How to Plan the Perfect Road Trip: 10 Key Steps to Follow
From mapping your route to preparing your vehicle, these expert tips will ensure your road trip is smooth, fun, and unforgettable.
ROAD TRIP PLANNING
5/5/20244 min read
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1. Plan Your Route
Having a broad outline of the places you know you want to visit and then adding in the small details sets the foundation for your road trip. Mapping out the best roads to take and attractions/landmarks to see along the way will help you stay on track and make the most of your time on the road.
Tools to help map out your trip include:
Roadtrippers: Ideal for planning multi-stop trips with route optimization.
Roadie: Perfect for adding stops and finding attractions along the way.
Google Maps: Pin destinations and save offline maps for easy navigation.
2. Check Your Vehicle
Before embarking on a road trip, schedule a maintenance check-up with a trusted mechanic to make sure your car is in good shape. Have the mechanic do the following:
Inspect tires for wear, proper pressure, and alignment.
Check brakes, fluids, and battery condition.
Replace wiper blades and top off windshield washer fluid.
3. Pack Smart
When it comes to packing for a road trip, less is often more. Be mindful of the limited space in your vehicle and pack only the essentials. Here are some considerations when it comes to packing:
Some Essentials:
First Aid Kit: Include band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, allergy medicine, and any prescription medications you might need.
Snacks and Water: Pack shelf-stable, easy-to-eat snacks like granola bars, trail mix, or dried fruit, and bring a reusable water bottle for each traveler. Consider investing in a portable water filter if you’ll be camping or traveling through remote areas.
Travel Documents: Keep your driver’s license, car insurance, roadside assistance information, and any necessary permits easily accessible.
Clothing: Stick to versatile pieces that you can mix and match. Choose quick-dry fabrics for easy washing.
Toiletries: Opt for travel-sized items and store them in a waterproof bag. Don’t forget sunscreen, bug spray, and hand sanitizer.
Electronics: Pack essential chargers, power banks, and adapters. If you’re camping, a portable solar charger can be a lifesaver.
4. Research Accommodations
If you're planning to stay overnight during your road trip, it's essential to research and book accommodations in advance. Look for hotels, motels, or campgrounds along your route and make reservations accordingly. This will help you avoid any last-minute scrambling for a place to stay and ensure a comfortable night's rest.
Best Places to Find Budget Accommodations:
Free places to stay if car camping: Freecampsites,,iOverlander, Campendium.
Last Minute Hotel Deals: HotelTonight
Campsites: Recreation.gov, ReserveAmerica, HipCamp
5. Create a Playlist
No road trip is complete without a killer playlist. Take some time to curate a collection of your favorite tunes that will keep you entertained and energized throughout the journey. Include a mix of old favorites and new discoveries to keep things interesting. My current favorite artists if you're looking for new discoveries are Taylor Swift (not sorry), The 502s, and Noah Kahan.
6. Download Offline Maps
While GPS and navigation apps are incredibly helpful, they can sometimes fail in areas with poor signal or limited data. To avoid getting lost, download offline maps of the areas you'll be traveling through. This way, you'll have a backup plan in case your internet connection drops.
7. Check Travel Restrictions and Requirements
Before hitting the road, it's crucial to stay informed about any travel restrictions or requirements that may be in place. For the US, be sure to check the latest updates on national park permits and guidelines, and any other regulations that may impact your journey. If staying at hotels and campgrounds or crossing the border with pets, be sure to have vaccination records and any other paperwork that may be necessary.
8. Pack Entertainment
Long stretches of driving can sometimes get monotonous, so it's a good idea to pack some entertainment options.
Entertainment Ideas:
Traveling Alone: Podcasts, audiobooks, a journal for your driving breaks. My favorite journals are this national park one and this five minute one.
With Others: Classic road trip games like I Spy, Searching for License Plates, or 20 Questions. There are also some games you can buy such as: Shotgun, Road Trip Table Topics, or Road Trip Bingo
9. Prepare for Emergencies
Even with careful planning, emergencies can happen on the road.
Packing an Emergency Kit:
Spare tire, jumper cables, a flashlight, and basic tools
Tire compressor
Enroll in a roadside assistance plan (think AAA)
10. Enjoy the Journey
Road trips are not just about reaching your destination. They're also about the experiences and memories you create along the way. Take the time to appreciate the beautiful scenery, try local cuisine, and embrace the freedom of the open road. Cherish the moments and make the most of your road trip adventure.
By following these 10 steps, you'll be well-prepared for an unforgettable road trip. So, start planning, pack your bags, and get ready to hit the road!