Next week, I'll be driving my 'Speed3 while my friend drives his RX-8, on a road trip from San Diego to San Jose. It's all about enjoying the road and the scenery, so we'll be taking the Pacific Coast Highway / CA-1 / Highway 101 route, with planned day stops or overnight stops in Santa Monica, Malibu, Santa Barbara, and Big Sur. Roundtrip, it will take approximately 19 total driving hours covering 1,030 miles. My car has about 12K miles on it and recently had an oil change. I'm really looking forward to the drive, but this is my first road trip and wanted to know if any of you road trip veterans have any suggestions/tips for getting the car ready for the trip. Also, in addition to a reliable map (nav system), an excellent music library, a camera, and some snacks, can you think of any other road trip essentials? Thanks in advance!

 

Sounds like you've got it all planned pretty good. I would suggest a good pair of sunglasses, a good pair of shoes, and a good looking girl in the passenger seat.

 

Damn, I was hoping when I opened this topic that you were taking a road trip in my neck of the woods. (Northeast)

 

Good sunglasses: check. Good pair of shoes: check. Female passenger: (box remains empty). Hmmm... Perhaps along the way?

 

If you guys know of any interesting diner/drive-in type places worth checking out along the route above, please let me know. Thanks!

 

check your tire pressure

 

Ah, excellent reminder... thanks, Jeff!