Growing up, my family only took road trips as vacations. Now, as an adult, I find traveling by car tedious and exhausting — not the restorative vibe I want from a trip. But a recent road trip from New York City to Lake Placid completely changed my mind. Although driving for hours can be rough, I’ve found that planning helps make the journey so much better. Here are a few tips that can help things go more smoothly.

Get your car checked

I received a loaner Navigator from Lincoln, so I knew the car was in great shape. But typically, I perform a mini inspection before leaving to make sure my car can handle the long drive ahead. You can check to see if there are any recalls using your VIN and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Recalls Look-Up Tool. Be sure that tires are inflated to the manufacturer’s specifications and look for damage or uneven tread wear. And don’t forget to check the windshield wipers and fluid levels, including oil and coolant.

Plan for traffic

Avoid cutting it close when scheduling activities on driving days. Getting stuck in traffic is stressful enough without also trying to change reservations while driving. A four-hour drive can become much longer if you get caught in a gridlock.

But try to avoid it

Of course, you can’t avoid traffic completely, but you can try to plan your trip around it. The Federal Highway Administration has data on traffic volume — meaning how many cars are on the road at a given time. For example, people are most likely to be on the road around noon on weekends in urban areas. Although highway congestion depends on many factors, like construction, accidents, and weather, the data may help you find times when there’s a better chance that the roads will be quieter.

Take rest breaks

It’s tempting to get to your destination ASAP by driving six hours straight. But research shows that taking breaks can help ease the discomfort that comes from driving. After every hour or two, I stop, get out of the car, and walk for a few minutes. This time, I even got a mini massage during my breaks. The Lincoln Navigator I drove has massage seats, which really helped alleviate the shoulder tension and back pain I get after sitting for long periods of time.

Plot stops along the way

Finding a few spots you’ll look forward to, such as restaurants, landmarks, or parks, is necessary when you’re in a car for hours. We stopped at a cute town a few hours in, where we explored the downtown area, ate lunch at a restaurant we starred beforehand, and browsed a few boutiques.

Bring plenty of snacks and water

Bring nuts, fruit, protein bars, or whatever snacks you find satiating to avoid getting hangry. I’ve found that bringing a fun treat, like candy or a snack I’ve never tried, helps make the trip feel a little more special.

Make a playlist

Good tunes — or an audiobook or podcast — are a must on any long car ride. Pro tip: Be sure to download your entertainment onto your phone in case you lose service during the drive.

Summary: 7 road trip habits that make a difference

Pro tips for a smoother road trip

Road trips don’t have to be exhausting. With a little planning — checking your car, timing your drives, taking breaks, and packing the right snacks and entertainment — the journey can become part of the vacation itself. These seven habits have transformed my road trips from tedious to restorative, and they can do the same for yours.