
  • Baby wipes to keep hands clean
  • A great soundtrack or audiobook
  • Any applicable travel toiletries or medications

Key Stops Along the Way

Although you’re going to be in the car most of the time, there will be some key stops along the way that you’ll need to make. Your family will still need to eat, sleep, take bathroom breaks, and do things that get your legs moving.

Here is a list of key stops to think about as you plan your route:

  • Restaurants/eateries
  • Hotels/AirBnBs
  • Rest stops
  • Local parks and sightseeing (great for walking and breaking up travel)

Additionally, if you drive an electric vehicle, you will need to stop from time to time to charge up your battery. You can see a real-time map of all the charging stations in the country by visiting PlugInAmerica.org

Looking for a Volkswagen Near You to Test Drive? Visit Your Local Volkswagen Dealer!

If you are looking for the perfect road trip vehicle, VW Lee’s Summit has plenty of options that will fit any family dynamic, storage capacity needs, and driving style. We carry a wide variety of sedans, compacts, and SUVs that are packed with the most advanced safety and convenience features.

Looking for an SUV with plenty of storage, seating, and power? The VW Atlas can set up to seven people and offers nearly 97 cubic ft. of storage.

What about a car that offers fantastic fuel economy? The VW Jetta gets 31 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway.

The great thing about shopping for vehicles with VW Lee’s Summit is we find out what’s important to you and then use that info to find the perfect VW that suits your lifestyle.

Finding a Used Volkswagen Near You

There are plenty of used car dealerships near you in the Lee’s Summit area, but only VW Lee’s Summit can offer the great deals we have on used VW vehicles as well as a large selection of certified pre-owned vehicles that have undergone a 100+ point inspection. Additionally, we’re always running amazing deals on VW products and services in our specials section.

To get behind the wheel of a Volkswagen, simply visit VW Lee’s Summit which is conveniently located at 2225 NE Independence Ave. You can request a test drive, estimate payments, get pre-approved, or get an instant cash offer for your trade! To reach us via email you can use the contact form on our website.

For routine maintenance and repairs, you may contact the Volkswagen service center which is located at our dealership.