How to Plan a Road Trip: The Easy Way

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How to Plan a Road Trip

When it comes to freedom and intentional living, nothing feels quite like hitting the open road and taking a vacation. As you watch the tree line whip past you at a dizzying pace, you leave work and other obligations behind you in search of rest and relaxation. Road trips are just plain exciting, and they can be one of the simplest vacations to plan.

The best way to plan a road trip is to determine the amount of time you have off, to select a final destination, and to plan sights and activities to enjoy along the way. While planning a road trip, it’s also a good idea to set a travel budget and to reserve your accommodations ahead of time.

It takes very little time and effort to plan the perfect road trip. In fact, if you’re the adventurous type, you could even just hop in your car and go. And if you’re more of the planning type, you can easily find what you’re looking for online.

From the right hotels or short-term rentals to the best restaurants and nightlife, you can easily find what you’re looking for with just a few clicks.

So what are you waiting for?

Make this the year you plan the most epic road trip yet.

Tips For Road Trips

Road trips are one of the favorite ways Americans spend their vacation time. And here are 50 tips to make your next road trip even better:

1. Determine Your Time Off

Before you start making any plans, check and see how much time off you plan to take for this trip.

2. Set a Travel Budget

Don’t blow your monthly budget just because you’re going on a road trip, set a travel budget and stick to it.

3. Pick a Final Destination

When you plan a road trip, choose your final destination first and then start thinking about which route you’d like to take to get there.

4. Use Google Maps and Roadtrippers

Both Google Maps and Roadtrippers have awesome features you can use to plan the perfect road trip.

5. Avoid Rush Hour Traffic

When you’re planning your travel times in between locations, always be sure to try to avoid rush hour traffic, especially near big cities.

6. Travel Only With People You Get Along With

This seems obvious, but a road trip is not a good way to spend time with people you don’t care for. Make sure you only go with people you can stand to be trapped in a vehicle with.

7.  Decide Which Vehicle Meets Your Needs

Once you know where you’re going and who you’re going with, consider which type of vehicle best meets the needs of this particular trip. Is your personal car the right vehicle or would you be better off in a larger minivan or RV?

8. Book a Rental Vehicle

If you do decide to bring a different vehicle for your trip, make sure to book a rental vehicle well before your departure date.

9. Book Accommodations

Booking accommodations well beforehand can help you search for the best deals and ensure that you’re never stuck without anywhere to sleep. So check out all of your options like hotels, rentals, campsites, and cottages to see which one works best for you.

10. Find Inspiration

One of the best ways to figure out what you want to do on vacation is to see what other people have done in the past and loved. Use travel blogs, Instagram, and Pinterest to get inspiration on activities, accommodations, and restaurants along the way.

11. Plan Activities Along the Way

The best road trips have lots of fun stops along the way. So don’t just race to your destination. Plan ahead for activities along the way and make a point of enjoying the journey.

12. Find Unique Restaurants Along the Route

There will be no shortage of fast food and chain restaurants along your route. But finding unique places and trying new foods is way more fun than eating the same things over and over again.

13. Don’t Overschedule Your Days

When you’re planning your trip itinerary, be sure not to overschedule your days. It’s way more fun to meander and see where the day takes you.

14. Clean Your Vehicle Before, During, and After

Eliminate travel stress by cleaning your vehicle before, during, and after your trip. Road trips tend to produce a lot of trash and you’ll be way more comfortable riding in a nice clean car.

15. Perform Vehicle Maintenance

There’s nothing worse than having a breakdown in the middle of nowhere. Be sure to perform all recommended vehicle maintenance before you go.

16. Check Important Paperwork

Prior to leaving for your trip, make sure that you have all of your important paperwork on hand and that it’s updated. You’ll need a current driver’s license, insurance paperwork, vehicle registration, and an enhanced license or passport if you plan on entering Canada or Mexico.

17. Use a Road Trip Packing List

Using a road trip packing list will ensure that you don’t forget a thing.

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Brooke’s Top Pick For Printable PDF

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18. Don’t Overpack

Nothing is more uncomfortable than being stuck in an overpacked car for hours. Be sure you only bring what is necessary and leave the rest at home.

19. Print and Buy Games

Playing games in the car is a great way to pass the time with your family. So be sure to print some creative road trip games beforehand and buy games that are easy to play in a vehicle.

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Brooke’s Top Pick For Road Trip Games

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20. Perform Downloads

Cell service can go out frequently on longer road trips so be sure to download some podcasts, audiobooks, or music before you leave home.

21. Prepare a Roadside Emergency Car Kit

Make any emergency easier to deal with on the road by packing an emergency car kit. Don’t forget to bring important items like a spare tire, jack, jumper cables, and tow straps.

22. Pack a First Aid Kit

Be sure to bring a small first aid kit that is within hand’s reach. It makes it much easier to handle minor cuts and burns while traveling.

23. Bring Cell Phone Car Chargers

Cell phone batteries can die quickly and that’s never a good thing when you’re traveling somewhere new. Make sure to bring cell phone car chargers and put them somewhere they can be grabbed easily.

24. Keep Trash Bags in the Car

Having several small bags in the car for trash is always a good idea.

25. Pack an Entertainment Bag For the Kids

Kids will whine if you let them get overly tired, hungry, or bored. Create an entertainment bag for all of the kids traveling with lots of activities to keep them happy.

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26. Bring a Good Camera

Half of the fun of a road trip is documenting it. Bring a good camera with you a take lots of touristy selfies together.

27.  Be Sure to Have Cash and Change On Hand

You never know when you’re going to stop at a cash-only store or hit yet another toll road. Be sure to have both cash and change on hand at all times.

28. Pack Healthy Snacks

You’re sure to get hungry while traveling hour after hour. Pack healthy snacks for the whole family so that you aren’t constantly filling up on junk food.

29. Stay Hydrated

While you’re packing snacks, pack a cooler of cold drinks too. It’s important to stay hydrated while you’re on the road.

30. Check the Weather

Before you leave, always check the weather to see if you’ll be hitting any rain, snow, sleet, or hail. Weather events can slow your travel time way down and can create dangerous driving conditions.

31. Have a Weather Backup Plan

If the forecast shows bad weather along your route, create a weather backup plan by taking a short detour to escape poor road conditions.

32.Print Maps

Even if you have a car GPS and apps on your cell phone, it can be helpful at times to have paper maps too. Printing maps ahead of time can save you the headache if your technology stops working properly.

33. Have a Printed Itinerary

Having a printed itinerary works as a great backup plan when your cell phone dies or you can’t get cell coverage.

34. Leave an Itinerary Back Home

Letting people back home know your travel plans is always an important part of staying safe. Give them a detailed itinerary and check in with them often.

35. Sleep Well the Night Before

Spending an entire day driving can go from exciting to awful quickly if you’re feeling tired, sick, or hungover. Make sure you’re healthy and well-rested before you leave and save the cocktails for when you get there.

36. Dress in Layers

The weather can change significantly from one moment to the next while driving. Dress in layers so you feel comfortable the entire ride.

37. Wear Comfortable Clothes

Road trips are not the time to wear anything that makes you uncomfortable. Be sure to wear comfortable clothes while you travel.

38. Wear Slip-On Shoes

If you like to relax when you’re in the car, wear comfortable slip-on shoes that you can easily take on and off.

39. Wear Sunscreen

You can get a sunburn while riding in a car. Whenever you travel long distances, be sure to wear sunscreen on any of your exposed skin.

40. Look Out for Truck Stops

Large truck stops are well-lit, populated, and they often have gas, snacks, drinks, restrooms, showers, and gifts. That’s why truck stops are often a better bet than small rest areas that may not have what you’re looking for.

41. Fill Up On Gas Whenever You Can

It’s never a good idea to let your gas tank get too close to empty when you’re on a road trip. Fill up on gas whenever you can and don’t risk running out.

42. Stop Often

Stop to get gas, stretch, and use the restroom often. You’ll feel a lot better when you take regular breaks and don’t stay in a seated position too long.

43. Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Whenever you’re traveling, be aware of your surroundings and watch your family members closely.

44. Use Baby Wipes for Everything

Baby wipes have so many great uses while traveling. Use them for a quick clean-up, sticky messes, or spilled drinks.

45. Create Memory Keepsakes

A road trip is a perfect time to create a keepsake for all of your vacation memories. So make a photo book, write a travel journal, or write a blog post along the way.

46. Get Involved

Car trip games and activities are not just for the kids. Get involved and have some fun as a family.

47. Limit Eye Strain

Being stuck in a vehicle for a long time is not a good excuse to veg out on technology. Protect your eyes from strain by putting the cell phone, tablet, or movies away once in a while.

48. Take Detours

Don’t be afraid to take detours in order to make the trip even more fun. If there’s something cool close by, take the time to see it.

49.  Use Apps

Whenever you get to someplace new, use apps to make your time there more enjoyable. There are many great apps to help you find information on the best hiking trails, waterfalls, or national parks in that area.

50. Don’t Drive When You’re Tired

Driving while you’re tired is unpleasant and unsafe. Take turns driving and take breaks often.

So there you have it. Now you know exactly how to plan a road trip the easy way. With these 50 road trip tips, you’re going to be an expert the next time you hit the road.

Get out and explore the world. Your next adventure is waiting is for you.

Sources

• Etsy
• Google Maps
• Instagram
• Pinterest
• Purdue: America’s Road Trips: Market Insights
• Roadtrippers

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Where do you want to go on your next road trip? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.