Social Media has changed how we view travel. The highlight reels of the beautiful beaches of Santorini, the gorgeous villas off of the Italian Amalfi coast, or the ice-blue waters of the Maldives, will take your breath away because of their wonder and the cost of going to visit. If you can turn off your social media feed for a bit, you might realize that having a wonderful vacation does not limit you to international travel. For those of us living on the east coast, there are great options right around the corner. In this article, we share a few local spots that are perfect for a road trip along with a tips to make sure your ride is in tip-top shape!

There are so any great places, the options can be a little overwhelming. Here’s a quick list of ideas to get you started. 

1. Go Glamping! If you know me, you know the outdoors is not something I frequent, nature tries to kill me ya'll! However, the idea of glamping seems to be an awesome opportunity to camp while enjoying the comforts of modern living. Sandy River and the Blue Ridge Parkway offer options for a girl's trip, couple's getaway, or family bonding. 

2. Philadephia is down the street!  Okay, maybe not down the street, but the amount of time many of us take to commute to and from work is the equivalent of a ride to Philly. Check out this article written by US News titled The 34 Best Things to Do in Philadelphia according to a Local.  Only 2 hours away, it’s easy to get to, not overly expensive, and close enough to visit and return home in one day.  And because you can't do everything in one day, you can always return.

3. The Eastern Shore is waiting! If you haven't been to Maryland’s eastern shore, what are you waiting for? St. Micheals is a coastal town off of the Chesapeake Bay. It’s about 90 minutes away, and it's Maryland's version of Martha's Vineyard (without the plane ride or difficulty booking). Due to the quick driving time, it can be another day trip option. Click here for more information on what to do when visiting St. Michaels. 

Now that you know where to go, let’s make sure you can get there safely. Here are a few ways to get your ride ready for your day trip or weekend outing. 

• Give a Thorough Cleaning—If you haven't done a deep clean since winter, you could have grime both inside and outside your vehicle. A deep cleaning including the undercarriage, engine bay and obvious areas like doors and windows can help eliminate salt buildup. Scrub the interior as well to get rid of trash, dirt, debris and unnecessary items that may weigh down your car and hurt its fuel efficiency. A clean look and smell can make road trips more enjoyable.

• Check (or Change) the Tires—Changing air temperatures can lead to fluctuations in tire pressure. As the weather warms, be sure to check tire pressure frequently to avoid overinflation that can lead to wear. Also, check tread depth as it may be time for new tires.

• Change the Oil—While most experts recommend oil changes every 5,000 miles or so, depending on the age of your vehicle, a spring auto checklist isn’t complete without checking (and possibly changing) the oil. Fresh oil keeps engines running as intended..

• Test the Wiper Blades—In the Mid-Atlantic, spring means rain and we have had our share this year. Ensuring wiper blades are ready to take on weather ranging from sprinkles to downpours is practical for maximizing safety on the road. Cold weather and ice can cause wipers to crack, so spring is a perfect time to assess winter’s damage.

• Consider a Professional Inspection—If it’s been a while since your vehicle was properly inspected, now may be a good time to have a professional take a look under the hood. Wiper blades and tire pressure are easy for many car owners to handle, but alignment, suspension, brakes and other key elements of vehicle safety and efficiency are often best left to those with trained eyes. Letting a certified mechanic assess your ride is a perfect way to ensure you’re ready for the open road.