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Do you have some vacation time coming, and you’re thinking about taking a road trip? A Maryland road trip could be the perfect addition to your travel plans. But before you hop in the car, there are a couple of steps you can take to make sure your trip is smooth and enjoyable for all involved. 1. Pack a Snack Bag Packing snacks, and maybe a small cooler with cold drinks, will keep you and your traveling buddies fueled and hydrated. Resist the temptation to load up on sugary snacks, particularly if young travelers are in the car. String cheese, nuts, protein bars, rice cakes, and even hard-boiled eggs for the cooler are all excellent options. more 2. Plan Breaks Depending on the length of your trip, you may want to plan one or more stops that allow you to stretch your legs and use the bathroom. There are also sites all over the state that offer the opportunity for a longer break. A picnic at one of the parks along the Chesapeake Bay or a stop at one of the historic sites around Baltimore will get you out of the car for a few hours and add enrichment to your trip. 3. Make Sure You Know Where You're Headed Many of today's vehicles come equipped with GPS, and most smartphones have that capability as well. But it's a good idea to have a map in the car. That way even if you lose Wi-Fi or your smartphone battery is getting low, you'll still be able to get where you're going. Paper maps also make for a fun geography lesson for kids. 4. Pick Out Some Tunes for Your Travel The perfect playlist will make your trip more fun, and it can also help keep you entertained. Make sure to involve every member of your traveling party as you plan your road trip music. 5. Prepare for Comfort There are a couple of steps that can be taken to ensure the comfort of everyone in the car. First, consider throwing a blanket and a hand-held fan in the cabin of the vehicle. These can be used by passengers who are overly cold or warm. And if you're the one behind the wheel, pay attention to your posture and how you're sitting. Try not to slouch, consider using a small pillow to support your lower back, and use cruise control, which allows your feet to rest squarely on the floor of the vehicle. 6. Develop a Strategy for Staying Alert If you're driving for an extended period of time, look for ways to stay fresh and alert. Keeping the windows cracked open for fresh air, chewing gum, singing along with your music, and conversing with your passengers are all ideal ways to stay focused and alert. Get Your Car Road Trip Ready at Our New Carrollton Service Department When it comes to road-tripping through our marvelous Mid-Atlantic state, the possibilities are almost endless. From the city to the shore to historic sites, there's plenty to explore. Stop by DARCARS Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of New Carrollton to get your vehicle in great shape for your next road trip. Arrange an appointment online today.

The history of New Carrollton, MD begins in the colonial era when it was first called "Terrapin Thicket", named for the myriad of turtles found in the area. When the city was incorporated, the name was changed to reflect one of Maryland's most notable historical figures, Charles Carroll. Throughout its history, the city has remained a beautiful place to live with lots to explore in the area. 1. Annapolis Just 30 minutes away, you will find the charming waterside city of Annapolis. One of the prettiest towns in Maryland, Annapolis will enchant you with cobblestone streets and brightly colored buildings. The capital of Maryland sits in the picturesque Chesapeake Bay. On a warm day, nothing beats getting out onto the water. Annapolis is often called the sailing capital of the world. more What can you enjoy in Annapolis? Enjoy local seafood fresh from the water in one of the many waterfront restaurants. You can step back in time and trace the paths of colonial maritime. Learn about African American history from more than 300 years ago. Visit one of the many historic sites like the Maryland State House or the Banneker-Douglass Museum of African American heritage. 2. Sandy Point State Park A short drive will make you feel like you're in another world. What can you do at Beautiful Sandy Point State Park? Sandy Point State Park has miles of pristine beaches. Walk along the seemingly endless coastline and enjoy the views from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. It’s a great fishing spot, where you can relish the day on the water, enjoying the sun. The park has some excellent hiking if you feel like a more active adventure. 3. St. Michaels Escape to the charming village of St. Michaels. This quaint seaside stop has many different galleries and antique stores to browse as you wander. Called the "Heart and Soul" of Chesapeake Bay, the town has retained the look and feel of a 19th Century seaport. Delve into the history of St. Michaels at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. 4. Washington, DC A short 25-minute drive will have you in the nation's capital. With endless opportunities to explore this great nation's history, you can spend the day walking through national monuments and see the White House first-hand. 5. Antietam National Battlefield Take in some more of this nation's history by visiting the site of one of the most dramatic battles of the Civil War. Today, Antietam is a beautiful piece of countryside. Follow the self-guided tour to see multiple critical points of conflict. 6. Gunpowder Falls State Park Get outside in one of Maryland's largest State Parks, where you will feel like you're further than an hour away when you explore the beautiful wilderness. With more than 100 miles of woodland, you can enjoy: Running Hiking Fishing Canoeing Kayaking Horseback riding Visit Our Dealership While on Your New Carrollton, MD Area Travels There is a lot to see and do around Maryland, including stopping by our facilities if you’re looking for new Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM models, used vehicles, or auto service. Come see the experts at DARCARS Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of New Carrollton to get the right vehicle and service to keep you and your family safe, whatever your destination might be. Click here for directions to our dealership! Image by Pixabay