IT'S A LONG WAIT FOR AAA IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DESERT: The Dummy's Guide to Road Trip Readiness

Well, my “few things” quickly became five piles. Then, I had to map out my route. Close the windows, water the plants, mail the Netflix. Clean the car. Then pack it up. Oh, and eat. By the time I hit the road an hour late, I was in such a state, I had no memory of actually leaving the house, couldn't find the water I swear I last grabbed, and questioned whether I'd even closed the door behind me.

Aren't road trips supposed to be easier than flying? Ha! At least when you fly, you have someone else piloting the plane. In a road trip, it's all up to you. How can you smooth out the bumps on the road ahead? Use this dummy's guide to road trip prep:

1. MAKE SURE YOUR CAR WORKS: It might do you fine for daily commuting, but taking your car on the open road means a whole other load of vehicle-taxing. Two weeks before departure, check your fluids, wipers, and tires--Jiffy Lube can do this for $20-30. For more extensive diagnostics, the CarMD is like an electronic mechanic who goes on the road with you to tell you if anything's ever wrong with the car, for the one-time purchase price of $90.

2. CLEAN: Start off with things as clean and organized as possible inside.

3. PREPARE THE GADGETS: Nowadays, your car is the Mother Ship. If old-school car Bingo and maps aren't enough to get you through, then, well before you leave, make sure the satellite radio works, the GPS is hooked up, and the CD's/MP3 Player are properly stocked with road trip tunes. If you have kids, consider a DVD or video game player for the backseat, with ample content to keep them occupied.

4. GOT FOOD?: Go shopping 1-2 days before for road trip-appropriate food that won't perish if sitting in a cooler full of melting ice or a hot car for a couple days. Double-check you have a cooler (and ice!) that will fit within arm's reach in the car.

5. GATHER YOUR THINGS: Get all your personal stuff together: clothes, toiletries, power cords, etc. Pack light and in soft-sided bags so everyone's stuff can fit.

6. COMFORTIZE YOUR CAR: Bring 1-2 extra pillows and blankets.

7. MAP IT: GPS or not, map out your route online beforehand, and bring a printout of the directions, along with a recent area map or road atlas, just in case you go off-track. Avoid smaller or questionable roads if it's winter.

8. PACK IT UP: Pack everything into the car the day of, leaving plenty of time to do so.

9. HOUSE WALK-THROUGH: After you're packed, walk through the house one last time to double-check that everything's locked up, watered, and turned off, and that you didn't forget anything…like simply closing the door behind you.

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About the Author: A former Hollywood producer and now 2nd-generation travel professional, Susan Michelle travels the planet as the “face” of the fashion-forward Compass travel lifestyle brand. For more articles, tips, and hot spots from Susan, and community with fellow Cosmopolitan Travelers, visit http://www.CompassTravel.info. Or write her directly at Susan-Column@CompassTravel.info.