An open mountain road beckons: Colorado National Parks Highway.

Mountain travelers worldwide take summer mountain road trips every year.

They may choose car hire and guided tours like the new Colorado tour with UK travel company Bon Voyage Travel and Tours.

Or mountain travelers may go on independent tours of mountain places like California’s Sierra High-Pass Country.

This stunning region is known for its soaring granite peaks, clear blue lakes, charming small towns and scenic roads in the High Sierra.

Heading north to Bear Valley, mountain adventurers will enjoy Lake Alpine and dozens of lakes for exploring, hiking, mountain biking, climbing and kayaking.

On California’s Highway 89, the drive around Lake Tahoe to North Lake Tahoe is considered one of the most scenic drives in the United States.

Are you planning a summer mountain road trip? Here are 10 Mountain Driving Tips:

1. Choose a SUV for safer mountain travel.
2. Pack a survival bag with blanket, candle, matches, energy bars, water, flashlight, flares, booster cables and shovel.
3. Plan your route ahead by checking out mountain weather websites to avoid bad weather and road conditions.
4. Prepare for navigation with GPS, maps and compass.
5. Take a car charger for your mobile phone.
6. Tell friends and family your mountain destination, itinerary and arrivals/departures.
7. Bring bear spray and a whistle for potential wildlife encounters.
8. Fill up your gas tank and keep an eye on your fuel gauge.
9. For high mountain travel, carry a set of tire chains for snow.
10. Mountain weather changes frequently so wear mountain boots and have mountain clothing handy.

Image courtesy of Colorado Tourism Office.

This is a Guest Post.

If you’re planning a road trip in the Dolomites, take a look at the UK company Wicked Campers.

The bargain campervan company is known for its “funky accommodation and wheels all rolled in to one wicked campervan.”  For mountain travelers in Europe, it’s a brilliant way to travel and  camp in style, comfort and on a budget.

Wicked Campers offers a choice of two and five-seater Toyota vans equipped with a bed for two, table, basic built-in kitchen, camping chairs, CD player and storage space and additional tents for larger groups.  What makes the campers “funky” is each van is individually graffitied like no other.

All Wicked Campers’ vans come with insurance and 24-hour roadside assistance which is valid in the UK and the rest of Europe.  They are available for one-way or round-trip hire.  Depots are located in London, Dundee, Loch Ness, Belfast, Amsterdam, Munich, Barcelona, Malaga, San Benedetto and Verditz.

For more info, check out Wicked Campers online.

Image courtesy of the Italian State Tourist Board.