The Ultimate Road Trip Planning Guide

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1. Set a Start Date and Time

Choosing a specific start date and time is the first step to turning your road trip dreams into reality. A concrete plan creates commitment and keeps you on track.

Things to consider when choosing a start date:

1. Time of Year: Do you want to hit where you are going in the summer? In the Fall? What will the weather be like where you are heading? This is really important if traveling to National Parks because many roads are only open for two-three months out of the year due to snowy conditions (like Yosemite).

2. Holidays and Birthdays: Are holidays and birthdays important for you not to miss? If you are going on a long trip it will be impossible to find a day that allows you to do everything, so this will be a time where you will have to prioritize. For me, this meant leaving on April 5th to be able to celebrate my husband's birthday and back by July 17th to celebrate my mom's. Unfortunately, this means I'll miss Mother's day and Father's day, but birthdays are more of a priority for me.

3. Backup Dates: Sometimes plans have to change a bit due to unforeseen circumstances. To avoid getting frustrated with a change right from the start, be sure to have a backup date that works well for you too. Usually planning ahead so you can coordinate with others helps with this one.

2. Create a Detailed Itinerary

A detailed itinerary keeps you organized and will give your loved ones peace of mind if traveling solo. If you're like me, this will especially give you peace of mind when traveling with pets so you know of pet friendly activities ahead of time.

Detailed Itinerary Breakdown:

1. Research Destinations: Start with a general outline of the cities and places you know you want to go and then gather the details (key attractions, local events, must-visit spots). You can search for travel blogs or look at forums on Reddit for places where you are looking to visit to see what people have done before.

2. Map out the Route using tools like Roadie, Roadtrippers, or Google Maps. You can set pins on the places you would like to go and these tools will factor in driving times.

3. Plan some activities while leaving room for some free time. Overloading your itinerary can lead to exhaustion and stress, so be sure to only include "bucket list" items like the hikes you are most looking forward to or activities you have been dreaming about.

4. Book accommodations and activities early, especially if you’re traveling during peak seasons.

3. Set a budget

Setting a budget for your solo road trip helps with knowing how much money you will need to save along with holding you accountable when making decisions on your trip.

Steps to Create a Road Trip Budget:

1. Estimate the total cost of your trip, including the obvious like gas, accommodation, food, and any activities or attractions you plan to visit. You'll also want to remember budgeting for car maintenance if you are going on a long trip along with any items you may need to buy before you leave.

2. Research the average prices in the areas you will be traveling through to get a better idea of how much to budget for each expense. For example, California gas is much more expensive than the middle of Oklahoma.

3. Stick to it and avoid overspending by tracking your expenses throughout the trip and making adjustments as needed. You can do this by using a spreadsheet or getting a budgeting app such as Monarch which is what my husband and I use.

4. Set aside some extra cash for emergencies or unexpected costs.

4. Prepare Your Vehicle

Making sure your car is ready for the road is key. No one wants to end up getting stranded somewhere because the necessary precautions weren't followed.

Steps to Prepare Your Car:

1. Perform necessary maintenance checks including an oil change, inspecting your tire pressure and tires for wear and tear, and testing your brakes to ensure brake pads and fluid levels are in optimal condition.

2. Pack critical items in case of emergency including a spare tire and an emergency kit equipped with first aid supplies, a flashlight, jumper cables, an air compressor and basic tools. Having road maps or a reliable GPS device may also come in handy if you are going to areas with poor cell service.

3. Organize your car for both comfort and convenience by arranging your items in a way that maximizes space and accessibility. Items that you might need frequently, such as snacks, water bottles, and charging cables, should be within easy reach. Organizers or storage bins to keep your vehicle tidy and prevent clutter could also be useful.

5. Start Saving

Now that you have everything planned and you know how much money you will need, it's time to come up with a plan to start saving.

Tips for Saving:

1. Start by cutting unnecessary expenses. Consider cooking at home instead of eating out, and limit your entertainment spending. Be sure to also check your subscriptions. There are some sneaky ones that you may not even know you're paying for.

2. Look for ways to increase your income, whether it's through picking up extra shifts at work or selling items you no longer need. You could also look into a side hustle like driving for Uber, dog sitting, baby sitting, etc.

3. Open a separate savings account specifically for your road trip funds, and automate regular contributions to it. Bonus points if it's a high-yield savings account meaning you get more money for depositing more money. We currently have a Capital One savings account which had a 3.8% interest rate the last time I checked.

Conclusion

Planning a road trip can be as exciting as the journey itself. By setting a start date, crafting an itinerary, budgeting wisely, preparing your vehicle, and saving strategically, you can turn your dream adventure into reality.

Pro Tip: Planning ahead allows you to research and book accommodations, map routes, and prepare effectively, reducing last-minute headaches. Start early to ensure everything falls into place.

Pro Tip: While planning is essential, embrace flexibility. Unplanned stops often lead to the best memories!

Pro Tip: Pack a cooler with some food you can cook as eating out adds up quickly! Also, if you decide to car camp instead of staying at hotels you can find free places to stay using sites such as freecampsites, iOverlander, or Campendium.

Pro Tip: Schedule a full vehicle check-up before your trip for peace of mind.

Pro Tip: Set a clear goal to stay motivated. Visualize your destination whenever tempted to splurge!

Are you ready to hit the road?

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