With spring and summer just around the corner, road trip fever is in the air. While it may be tempting to load up your trunk, hop in your car and head cross-country at the first sign of the spring sun, taking time to do some planning beforehand is essential. After all, on any trip, your car will become your home away from home while you're on the road. When looking for a potential road-tripmobile, it's important to look with an eye toward not just reliability, but convenience as well. Below are a couple of things to keep in mind when shopping for the perfect car for your trip.

Fuel Efficiency
This may sound like a no-brainer, but long-distance driving means more stops at the gas station. Unfortunately, drivers know that the pumps can be punishing to pocketbooks. With AAA having reported that average gas prices have risen 42 out of the last 45 days, 2014 doesn't look like the year that's going to turn around. What's more, gas prices tend to increase in the warmer months as demand goes up. 

That said, choosing a fuel-efficient car will go a long way in saving you cash at the pump. Models like the 2004–2009 Toyota Prius report an impressive 47 mpg, and the 2003–2005 Honda Civic Hybrid reports 41 mpg according to MSN. While you may not be able to avoid high gas prices, a fuel-efficient car can let you get by with fewer trips to the pump.

Comfort And Safety
While on the road, you'll want to make sure that the car you're spending all day in is comfortable and safe. Crossovers and SUVs are popular choices due to their size and cargo capacity. Many, like the 2009–2011 Ford Escape are available as hybrids so you don't have to make the choice between riding in comfort and stopping too often for gas. Safety is a plus here too; the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, reported AutoTrader.com.

You'll want to keep cleanliness in mind, as your car will likely see its fair share of food and drinks on your trip. AutoTrader.com lauds the 2005–2011 Honda Element for its stain-resistant seats and urethane coated floors, meaning you can down those iced coffees fearlessly. 

Wherever you're headed this season, make your first stop NJ State Auto Auction. There are hundreds are Carfax-certified cars on the lot waiting for the chance to hit the highway on your summer adventures.