road trip travel tips

Your ultimate checklist for an epic road trip

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Road trips are one of the most fun ways to travel and explore a place. Think about it - wouldn’t you rather breathe in some fresh air and get lost in serene landscapes instead of waiting in long lines at the airport? Of course! Now, although road trips can be exciting, they can also get to you if you haven’t planned a few things out. We’ve put together a list of hacks and tips to make sure you have an epic road trip with fewer unpleasant surprises and many memorable ones!

27 Expert Tips For An Epic Road Trip

Below are the tips and hacks you're here for. Read on and thank us later!

#1 Budget the road trip (and stick to it)

Plan your budget beforehand so you can figure out how much you’ll need for the entire trip. Don’t underestimate your total budget because you don’t want to fall short of money. You’ll also want to account for unforeseen expenses, emergencies, and toll gates. Always carry enough cash just in case you can’t use your cards. If you’re traveling with other adults, decide on a budget together. Talk about how much you plan to spend each day and how much you need to set aside for different activities. It’s always good to plan these things out together and set expectations during the planning process.

#2 Alternate coffee with water to stay alert

Although coffee is widely accepted as the beverage that keeps you awake and alert, it’s not the best choice if you’re driving for long hours. the caffeine can make you very dehydrated and lethargic after a while, making things extremely uncomfortable, especially if you’re driving. caffeine acts as a stimulant but often works for a short duration. taking a few sips of plain water or snacking on water-infused fruits every now can really help you stay hydrated and alert for the whole journey., #3 get a thorough car health check-up before you hit the road.

The last thing you want on your road trip is to have your car break down. Head over to the closest garage or mechanic and have them check your car thoroughly. Check the tire pressure for any signs of a possible flat. Fill up the car with a full tank to skip the hassle of finding a station in the first few hours of your road trip. Always keep a spare tire or two in the car just in case you need it on the way, and of course, learn how to change a tire before you hit the road. You just might need it for those areas where road assistance is miles away.

#4 Let your bank know where you’re going

It’s a good idea to inform your bank about where you’re headed in case of any money-related emergency that can crop up on your holiday. Because you’ll be traveling to unfamiliar places, there’s always the chance of running into frauds, even if you’re extremely careful. Keeping your bank informed can ensure that all transactions made on your holiday are looked into and any action needed can be done almost immediately. Put yourself at ease and let your bank know your travel plans before you head out.

#5 Chart a rough itinerary

You don’t want to rely solely on spontaneity, and at the same time, you don’t want to plan every tiny aspect of the trip. What you can do is chart out a rough itinerary, including pit stops, places to visit once you reach, restaurants, and the like. Basically, a rough idea of all the things you want to cover on the trip. This gives you a lot to look forward to but also room for some flexibility. For instance, let’s say you had a long night and woke up too late for breakfast and sightseeing, that’s okay! If your plan is flexible, you can still make the most of the day and see what else you can do.

#6 Carry cash and stash them carefully

Carrying a sufficient amount of cash on your road trip is absolutely essential. You just might need cash for places that don’t accept card payments, especially if you’re traveling through a small town or village. Maybe you want to grab a quick bite at a little food stall or food truck, maybe you get a flat and have to call for road assistance. Either way, keep some cash with you just in case. But don’t keep all of it in one spot. Carefully distribute it across a few spots and make sure it’s safe and hidden.

#7 Fill up gas using a Credit Card that gives cashback

Many banks have exciting cashback offers when it comes to expenses like fuel. You’ll probably need a full tank or three for your whole trip so why not save some money and earn some points/cashback while you fuel up. Call or visit your bank before you fuel up to see if your credit card is eligible for a cashback. If not, check with your road trip buddies to see if any of them have cashback offers. This is super helpful, especially if your journey is going to be a long one and you need to fill fuel more than a couple of times.

#8 Fill up gas every chance you get

Even if you have more than a half tank of gas, it’s always better to fuel up every chance you get. You never know when you might find the next gas station and sometimes it could be several hours before you do. Sometimes it might even be shut. So, even if you do your homework and figure out where all the gas stations are on your way and back, it’s always better to be safe and fill gas whenever you find a station, especially if you’ve used up half or more of your tank.

#9 Opt for truck stops over rest areas

Because you’re traveling to unknown areas, your safest bet is to opt for truck stops instead of secluded pitstops. This is an especially useful tip if you’re traveling with women and children and want to be cautious. Truck stops aren’t just for truckers anymore. With adequate lighting, food, facilities, and a small crowd, it is definitely much safer than stopping at a remote area with no one around. Either way, be cautious about where you pull up and quickly scan the area to make sure it’s safe.

#10 Schedule exercise breaks every 2 to 4 hours

We all know how painful it is to sit in the same position for hours on end. You definitely want to avoid this especially while driving and stop for a quick stretch every 2-4 hours. Doing this will help keep the inevitable back pain and leg cramps at bay. Stop every few hours and stretch it out, especially if you feel your body starting to get stiff. Breathe in some fresh air, pop a few healthy snacks, and stay hydrated so your body is in good shape to get back on the road.

#11 Learn how to change a tire

No one really tells you the importance of knowing how to change a tire, but it is an extremely valuable skill to have. It’s easy to call someone to change your tire when you run a flat in a city, but what happens when you’re in the middle of nowhere? You may not find road assistance close by or they might be miles away and take hours to reach you. You’d rather take the time to learn how to change a tire yourself and save yourself time and money.. If you learn how to do it right, the whole ordeal takes just 10-15 minutes.

#12 Bring a portable charger for your devices

We’re all pretty reliant on GPS, especially when we’re traveling. Your phone is precious in more than one way and you can’t have it drain out before you reach your destination. When you’re on a road trip, you usually rely on your vehicle’s power to charge your device. On the off chance that your car breaks down and you can’t charge your phone for assistance, it's good to have a backup charger. So carry one or two portable chargers for emergencies!

#13 Carry an offline/physical map for when GPS ditches you

Let’s be honest, we’d be pretty lost without GPS, and you can’t have your GPS giving up on you on a road trip! Backups are essential. Although the age of physical maps might be long gone, you never know when it’ll come in handy. You should also download offline maps before you set out in case you lose network and can’t access your GPS. Having all of this sorted ahead of time will save you from being stranded.

#14 Preload your phone with playlists and podcasts

Road trips are always more fun when you have some fun tunes to hum along to. Remember that you’re probably going to be out of range for the radio to function, so put a few playlists together before you hit the road. You might also lose signal sometimes, so maybe download all the songs and podcasts just in case. That way you always have music and entertainment to keep you engaged through the long stretches. Although road trip games are fun, sometimes it’s nice to just sit back, relax, and listen to good music. Don’t forget to keep everyone’s taste in mind when you’re making these playlists.

#15 Get off the highway and take the road less traveled (sometimes)

Driving on the highway can get monotonous and boring. If you have a car that can handle a little bit of off-roading, why not take an alternate route or a short detour and go on a mini-adventure? You never know what you might find in the nooks of new towns, but we’re sure it’ll be worth finding out. That said, don’t take too much of a detour and lose your way completely! Make sure to check the maps before you hit the detour to see which roads will lead you back to the highway.

Ultimate Bucketlist Road Trips In The World

#16 book flexible attraction tickets in advance.

It’s important to have a loose itinerary in mind when you plan a road trip. Although planning and booking things in advance is helpful, you might change your mind once you’re actually there. Booking flexible attraction tickets gives you the option of canceling your tickets or rescheduling them without losing money. This is a great option if you and your buddies are more on the spontaneous side. Have some fun and be flexible with your plans.

Book last minute experiences on Headout , your one-stop digital marketplace for tours, activties and experiences across 100+ cities around the globe.

#17 Snap pictures of informative signs when you enter a city/town and keep them handy

Just like how you might take pictures of where your car is parked in a massive parking lot, you probably want to take pictures of important signs on your road trip. Keep these pictures in handy in case you get lost and need to retrace your path. It’s also a good idea to keep these pictures in case of any other emergency that pops up when you’re on the road in unfamiliar areas.

#18 Download a handy chunk of road trip friendly apps

Nowadays there are apps for pretty much everything. To find a toilet, to find the closest gas station, to chart your road trip itinerary and even to find the nearest parking. Before setting off on a road trip, make sure to download the few recommended road trip apps to help make your trip hassle-free!

#19 Stock up on emergency essentials (more than one of each)

Include emergency essentials on your road trip packing list. You always need to be prepared in case of accidents and emergencies, especially if you’re in for a long drive and help is far off. Some important things that need to be packed include a first-aid kit, road safety kit, car tools, spare tires and other car parts, a flashlight, blankets, and water.

#20 Travel insurance + Car insurance are an absolute must

There’s a reason why accidents are called that - because you never know when they can happen. Make sure you have car insurance and travel insurance and keep a copy or two of them in the car. You want to be prepared for anything when you’re on a road trip, especially when there are other people in the car with you. Insurance is a must when you’re heading out on a road trip..

#21 Know the road rules of the country

Get yourself familiar with the road rules of the place you’re going to visit. Sometimes each state has its own travel rules for the road. Do a bit of research and find tips for travelers from official travel and tourism websites. Whether it’s Europe, the United States, Australia, or Asia, you can find important information about road rules on their government or tourism sites. This little extra step can help reduce any tension when you’re driving and prepare you for the unexpected.

#22 Carry a foldable chair and portable picnic set

One of the most exciting parts of a road trip is finding beautiful spots along the way where you can enjoy the view, take some cool pictures, or better - have a picnic! Carry a few foldable chairs and a portable picnic set with you so you can have an impromptu picnic anywhere, anytime. Light food and beverages are perfect for a picnic, like sandwiches, juice boxes, chips, and whatever else you fancy. Having a small picnic in the middle of your road trip also gives you a chance to unwind and enjoy nature before getting back on the road.

#23 Sunscreens for the windows are a blessing during afternoons

When you crank the air conditioner up, it can slow down your car or burn up fuel much faster. but when you roll the windows down, it can get loud with harsh winds. plus, the car usually gets quite heated up during noon, making it uncomfortable for passengers inside. a bunch of hot, sweaty, irritable people stuck next to each other for a long time inside a car can make things very uncomfortable. invest in sunscreens for the car windows so that even if you’re driving when the sun is at its peak, you can still have a pleasant drive., #24 cover distances during daylight, the best time to start your road trip is at 4 or 5 am in the morning, just before the sun rises. this way you get to beat the morning traffic and be out of the city in time to catch some sensational views of the sunrise. plus, without regular commuters on the road, your journey becomes less hectic and more enjoyable without being stuck in those annoying traffic jams. after all, you don’t want to start off your road trip in a bad mood. leaving early also helps you cover the majority of your distance during daylight when it's the safest to drive., #25 don’t use cruise control at night, as relaxing as it is to put the car on cruise control, kick back, and enjoy the ride, you don’t want to do this after the sunsets. using cruise control at night can be dangerous because it’s harder to see things at night and your reflexes need to be on high alert. the nighttime is usually when truck drivers tend to become more drowsy and little animals tend to set out on adventures, often ending up on roads. so stay off cruise control at night and be ready for anything unexpected..

#26 Keep a close watch on the weather forecast and change plans accordingly

Weather can be so unpredictable sometimes. you most certainly should check the weather forecast while planning the trip to see what clothes to carry, what activities to plan, and so on. but, as accurate as weather forecasts are, there are times when the weather changes unpredictably. keep a close watch on the forecast every day of your trip, especially when you’re planning to cover long distances. have a rough backup plan in mind, in case mother nature decides to throw some weather hazards your way., #27 kit your car out and carry spare parts, even though vehicles are made of a gazillion different parts, sometimes even if one of those parts stops working, you’re going to have trouble. there are some essential parts to a car where it helps to have a spare, so you don’t end up having to ditch your car in the middle of nowhere. spare tires, car battery, water pump, jumper cables, and a timing belt. if you want to keep even more items handy, that’s perfectly alright, but you should at least have these few essentials just in case there’s a breakdown on your road trip..

Lakshmi Menon

Born to parents bit by the wander bug, Lakshmi calls her love for travel "hereditary and habitual". Perpetually ensconced with a book in her hand and a mug of coffee in the other, she has been to over 15 countries in her 23 years of existence and is currently saving miles and money for her solo trip to Iceland. Always hustling towards the least trodden path, she has encountered some wonderful people during her escapades and if you ever meet her, she won't stop gushing about them.

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25 Practical Tips for Long Road Trips

By Jason Barnette | Travel writer and photographer with 15+ years of road tripping experience

• Last Updated on May 25, 2024
• Published on July 7, 2021

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my Affiliate Disclosure here .

You’re finally ready to embark on that epic road trip that will take you across the country from sea to shining sea. The gas tank is full, you’ve checked off every item on the packing list, and you’re ready to hit the road. But are you actually ready for a long road trip?

The longer a road trip, the more complicated it can get. I didn’t say would get, but it certainly can get complicated. Have you packed enough clothing for the entire trip, or will you need to do laundry along the way? Are you ready for chilly nights, rain, and unexpected adventures? Unfortunately, these are the kinds of questions many people don’t consider until the road trip is underway – and it’s too late to make many changes.

These 25 practical tips for long road trips will help you get prepared long before you leave home, save money along the way, and help you spend more time enjoying the road trip and less time dealing with those pesky complications.

Buy food at grocery stores instead of gas stations

Road trip snacks are almost as necessary as gasoline for the car – they even perform similar functions. But one of the worst things a person can do on a road trip is to buy the snacks spontaneously at random gas stations along the way.

Save money and time with those snacks at grocery stores or bulk purchase stores. Stock up on all the snacks, drinks, and coffee at a fraction of the price of buying it along the way. The more you save, the longer you can drive.

Get your car inspected

Before leaving home, get your car inspected. Most national chain auto repair shops offer free inspections because they want your business when they find something wrong with the car.

But it’s an excellent way to get all the fluids topped off, tires rotated and balanced, and the hundreds of moving parts of a car inspected before you leave. Spur of the moment auto repairs during a road trip can be prohibitively expensive – not to mention you might have to shack up at a roadside motel for a few days while the work is done.

Keep your car maintained

Did you know properly inflated tires can lead to better gas mileage? Under-inflated tires cause a drop of 0.2% miles per gallon for every 1 PSI of all tires. That may not seem like much, but it can add up on long road trips.

Consider a 5,000-mile road trip in a vehicle that gets 30 miles per gallon. This would require 167 gallons of gas to complete the trip. However, if all four tires are underinflated by an average of 4 PSI, that means the vehicle is only achieving 27.6 miles per gallon. This would require 182 gallons to complete the trip – an increase of 15 gallons.

Beyond tire pressure, be sure to maintain fluids for the radiator, brakes, and engine oil to prevent damage to the engine. Replaced burned out headlights and taillights immediately. Keep up with oil changes and tire rotations for trips longer than 5,000 miles.

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Set a reasonable daily mileage goal

The point of a road trip is to enjoy the journey as much as the destination. Driving 500 miles per day on the interstate highways doesn’t make for a very enjoyable road trip adventure. Driving that far on two-lane roads is incredibly tedious and exhausting.

By the time you stop at a couple roadside attractions, go for a hike in a state park, sit down for lunch, and take a short detour, the number of miles you’ll be able to cover in a single day will be limited at best. But that’s the point of the road trip! Set a limited number of miles to drive each day, giving yourself plenty of time to enjoy everything you’ll discover along the way.

Avoid rush hour traffic and peak dinner times

Sitting in congested traffic and waiting for food are two of the biggest examples of losing time on a long road trip. In fact, those are the biggest time wasters for just about any kind of travel. But there is a simple way to avoid losing time: avoid rush hour and peak dinner times.

Eat breakfast after 9 a.m., get lunch around 2 p.m., and consider dinner either early at 4 p.m. or wait until 7 p.m. During those time frames, you’ll get seated faster, and food served quicker. Also, when driving around town or between destinations, avoid the rush hours of 7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.

As an added bonus, use a navigation app or dedicated GPS device in your car that includes traffic information – this information will help you spot potential traffic jams from congestion, construction, or accidents and usually includes optional detours. Using an app like OpenTable ( iOs | Android ) will allow you to make reservations at many restaurants – cutting down the time spent waiting for a table to open.

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A void Small Town Travel on Sundays and Mondays

Roll into almost any small town with a population of less than 20,000 on a Sunday or Monday, and you’re likely to find every restaurant, museum, and attraction closed. It’s not from the owners’ lack of business sense but rather because the owners often work in their businesses, and they want a couple of days off each week.

Sundays and Mondays tend to be the most common days these local businesses are closed. However, it may also include mid-weekdays like Tuesday and Wednesday. Instead of visiting the small towns, consider spending the night in state or national parks, driving scenic routes, or just taking a couple of days to relax.

Pack everything – including the kitchen sink

I own six rain jackets, four sets of trekking poles, and two pairs of Crocs Swiftwater shoes . It’s not because I want a particular color combination for each day of the week, but instead because I kept leaving the items behind, thinking I wouldn’t need them.

Pack everything you can possibly fit into your vehicle for a long road trip. Go beyond your tentative itinerary and think about things you enjoy doing that you might want to do along the way. Take those golf clubs or stunt kites, pack the fleece hoodie, and bring more than two pairs of shoes. Although it’s impossible to prepare for every eventuality, every little bit helps save money in the budget.

Fill the gas tank on Monday

GasBuddy ( iOS | Android ) conducted a survey a few years ago to determine the best and worst times for gas prices. Interestingly, Mondays were the cheapest day of the week to get gas on average, with the best time coming around 10 a.m.

Also, interesting – though not surprising – was that the worst day to get gas was Friday or the day before a major holiday. During those days, gas prices tended to spike first thing in the morning.

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Don’t rely on cellular service

One universal constant of any long road trip is the eventuality of running into a cellular dead zone. Rural areas in the Midwest, rugged terrain in the Rockies, and sporadically throughout the Southeastern United States are areas in between cellular towers that will leave your cellphone or tablet as useful as screen doors for submarines.

Be prepared to eventually lose cellular service during your long road trip. Download Google Maps ( iOS | Android ) for offline use, make sure all your apps are up to date, and download movies for entertainment. Doing as much of this as possible while connected to WIFI will prevent you from breaching a monthly data limit.

Plan to do laundry on the road

Depending on the length of the road trip, the activities you plan to enjoy along the way, and your fashion style, it just might not be possible to pack a new outfit for every single day. So rather than pack five suitcases stuffed with every stitch of clothing you own, consider doing laundry somewhere along the way.

As a rule of thumb, pack at least five of each type of clothing. Shorts, pants, tees, polos or blouses, underwear, and socks. On top of that, pack something for chilly nights and rain. This will give you about a week of clothing – but you’ll need to get used to wearing those shorts and that shirt more than once in between washing.

Buy a laundry bag and take it with you on the road trip. However, do not buy laundry detergent ahead of time. The heat and humidity will ruin most detergents and leave your car with an overwhelming smell. When you finally decide to do laundry, be sure to take enough quarters to complete your load, never leave your laundry unattended, and always use a laundromat during daylight hours.

Get organized

Organizing all your clothing, gear, food, and accessories is a crucial and often overlooked aspect of any long road trip. But, after two, three, or four weeks of restacking bags, hunting for that small item, and shifting cargo around every curve of the road, you’ll be on the edge of losing it.

Buy stuff sacks or use gallon-sized Ziplock bags to organize smaller items. Buy midsized duffel bags or plastic totes for organizing smaller bags. Stackable totes that can lock together are best for keeping the totes from sliding around in the vehicle. Label everything and always leave the most frequently used items on top.

Get plenty of sleep

The first few days of a long road trip, you’ll likely feel energized by the excitement and tempted to stay up 18 hours a day. I can typically keep that level of stamina going for about the first three weeks of constant travel – but eventually, everyone slows down.

Getting plenty of sleep is important to maintaining your mental and physical health, not to mention keeping morale high. Spending too much time traveling and not enough sleeping will eventually lead to exhaustion, depression, and moodiness.

On a long road trip, plan to take one or two days a week off from travel. Find a nice roadside motel, splurge on a super nice hotel with a free hot breakfast, or settle into a campground for two nights. Avoid the temptation to go out and explore the area – just focus on rest and relaxation.

Road Trip Along the Scenic Route from Gatlinburg to Asheville

Keep the car clean (inside and out)

The day before any road trip begins, I always find one of those really nice car washes with the conveyor belt that pulls the vehicle through a wash cycle. Then, after getting the exterior cleaned – included RainX and a tire shine – I visit the vacuum cleaners. There is no greater feeling than starting a long road trip with a squeaky-clean vehicle.

On long road trips, it will probably be necessary to do a little cleaning along the way. Car washes are easy enough. Instead of relying on their vacuum cleaners – or paying for them – consider buying the THISWORX Car Vacuum Cleaner . It uses 12v power with a removable collection bin and comes with a nice travel bag.

For an added touch, the Little Trees Vent Wrap Car Air Freshner’s “new car smell” will make your vehicle smell brand new after getting it clean.

Join a roadside rescue plan

Most auto insurance companies and cellular providers offer some sort of roadside assistance rescue plan. If you don’t have the option for either of those, consider buying a AAA membership to access their roadside rescue plan.

At the very least, roadside rescue plans will unlock a vehicle, tow your vehicle to safety, and provide gas in case you run out. Better plans will include longer towing distances and more gas. It’s the one thing you never think about until you need it – so this time, plan ahead.

Road Trip on the Scenic North Carolina Waterfall Byway

Keep up with monthly bills

Only about 40% of Americans use auto pay for monthly bills like utilities and credit card payments – I’m not one of them. One of the biggest mistakes with long road trips that last more than a month is forgetting to take care of those bills before you hit the road or somewhere during the trip.

It’s easy to pay those bills with the home computer with your login information saved, but could you pay those bills on the road with a cellphone or tablet? Be sure to take your login information with you and keep it in a safe location like a locked glovebox or portable security case. Add the due date for any bills to your travel itinerary – and remember that cellular service is not a guarantee everywhere.

Life Pro Trip: Many credit card companies and certain utilities allow you to choose a due date for your monthly bill. Aligning all these bills for the same due date makes it easier to keep up with – especially while you’re traveling.  

Leave room for souvenirs

I know I said “pack everything – including the kitchen sink” earlier, but don’t go overboard and fill the entire vehicle before you hit the road. More than likely, you will want to buy some souvenirs along the way.

Smaller souvenirs like clothing, décor, and Christmas ornaments – my favorite type of souvenir to buy – are easy enough to pack into a bag or tote in the vehicle. But if you buy more oversized items like artwork, glassware, or large gift items, ask the retailer if they can ship them to your home or a relative’s home for safekeeping. Often, the shipping is included, especially in areas of high tourism where they expect the buyers to be non-locals.

Insider Tip: An easy way to keep up with souvenirs on a long road trip is to mail them to a friend or relative. The Flat Rate boxes at the United States Postal Service come in several sizes and are indeed a single flat rate – ranging from about $5-$15 per box – no matter where you ship it in the continental U.S.

Bring your favorite ___________

Do you have a favorite coffee mug? Slippers? Or what about a television series you love to watch? Just because you’re going on a road trip doesn’t mean you can’t bring some of those with you.

Bringing your favorite items with you on a long road trip can help you feel more at home and relaxed. Instead of missing that perfect coffee mug or comfortable slippers, you’ll feel much better having them with you.

Have an itinerary but leave room for spontaneity

It’s always good to have a travel itinerary. It’s essential to know the business hours of museums, restaurants, and attractions, so you don’t arrive too late or on a day when they are typically closed. Building an itinerary can help you avoid those frustrations.

However, leave room for spontaneous detours that will inevitably come along during a long road trip. Be prepared for entire destinations to change as your route progresses. Take advice from locals and be willing to give something new a try!

Road Trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Fill all prescriptions and bring extra

For three years, I worked as a certified pharmacy technician at CVS/Pharmacy in Emerald Isle, North Carolina. During the hectic – sometimes chaotic – summer months, we would sometimes fill thousands of prescriptions in a single day. The most common type of prescription was for someone who had left the medication at home.

If you have any kind of regular medication, be sure to pack that for your trip. But for long road trips that last more than 30 days, you might run out while on the road. Make sure your prescription has refills on file with your pharmacy or take a new prescription with you – as long as it is not a controlled substance. If your insurance allows, consider getting two or three months’ worth filled at one time for your long road trip.

Watch out for 140-degree heat in the car

On sunny days during the summer months, vehicles’ internal temperatures can rise 30-40 degrees higher than the outside temperature. When I was a kid, I remember going for a walk to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse during a family vacation. When we returned, my mom opened the back of the car to make snacks – only to discover the Cheese Whiz had exploded all over the car!

The high internal temperatures of vehicles can ruin more than just pressurized cans of food. Contact lenses, prescriptions, electronics, and coolers are all susceptible to damage from temperatures over 100 degrees.

You can reduce those internal temperatures by using a windshield sunshade. Close the sunshade on the moonroof. You may even consider buying curtains for the side windows – it’s not as silly as you might think.

Set a daily and final budget

My first road trip adventure of 2021 was a spontaneous, itinerary-free adventure along the Gulf Coast from Gulf Shores, Alabama, across Florida to Vero Beach. After a week exploring that area of Florida, I was considering heading south to Key West for what would have been my first visit. But when I looked at my bank account, my heart hit the floor when I realized my travel budget was at an end.

I’ve never been good at creating or keeping to a travel budget, and that resulted in a road trip cut short. So the better method is to create a daily budget and stick to it. But also give yourself leeway for those rare opportunities to do something awesome and set a final budget for the entire trip.

The advantage of a long road trip is that if you’re on the road long enough, you might just get an extra paycheck while you’re traveling. So how many vacation days do you have saved up for your long road trip?

Only travel by day

Some people only travel at night to avoid any traffic congestion at all – and that’s a good idea. But driving on unfamiliar roads at night poses some safety issues – not to mention what would happen if your vehicle broke down at 3 a.m.

The safest and surest way is to only travel by day. It will be much easier to keep aware of the unfamiliar road ahead, and you’re certain to get roadside assistance faster during normal business hours.

The Ultimate Road Trip on the Skyline Drive Through Shenandoah National Park

Choose the best road trip route

My #1 Rule for Road Trips is no interstate highways. There is just no reason to take a road trip route onto the interstate – you’ll miss everything along the way.

But what is the best road trip route? National scenic byways are a good start – there are dozens across the country. But sometimes, the most scenic or exciting road trip route is just a simple country road connecting interesting destinations. The best way to find those is to ask the locals – they always know the best route.

Document the trip

After returning home from an epic long road trip, it might be difficult to remember precisely where you found that amazing cheeseburger or savory salted caramel ice cream cone or watched that stunning sunset. It can be downright frustrating when you realize you don’t have a single photo to share or any clue where to find the name of that restaurant.

But what exactly does it mean to document the trip? I am not advocating for ten thousand photos plus an additional five thousand selfies from your long road trip. Don’t become one of those people who jump out of the car on the Blue Ridge Parkway just long enough for a selfie and then leave just as quickly.

It starts with the photos. Capture an exterior photo of every restaurant, museum, and attraction you visit – and be sure to include the name of the business. Capture an interior photo and then one or two photos of every meal or activity.

Take a journal. Jot down notes of the places you visit. Feelings. Smells. Sights. Take note of the business name, details of the food you eat, and reaction to museums. Draw pictures and maps, create word maps, put any word to paper that comes to mind. It will all be wonderful to see all the photos and notes again when your long road trip is finished.

Keep in touch with regular updates

One of the most important safety measures you can take during a long road trip is to let someone know where you are and where you are going by the end of the day. Particularly in places where cellular reception could be spotty, it’s good to tell someone that by nightfall, you should be at a particular destination and able to call them again.

That way, if your vehicle breaks down while in a cellular dead zone with little traffic, at least someone knows the route you were driving to send rescue your direction.

5 Responses

Great tips. Do you have a good app that we can use to track how our car is doing. So like we put in the mileage and it does the calculations for us of how many miles to gallon and stuff like that?

The best app I know about is called Mile IQ. It’s meant for contractors who have to keep up with their mileage for bookkeeping, but it works for road trippers as well. Give that a look and let me know if it works~!

Wrote down some of the tips that I want to remember before the trip. Changed the idea of minimizing clothing to being sure to cover (see what I did there) all bases. Like having a warm hoodie even though I am planning a trip, late June, to the South. Having something & not needing it is so much more logical that getting something I already have but not bringing it. Thank you for your tips.

Thank you very much for taking the time to put these tips together! Very helpful!

Great tips, thank you! My son is traveling the month of May on a solo road trip for the first time so wanted to pass these tips on to him!

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Planning a Road Trip: The Complete Guide

• Getting Your Car Ready
• Preparing for the Weather
• 8 Helpful Apps for a Road Trip
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Taking a Road Trip With Kids
• Planning a Solo Road Trip
• How to Plan a Camping Road Trip
• Planning a Stargazing Road Trip
• 10 Helpful Budget Tips
• Calculating the Cost of Gas
• Budget for a 3-Day Road Trip
• Best Road Trip Route By Interest
• Mississippi River Road Trip
• Atlantic Coast Road Trip
• Southern US Road Trip
• Northern US Road Trip
• Pacific Coast Road Trip
• US Route 12
• Northeastern US Routes
• Rocky Mountain Destinations
• Warm-Weather Road Trip
• The Longest Highway in the US
• Car Rental Companies
• Best Audio Books
• Must-Have Emergency Supplies
• Family Road Trip Toys and Games
• Car Bike Racks

For many travelers, nothing beats a good old-fashioned road trip—you’re treated to scenic views along your journey, you have the flexibility to stop wherever and whenever you please, you can set your own schedule, it’s usually less expensive than flying, and you can pack as many bags (and liquids!) as your heart desires. It’s no wonder 73 percent of Americans would rather road trip to their destination than fly, according to a survey conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Ford.

As with any mode of transportation, there’s no shortage of tricks and tips to help make your road trip experience more enjoyable, efficient, safe and cost-friendly. Whether you’re prepping for your first time or you’re a bona fide veteran, your next road trip is sure to benefit from our complete planning guide.

Planning Your Trip

You can learn a lot about a traveler based on his or her road trip style. Some road trippers are content throwing a last-minute backpack in the trunk and letting their mood dictate the route and final destination. Others pre-plan every last detail for weeks, mapping out each rest stop and which sights to visit along the way. Most fall somewhere in the middle, combining a rough plan with a little carefree flexibility. And that’s the beauty of road tripping: it literally puts you in the driver’s seat, allowing you to control almost any variable except traffic, road construction, weather, and speed limits.

The destination and time of year you’re going should be taken into account when deciding how much or little to plan ahead. “During holidays and peak summer travel seasons, travelers should plan out their trip in advance, including booking their hotels and scheduling their activities,” says Jeanette Casselano, AAA spokesperson. “If travelers are going to remote areas, they may even want to schedule their stops for gas and food.”

Additionally, if you’re heading to a city that’s hosting a special event (such as a festival, conference, or concert), it’s a wise move to pre-book your hotel room, rental or campsite—otherwise, you could end up sleeping in your vehicle upon arrival. For some road trippers, this is a right of passage; for others, a mistake they won’t soon repeat.

“Some attractions and parks have capacity limits, so plan those in advance if there is a must-do activity on your trip,” suggests Casselano. The same advice holds true for activities and national parks that require pre-purchased tickets or have a permit lottery system. 

Renting vs. Driving Your Own Vehicle

A couple weeks before your road trip, you’ll need to evaluate whether your vehicle is the most appropriate option for not only the road trip you’re planning, but the destination itself—and then determine if you need to rent a different vehicle before you hit the road. For instance, if you’re going camping or skiing, does it have enough cargo space for all your gear? If you’re heading to a mountainous region, will you need four-wheel drive or a higher ground clearance? If your car is leased, will this trip put you over your allotted mileage and result in extra charges from your dealership down the road? Is your vehicle older, unreliable, or in need of repairs? Are you headed to the beach, where a convertible would be more fun? There’s a lot to assess, so take your time and consider all vehicle specs accordingly.

And if you do decide to drive your own vehicle, make sure it’s up-to-date on maintenance in order to minimize the risk of a breakdown or accident. “Our cars have become so complex, it can be difficult to change out wiper blades or a headlamp yourself, let alone determine if your car is mechanically sound," says Fix.

Have a trusted mechanic check the tires and pressure, brakes, battery, engine, wiper blades, and top off engine oil and fluids as needed. Also, be sure to book your appointment far enough in advance of your road trip to allow adequate time for any repairs.

What to Bring

With luggage only limited by the amount of cargo space your vehicle has, it can be tempting to pack everything but the kitchen sink when embarking on a road trip. Resist the urge and instead focus on practicality.

For starters, AAA recommends keeping an emergency kit in your vehicle. Consider the below list of things to include (depending on location and season), and be sure to replenish any depleted items as needed:

• Cell phone and car charger
• First-aid kit
• Drinking water and snacks for everyone in the car, including pets
• Flashlight with extra fresh batteries
• Rags, paper towels, or pre-moistened wipes
• Basic set of tools, along with duct tape and car emergency warning devices (such as road flares or reflectors)
• Ice scraper/snow brush/shovel
• Jumper cables/jump pack
• Traction aid, such as sand, salt, or non-clumping cat litter
• Tarp, raincoat, and gloves
• Paper map or printed directions (in case GPS or Wi-Fi aren’t working)
• A car sun shade

“If you’re heading from a warm climate to a cold climate, make sure to bring a snow brush, ice scraper, and hand warmers,” suggests Lauren Fix , an ASE-certified technician, race car driver and award-winning author of three automotive books. “And if you’re going into the mountains, you will need snow chains. If you’re heading from cold climate into warm, make sure to have washer fluid, paper towels, and glass cleaner to clean the bugs off your windshield.”

Next, you’ll need to pack clothes, toiletries, medications, prescription glasses or contacts, electronic devices and their corresponding chargers (camera, laptop, tablet, fitness watch, wireless earbuds , etc.), and any other necessities. Depending on the weather and your itinerary, don’t forget coats, rain jackets, hiking boots, an umbrella, and sunglasses. Plus, you’ll need to pack the required equipment for any planned or impromptu activities, such as swimsuits, beach and pool gear, and tennis rackets or golf clubs.

“If you are traveling with small children, bring extra food, supplies, and changes of clothes, and plan stops more frequently and around their feeding and nap schedule,” advises Casselano. It’s also a good idea to pack board games, a deck of cards, books, toys, a tablet filled with movies, their favorite pillow or blanket, and stuffed animals to keep little ones busy during the drive.

Budget-Friendly Tips

While traveling by car tends to be inherently cost-conscious, there are at least 10 ways to save money on a road trip that you may be overlooking. The following habits will help make your wallet even happier.

Be flexible. “Road trips are most popular during the summer and during the winter holidays when school is out of session,” says Casselano. “These are also the times of the year when travel is more expensive.” When possible, choose to travel during shoulder season or during the week for better deals on hotels and attractions.

Bring your own snacks. Snacks and road tripping go hand-in-hand, but purchasing food and drinks at each rest stop adds up fast. Instead, plan ahead for your cravings, and load up on your favorites at a big box retailer before you hit the road. You can also pack a cooler to keep everything fresh.

Download helpful apps. Don’t be shy about leaning on technology to act as your co-pilot. Use them to find the lowest gas prices (GasBuddy, which also made our list of the eight best travel apps for a Great American road trip ), the least-expensive routes (TollGuru), the least traffic, and construction (Waze), and the nearest public restroom (Flush).

Shop around for rentals. If you decide renting a car is the way to go, follow these tips to save the most: Compare prices at various locations around the city (airport locations typically cost the most), consider discount brands, namedrop your memberships (such as AAA or Costco), and reserve the most economic car tier you and your travel companions will feel comfortable driving in (you may even luck out with an upgrade due to supply/demand on the day you pick it up).

Increase fuel efficiency. Aside from saving at the pump, you can also manage your fuel efficiency by avoiding roof-based luggage when possible (which makes the car less aerodynamic), driving at or below the speed limit, using cruise control on long stretches of open road, and keeping your tires properly inflated.

There’s a palpable sense of excitement when hopping in the car for a road trip that truly stands apart from other forms of transportation. The open road is positively brimming with possibilities, so feel free to choose the road less traveled. With each trip, you’ll gain a better sense of how to plan, what you’ll tweak next time, and, most importantly, where the next adventure will take you.

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How to Plan a Road Trip From Start to Finish

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What’s more American than a road trip ? Like blue jeans and apple pie, it's so embedded in the culture that travelers from around the world plan a road trip just to experience our open highways and byways. From the iconic Route 66 stretching across the heartland to the rugged beauty of the Pacific Coast Highway, the US has no shortage of scenic routes . What sets the American road trip apart is the sheer diversity of experiences on offer, from camping under a star-spangled sky to exploring epic parks like the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone . “Road trips offer an opportunity to venture out and connect with a multitude of people and experiences,” says Samantha Brown , the television host behind Samantha Brown’s Places to Love on PBS. At its most basic, Brown says, road tripping is about freedom.

We asked Brown and a slew of other travel experts to weigh in on planning the perfect route , finding good food and cheap gas, and keeping safety top of mind when hitting the open road. Below, see their best tips on how to plan a road trip so you're never lost, hungry, or bored.

Map your route

The route is the heart and soul of any good road trip. And while there’s a time and place for spontaneous diversions, it’s always smart to head into a long drive with a game plan. To customize a trip with multiple waypoints, use Google Maps’ My Maps feature to create your itinerary. This allows you to add up to 10,000 places of interest, as well as driving directions. (If you use Google Maps without signing in, you’ll be capped at the number of stops you can add.) Veronica E. Garnett, founder of the Black Adventuristas travel group, plots her trips via Google Maps, then uses Waze to get driving directions with live traffic updates and potential road hazards, and TollGuru to calculate fees and see if it’s possible to avoid them altogether. (Note to app minimalists: Google Maps offers similar features.)

California's Highway 1 is as scenic as they come.

If you’re setting out in a recreational vehicle rented from Cruise America , Road Bear , or a peer-to-peer rental site like RVshare , which can deliver rental RVs right to your destination, be mindful of narrow roadways and other potential obstructions. Jason and Rae Miller, founders of the Getaway Couple and Nomadic News , used to travel the country in a fifth wheel travel trailer measuring 42 feet long, eight feet wide, and 13.5 feet tall. “That is right at the legal maximum size for driving on the interstate,” say the Millers, which meant they couldn’t just fire up Google Maps and go on their merry way, since some overpasses were too close to call. Instead, they would plug their destination into the RV LIFE app for turn-by-turn directions that routed them safely around unforeseen obstacles like low-hanging bridges, narrow tunnels, and steep grades. While the Millers recently traded their fifth wheel for a smaller 12-foot-tall truck camper, they still consult the app, along with the travel-planning site RV LIFE Trip Wizard , when sketching out road trips. Cole Reinhardt, vice president of digital strategy at Kampgrounds of America, Inc. , is also a Trip Wizard fan, noting that the tool gives its users “RV-friendly travel routes and details on campgrounds and points of interest, including essential stops such as fuel stations.” For American drivers trying to plan a road trip outside of the United States, don’t forget to obtain an international driving permit from AAA, says Kim Bennett, founder of the crowd-sourced itinerary platform AtlasGuru . “Sometimes the rental companies ask for this, most often they don’t. But it’s easy to get so I usually do it as a precaution.” Bennett also recommends skimming the trip reports posted by members of the AtlasGuru community. One contributor who road tripped in Hungary recently reminded fellow users that you need to purchase a special pass for the highway; if you fail to do so, you could be fined.

Find good food, cheap gas, and other points of interest

Rule number one of planning a memorable road trip? Get off the interstate. “Research scenic byways for each state and get off the freeway as much as you can,” says Sam Highley, founder of All Roads North , a luxe US road trip planning service. The US Department of Transportation designates National Byways as roads with at least one notable archaeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational, or scenic feature; those with two or more of those qualities are classified as All-American Roads. This comprehensive mapping tool of byways allows users to search by state; each listing includes estimated mileage and driving time, plus notable attractions along the way.

The Millers trumpet GuideAlong, calling it their “new favorite app” for GPS-based narration of national parks. “My favorite feature is that it allows you to listen to your own music but lowers the sounds while [the host] provides tidbits of information or the next navigation step,” says Jason, who RV’d from Key West, Florida to Homer, Alaska last year. (Roaming around Denali National Park was a highlight.) Before setting out for any major US park, check recreation.gov to see if pre-booking is required, advises Darley Newman , the host, creator, and executive producer of Travels with Darley and Equitrekking on PBS. “Many of these parks now require advance reservations to limit the number of travelers and avoid overtourism,” she says.

For those with no choice but to take major interstates, Brown suggests the iExit app, which provides detailed information about upcoming exits including gas stations, restaurants, and hotels. “This allows you to plan ahead so that you don’t have to settle for fast food,” says Brown. “Instead you might find a local diner just 10 miles down the road.”

Leaving adequate time for hikes —particularly in state parks and local trails—is a good way to “leave 95% of the crowds behind,” as well, says Highley. Brown concurs, plugging the AllTrails app for its detailed hiking maps and terrain notes, safety precautions, trail photos, and user reviews. When it comes to identifying unique flora and fauna on said hikes, self-described “eager but uneducated naturalist” Highley turns to Merlin Bird ID for birdwatching, PictureThis for plant identification, and SkySafari for stargazing—or for catching celestial phenomena like the recent total solar eclipse .

Google Maps superuser Denise Barlock, an early retiree and Level 10 Local Guide , has reviewed more than 1,300 restaurants, grocery stores, and campsites across the country. “Expenses can add up quickly when you’re on the road,” she says. “So use Google Maps to search gas stations and prices for the best deal near you.” The GasBuddy app , which includes a trip-cost calculator, is another good resource for finding cheap fuel.

Barlock also uses Google Maps to search for local restaurants offering takeout and curbside pickup, plus interesting things to see and do. “You can use the search bar for specific things like ‘scenic spots,’ ‘waterfall,’ or ‘trailhead,’” she says, adding that the more detailed your search request is (like “oceanfront RV campground” or “kayak rental daily rate”), the better the results. The Explore tab surfaces events happening nearby, as well as curated lists of local recommendations, and the Save tab lets you favorite places you’ve already been and flag places you want to go in the future. Once you’ve plotted everything on your map, download it for offline usage before you take off; you’ll thank yourself later if your reception cuts out.

Wyoming's Yellowstone is a popular family road trip destination.

Have special dietary considerations? Black Adventurista member Holly McGuinn of Queens, New York , uses the HappyCow app to sleuth out the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants on the road. With more than 220,000 listings in its global database, it also covers bakeries, health food stores, farmers markets, and juice bars. TVFoodMaps has drummed up thousands of as-seen-on-TV restaurants featured on popular shows such as Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and Man v. Food, while Jane and Michael Stern’s Roadfood spotlights authentic regional cuisine at mom-and-pop restaurants. And nothing beats the 1,000-plus “wondrous” eats detailed on Gastro Obscura , a worldwide dossier for adventurous foodies.

If you’re looking for roadside photo ops, Gastro’s parent site, Atlas Obscura , is unmatched for finding offbeat things to see, from the biggest ball of twine in Minnesota to a psychedelic mirror maze in San Francisco . Outdated as the website is, Roadside America is also chock-a-block with quirky attractions—and surfable in app form too.

For a little history, follow the lead of Jasmin Hogan, a San Antonio-based member of the Black Adventuristas, who once drove an extra 600 miles to turn a road trip from Maryland to Texas into “an epic African-American history journey.” She and her sister hit up historic sites and museums dedicated to Black history and ate at Black-owned restaurants .

Florida , Louisiana , Alabama , New Hampshire , and other states have notable Black heritage trails. The National Park Service made a list of places featured in its short film, “ Twenty & Odd ,” exploring 400 years of African American history; highlights include Fort Monroe National Monument in Virginia and Georgia’s Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park . To find out which civil rights monuments fall along your route, consult this interactive mapping tool from the US Civil Rights Trail , a project that documents more than 100 important landmarks across 15 Southern states.

Put safety first

Not everyone has the privilege of traveling where they want, when they want. LGBTQ+ and BIPOC travelers, as well as individuals with accessibility concerns , may wish to take additional precautions.

Wheelchair Travel compiles accessible travel resources, including rentals for wheelchair vans and medical equipment, and publishes wheelchair-friendly city guides . The National Park Service also provides information about accessible experiences within each park ; navigate to the “Plan Your Visit” tab for additional info.

Drive through towering trees in Sequoia National Park.

Human Rights Campaign’s State Maps of Laws & Policies is designed to help LGBTQ+ travelers determine the potential risk of certain routes. Users can search the map by issue, surfacing states with laws that address hate or bias crimes based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Refuge Restrooms , another app and online database searchable by location, helps transgender and gender-nonconforming people find safe bathrooms, even in rural areas.

Victor H. Green, a Black postal worker from Harlem, published a guides series called The Negro Travelers’ Green Book from 1936 to 1967; it was essential reading for Black motorists because it told them where they could safely eat, sleep, and gas up in Jim Crow’s America. Today, The Post-Racial Negro Green Book , compiled in 2018 by New Orleans-based writer Jan Miles, replaces the Black-friendly hotel and diner listings of yore with a state-by-state index of 21st-century racial bias against African Americans—documenting incidents of police brutality and harassment. Lastly, anyone hitting the road should also be mindful of the growing number of wildfires impacting US travel, says Highley, who relies on the Watch Duty app to monitor developing conditions.

Book accommodations in advance

There are tons of sites out there to help you find the perfect pit stop along your route. Look for hotels or Airbnbs with flexible cancellation policies; sites like Travelocity have filters for exactly this. Campendium is a solid app for finding RV and tent campsites, and Brown calls the HotelTonight app a “lifesaver” for last-minute hotel bookings. “When I need a hotel quickly, I don’t want to sift through hundreds of options,” she says. “I just want the top five in my price range.” If you just want a refresher stop, McGuinn recommends Dayuse , an app lets you rent a hotel room—and all its accompanying amenities, like the swimming pool and fitness center—by the hour or multi-hour block, with rates up to 75% off an overnight stay.

Or just let someone else take over the planning

If wrangling all of the above is too much of a time suck, you can always pay the professionals to do it for you. Luxury companies like Audley Travel offer self-drive itineraries for some of the most popular corners of the United States, from coastal California to New England. Heritage Inspirations in New Mexico introduced a series of Click-and-Buy Road Trips for half-day, full-day, and multi-day itineraries from Santa Fe, Taos, and Albuquerque. Each downloadable PDF includes detailed driving directions, plus insider intel and packing tips from company guides.

When Highley and his team are tailor-making a road trip for All Roads North, they try to understand a client’s primary motivation for traveling—a strategy useful for all road trippers. “It might be that they have a specific interest or region they want to explore, but equally want to connect with family, disconnect from work, or challenge themselves,” says Highley. “When you start the conversation in terms of experiences and emotions, rather than simply places to see and things to do, we are able to plan a much more rewarding trip.” He’s also a big proponent of the less-is-more ethos: Spend more time in fewer places and really dig deep. By connecting travelers with wildlife biologists, Navajo musicians, astrologers, art collectors, rising chefs, and other local experts, they’re able to build an enriching itinerary that would be hard to orchestrate on one’s own.

Most importantly, adds Newman, just “roll with it.” Every road trip will have its hiccups. “Don’t be afraid to go off the beaten path,” she says. “Some of the best travel experiences can be unplanned.”

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27 Tips For Planning The Perfect Road Trip

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The classic road trip has made a comeback. More Americans than ever are taking to the roads for vacations and family visits. According to a survey completed in May 2020 by the GasBuddy app, nearly one in three Americans said they planned to go on a summer road trip.

Road trips are a fantastic way to make memories and see new places and things. Whether you are staying local for day trips or hitting the road on a long bucket-list trip across the country, there are a few things you can do to make your trip better and memorable for the right reasons.

These tips will help you experience less stress and fewer arguments if traveling with others, and help keep you safe.

1. Outline Your Itinerary

Planning where you want to go, what you want to see, and how long you will spend at each place is important.

Otherwise, you could spend your entire vacation at your first stop, or rush through important visits and then have too much time at other less-important sites. You don’t want an hour-by-hour plan but a general idea of what you want to see and do and how much time you think each activity or stop will take.

Be sure to build in some extra time for that last-minute thing you want to stop and see.

2. Determine Must-See Sights

I often ask everyone who is traveling together to make a list of two or three things they want to see or do and to share a few things that would be fun but don’t need to go at the top of the list. When everyone traveling together combines their items, you can usually hit at least two of everyone’s top choices. Yes, everyone gets to do a couple of things they have their heart set on if you plan accordingly.

Pro Tip: As you plan your trip, don’t plan too much driving in a day. Scenic routes are fun, but decide in advance the most time you want to spend driving and stick with it. Few people enjoy days on end in the car.

3. Know Who’s Traveling With You

Determine who will be making the trip. The success or failure of a vacation often depends on who you are traveling with and how compatible you are. If you are driving for hours and one of you likes complete silence and the other thinks you have to have a constant conversation, it might not be fun for either of you. Similar tension can ensue if one of you wants to just get to your destination as quickly as you can, but the other wants to stop at every other town to see new things along the way. Know who you are traveling with, how each person likes to travel, and how you will make this road trip work. Hopefully, you can meet in the middle or take turns with your preferences.

If spending the night, determine the sleeping arrangements in advance, too. When traveling with another couple, make sure everyone is on the same page. Some couples think sharing a room is cozy and fun; others want more privacy and want separate rooms for each pair.

4. Create A Budget

Some people feel a vacation is a time to splurge a bit, while others want to stick to a strict budget and do everything on the cheap. So this is something you need to discuss before hitting the road. Even if you are making a solo trip, you need to plan a budget. You will need to budget for gas, meals, lodging, activities, snacks, admittance fees, turnpike tolls, souvenirs, alcohol, and other drinks.

I usually determine how much I want to spend and then break down the costs from there. If you are traveling with someone, you need to discuss what type of places they desire to stay, the kinds of meals they will eat, and the total budget they can afford.

Piyawat Nandeenopparit / Shutterstock

5. Join AAA Or Another Road Assistance Club

No one wants to be stranded somewhere. Whether you lock your keys in the car, have a dead battery, or encounter some other car malfunction, being a member gives you peace of mind and a 1-800 number to call to get the help you need. It saves you money and hassle. I’ve been a member of AAA for 36 years, and every time I have called them, I have been pleased with the service and the money I saved.

6. Make Reservations

If you know where you will be each evening, make reservations in advance. You will know you have a room and it eliminates the stress of worrying if you will find something.

7. Check Inspections

Make sure your car has all the proper inspections before you leave for the trip. If possible, have your car serviced a week or two before the trip as well. Ideally, you will check on this a week or two in advance so you have time to make an appointment. According to AAA, most breakdowns can be prevented by having your car serviced before your journey.

8. Check Your Tire Pressure

I know this sounds silly, but before you leave, you need to make sure all your tires have the correct pressure. You will get more miles per gallon of gas if your tires are properly inflated. Also, your tires will last longer. This is especially important when you have weather extremes. Not sure how much pressure your tires should have? Check the door of your car; it is usually listed there.

9. Check Oil And Wiper Fluid

Make sure you have sufficient oil and an extra quart of oil in the trunk in case it is needed. This is important because you can’t always find the type of oil you need when traveling. My car takes synthetic oil and a strange blend. The first time I needed oil and was traveling, I had to go to five different places before I found the correct oil mixture. I wasted time I could have been having fun. Since then, I always make sure I have extra in my trunk before heading out on a trip. If you aren’t sure what kind you need, it is in your owner’s manual.

Pro Tip: Bugs, dirt, and other debris can inhibit your vision. Wiper fluid levels should be full when you begin your trip.

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10. Stock Emergency Items

Double-check to be sure your spare tire is fully inflated and that you have a set of jumper cables and extra wiper fluid on hand in your trunk. I keep these things along with the extra oil in a trunk organizer. I also keep a blanket, an extra bottle of water, and a granola bar in case of emergency!

11. Clean Your Car

Before heading out on a road trip, clean your car.

Remove all trash. Clean the windows and mirrors. Run the sweeper on the carpet and wipe off the dash. You will feel much better about traveling in a clean car. When you stop for breaks, take empty bottles and other trash and properly dispose of them.

You might want to wash the outside of your car as well. In our family, I usually clean the inside, and my husband washes the outside the day before our trip.

12. Verify Your Passports And Drivers’ Licenses

If you are traveling out of the country by car, be sure you have an up-to-date passport. If your passport is scheduled to expire within six months, you may have a problem. So be sure to check this in advance and be sure you pack them.

13. File Confirmation Numbers And Addresses

If you have a hotel or other confirmation numbers, keep them all in one place. You can print and put them in a file folder or keep them on your phone.

I put them all into a note on my phone in the order I will need them.

Like the confirmation numbers, I keep a note on my phone of addresses and phone numbers for each hotel or destination we plan to visit.

This way, if we need to, I can quickly look them up on GPS or call the hotel and let them know we are arriving much later than expected, et cetera. This is especially important if you are staying at an Airbnb.

14. Get Some Cash

Credit cards are great! But there are times when you need to have cash for tolls, a soda, or whatever you need.

Always make sure you have a bit of cash on hand before you travel.

15. Download Helpful Apps In Advance

There are a few apps that make a road trip easier. Download them in advance so they are ready to use when needed. I recommend Google Maps, the iExit app for info on amenities available at exits, and diaroogle.com or the Flush app (for Apple or Android ) for the lowdown on the nearest toilets and their conditions.

16. Pack Nutritious Snacks

Pack healthy snacks for the trip. Think fruits, protein bars, hard-boiled eggs, nuts, celery and carrot sticks, cherry tomatoes, and other veggies. Junk food can lead to fatigue, so don’t blow your diet while on the road. Also, pack plenty of water. Or, better yet, have a reusable glass or stainless-steel water bottle for each person and refill it along the way. Dehydration can lead to headaches and crankiness. Be sure to pack these in an insulated bag or cooler.

Try to avoid sugary beverages while traveling. We often buy a case of water and keep it in the trunk. We put a few bottles in a cooler to drink as we go and then restock the next day from the trunk supply. It is less expensive to purchase a case of water than individual bottles.

Africa Studio / Shutterstock

17. Don’t Forget The Sunglasses

Be sure to pack sunglasses, even in winter. Driving while looking at the sun can cause headaches and make your trip unpleasant.

18. Don’t Forget Hand Wipes and Disinfection Wipes

Pack a tub or cylinder of hand wipes in the car. These are great for spills and sticky fingers.

The disinfection wipes are great for cleaning anything your hands will touch. Think gas pumps, credit cards after someone else has handled them, et cetera.

They can also be used to clean doorknobs, faucets, et cetera at your hotel.

19. Be A Smart Packer

Pack as lightly as possible; after all, you will have to transport the luggage several times during the trip. I also usually take a small bag or duffle and fill it with daily essentials, such as pajamas, toiletries, and one change of clothes to take in for just a night when we don’t want to unpack everything.

20. Fill Your Tank

Nothing puts a damper on the start of a trip more than having to stop for gas a half-hour after starting. So fill up the tank the day before your trip. Also, as you travel, if you see an area with low gas prices, stop and fill up even if you still have half a tank. Keep the tank full an do it as economically as possible.

21. Remember The Cell Phone Charger

Be sure you have your cell phone charger and cord in the car. I have one that has multiple outlets, so I can charge several items at the same time. This is a lifesaver when traveling. (How did we survive before cell phones and GPS?)

I also make sure I pack a cell phone charging bank. While I rely on the car charger, emergencies do occur, and having a backup always makes me feel safer.

22. Start Early

Like many people in their 50s, my eyes aren’t as sharp at night, so I prefer to drive during daylight hours. If you can get an early start, you sometimes beat the heavy traffic, and it is usually safer to travel during daylight hours. I always try to arrive at my evening destination before dark.

23. Pick Some Tunes

Whether it is your favorite tunes, a book on CD, a radio station, or a podcast, plan something to listen to in advance. Make sure you have headphones in case each of you enjoys different things.

James R. Martin / Shutterstock

24. Take Breaks When Driving

Plan to take a break from driving every hour or so. Don’t just stop for restroom breaks and gas. Get out and walk a bit, and do some stretches. This helps with circulation and keeps you from getting sleepy when driving.

I’ve read that experts suggest a 15- to 20-minute break every two hours of driving.

25. Plan For Downtime

While I advise a planned timeline for traveling, be flexible, and don’t schedule every minute of the day. You never know when you will come upon an unexpected place that grabs your attention. Stop at the roadside stand; spend an extra hour picking up seashells; make an unexpected stop at a museum. Sometimes these stops make the best memories, and they break up the drive. Allow time in your schedule for the unexpected.

26. Skip The Chain Restaurants

Eat local grub at bistros and cafes. If you want to get a flavor of the local community, find a restaurant that isn’t part of a chain. Ask the locals where they recommend eating. Locals are more likely to give you their favorites, and they will be better than any online review.

27. Prepare To Have Fun!

Remember the trip’s goal is to enjoy yourself, take in some beautiful scenery, learn new things, experience fun adventures, and make memories.

Editor’s Note: GasBuddy app’s findings, reported on by MarketWatch, are accessible here .

Robin O’Neal Smith is a freelance and travel writer. A young baby boomer, Robin and her husband have traveled throughout North America, many of the Caribbean Islands, and Europe. She loves cruising and inspiring others to live their dreams of travel. Follow her travels on her personal site where she discusses travel, food, and more!

Road Trip Tips: 21 Mistakes to Avoid When on a USA Road Trip

Taking a road trip around the USA , or anywhere, will be one of the most epic and memorable trips you’ll take—no doubt.

So don’t F it up…

JK—No pressure. I got your back with all the road trip tips and everything you should NOT do on your trip. This way, you can have more time for fun, snapping pics, chasing waterfalls, hiking to viewpoints, and so many other amazing activities!

Make this a trip to remember with these road trip tips. Learn now, and have fun later. It’s easy! I’ve done a ton of road trips in the USA and around the world, and these are some of my best road trip tips and mistakes to avoid for you to keep in mind.

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Table of Contents

1. DON’T Wait for Gas

Resources for your trip:, 2. don’t underestimate the cost of gas, 3. don’t forget to carry cash, 4. don’t forget about music, 5. don’t be unrealistic with your time, 6. don’t sleep in, 7. don’t buy water and don’t forget to fill up often, 8. don’t forget to download maps (one of the easy road trip tips to forget), 9. don’t assume all roads are paved, 10. don’t get fancy with your meals, 11. don’t be disorganized, 12. don’t plan too much… or too little…, 13. don’t assume all roads will be open, 14. don’t drive at night (a road trip tip for safety), 15. don’t choose the wrong person to go with, 16. don’t underestimate the size of the usa, 17. don’t forget to roll with the punches, 18. don’t forget to check on the season (and not just for what to pack), 19. don’t be a jackass and have fun, 20. don’t forget to insure yourself (and your car), 21. don’t rent the wrong vehicle for your trip (perhaps the most important road trip tip), 17 legendary american road trips, your southwest road trip itinerary (1 week - 2 months), your adventurous arizona road trip, your adventurous utah road trip, seattle to san francisco west coast road trip adventures and waterfalls, your adventurous montana road trip, road trip tips—what not to do on your road trip.

Fill up here, fill up there, fill up ev-ry-where!

The next gas station could be lightyears away in many states around the US.

If you’re the adventurous type who wants to wander down random roads and who will detour in a split second, fill up when you can.

If you don’t, guess who needs to say goodbye to adventurous detours? YOU.

Make sure to fill up at the half tank every time if you can. I often pretend the last half doesn’t count. What did using this road trip tip result in? Never having to worry about running out of gas. That’s a win!

RELATED: 17 Legendary American Road Trips

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Going on from my last thought, unfortunately, this may mean you are stuck paying higher prices for gas because you’re in the middle of nowhere-land, and they are charging the same prices as the bigger towns PLUS your firstborn child.

Sorry little Billy, I sold you for gas money…

Seriously though, small towns are pricier, you may have to pay the price, but you could also top up for just a few bucks to make it safely to the next big town/city.

Either way, inflate the budget here so you don’t get any surprises, and make sure you are definitely topping up in the big cities as often as possible.

Pro road trip tip —Peek at the GasBuddy app often to see where the next cheapest gas station is. This app is a lifesaver!

Those small town gas stations may have a charge for using credit cards, or worse, they only accept cash! So make sure you have some on you.

Also, some state and national parks require cash payments for parking and using facilities.

There isn’t always someone on-site, and you’ll be required to place your cash in an envelope. You’ll need an exact change too. I’m all about using my card, but having some cash stashed away is necessary. It is smart to have a mix of bigger and smaller bills.

Another cash tip to keep in mind is having quarters on you for any parking meters or using laundry facilities.

I know you’re thinking, DUH, Nina. But seriously, don’t forget the music! Radio is almost a non-option unless you enjoy the sweet sounds of static and want to give your index finger a major workout by scanning the channels.

Cell service will also be in and out, so while you may be one smart cookie and have Spotify or the like on your phone, don’t forget to download all those cool playlists to enjoy it offline.

Don’t forget an aux cord if needed unless everything can be connected via Bluetooth. You may also want a portable speaker so you can listen to music outside the car and on the go.

It’s not essential, but this is one of the road trip tips that’ll just make the journey more enjoyable.

READ MORE: My badass road trip packing list , don’t forget a thing!

Did you actually think you would be able to fit those two hikes in AND drive five hours? Ekk!

You really do need to be realistic with your time.

If you get all excited about a bunch of places and you only make it to half, you may be pretty bummed.

But instead, if you get excited about the POSSIBILITY of going to about half of the places on your list, you will ultimately be satisfied with what you got done.

Don’t get your hopes up and try cramming in too much, so you’re rushing, speeding, driving too late at night, not sleeping enough…etc.

It’s OK to pass on a few places; trust this road trip tip when I say your list will only get longer, not shorter. So don’t get flustered when you need to pass things up to gain more time.

READ MORE: Here’s a realistic itinerary for a West Coast road trip !

I would TOTALLY be the annoying friend that pushes you out of the car, shoves a bagel and coffee down your throat, and makes you put clothes on so you’re ready to get on the road no later than 9 am.

Don’t worry, I’m not talking about getting your day started at 6 am.

While I think it can be ideal, probably makes for great sunrise pictures, and you check more things off the list, let’s not get crazy. 6 am is rough.

However, being on the road by 8:30-9ish is totally doable.

Luckily, I refuse to road trip with people who aren’t on the same page as me because I’m a stickler on this one. Also, I’m a terrible sleeper, so I am awake this early anyway!

There are far too many things to see and do—go to bed earlier and get up and go. You’ll thank yourself when the trip is done. (You can sleep when you’re dead, right?)

Fill up water bottles and jugs instead. It would be SO wasteful to buy 100 jugs of water on your trip.

Instead, I buy a few one-gallon jugs and reuse them for my entire trip. I also never travel without my reusable water bottle . At the end of a trip, I recycle the jugs. Most recently I also got this water jug which fits nicely in the corner of my car and I don’t even need other water jugs now!

It’s very easy to prioritize convenience but try your best on your road trip to not be wasteful.

Filling up water is actually very easy. Many of the parks have drinkable water fountains where you can fill up, and Walmarts have water fountains you can use.

A few jugs or one big reusable jug is just what you need. They don’t take up too much room, and they will last you a couple of days, giving you plenty of time to find the next water fill-up area.

Fill up every time you can; it goes without saying that water is NOT something you want to be without at any point and time.

Don’t forget to factor in using water to boil pasta, make coffee, etc.

RELATED: Your Southwest Road Trip Itinerary (1 Week – 2 Months)

Bringing paper maps is not really my thing, but I knew I couldn’t always rely on my phone to have service. I can’t stress how clutch it was to have maps downloaded.

I always have Google Maps AND Maps.Me both downloaded on my phone. And if you’re riding with someone else, make sure they do the same just in case someone loses their phone, forgets to charge, etc.

Oops. I’d venture to say that most of us forget this road trip tip. I know I did.

If I saw the road on the map, I generally thought it was a legit road with something more than loose rocks to follow. Uh, no. Not so much!

Don’t assume you won’t come across many gravel roads, particularly if you want to get a bit adventurous or take some of the less busy roads.

Driving on gravel roads when they weren’t expected can be a bit stressful, not to mention it will cut into your time since you’ll be driving much slower than you thought.

What are you trying to do on your trip? Spend your time cooking or doing and seeing things?

Yeah, that’s what I thought… So why would someone voluntarily choose to make a borderline 5-star meal for lunch is beyond me but let me tell you, you’ll be much happier with an easier meal than a fancy-schmancy one or one that is labor-intensive.

Here’s what I usually eat while road tripping:

Breakfast is 1-2 of the following items:

• Boiled eggs (boil all of them at once and keep them in the fridge)
• Bread /bagels (usually untoasted because ain’t nobody got time for that…nor a toaster)
• Oatmeal with fruit and granola

Lunch is usually a sandwich and or a snack such as:

• Cheese and crackers
• Sandwiches are usually cheese, spinach, a hardboiled egg or some tuna, pickles, and maybe avocado. And then mustard and mayo for condiments.
• A favorite is my “camping charcuterie board,” which is usually a mix of cheese, crackers, fruit, nuts, and “rough hummus” (smashed chickpeas with spices and EVOO)

Dinner is one of the following:

• Lentils and rice (I found these amazing, tasty, and easy to make packets to make lentils and rice , it literally takes 2 minutes, and it’s healthy)
• Pasta and sauce
• Frozen vegetables which we would add to both of the items above.
• Beer and or wine 🙂

On a similar note, eating out costs a lot, and if you’re trying to be quick, it’s often pretty unhealthy.

I often try to eat out only when it’s mega worth it or when I’m deep into my trip and need a break from eating out of my car! Making it a treat rather than something expected saves a bunch of cash AND time.

RELATED: Your Adventurous Utah Road Trip

Your vehicle has everything you need BUT, it’s still just a vehicle, which means space is precious and limited.

Get everything in its “home” on day 1 and make sure that item lives in that spot forever and always.

I always have a system down from day 1, and I keep it that way! It keeps everything SO clean and organized the entire time. I usually have zero casualties of items flying out a window, falling out of the car, or going mysteriously missing.

Get your car in order and keep it there! My mantra is “everything has a home” and I don’t put it down, I put it in its home.

I’m not toying with you. Hear me out!

Road trips are supposed to be fun, and a bit spontaneous, so planning too much and keeping yourself to a rigid schedule doesn’t allow for fun, adventure, and random detours.

Plan too little? And you’ll be wasting a large chunk of the day figuring out what you want to do (if you even have internet).

I usually have a few “rules” in place…

On this West Coast road trip , I wanted to drive on a certain route (the inland route, not the coastal route). I wanted to be outdoors and in nature (so no stops in big cities and walking around buildings), and I wanted to do pretty hikes with waterfalls and great views.

I made a rough route with plenty of places to stop that matched my criteria, but nothing was set in stone.

If I didn’t have the time, the spot was too out of the way, or if the road was closed (wait for it…), there was no disappointment and plenty of other things just a few miles away to explore.

Keep your options open and have a few options on the table. Find a balance, don’t set expectations too high, and don’t pigeonhole yourself to an exact itinerary. It will be nothing short of miserable.

This is one of my best road trip tips because it’s really one of the most important to keep in mind for the trip—for your own sanity!

READ MORE:  How to Plan a Road Trip

Yeah, revolutionary information, right? Luckily the USA is pretty good at announcing when a road will be closed. There will likely be signs and even info on a state’s website.

This happened to me on a few road trips, and it threw a wrench into my plans… for a whole two seconds.

Since I’m always loose with my plans (hello, road trip tip #12!), it wasn’t the end of the world, but it did cause me to end up in a few places I didn’t expect a couple of times.

It’s usually not a big deal but just something to watch, particularly if you’re taking the smaller roads like I sometimes do or are driving during fall and winter when road closures are more common.

It wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world, but I’m mentioning this because depending on where you are, you’re increasing your chance of putting yourself (or adorable animals) in danger.

Cute woodsy animals like to come out at night and graze and hop around. Sometimes they wander in traffic. If it’s a little guy, poor thing but at least your car will be fine. If it’s a big boy, you’re totally screwed.

Overall, night driving can be a bit more challenging and you also need to be a bit more careful with choosing your sleeping spot for the evening in the dark.

I always make it a goal to find a place by sunset, and if I go a bit later, it’s not too big of a deal, but I don’t like to push it.

RELATED: Your Adventurous Arizona Road Trip!

Seriously though, don’t underestimate the amount of time and closeness with the other person. Make sure they are cool, and make sure you’re cool too…

This trip will be a disaster if you both don’t jive with each other and work as a team. Luckily I’ve only had one miserable road trip, and funny enough, it was with a very close friend. So even if you’re friends now, make sure you can stand each other for the entire trip.

Seriously, this country is f-ing huge. We literally have 48 small to medium-sized countries on the enormous landmass of the contiguous USA.

Make no mistake, no amount of time is the “perfect” amount to see this place.

Vancouver to San Francisco is only a measly 15-hour drive if you JUST DRIVE. One person could technically do this drive in two long days.

When I road-tripped it, it took 17 days to drive a bit more leisurely, and see things along the way. I could have doubled that and still not had enough time. There’s an insurmountable amount of things to do and see, don’t cut yourself short and try squeezing your trip into a few days; you’ll spend the entire time just driving.

My PNW road trips are anywhere from 1 to 2 months, and I’m just scratching the surface of what I want to do! So one of the best road trip tips you can take in is, don’t overwhelm yourself with things to do and know that driving times will eat up a LOT of your time.

It might be smart to target just certain parks, or perhaps focus on just one state. Whatever it is, don’t underestimate drive times.

I have to tell you something. And it’s going to happen on your road trip! It’s a guarantee… Ready for it?

Things won’t always go as planned.

Shocking, right? If this road trip tip seems so obvious to you, just remember while on the trip, that’s how you felt when reading this.

Sometimes we get caught up in the moment, want things to be perfect, and when one string frays, we break apart. You’ll run into a delay, a park is closed, a flat tire… Something.

It’s a guarantee that SOMETHING will go wrong, so just accept it when it does. You’ll only make it worse by having a meltdown.

RELATED: Your Adventurous Montana Road Trip!

You’ll need to check the specification of the states you’ll be rolling through to be sure that you pack accordingly. Do you need more scarves or more swimsuits? Both?!

You’ll have to research to make sure, but aside from clothing, you’ll need to know what else happens in certain states.

Being from Florida, I can tell you that road tripping around August and September could mean potential hurricane weather.

I spend a lot of time in Oregon and the entire West Coast. The past two summers have been LIT. And not in a good way; forest fires during July and August can get really bad and make the air quality terrible, obstruct views, and even close down roads.

While on a West Coast road trip a few years back, a bunch of forest fires had just died down. However, there were still tons of signage warning of potential dangers from the loose ground from the fires and a fire ban in most places.

There were even trails and campsites that were closed because of this.

Remember, there are people from all around the world, the USA, and Canada on the road!

The USA is eclectic; avoid getting road rage, don’t be the ass who doesn’t let someone merge, don’t stop in the middle of the road for pictures, don’t litter, recycle when you can, and just be a good person. There are so many different people on the road; try to be accommodating and understanding.

Oh, and have fun! 🙂

No matter where you’re traveling—you want everything and everyone covered! For road trips anywhere in the world, you can look into using World Nomads (they cover Americans in the US if you’re over 100 miles from home!), Safety Wing (for Americans abroad), or check out my travel insurance post for more options, don’t get caught without it!

For your vehicle, it’s always smart to have your vehicle insured, and more often than not, it’s required! There are many ways to go about this.

If you’re in the US, your car will be insured but getting AAA can prove to be a lifesaver too – they will tow you, help change a tire, and get you back in your vehicle if you locked yourself out!

Sometimes your credit card can cover car rentals (but be careful, many don’t cover vans and RVs!) check this article on the best travel cards to see which credit cards can help lessen your costs on your trip and can cover your car rental.

It’s going to vary widely how insurance will work for you and your vehicle depending on where you are but the bottom line is – just don’t forget about it!

RELATED: A Guide to Finding The Best Long Term Travel Insurance

So which vehicle are you going with? Your own car? A rental? An RV? A rented campervan? There are tons of options but which is right for you and your trip?

Choosing the right vehicle, especially if you’re renting is probably the most important road trip tip to keep in mind. If you’re renting, here are some options to consider:

• Outdoorsy – One of the best RV and campervan rental sites in the USA
• Northbound – Find your car or campervan in Iceland
• Car Rentals – You can check here for current car rental deals anywhere in the world.
• Indie Campers – Rent a campervan and road trip across Europe!

There’s Wicked Campers for South America, Britz and JUCY for Australia and New Zealand, and tons more options!

I hope these road trip tips were helpful! Have fun on your next road trip!

More USA Road Trips

>>> Even More About USA Road Trips <<<

How to Plan a USA Road Trip & Choosing a Vehicle

Your Road Trip Essentials Packing List and Tips (+ Printable Checklist!)

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Nina Ragusa is an adventurer, messy bun master, breakfast fan, and full-time travel blogger. She's been abroad since 2011 and blogging on Where in the World is Nina? for nearly as long. Nina helps people like you move around the world while making money. She loves talking about how to work abroad and online to travel longer! Read more about Nina

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15 Comments

Love this list! With covid we have been road tripping more and things like this are super useful. Thank you!

Yay! So happy to hear 🙂 Thank you!

This was the best road trip blog poay on road trips I have seen. I agree with many of your ideas.

I particularly agree on no nighttime driving. Many road trip bloggers mention yhay driving at night is ideal.with kids. While I agree it is easier to drive when the kids are sleeping, it is not as safe as driving during daylight hours. Your vision is decreased and you are driving in unfamiliar areas. Unless you work at night you are not ised to being awake at night either. Safety is paramount

I like that you said that while on a road trip it’s a guarantee that something will go wrong, so just accept it when it does. My husband and I are thinking about going on a road trip because we think it would be a great way to spend more time together while also getting to see some beautiful scenery.

Driving home now from a twenty- eight day road trip with my hubby, 9 yr old and two yellow labs. Drove from Florida to Seattle and visited over twenty-five national parks. 80 dollar annual pass for the parks was the best investment .

YES! Those passes are a great idea!

I like to do a bit of research first before going on a trip. This was so useful.

So happy to hear! 🙂 Have fun.

Next time, invest in Sirius SATELLITE radio and a rent a sat phone. You will NEVER be out of contact, or music, again.

Keep enjoying those road trips.

Another important thing: every state drives differently. Californians speed like crazy and a lot of slower drivers sit in the passing lane. Oregonians appear to have no clue where their going and you’ll get a ticket for going 1mph over the speed limit, and Washingtonians pace each other for miles so no one can pass and their traffic is starting to compete with LA.

So true!!! Cross the state border and you could be in a new world of drivers for sure.

Thank you for this list, it will come in handy this summer when my boyfriend and I roadtrip from Kentucky to Galveston, TX

Yay, glad to hear this was helpful, Tara 🙂 Have fun!

Loved your tips! Most we (my son and I) live by when we road trip around the US. Only 7 states left to visit but so many to go back and visit again!

Thanks, Shyla!

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10 Mistakes to Avoid on a Road Trip, According to Experts

Take it from the pros.

Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel.

There's something liberating about heading out on the open road. You can pull off to look for aliens from a UFO watchtower (yes, it's a thing), spend the afternoon picnicking at an overlook , or cruise through the night fueled by gas station coffee and snacks. All you need is a reliable car, a killer playlist, and a plan that's flexible enough to allow for a little wiggle room — because that's where the fun comes in.

But even the most go-with-the-flow road tripper knows that without some solid pre-trip planning and smart on-the-road know-how, the most amazing road trip can be a bust. To help, we chatted with a few experts who know what you'll need to do (and not do) in order to make your road trip seamless.

1. Not Taking Your Car in for a Full Tune-up Before Departing

On a long road trip, your car can either be your best friend or your worst enemy. To increase your chances of the former, schedule a full tune-up a week or two before you go. Having a pro check your oil and tire pressure, and make sure your battery, brakes, and engine are working properly, will keep you from being stranded on the side of the road or calling AAA for a tow just a few hours in.

Listen to Travel + Leisure's "Let's Go Together" podcast for more inspiring stories and adventures celebrating inclusivity in travel!

2 Leaving Without Getting Your Home in Order

Sanna Boman, editor-in-chief at Roadtrippers , told Travel + Leisure by email that she recommends making "a list of the things that need taking care of when you're gone, including your mail, lawn and garden, and house plants." If you're worried about leaving the house empty for multiple days (or weeks), she said, "Installing a home security system before you leave can offer peace of mind."

3. Forgetting to Download Maps, Entertainment, and Road Trip Apps

If you want to avoid data charges at the end of your trip, you'll need to download everything over Wi-Fi before you leave. Andrew Moore-Crispin, director of content at Ting Mobile , recommends downloading your maps on Google Maps in advance, so you don't have to use data (or need it) to navigate. The same goes for Spotify playlists and any shows or movies you'll need to keep young road trippers entertained. "Apps like Netflix, Spotify, and Facebook all see upticks through extensive usage. Control your data in the app's setting. You can set how much data the app can use, and you can prevent photos from loading in your feed until you're on Wi-Fi," he said.

In addition to recommending their Roadtrippers planning app, Boman suggests road trippers download Waze for real-time traffic updates, GasBuddy for finding gas and comparing prices, and Recreation.gov for managing your campground reservations.

4. Overlooking the Tech Accessories You Need to Stay Online and in Control

Pack your car phone charger (or upgrade to this multi-phone car charger ), and make sure to have a place to put your phone, so you can check the directions without fumbling or looking down. This universal magnetic car mount from WizGear hooks into your car's air vent to keep your phone in view at all times — and it's less than $10.

5. Leaving Home Without a Cooler of Snacks and Drinks

Chances are, there are plenty of gas stations and fast food joints along the way, but a trip sustained by burgers, fries, candy, and chips will get old fast. Pack a cooler with pre-cut veggies and fruit, nuts, sandwiches, and of course, some healthy snacks . To keep you hydrated and lightly caffeinated on a long day, try Gojai's caffeinated sparkling water .

6. Not Keeping Things Organized and Clean During the Trip

When you're living in your car, things can get messy quickly. Bring along wet wipes, paper towels, and hand sanitizer, and stow everything in a seat back organizer ( this one has a trash compartment, tissue holder, and a place to stow water bottles or wipes). When packing the car, load things you won't need until later first, so the items you'll use throughout the drive are more accessible.

7. Planning Everything so There’s No Room for Spontaneity

One of the best parts of road tripping is having the freedom to stop, explore, and reroute at any moment. "Once you plan out your trip, you can always deviate from your plan, but it's a good idea to do some research ahead of time to get the most out of your trip," said Boman. "Road trips are all about the journey — of course, time or budget constraints can dictate the route, but detours and unexpected stops are often the most memorable moments from a trip."

8. Not Stopping to Stretch Your Legs Often Enough

If you have a final destination in mind, it may be tempting to drive straight through, but if you do, you'll miss everything that makes a road trip fun. Side trips and highway attractions are a big part of road tripping — you never know when you'll come across an Airbnb that's shaped like a giant beagle or pass a beautiful hike that's right off the road.

"When hitting the road, the biggest mistake that people make is not stopping often enough to stretch their legs and walk. To keep your mind fresh to focus on driving safely, I recommend stopping once an hour to move around and stretch, whether that means getting gas or grabbing a cup of coffee, then enjoying a 30-minute break every four to five hours for a short walk or hike," said Dr. Suzanne Bartlett-Hackenmiller, an integrative medicine physician and the medical advisor for AllTrails . "According to the Journal of Safety Research , 30 minutes is sufficient to help fight against fatigue during longer trips."

9. Driving Without the Gear (or Know-how) to Change a Flat Tire

Not every car (or rental car) comes with a spare tire kit. Take the time to make sure you have a fully inflated spare and everything you'd need to put it on — a jack, lug wrench, and the owner's manual. If you don't have a spare tire, buy one (and the necessary tools) before taking off. You should also get a little tutorial (either in person or online ) on how to change a flat tire should something come up. There's nothing fun about relying on a Google search when you're in the middle of nowhere.

10. Leaving Home Without a Road Trip Emergency Kit

Don't leave home without preparing for some common road trip mishaps. A flashlight with extra batteries, a tire pressure gauge, jumper cables, a car battery charger (or spare battery), extra water, a few energy bars, and some first-aid essentials — pain reliever, bandages, and scissors — will go a long way should something go awry.

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23 road trip tips and hacks for the best road trip of your life.

As a frequent traveler, I have learned to get creative to make the most of my time when going on road trips. Also, I learned to avoid cities at 5 pm, take the car to a mechanic before I go and find the best healthy snacks for the road! Use these road trip tips and hacks for your next epic adventure!

Getting Ready Before Going on a Road Trip 

To make sure you have a great road trip, you should do a little preparation beforehand! Make a packing list of everything you need to take with you, have your documents and map your trip out. 

1. Check Your Vehicle Before Heading Out

At least a week before you leave for a long road trip, take your car to the mechanic to check the fluid levels, brakes, tires. Be sure your spare tire is fully inflated and that you have jumper cables!

2. Make Sure to Have Your Documents

If you are traveling without current license, registration, and insurance, you could be in trouble if you get pulled over. Also, clear up any tickets before you go.

3. Clean Your Car Before Leaving on a Road Trip

There is not much worse than being stuck in a dirty car for several days. Before you go, clean it. You’ll thank me later. 

4. Map the Trip with Google Maps

5. compare toll and no toll routes.

Toll roads can save you some time, but they can add up quickly! Compare the time driving with and without toll roads in google maps and choose for your budget and time!

6. Anticipate Traffic and Plan Ahead (As Much As You Can)

On a road trip, it’s not hard to find yourself in a city at rush hour. Plan out your trip beforehand to avoid it.

7. Snacks to Bring On Your Next Road Trip

The options at gas stations, convenience stores, and fast food chains along the way can leave you bloated while on the road. Your body already is running on low energy since you’ve been sitting in the car for hours.That’s why I recommend packing a good bag of snacks for a road trip! That way, you will spend less time and money than stopping at restaurants and gas stations on the way.

Take These Healthy and Delicious Road Trip Snacks

8. Use My Ultimate Packing List for Your Trip

You have to keep in mind so much when you’re getting ready. To make it a little easier, I made a packing list for a trip you are going on! I use it every time I travel and you should too!

A few Packing Tips Just for A Road Trip:

• Put a few dryer sheets in your bag to keep your clean clothes smelling fresh, while preventing the odor of the dirty ones.
• Pack paper towels, hand wipes, sanitizer and tissues at the front seat to always have available.
• For longer distance car trips, pack an overnight bag that’s separate from your luggage and fill it with daily essentials, such as pajamas and toiletries. You can leave your bulky luggage in the car if you’re stopping at a hotel for a night.
• Pack a spare car key. Things happen and you will be glad you were prepared!
• Bonus tip: If you’re going hiking or camping on your road trip, see Hiking Packing List for everything you’d need on your hike!

On the Road: Long-Distance Road Trip Tips

9. Split the Time Driving

It will get tiring for one driving to take the lead the whole trip. Talk with your road trip friends about splitting some of the time driving so that everyone can rest. This is especially important for long distance road trips. 

10. Divide the Responsibilities

Some people are good at navigating, others are good at planning meals. Figure out your travel companions talents to plan your trip. That way you will get things done efficiently! And don’t forget to figure out who has the best road trip music on their phone. 

11. Take a Cooler With You

Pack a cooler to store drinks and snacks in case you get hungry!

12. Take a Water Bottle and A Coffee Mug

Instead of buying water and wasting all of the plastic, refill your reusable water bottle at gas stations. You can also do the same with a travel coffee mug , and bring some coffee from your house to get you started so that you don’t have to make a coffee stop before leaving your block. 

13. Check the Driving Laws for the Countries/States You’re Visiting

If you’re traveling across states or countries, make sure you’re aware of the rules of the road for the US states (each state has its own rules), see them at USA.gov .

14. Use a Parking App

If you’re going to a bigger city, you will probably have trouble finding free parking. To score cheaper parking in the city, I use ParkWhiz , which helps make payments simpler and easier to compare the best prices. Look up a coupon code to use on the app. 

15. Use a Gas Card

You will spend a lot of money on gas, might as well get cashback. Do some research on travel credit cards that give you extra points for travel and have a good sign up offer . Sometimes the categories rotate, but you could get a lot of perks.

16. Ask a Local Where to Eat

Someone local to the area will have an insight to a tastier and cheaper meal ideas than a guidebook could ever suggest. Find a local to ask for the best restaurants in town. If there is no one to ask, use Like a Local Guide for some ideas on places to eat and things to do. 

17. How to Spend Your Time on a Road Trip?

Use my list of things to do on your long distance road trip to make the trip go by faster!

USA Road Trip Tips

18. Tips for Long Drive in Car – See What Fun Things You Can See On Your Route

There is so much to see around the country when you are driving! It might be a scenic overlook, a natural bridge or a quick stop at a National Park. If you have the time, look for other fun things to do on your road trip. US has so much to offer, see this US bucket list for inspiration. Roadtrippers can also help you find scenic drives on your route.

19. Check the Gas Prices

Gus prices vary across states, leave a little extra in the budget because you might be paying a lot more for gas than you’re used to! It’s especially true for small towns. More often than not, prices in the middle of nowhere are higher than in bigger cities. 

20. On a Longer Road Trip, Bring Cash With You

Some state and national parks require cash payments for parking and using the facilities. Small town gas stations may only accept cash! Some parking meters and toll machines can only accept cash. Take some out at your local bank to avoid charges. 

21. Stop at a Farmer’s Market for Local Produce

Farmers’ markets are great for trying out regional foods from local businesses and farmers. Find the farmer’s market schedule at ams.usda.gov .

22. Don’t Underestimate How Big the US Is  

The United States is really big, so you should do the research about the states you’re going through. Everything from the weather and to weird laws and hurricane/tornado seasons!

23. Get Inspiration from My US Ultimate Bucket List

Are you going on a road trip soon? Tell me where you’re going next in the comments below!

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17 Comments

That’s a great list of tips! I will be going on a road trip to Montana soon and will have to check out Like a Local and Road-trippers to make the most of it! So many things to see, so little vacation time!

So many great tips! I love your suggestions about finding a local farmers market, and asking local people where to eat. I will keep these in mind the next time we travel.

For me, traveling is also about finding the best places to eat! Where are you going next?

These are very important and useful tips that we always followed and remember to go through the checklist. I love traveling with my family and exploring new places. Heena.

Me too! Travel is my favorite thing to do in my free time! You can learn so much from it – good for the body and the soul!

Great list! I’m leaving on a road trip tomorrow and can’t wait to get back on the road!. Your tips are very useful, thanks

Road trips are my favorite! Where are you going?

Spare key! – my favorite tip. I also like to use an overnight bag so that is another favorite tip! Great and easy to follow list!

Some really great tips here! We’re crossing everything that our Colorado/Wyoming/South Dakota roadtrip can still go ahead later this year, it’s our favourite way to travel!

I am the same as you. I love to travel, but I also love my roadtrips. During the warmer months, I will go on one every weekend that I’m not travelling. There is so much to see. I love the tips of having your car checked over before you go. So many people forget this critical step.

Excellent tips! I love that you mentioned how gas prices can be higher in rural areas. Before my first big solo road trip (Boston to Phoenix), I budgeted my gas costs based on my local prices. With that much driving through the middle of the country, I ended up going waaaaay over my estimate 🙁 Lesson learned!

I love road trips, and these are some fantastic ideas and suggestions! I especially love your list of things to do on a road trip and your list of snacks! Road trips are just a blast, and since we still can’t fly to most places yet, I feel inspired to hit the road and have an adventure! Thanks for the inspiration!

This is such a great list! We’re planning on doing a few road trips this summer/fall since coronavirus messed up our traveling this year so definitely saving this!

Great tips, I’ll have to bookmark this as I’m planning a long road trip for our summer holiday this year. I love your advice not to underestimate how huge America is. I love when European friends tell me they’d like to fly into NYC and drive to LA in 10 days – I tell them not to stop or sleep and maybe they can do it in 12 haha 🙂

Great article with lots of helpful tips! And very timely since, like most people, I’ll be doing a road trip this summer. Thanks for sharing 🙂

The best road trips are when you’ve done a bit of planning and preparation first. But all too often we’ve started driving somewhere, and then decided to turn it into a longer road trip, and then had to scramble for directions, food, water, and fuel. I’d much rather be prepared than be unorganized.

Useful tips for road trips. Thank you for sharing these tips and ideas to manage road trips.

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33 Must-Pack Road Trip Essentials

Carol McPherson

Carol is an editor with SmarterTravel Media, specializing in travel writing, multimedia production, and trying every local cuisine she can find. You can follow her journeys @cj_mcpherson on Instagram.

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The weather is getting warmer, the sun is shining, and people are itching to get out of the house and hit the open road. When you hear the highway calling, the last thing you want is for packing to become a roadblock. Add these 33 road trip essentials to your packing list to ensure a smooth ride.

Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

Table of Contents

Pre-Planning Essentials Personal Essentials First Aid Essentials Entertainment Essentials Pit Stop Essentials Miscellaneous

Pre-Planning Essentials

Road Trip Planning Apps

Gone are the days of scribbling your route on paper maps! There are dozens of helpful road trip planning sites and apps that will help you map out your perfect route and find interesting places to stop along the way. Roadtrippers lets you plan your route, add stops, and get fuel estimates and pre-made trip guides for your journey. Google Maps Trip Planner is a twist on their classic functionality, allowing you to add multiple destinations and plot the best route between them all. 

IDs, Credit Cards, and Documents 

Like any trip, it’s important to bring along the right documentation. Your license and credit cards are obvious road trip necessities. Make sure you also pack your car’s owner’s manual, a copy of your up-to-date registration, and any roadside assistance documentation you need. If your trip is taking you to Canada or Mexico, don’t forget your passport as well.

I know cash is dead, but hear me out. This is not for the toll roads that mostly take credit cards now, but it is for the coin-operated laundry you will need to use at some point on the trip. It is for tips to valets who park your car in places like New Orleans where there is no self-park option. It is also for those little businesses that only take cash or local checks.

10 Smart Ways to Carry Money While Traveling

Tire Repair Kit

A flat tire can put you seriously behind schedule. Having a tire repair kit on hand can be the difference between getting back on track and sitting roadside for hours. The three things you need in this situation are a jack, a lug wrench and a spare tire. Oh, and someone who knows how to change a tire when you are away from home and nothing is open. 

Car Emergency Kit

If the dreaded dashboard lights come on halfway through the trip, you may need to wait a while before AAA can come to the rescue. Equipped with items such as reflectors, hand warmers, jumper cables, and snow shovels, these kits have everything you need to fix the issue or wait it out safely until help arrives. 

Full Tank of Gas

Starting off your trip with a full tank of gas can delay the oftentimes frustrating experience of finding a place to pull off the highway for a little longer.

How to Save Money on Gas: 8 Easy Tricks

Personal Essentials

Airplane Pillow 

A long car ride may be an improvement to a cramped flight in the comfort department, but only slightly. Take advantage of the technology created to combat stiff necks on the plane and break out the airplane pillow in the backseat. As an added bonus, many models can deflate and be stored away easier than a standard pillow.

Everything is better with snacks. This is especially true for a multi-hour car ride. Opt for snacks that cause minimal mess and can be eaten without utensils, like granola bars , fruit, or peanut butter sandwiches. 

The Best Snacks for Road Trips

Water Bottle and Refills

Hydration is key when cooped up in any vehicle. Bring along a large pack of water bottles for the group or, for an eco-friendly option, pack reusable water bottles and one large water jug for refills.

Consistent access to showers can be unreliable on a long road trip. Freshen up on-the-go by keeping deodorant on hand. For particularly sweaty days, deodorant wipes like these ones from Lume offer a strong, all-over clean.

As the Blues Brothers made clear, sunglasses are a must-pack for any road trip. Use them to keep the sun out of your eyes when it’s your turn to drive or to block out the light when you’re trying to catch some Z’s in the passenger seat. 

Mints and Gum

Throwing a few packages of mints and gum in the center console is a great way to refresh during a long ride. It’s also a courtesy to any fellow passengers within coffee breath distance after the last Starbucks stop.

A trash can is a small investment you won’t regret after the snack wrappers start piling up. You can purchase trash cans specifically designed to fit in a car and take up minimal space.

Small Cooler

A small cooler can be used to keep water bottles chilled or to pack a light lunch for the road. An easily portable one like this from Coleman can do double duty as a temperature controlled picnic basket for excursions along the way.

10 (and a Half) Tips for Road Trips

First-Aid Essentials

Motion Sickness Medication

While some of us are motion sickness veterans and some don’t know what’s coming until they’re relegated to the backseat for a few hours, it never hurts to have motion sickness medication on hand. If you find full strength Dramamine too powerful, try a children’s dosage . Options like ginger ale , ginger chews , and peppermints are effective natural alternatives for those who only get lightly nauseous. 

Pain Relief Medication

Staying awake and alert while driving for long periods of time would make anyone tense. Having medication like ibuprofen and tylenol on hand can be a life saver.

5 Unforgettable National Park Road Trip Itineraries

First Aid Kit

As much as we all hope otherwise, accidents happen. Don’t get stuck with a mid-trip nose bleed or pinched finger without the proper gear. Certain first aid kits are developed specifically for travel and camping and can take care of bigger accidents, but make sure to have a few everyday bandaids on hand as well. 

Hand Sanitizer and Sanitizing Wipes

Keep it clean with these sanitizing products that can be used to wipe down hands before mealtime or questionable gas station surfaces during a bathroom break.

Entertainment Essentials

Car Charger

Keep your devices alive with a car charger . Make sure you have the correct charger for your phone’s make and model and adapters for anyone else who may want to plug in. 

Portable Charger 

You can use a portable charger in the car or while exploring at stops along the way. Many models offer multi-device charging and aren’t reliant on the car’s USB port location, making it easier to share with friends in the backseat. Make sure your charger is powerful enough to handle the devices you plan on using. 

The unfortunate reality is that not everything can be recharged. Have a few batteries on hand for these devices, especially ones included in your car emergency kit. 

Biolite Charge Series Portable Charger Review

Headphones 

Finding some peace and quiet in a car full of people is no easy feat. Simulate that precious alone time with noise canceling headphones . They can quiet down the buzz of conversation in the small space and diffuse the always heated battle for the AUX cord.

Mobile Hotspot

Passengers will appreciate access to the internet and drivers will appreciate the navigation app not cutting out when they hit a data dead zone. 

Music and Podcasts (Downloaded)

Speaking as someone who forgot to hit download on their Spotify playlist before boarding a four hour flight—you’re going to want to make sure you have some offline entertainment. Make a special road trip mix and download a few episodes of your favorite podcast before you leave. Use a mobile hotspot or connect to hotel WiFi in the evenings to change up the tracks or download new episodes throughout the trip. 

The 10 Best Travel Podcasts

When you’re not in the driver’s seat, use the time to catch up on your reading list .  If reading in the car is a no-go, download audio books on your device to listen to as a group or alone with some wireless earbuds . 

I Spy, punch buggy, the alphabet plate game—there are endless ways to entertain your littlest passengers on a long drive. Brands like Melissa and Doug offer a variety of road trip games in physical form, from printable bingo cards to a flippable version of the license plate game . For an adults-only road trip, try out adult Madlibs or a round of TableTopics.

Pit Stop Essentials

While many destinations are loosening their mask requirements, it’s always good to have a few on hand. You don’t want to get stuck outside an attraction or event because regulations, or personal comfort levels, keep you from entering.

The Right Footwear

If you think footwear is the least of your worries during a trip spent mostly in the car, think again! Pack a comfortable pair of shoes for ride that can double as a light walking shoe for short excursions, like the Mega Z Cloud from Chacos . Pack a sturdier secondary pair, like a sneaker or hiking shoe , for more physically intense activities or stops where open toed shoes are not permitted.

8 Shoes That Feel Like Slippers

If you’re planning on taking a few day trips along your route, you’ll need a daypack to carry all of your essentials. Throw your toiletries and a change of clothes into your pack when stopping at a hotel for the evening and avoid having to to haul your suitcase out of the trunk at every overnight stop. The Flash 22 backpack from REI is the perfect option, with plenty of space and a comfortable and breathable design. 

Specialized Gear

Packing for a road trip involves more than just what you’ll need on the road. Think about what activities you’ll be doing along the way and at your final destination. Are you camping or hiking ? Will you be visiting national parks ? Are you traveling with children? Make a list of the specialized gear you’ll need for these activities, and remember to pack it!

GoPro Camera

Everyone loves an action shot. Get great footage and high resolution photos of your adventures by bringing along a GoPro camera . It’s small and lightweight so it won’t take up a lot of valuable space in the car and it will be easy to bring along with you during your stops as opposed to a larger camera. 

Miscellaneous

Polaroid Camera 

There’s something special about being able to hold a photo in your hand the moment you snap it. A fun addition rather than a necessity, bringing along a cheap polaroid camera lets you gather memories while keeping the phone in your pocket. Polaroids also make a cute personalized stand-in for postcards to send to friends and family back home.

Speaking of postcards, keeping a book of stamps in the glove compartment for such occasions will save you unnecessary trips to the local post office.

Book Your Stay With SmarterTravel Hotels

When you need to escape the car for the evening, find great deals on your hotel stay with SmarterTravel Hotels .

Download a Printable Checklist Here :

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Carrie Honaker contributed to this story.

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32 road trip essentials for adults and kids.

Travel more comfortably with these road trip must-haves.

Road Trip Essentials

Getty Images

While you don't necessarily need a lot of things for a successful road trip, certain items can't be overlooked. Read on to discover which items you should consider adding to your road trip packing list, or jump to the section on what to pack for kids .

Road trip essentials for adults

From roadside emergency must-haves to multipurpose gadgets you can use throughout your journey, these are some of the most helpful items to have on a road trip.

"Hanger" can make a road trip go south pretty quick. Pack your favorite snacks and put them in an easily accessible spot.

Courtesy of ICEMULE

You might want to bring a small cooler for any snacks and drinks that need to stay cold. If you don't already own one, the best cooler bags include the ICEMULE Classic (available in a variety of sizes) and the CleverMade Collapsible Cooler Bag .

A seat organizer like this one by YOOFAN can help you keep snacks, tissues and any other essentials close at hand. Plus, it can double as a reusable bag for any small purchases you make during your road trip.

USB charging cables

If you have USB ports in your car, buy a set of charging cables so you can keep your devices charged and also play music and podcasts from your phone. Compatible with Apple devices, this two-pack of Amazon Basics cables is well rated; for Samsung devices, try these Anker cables . Both sets have 3-foot cords, which are the perfect size for car travel.

Portable charger

Courtesy of INIU

Even if you have charging ports and cables in your car, a portable charger is good to have on hand, too. Travelers rave about the INIU Portable Charger for its slim, lightweight design and overall efficiency.

Jumper cables

A set of jumper cables is essential to have in your car at all times, whether you're driving 2 miles down the road or 200 miles away from home. The Energizer Jumper Cables are especially well rated. Available for less than $20 on Amazon, the 12-foot-long cables are perfect for any car type and come with a travel bag for easy storage. Longer cables are also available.

Portable tire inflator

A portable tire inflator can be a lifesaver if you find your tires have a slow leak during your trip. The AstroAl Air Compressor Tire Inflator is compact, so it won't take up much space among the other gear in your trunk, and it includes an LED flashlight with independent switch control. It is programmed to stop automatically once it hits the preset tire pressure and it comes with a 36-month warranty.

Other travelers prefer the ViAir 88P - 00088 Portable Compressor Kit , noting it works well with a wide variety of vehicles. In addition to a 12-foot air hose and a 9-foot power cord, the kit comes with alligator clamps that power your air compressor by attaching to your car's battery.

Courtesy of Snow Joe

If you're traveling during the winter months and/or to a destination where you might encounter snow and ice, make sure you have a snow broom in your car. The Snow Joe 4-in-1 Telescoping Broom is especially convenient for travel because of its lightweight, foldable design, and recent buyers confirm the foam head prevents any scratching. This snow broom also features an ice scraper and LED lights with a blinking functionality for emergencies.

Dashboard phone mount

Avoid distractions by installing a dashboard phone mount before your journey starts. The iOttie Easy One Touch 5 comes with a telescopic arm, a magnetic cord organizer and a strong-hold suction cup. Plus, its easy one-touch lock-and-release mechanism (a feature that is much appreciated among recent customers) makes taking your phone on and off the holder a breeze. If you don't like the rigidity of traditional dashboard phone mounts, consider choosing a phone mount with a flexible arm instead.

Car document holder

In the event that you get into a car accident or are pulled over by the police, having easy access to your car's registration, insurance information and owner's manual is crucial – whether you're traveling or not. This two-sided holder , which comes in a pack of two for less than $5 on Amazon, does the job.

Roadside emergency kit

For peace of mind, many travelers recommend an all-purpose roadside emergency kit . These kits are typically equipped with a tire pressure gauge, a utility knife, safety gloves, cable ties, a tow rope, tire repair tools, first-aid supplies, rain ponchos and other useful items.

Courtesy of Busy Co

Freshen up with the extra-large body wipes from Busy Co , which are suitable for dry, oily and combination skin types. They address a variety of skincare needs, including clarifying, toning, soothing and nourishing. Recent customers appreciated the large size of the wipes and said using them made them feel refreshed while traveling.

Lysol wipes

Disinfecting Lysol wipes are a must-have on your travel packing list. These cleaning wipes kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria, so you can feel protected while on the road.

Disposable toilet seat covers

Using disposable toilet seat covers can help you avoid germs and stay clean when you stop for restroom breaks at gas stations, port-a-potties and campgrounds.

Nausea relief

Courtesy of Sea-Band

Long hours in the car might sound daunting to anyone prone to motion sickness. In those cases, having preventative nausea medicine like Dramamine can be a lifesaver. If you prefer a drug-free alternative, Sea-Bands are anti-nausea wristbands that use acupuncture as a natural remedy to reduce motion sickness. Travelers say these bands are highly effective at reducing nausea.

Hand sanitizer

From gas pumps to ATMs, you never know what germs you may encounter on a road trip. Protect yourself against viruses by keeping a bottle of hand sanitizer in your car.

Book or e-reader

Sitting in the car for hours can be painfully boring at times. Bring a good book or an e-reader like the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite , which puts thousands of books at your fingertips. The device boasts up to 10 weeks of battery life, adjustable warm light and a glare-free display, which recent reviewers said made marathon reading sessions a breeze. Meanwhile, kids can enjoy the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids , which offers a special font for children with dyslexia and comes with a two-year warranty.

Rooftop cargo carrier

Save some space inside your vehicle by opting for a car roof cargo carrier. With an anti-slip mat and reinforced adjustable straps, the waterproof FIVKLEMNZ 15 Cubic Car Roof Bag Cargo Carrier from Amazon is suitable for any car type. Recent customers say that they had no problem getting it to stay in place even on high-speed roads.

Car trash can

Courtesy of Hotor

There's no doubt about it – road trips can generate a lot of trash. Keep your car clean on your next adventure with this Hotor car trash can from Amazon. Complete with an adjustable strap, mesh side panels for storage and a leakproof interior lining, this useful accessory comes highly recommended by travelers who find themselves frequently on the road.

Dog waste bags

Even if you don't have a dog, hear us out: Dog poop bags are useful for a variety of needs, from general waste to dirty diapers to unexpected accidents caused by motion sickness. The Earth Rated bags are 100% leakproof, and buyers agree they're effective at eliminating odors.

If you'll be sitting in the passenger's seat or backseat, bring a pair of earbuds or headphones. For kids, consider the fleece CozyPhones , which are volume-limiting for little ears and come in a variety of animal themes.

Travel pillow

Courtesy of Cabeau

Car passengers can get a bit more comfortable with the help of an ergonomic neck pillow for travel . Top-rated options include the Cabeau Evolution S3 and the MVLOC Travel Pillow .

Shield your eyes from the sun by picking up a good pair of sunglasses before your trip. Choose sunglasses that protect against the sun's UVA and UVB rays, and are polarized to block glare. Travelers love that these Ray-Ban Aviator Classic sunglasses come in a variety of tints and can even be customized to fit your needs. For a more budget-friendly option, check out these SUNGAIT Ultra Lightweight Rectangular Polarized Sunglasses from Amazon, which recent customers say are very comfortable and perfect for road tripping.

Beach blanket

Courtesy of WEKAPO

A large beach blanket or towel is one of the most versatile accessories you can bring on a road trip. You can use it to have a picnic lunch, to clean up a spill, to dry off playground equipment after a rainstorm and more.

Reusable water bottle

Skip the plastic bottles and opt for a high-quality reusable water bottle on your next trip. This  40-ounce bottle from Hydro Flask  keeps drinks hot for 12 hours and cold for a full day. It also comes with a lid with a built-in straw, which consumers say makes it convenient for driving. For kids, a durable water bottle like this  12-ounce YETI Rambler  fits the bill: Its stainless steel bottle is dishwasher-safe and shatter-resistant, a feature that parents love.

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Road trip essentials for kids

In addition to snacks, headphones, reusable water bottles, sunglasses and – depending whether your kids are in a car seat or not – travel pillows, the following items are essential to a successful road trip with kids.

Seatback organizer

A car seatback organizer lets you arrange road trip essentials on the back of the driver's or passenger's seat, where they're within reach of small hands. Many buyers said this seatback organizer from Amazon took some of the stress out of traveling with kids, thanks to its multipurpose storage compartments, including a place for a tablet and plenty of other spots to store key items for your trip.

Travel tray

Courtesy of LUSSO Gear

If your co-pilot is constantly turning around to pick up toys or pass out snacks, a backseat travel tray is in order. The LUSSO Gear Kids Travel Tray comes with a safety strap that can be secured to any car seat, and includes a dry-erase board table, a cup holder, a storage compartment for toys and a no-drop tablet viewing stand. Reviewers loved the tray's whiteboard area and said it was a great way to keep kids entertained on long car rides.

Window shade

Protect your backseat drivers from UVA and UVB rays with some window shades. Many parents like the shades by Enovoe , which come in a two- or four-pack.

Bag of small toys and activities

Load up on small toys you can surprise your kids with throughout the journey. Wikki Stix , Melissa & Doug Water Wow pads and sticker books are all good, low-cost activities, and you can find other cheap options at your local dollar and thrift stores. You might even add some candy to the mix, especially for that last leg of the trip.

Most parents want to keep screen time to a minimum, but all bets are off when it comes to travel. Consider a tablet like the Amazon Fire Kids , which comes with a protective case and one year of Amazon Kids+. Amazon Kids+ features thousands of ad-free books, games and apps; for any streaming services you have at home, you can download TV show episodes and movies so the kids don't need Wi-Fi to watch them.

Small blanket

Courtesy of Cubcoat

Bring a small blanket and/or other comfort item from home to ensure the kids are cozy and content in the backseat. You could also bring a Cubcoat , which is a two-in-one stuffed animal that transforms into a hoodie. Your child's furry friend (think bunnies, sloths and puppies) doubles as a soft, zip-up sweatshirt, and you get to save some space in your suitcase.

Kids travel journal

A kids travel journal makes it easy for your child to document their road trip and all the fun things they see and do. Plus, many kids journals feature world maps, puzzles, fun facts and more activities to keep boredom at bay.

Road trip tips

Plan your stops.

It can be helpful and fun to plan your road trip stops ahead of time. Break up the trip with stops at a pretty park, a quirky roadside attraction or a top-rated restaurant.

Debit cards and Venmo may be the way of the world nowadays, but you may still run into a few places on your journey that are cash-only. Be on the safe side by keeping some spare cash on hand.

Download a fuel savings app

You can save some money on fuel by using apps like GasBuddy , which will show you the cheapest gas prices in your area. Go the extra mile by signing up for a gas rewards credit card to get the most bang for your buck.

You might also be interested in:

• Vacation Packing List
• The Best Kids Luggage
• The Best Carry-on Luggage
• The Best Travel Insurance Companies

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Perfect San Francisco to Yosemite Road Trip – SF to Yosemite Drive

The San Francisco to Yosemite road trip is one of California’s most scenic drives. With breathtaking views of nature, winding roads through charming towns, and many outdoor adventures, this San Francisco to Yosemite scenic drive is a must for nature lovers, photographers, and adventurers.

👉🏼Perfect Road Trip To Yosemite From Los Angeles With Scenic Stopovers

San Francisco to Yosemite Road Trip – Drive from San Francisco to Yosemite

In this blog, I will take you on a stunning road trip from San Francisco to Yosemite, which is worth doing, scenic stops along the way, must-do activities and tours, and the best route from San Francisco to Yosemite.

Why the San Francisco to Yosemite Road Trip Is Worth Doing

• Wildlife & Nature: Yosemite is home to some of the most remarkable biodiversity in the world, including giant sequoias, waterfalls, and wildlife like black bears, mule deer, and bobcats.
• Outdoor Adventures: Whether you’re a hiker, climber, photographer, or nature enthusiast, Yosemite has something for everyone. Its iconic landmarks, such as El Capitan and Half Dome, make it a bucket-list destination.

Best Route from San Francisco to Yosemite Road Trip

Distance and drive time:.

• Distance: Approximately 167 miles (270 km).
• Drive Time: Around 3.5 to 4 hours without stops.

Route to Take: From San Francisco, take the I-580 E to I-205 E, then merge onto I-5 S. Continue on CA-120 E through Oakdale and Groveland, leading directly to the Big Oak Flat Entrance of Yosemite National Park.

Stopovers – San Francisco to Yosemite Scenic Drive

Livermore Valley Wine Country (50 miles from SF)

It is home to some of California’s oldest wineries; the Livermore Valley offers rolling vineyards, award-winning wines, and beautiful tasting rooms.

Things to Do: Visit vineyards like Wente Vineyards or Concannon Vineyard for a wine-tasting session or a picnic.

Oakdale (92 miles from SF) – Oakdale is known as the “Cowboy Capital of the World,” a charming Western town with a rich agricultural history.

Things to Do: Visit the Oakdale Cowboy Museum to learn about the region’s cowboy heritage. Stop by local cafes for lunch before heading into the mountains.

Don Pedro Lake (125 miles from SF) – This large reservoir offers stunning views of blue waters surrounded by rugged hills.

Things to Do: Stretch your legs with a short walk by the shore, swim, or have a quick picnic by the lake. If you want a longer break, boat rentals are available.

Groveland (140 miles from SF) is a historic Gold Rush town with old-world charm.

Things to Do: Grab a coffee at one of the quaint cafes, explore the local shops, or visit the Iron Door Saloon, the oldest continuously operating saloon in California.

Things to Do in Yosemite National Park

👉🏼Beautiful Yosemite Itinerary 2 Days – Best 2 Days In Yosemite National Park

Yosemite Valley – Yosemite Valley is the heart of the park, home to iconic landmarks like El Capitan, Half Dome, Bridalveil Fall, and Yosemite Falls.

Things to Do:

• Explore the valley floor on a bike.
• Visit the Ansel Adams Gallery for stunning landscape photography.
• Take in the breathtaking views from Tunnel View.

Glacier Point – Glacier Point offers one of the best panoramic views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and the High Sierra peaks.

Things to Do: Drive up to Glacier Point for a sunset view, or take the Four Mile Trail hike if you’re feeling adventurous. The view is particularly spectacular at sunrise and sunset.

Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias – This grove is home to over 500 giant sequoias, some of Earth’s largest and oldest trees.

Things to Do: Walk the peaceful trails among these towering giants and see famous trees like the Grizzly Giant and the Tunnel Tree.

Mirror Lake – Mirror Lake is a serene spot at the base of Half Dome, where the reflections of the surrounding cliffs create a stunning visual spectacle.

Things to Do: Take a gentle hike to the lake, ideal for families and casual walkers. It’s an excellent place for photography, especially in the spring and early summer.

Yosemite Falls – Yosemite Falls is the highest waterfall in North America, plunging 2,425 feet from the top of the Upper Fall to the base of the Lower Fall.

Things to Do: Take a short walk to the base of Lower Yosemite Fall for a close-up view or hike the Upper Yosemite Fall Trail for more challenging views.

Must-Do Tours in Yosemite

• Yosemite Valley Floor Tour
• Glacier Point Tour

Entrances to Yosemite National Park

Big Oak Flat Entrance—Drive via CA-120 from Groveland. This entrance is the most direct from San Francisco, making it convenient for visitors coming from the Bay Area.

Arch Rock Entrance—Drive via CA-140 from Mariposa; this entrance offers a scenic drive along the Merced River. You will enjoy beautiful riverside views and a less steep route through this road trip than CA-120.

South Entrance—Drive via CA-41 from Oakhurst, passing through the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. This entrance is best for visitors planning to visit the sequoias first.

Useful Tips – San Francisco to Yosemite Drive

• Timing: Leave San Francisco early in the morning to avoid traffic and give yourself time for scenic stops.
• Gas Up: Fuel up in Oakdale or Groveland, as gas stations become scarce near Yosemite.
• Food & Supplies: Before entering the park, stock up on snacks and drinks. There are a few markets in the park, but they can be pricey and limited.
• Weather: Check the weather forecast before you leave, as conditions in Yosemite can change quickly, especially in the higher elevations.
• Lodging: Book your accommodation inside or near Yosemite well in advance. Popular options include Yosemite Valley Lodge and Evergreen Lodge near Groveland.
• Park Entrance Fee: The entrance fee to Yosemite is $35 per vehicle, valid for seven days.

SF to Yosemite Drive – Which Entrance to Take?

Both Highway 120 and Highway 140 are scenic routes from San Francisco to Yosemite, offering different experiences along the way.

Highway 120 (via Big Oak Flat Entrance)

Highway 120 is the faster and more direct route from San Francisco to Yosemite. It offers stunning views of the Sierra Nevada foothills, oak woodlands, and mountain meadows. As you climb higher into the mountains, you’ll encounter more rugged terrain, beautiful forested areas, and sweeping vistas of the valleys below.

Key Highlights:

• Don Pedro Lake: A large, serene reservoir offering scenic water views against rolling hills.

• Sierra Nevada Views: As you get closer to Yosemite, the landscape becomes more mountainous with expansive views of the Sierra Nevada.

Highway 120 takes you through more elevation changes, providing expansive mountain views, particularly as you approach the Big Oak Flat entrance to Yosemite. It also offers a direct route into the park, leading you to some of Yosemite’s most iconic spots.

Highway 140 (via Arch Rock Entrance)

Highway 140 is known as the “ All-Weather Highway ” because it is less steep than Highway 120, making it accessible even in winter. For most of the drive, you will drive along the Merced River, offering picturesque riverside views with lush greenery, especially during spring and summer. And when you reach closer to Yosemite, the scenic route passes through dramatic rock formations and deep river canyons.

• Merced River: Scenic stretches of the river can be seen for much of the drive, especially as you enter the Yosemite Valley area.
• Bridalveil Fall View: You’ll catch glimpses of Bridalveil Fall as you approach the park via the Arch Rock Entrance.
• Midpines and Mariposa: Quaint small towns with opportunities for dining and exploring.

Highway 140 offers a gentler, more relaxing drive with frequent opportunities to stop by the river, meadows, and rock formations. The Merced River Canyon, in particular, is a highlight of this route, offering beautiful scenery before you even enter the park.

San Francisco to Yosemite Scenic Drive – Which Entrance Is Better?

• Highway 120 offers more dramatic elevation changes and mountain views, making it a great choice for experiencing diverse landscapes and enjoying a quicker trip to Yosemite.
• Highway 140 is more serene, with riverside views and a more relaxed pace. It is perfect if you enjoy a scenic drive with the opportunity to stop by small towns and explore along the way.

Both routes are scenic, but Highway 120 is ideal if you’re more interested in mountain vistas and reaching Yosemite faster. If you prefer a more peaceful, riverside drive with less intense elevation, Highway 140 is a better choice.

Yosemite National Park Scenic Drive in 1 Day

San Francisco to Yosemite road trip perfectly blends scenic beauty, historical stops, and natural wonders. From wine country to towering sequoias and granite cliffs, SF to Yosemite drive is one of the best things to do on the West Coast of the USA.

Picture Courtesy – CanvaPro

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TentBox road trip: 7 day Cornwall itinerary

The TentBox community is always inspiring us with their exciting adventures across the UK and beyond. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a first-time visitor, a TentBox road trip offers the ultimate blend of freedom and comfort. 

With its dramatic cliffs, hidden coves and rolling countryside, Cornwall is a dream destination for any adventurer. Discover this 7 day itinerary, showcasing the must-see spots and secret gems that make this region so special.

Day 1 – Fowey 

Set off on your journey to the south coast of Cornwall. Pitch up at the Penhale Caravan & Camping Park near Fowey, and open up your TentBox for the first time. 

With the Lite 2.0 or XL models, you’ll be set up and ready to enjoy panoramic views in less than 5 minutes. With our other models, it only takes seconds.

After relaxing with a cup of coffee, you can head off for a walk into Fowey directly from the campsite. While you’re there, enjoy dinner and drinks at the Havener’s restaurant overlooking the harbour in the summer sunshine. 

Day 2 – Polruan

After your first night’s sleep in the TentBox , head back into Fowey Harbour to start your first full day in Cornwall.

After enjoying a pasty from the Cornish Bakery , hop on the ferry over to Bodinnick, where you can climb the hills to enjoy beautiful views over the harbour. You can walk all the way round to Polruan , then catch a second ferry back over the water.

It’s about 8km in total, and the hill-climbs are well worth it for the stunning views.

Day 3 – Looe & Polperro

Hop in the car and head to the nearby village of Looe .  If the weather’s on your side, you could embark on a sea safari to witness the local wildlife including seals, dolphins, bluefin tuna, and seabirds such as herons, guillemots and cormorants.

Once you’ve finished meandering through the village, you can head over to the nearby town Polperro . Enjoy a pint of Cornish cider in the Blue Peter Inn , and stick around for some seriously good food. 

Day 4 – Padstow

After enjoying a few days on the south coast, it’s time to head north to Padstow for the remainder of your trip. 

Pitching up your TentBox at the Dennis Cove Campsite , you’ll enjoy gorgeous, elevated views of the sea. From there, you can wander into town, grab a pasty from Rick Stein’s Bakery , then head to the Harbour Hotel for a well-earned cocktail. 

Day 5 – Harlyn Bay 

The beaches on the north coast of Cornwall are absolutely stunning. If the sun is shining, it’s a great opportunity to head to Harlyn Bay to dip your toes in the water and head out for another coastal walk. 

Along the way, enjoy a pit-stop at the Pig at Harlyn Bay , relaxing in their outdoor Lobster Shed with an ice cream sundae.

Day 6 – Newquay

On your last full day, head into Cornwall’s bustling town of Newquay . Wander around the surf shops, then stop for some street food with a view at the Boathouse . There, you can enjoy a wide range of local delicacies from different independent vendors.

After that, head out on a walk to Fistral Beach . Another gorgeous sandy beach loved by sunbathers and surfers. When the tide’s out, it creates a huge open space for dogs and children to run around in the sand.

On the way back to the campsite, why not stop at Rick Stein’s pub – the Cornish Arms ? In the middle of the picturesque countryside, it’s a lovely change from the seaside towns. 

Day 7 – Port Isaac

On the final day, it’s time to pack up your TentBox and hit the road. Before heading home (or onto your next destination), take some time to stop at the small, picturesque village of Port Isaac for one last ice cream. 

Looking for more TentBox road trip inspo? Read our customer stories .

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Your Road Trip Close to Home adventure guide for Sept. 5

Here's a look at all the great spots to hit from this week's episode of road trip close to home..

Brian Heyman

Sep 5, 2024, 5:32 PM

Updated 2 days ago

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• 1 American Dream Way | East Rutherford, NJ 07073
• 106 Valkill Park Road | Hyde Park, NY 12538
• Grounds open daily. Access to home available only by tour.
• 161 Brownstone Ave. | Portland, CT 06480
• 254 Palisade Ave. | Bronx, NY 10463
• 62 Lake Ave. | Nesconset, NY 11767

Interested in more adventures? Check out last week's destinations close to home .

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Homeschool mom shares how to turn a road trip into an epic field trip

September 5, 2024 // By Jessica Cole

By Jessica Cole September 5, 2024

As a homeschool mom, one thing I enjoy about homeschooling my kid s is the flexibility to travel at almost any time of the year. This past spring, our family took advantage of this by traveling to Austin, Texas, to view the most recent total solar eclipse.

Rather than pay airfare for seven family members, we chose to drive to Texas from our home near Raleigh, North Carolina. Facing 20-plus hours in the car, I decided to make our drive part of the experience, transforming our family road trip into one giant field trip!

We stopped at fun and educational places — museums, tourist attractions, and the like. I learned many lessons along the way. If you're planning a family road trip, here's how to turn it into a memorable field trip.

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Choose a road trip route that offers variety

Once you identify your ultimate destination (we spent three days in Austin), you'll need to decide on your route to get there. For us, there were three recommended routes with a few hours' difference among them. We decided not to take the most direct route. Instead, we went slightly north to North Carolina and then through Tennessee and Arkansas before arriving in Texas. On the way back, we passed through Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina. This way, we were able to stop at more attractions and experience a greater variety of environments — in climate, landscape, wildlife, and culture.

Tie planned stops to family and educational interests

Once I had the general route mapped out, I began searching for things to do and see in each state. First, I considered which attractions hit on areas of interest for members of our family or tied in with something the kids were learning in school. Next, I looked at how far out of the way we would have to drive to reach those points of interest. As a final measure, I considered how long a typical visit would take and made sure the attraction would be open at our desired date and time.

Read several reviews before booking hotels

I booked our hotels through a popular travel site, heavily relying on their star-rating system. As it turns out, I probably should have checked the reviews in more detail and maybe checked reviews from a few different sources. Most of the hotels were a hit, but one turned out to be a real miss.

Consider waiting to make reservations at attractions

While it was helpful to reserve hotels in advance, I didn't reserve tickets to most of the museums and other attractions until the day of our visit. This allowed us some flexibility to trade one stop for an alternative at the last minute.

On the other hand, we would've never gotten into one particular museum if I hadn't made an earlier reservation, so it's important to check each destination for any likelihood of selling out.

Figure out parking ahead of time

Parking in big cities can be challenging, but modern technology makes things easier. Besides looking on a location's website for parking suggestions, you can check your map app for nearby lots. I found Google Maps street view to be especially helpful in determining which lots would work best for us. Some attractions and even cities (street parking) will allow you to reserve parking spots in advance online.

Consider renting a van for your road trip

With five growing kids, my husband and I had been toying with the idea of trading in our minivan for a 12-passenger. Partly with this trip in mind, we took the plunge. The gas mileage isn't great, but the extra room for packing and spreading out is amazing!

Of course, buying a van isn't necessary for most, but it might be worth your money to rent one for a longer road trip.

Pack a suitcase for each day, not each person

When stopping at multiple hotels, packing hacks can simplify the process. Rather than dragging out seven individual suitcases every night, the kids and I pre-picked and packed our outfits into one suitcase for each day, rather than for each person. We then packed bathroom supplies and an extra outfit or two in the kids' backpacks. It made loading and unloading so much easier.

Also, it wouldn't hurt to bring a few dollars' worth of quarters for coin-operated laundry, as I learned when my preschooler accidentally dirtied his favorite blanket!

Factor in time zone changes when planning your road trip

If crossing several states on a fairly tight itinerary, don't forget that you may cross time zones. Overlooking this fact worked in our favor on our way westward, but it led to one late arrival time on a planned activity as we headed back east.

Pack food and save money on dining out

We have several food sensitivities in our family and we rarely eat out, so we packed a ton of food. We bought a good quality cooler and brought a second, more basic one for backup. We refreshed the ice regularly and made sure to stay at hotels with refrigerators/freezers. Although we supplemented with food at a few convenience stops, we managed to avoid dining out at restaurants and saved quite a bit of money.

In the end, we visited some amazing destinations, including the Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee; the Space Center in Houston, and the National WWII Museum in New Orleans. The only thing I regret is that we didn't have more time to explore some of these places. But, of course, there's always next year!

About Jessica Cole

Jessica is a homeschool graduate and homeschooling mother who contributes to the Home School Legal Defense Association blog. Besides writing, her favorite activities include singing at church, teaching literature and theater at homeschool co-op, and planning escapades that push her routine-oriented husband outside his comfort zone. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and five children.

Read more about Jessica Cole here.

Connect with Jessica via: Website