How to Plan a Road Trip

Who doesn’t love a good road trip? Loading up your car, putting on some music, and hitting all the backroad stops along your route is a great way to have some fun. Road trips might seem like spontaneous getaways, but you’re better off if you spend a bit of extra time planning the journey, route, budget, and packing list. You’ll definitely thank yourself for this extra bit of planning when you're having a great time on your trip!

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Route Planning

1. Map out the route to your destination. You probably have your destination in mind, so next you have to figure out how to get there. It’s best to plan the route beforehand rather than only relying on your navigation system to get you there. That way, you can hit any stops you want to see on the way, and you’ll know the right directions if your GPS fails. Check your map or get directions online and plan out the route before leaving.^[1]
   
   • Use AAA's route-planning tools to make this a breeze (https://triptik.aaa.com/home/). They even have a COVID map that shows restrictions from state to state (https://gds.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=2ec42826968d4d0980ccca0fbbfe0c7c).
   • It's best to keep a paper copy of your directions too, just in case your electronics fail.
   • You can still be spontaneous with a planned route. There are all kinds of unexpected things you might see on the way!
2. Plan a scenic route if you have time to reach your destination. For a classic road trip, take a route with plenty of stops and sights to see along the way. That way, the journey becomes a trip in itself!^[2]
   
   • You can still move pretty quickly and stop to sightsee on the way. Pick attractions close to interstates and highways so you don't have to go too far off the route.
3. Take a quick route if you want to get to your destination faster. You might also be more interested in reaching your destination than seeing sights along the way. This is fine too. In this case, plan a route with plenty of interstates and highways so you move quickly and get to your destination as soon as possible. Then you can start enjoying your vacation!^[3]
   
   • This is a good option if you're traveling by car to avoid the expense of air travel. Your main goal is probably getting to your destination fast rather than spending a lot of time on the road.
4. Make a list of sights you want to see on the way to your destination. You’ll get the real road trip experience if you make some stops along the way and take in the sights. Check your route and see what’s on the way. Make a list of everything you want to see during your journey. Even if you’re in a hurry, you can probably spare a few hours for a stop. It’s definitely worth it for the classic road trip experience.^[4]
   
   • For example, if you’re driving from Phoenix to Salt Lake City, it’s definitely worth it to stop and see the Grand Canyon.
   • You can also plan some detours to hit sights that aren’t directly in your path. Driving a few hours out of the way could be worth it if there’s something you really want to see.
   • The website Roadside America has a ton of suggested sites to stop all over the US if you’re on a road trip. If you need ideas, visit this site and plug in your route to see what comes up.^[5]
5. Mark the hotels or RV parks you'll stop to sleep at. If your trip will take more than 1 day, then you’ll need a plan on where to sleep. Map out your stops along the route and pick the hotel or RV parks you’ll be stopping in. This gives you a new destination to aim for each day.^[6]
   
   • The distance between these stops depends on how much you want to drive each day. If you can drive for 10 hours straight without getting too tired, then that’s fine. If you prefer to keep your driving stretches closer to 5 hours, then this works too.
   • It’s dangerous to drive when you’re too tired, and you’re at risk for falling asleep at the wheel or getting into accidents.^[7] Don’t plan for excessive distances between your stops.
   • In general, driving for more than 10 hours in a day without stopping is dangerous. If at any point you feel too tired, pull over and take a quick nap.
6. Allow extra time to stop and see unexpected attractions. Part of the fun of road trips is being spontaneous! Planning is good, but you never know what you’ll come across on the road. If you pass a museum, historic site, park, or any other attraction, it’s great to stop and have a look. This makes the road trip a lot more fun for everyone.^[8]
   
   • Building in a bit of extra time is easy. If you need to get to your hotel by 5 PM and it’s 5 hours away, leave 8 hours to get there. This way, you can hit any unexpected stops on the way.
   • Keep an eye on the time if you stop though. It’s easy to lose yourself and end up behind schedule. This is important if you're trying to get to your destination quickly.

[Edit]Financial Planning

1. Set a total budget for your trip. This isn't as fun, but like with any vacation, you need to set a budget for your road trip so you don’t spend more than you wanted to. Have a look at your finances and determine what you can afford to spend for the whole trip. Then use your budget to plan your spending for the trip.^[9]
   
   • The major expenses on a road trip include food, lodging, gas, and tolls. You should also allow some money for attractions and souvenirs.
   • The limit for your budget depends on you and what you can afford to spend. It's best to save ahead of time so you can pay for the vacation rather than relying on your credit card.^[10]
   • Even if you don’t have a high budget, you can have a great vacation by taking a road trip. Stay at cheaper motels, eat simple meals, and trim back spontaneous spending to stay under control.
   • If you’re on a road trip with friends, keep a list of what everyone owes to keep track of all the money. Apps like SplitWise make this a lot easier.
2. Identify gas stations and prices along your route. Even a small change in gas prices can impact the budget of your trip. Add up the total miles you’ll be driving and look at the average prices along the route you’re taking to calculate your estimated gas bill. Include this in your budget planning.^[11]
   
   • AAA keeps a daily log of gas prices all over the US at https://gasprices.aaa.com//
   • You can also use an app like GasBuddy to find the cheapest gas in every location.^[12]
3. Book your lodging ahead of time to get a good rate. Whether you’re staying in motels or RV parks, the price of lodging can really add up. Usually, prices are higher if you book late.^[13] There also might not be enough room for you if you book at the last minute, and you don't want to be left without a place to sleep! It’s best to make all your lodging arrangements well ahead of your trip to get the best rates.^[14]
   
   • As a general rule, booking 3-4 weeks in advance is the best way to get the cheapest price. This isn’t set in stone, though, so don’t hesitate to book if prices seem to be going up.^[15]
   • It’s especially important to book your lodging early if you’re traveling during a peak season, like the summer.
4. Leave room in the budget for incidentals or mishaps. Even with an airtight budget, you never know what will happen. Your car could break down or you might come across an attraction on the way that you need entrance money for. Plan for some wiggle room in your budget to plan for unexpected expenses like these.^[16]
   
   • Your trip will also be a lot more fun if you have a bit of extra money and don’t have to worry about going over budget.
   • As a bonus, if you don’t spend more than you budgeted for, it’ll feel like extra money!

[Edit]Effective Packing

1. Pack only what you need to save room. It can be tempting to overpack for a road trip, but space is limited! Do your best to pack light and only bring what you need. A few pairs of clothes, towels, toiletries, snacks, and any other essentials are all you need. That way, you’ll have plenty of leg room to stay comfortable in the car.^[17]
   
   • You can save room if you stay at hotels with laundry facilities. That way, you won’t have to pack as many clothes.
   • If you’re going on a trip with others, make sure you tell them the space limits and encourage them to only pack what they absolutely need.
   • A roof rack is a great way to pack plenty of stuff without taking up too much room in the car.
2. Bring a cooler with plenty of snacks. You’re bound to get hungry in the car, and you might not be near any restaurants or rest stops. Pack a bag or cooler with all of your favorite snacks and bring it along. This way, you can easily dip into your snacks for a quick bite. Remember to bring plates and napkins too so you don’t make a mess!^[18]
   
   • As long as the cooler stays cold, you can bring sandwiches, cold cuts, fruit, and salads.
   • If you can’t fit a cooler in the car, make sure you only bring non-perishable foods like nuts, dried fruit, granola bars, or bags of chips.
   • Bringing food in the car is also a good way to keep the budget under control. Stopping at restaurants adds up, so packing some extra snacks can cut down on that expense.
3. Include plenty of entertainment like music or movies. Road trips are a ton of fun, but long hours on the road will get boring eventually. Having some entertainment helps pass the time during dull stretches. This is especially important if you have kids in the car. Pack some movies for children or passengers in the backseat to watch, and plenty of music to keep everyone else entertained.^[19]
   
   • It can be fun to let everyone have a chance being the car DJ. That way everyone gets a turn to listen to what they want to.
   • Try putting together a playlist that gets you pumped so you stay alert while you’re driving.
   • Remember chargers for all your electronics too! You don't want to end up stranded with no power.
4. Pack any medications or health items you need. Remember to bring any prescriptions you have to take, and any other medications or supplies you use regularly. Pack all of this in a separate bag so you can find it easily.^[20]
   
   • It's also good to always have a first-aid kit in the car to handle any minor injuries.
   • Bring along some pain relievers and antacids too. You never know when you'll need them on vacation.
5. Bring a paper map in case you don’t have service or power. It's not a good idea to depend entirely on your GPS. You might lose service, or the device could malfunction. It’s always worth it to have a paper map in the car so you can find your way no matter what. It's old fashioned, but it works.^[21]
   
   • Road atlases are great resources that have all the major roads for entire countries in them. Get one of these to keep in your car.
   • Practice reading the map if you’re not used to it. If you’ve only used a GPS system, a paper map might look confusing at first.
6. Make sure you have an emergency kit in your car. You never know what’ll happen on the road, so be prepared. A basic emergency car kit should have a first-aid kit, jumper cables, water, flares, blankets, flashlight, non-perishable food items, and an extra cell phone. You may also need some extra gear if you’re heading to a harsher climate.^[22]
   
   • If you’re traveling in the winter or heading towards a cold climate, then definitely pack an ice scraper, snow brush, sand, and a small shovel in case you get stuck in the snow.
   • It’s good to always have an emergency kit in your car, not just when you’re taking a road trip.
7. Remember masks if you're going somewhere affected by COVID-19. The COVID-19 pandemic is still affecting many places. Protect yourself and your travel partners by packing masks and wearing them whenever you're around other people. If you can, stick with outdoor activities to reduce your risk of catching the virus.^[23]
   
   • Respect social distancing rules as well, and leave at least between yourself and others.
   • It's also a good idea to bring plenty of hand sanitizer and keep it in your car.

[Edit]Car Safety Checklist

1. Make sure your tire pressure is correct. Your tires are crucial for safety on a road trip. Use a high-quality pressure gauge and measure the pressure on all your tires and the spare. If any tires are low, fill them up before the trip.^[24]
   
   • The recommended tire pressure is in your car owner’s manual. In most cars, the recommendation is 32-35 psi, but follow the instructions for your car.
   • It’s best to take a pressure reading when the tires are cold so you get an accurate reading.
2. Check your tire tread depth. If your tire treads are shallow, it means your tires are wearing out. For an easy test, press a quarter into the tire treads in a few different places. If you can see George Washington’s head sticking up in any spots, then the tire is starting to wear out. Take the car to a mechanic to see if you need new tires before the trip.^[25]
   
   • Also look for any other signs of damage while you’re checking the tread. Any cracks, scrapes, or worn-down parts could be dangerous.
   • It’s very dangerous to drive with worn-out tires, so don’t delay in getting them fixed.
3. Replace your wiper blades if yours are worn-out. You never know when you’ll run into rain or snow on the road, so you’ll need fresh wipers. Do a quick test by hitting the washer and wiper button in your car. Make sure the blades completely clean the windshield with each pass. If there are any wet spots leftover, or if the wipers leave smudges, then replace the wipers before you leave.^[26]
   
   • If the blades leave any wet spots, they might just be dirty. Try cleaning the wipers with alcohol and doing the test again. If there are still wet spots, then you definitely need new wipers.
4. Check your battery health. A dead battery can really ruin a road trip. Pop your hood and make sure there is no corrosion on the battery terminals. Also make sure the nuts connecting the wires to the terminals are tight. If all looks good, then you shouldn’t end up with a dead battery on your trip.^[27]
   
   • If the battery is over 3 years old, it’s a good idea to let a mechanic check it to make sure it’s healthy. They can replace it if they have to so you don’t end up stranded.
5. Bring your car to a mechanic for an inspection. For your car to run properly, you need to make sure it has enough oil and fluids, good brakes, a healthy battery and transmission, and all the other necessary parts. If you don't know how to check all this, it's best to bring your car to a mechanic before leaving. They can give your car a quick inspection and fix any issues to make sure the car is safe.^[28]
   
   • Bring your car in at least a few days before you're planning on leaving. That way, there's enough time if you need any repairs.
   • Even if you know how to check all of this yourself, it's a good idea to let a mechanic take a look too. They might find something you missed.
6. Rent a car if yours isn’t fit for the trip. If your car is old, beat-up, or just not ready for a long trip, you always have the option to rent a car instead. This way, you can avoid the wear-and-tear on your own car and have a vehicle that’s more up to the task.^[29]
   
   • Renting is also a good option if you need more space. If you own a sedan but want to go on a trip with 6 people, then renting a van or RV is a good choice.
   • Always check the mileage agreements when you rent a car so you know how much you’ll be charged. This is important for long trips.

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Prepare for a Road Trip
• Prepare for a Winter Road Trip
• Prepare for a Long Car Trip
• Write a Travel Blog
• Take a Road Trip
• Plan a Cross Country Road Trip to Las Vegas
• Chill
• Hire a Moving Company

[Edit]Tips

• If you’re not sure whether or not your car can handle the trip, bring it to a mechanic to have a look at it.
• If you're traveling with friends, decide how you'll split the costs before leaving. This should solve any disagreements later on.

[Edit]Warnings

• Don’t rely on your navigation system without looking up the route beforehand. If your GPS fails, you’ll be stranded if you don’t have some idea of where you’re going.
• Don’t push yourself too hard while you’re driving. Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. Give yourself a break every few hours so you’re fresh and alert.^[30]

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://koa.com/blog/9-steps-to-planning-your-great-american-road-trip/
2. ↑ https://koa.com/blog/9-steps-to-planning-your-great-american-road-trip/
3. ↑ https://koa.com/blog/9-steps-to-planning-your-great-american-road-trip/
4. ↑ https://www.heremagazine.com/articles/road-trip-how-to
5. ↑ https://traveltips.usatoday.com/plan-road-trip-vacation-12786.html
6. ↑ https://koa.com/blog/9-steps-to-planning-your-great-american-road-trip/
7. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/drowsy_driving.html
8. ↑ https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/travel/how-to-plan-the-perfect-road-trip/2017/06/07/d53b3430-457f-11e7-a196-a1bb629f64cb_story.html
9. ↑ https://koa.com/blog/9-steps-to-planning-your-great-american-road-trip/
10. ↑ https://www.cnn.com/2019/11/16/success/how-much-to-spend-on-travel/index.html
11. ↑ https://newsroom.aaa.com/2012/12/more-than-one-in-four-americans-to-take-a-road-trip-this-holiday-season-aaa/
12. ↑ https://www.tripsavvy.com/planning-a-road-trip-complete-guide-4845956
13. ↑ https://newsroom.aaa.com/2012/12/more-than-one-in-four-americans-to-take-a-road-trip-this-holiday-season-aaa/
14. ↑ https://www.heremagazine.com/articles/road-trip-how-to
15. ↑ https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/hotels/2014/08/14/hotel-booking-tips/14006883/
16. ↑ https://koa.com/blog/9-steps-to-planning-your-great-american-road-trip/
17. ↑ https://traveltips.usatoday.com/plan-road-trip-vacation-12786.html
18. ↑ https://traveltips.usatoday.com/plan-road-trip-vacation-12786.html
19. ↑ https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/travel/how-to-plan-the-perfect-road-trip/2017/06/07/d53b3430-457f-11e7-a196-a1bb629f64cb_story.html
20. ↑ https://www.heremagazine.com/articles/road-trip-how-to
21. ↑ https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/travel/how-to-plan-the-perfect-road-trip/2017/06/07/d53b3430-457f-11e7-a196-a1bb629f64cb_story.html
22. ↑ https://newsroom.aaa.com/2010/11/2010-thanksgiving-road-trips/
23. ↑ https://www.businessinsider.com/safe-vacations-during-covid
24. ↑ https://newsroom.aaa.com/2010/11/2010-thanksgiving-road-trips/
25. ↑ https://newsroom.aaa.com/2010/11/2010-thanksgiving-road-trips/
26. ↑ https://newsroom.aaa.com/2010/11/2010-thanksgiving-road-trips/
27. ↑ https://newsroom.aaa.com/2010/11/2010-thanksgiving-road-trips/
28. ↑ https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/a26200/car-road-trip/
29. ↑ https://www.tripsavvy.com/planning-a-road-trip-complete-guide-4845956
30. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/drowsy_driving.html