It's that season again of long weekends for fun and family. More often than not, we all need to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city to relax and unwind. We all need time to smoothen our frazzled nerves and to de-stress from the dog eat dog world we live in.

What a better way to do this than by going on a trip to the beach or to the country. But before packing your bags and hopping unto your car, there are three things you need to check on and do before driving off.

1. Check your car's toolbox.

Do not forget to open your trunk to see the tools you have in your car. See also if you have the Early Warning Device (EWD) and other emergency items usually found in the tool kit of your car. Simple things like wrenches, screwdrivers and tire rod are needed. The secret is to be prepared for any event that may occur. Do also include a flashlight with an extra set of batteries, electrical tape and a set of battery clips. These may seem to be simple things but will prove to be a vacation saver when things go awry on the road.

2. Have your car undergo service maintenance.

Your car is a machine that needs to be examined every now and then for wear and tear. Also, to have your car checked for maintenance is to ensure that your vehicle is in good running condition and efficient in its performance. When do you need these the most? It is when you go on long trips when your car needs to be the cool running machine that it needs to be. If your car breaks down, not only does it rain on your supposed sun filled weekend, it also gives you problems on finding a mechanic to fix your car. Again, being prepared is the key to the good times ahead.

3. Check on the route.

Before planning your schedule to your destination, you need to check on your itinerary. Find out about service stations, rest stops or even main destination spots along the way. Most of the time unknowing tourists that trek the roads find themselves getting lost in the myriad of highways and byways that they need to go through before getting to their vacation spot. It not only lessens the hassle, but it also gives you other options to enjoy the scenery along the way. It makes for a relaxed drive with designated stops for bathroom or meals, sans the stress of waiting and holding that your bladder has to go through until the next rest stop, which may not be known as to how far off it would be. So by preparing the itinerary, one actually is relieving the stress and embracing the vacation spirit.

With the above guidelines, you actually practice safety on the road. By preparing your tool kit, having your car looked over by a service maintenance crew and checking on the route, you avoid the hassle and the stress of long driving. And this, would surely add to the experience you look forward to on your vacation.