Road trips are one of the best ways to travel for so many reasons, whether you’re going alone, with a few pals, or with your partner and family. Get in the car, crank up your playlist, and hit the road! But before you set off, you need to sort out the practical details so you can spend more time enjoying the journey and less time figuring out what to do next.
I’ve found that a little preparation beforehand makes a big difference, especially when you’re traveling somewhere unfamiliar or driving long-distance. Hopefully my tips help you to make the most of every mile too.
Plan the Essentials Before You Leave
Some decisions are easier to make from home rather than in a car park:
How Many Days Do You Have for Your Road Trip?
Be honest about how much time you’ve got. If you have five days off, don’t attempt to cram in a 10-day itinerary and hope you’ll somehow make it work.
What’s the Best Route to Your Main Destinations?
Decide what places genuinely matter to you and then build your route around them in a logical way. Crisscrossing the map just to hit one more destination means you’ll spend more time driving between places and less time actually enjoying them.
Are the Driving Distances Doable?
When you’re figuring out how much ground you’ll cover each day, don’t just look at the mileage and call it done. A four-hour drive can easily eat up most of a day once you factor in lunch, traffic, photo opportunities, or taking a walk around that random little town you suddenly want to check out.
What Are Your Major Stops Going to Be? Any Activities You Need to Plan For?
Before you commit to an attraction, find out what you’re actually getting for your time and money. Check what’s included in the admission price, whether tickets sell out early or are generally easy to get, what you need to bring, and any restrictions you should know about.
Have You Booked Your Essential Accommodation?
You don’t need to book every night before you leave, but lock in the places where your options are limited. That could mean an out-of-the-way place with only a handful of hotels, a popular national park, or a weekend when demand will be high. Check the cancellation policy before paying, too.
Have You Downloaded Maps and Other Useful Travel Information?
Save your maps on your phone before you leave, especially if your route takes you through rural areas where your signal could disappear.
I also keep information on nearby fuel stations, rest areas, road closure information, local driving rules, and emergency numbers on my phone. If you’re planning a road trip for the first time, these travel tips for beginners can also help you prepare for the journey and avoid common travel hassles.
Have You Sorted Out Your Car Insurance?
Car insurance is easy to overlook when you’re focused on routes, accommodation, and what you’re going to see along the way. Before you leave, check that your policy provides the cover you need for the trip, particularly if you’re traveling across state lines or planning to drive a lot of miles.
It’s also worth comparing quotes to find the most affordable car insurance. This can help keep your road-trip costs manageable without leaving you scrambling for cover if something goes wrong.
Keep Your Road-Trip Essentials Within Easy Reach
You don’t need to pack your car like you’re playing a game of Tetris. What matters is being able to grab what you need during your drive without stopping to unload your trunk and rifle through your suitcases.
Keep water, snacks, your phone, charging cables, a power bank, sunglasses, travel documents, and basic toiletries where they’re easy to access when you’re chewing up miles.
Packing your car properly saves time, keeps your vehicle from becoming a disaster zone, and keeps you from being tempted to keep driving while you look for what you need.
Break Up Long Drives to Stay Safe on the Road
Long stretches behind the wheel can leave you stiff, foggy, and seriously over it, so give yourself proper breaks rather than trying to power through. Get out, walk around, stretch your legs, grab some food, and give your brain a chance to reset.
If you’re traveling with someone else, swap drivers every 100 to 150 miles. I also like changing up the music, podcasts, or audiobooks when I start feeling restless.
Please don’t push on when you’re feeling worn out. Your ability to concentrate drops drastically, your reactions slow down, and you can miss important signs, a turn you need to take, or dangerous hazards in the road.
I make a point of stopping for a coffee, a decent meal, or 20 minutes with my feet out on the ground every two to three hours on road trips.
Make Sure Your Road-Trip Budget Is in Gear
You don’t need to account for every coffee or roadside snack you’ll have on the road before you leave, but you should know what your big expenses look like. Price up your accommodation, estimate gas based on your route and vehicle, and check admission fees for the activities you’re interested in.
Remember to factor in parking, tolls, groceries, restaurant meals, and small purchases along the way, like bottled water, sunscreen, or a souvenir from a roadside stop that you simply have to have.
I also like keeping some of my budget unassigned so I can say yes to an unexpected stop without throwing everything else off.
Make Your Drive Home Part of Your Plan
It’s tempting to make a mad dash home once your road trip is done, but I recommend leaving yourself some breathing room for the return ride. But if you’ve got a full day of driving ahead of you, don’t schedule a late checkout, seeing a morning attraction, or navigating long stretches of road as though everything will run perfectly.
Give yourself a realistic departure time and a little slack around it.
I’ve learned that arriving home with enough energy to unpack, feed the dogs, and collapse on the sofa beats turning the final day into a race against the clock.
Meta Title: Road Trips Made Simple and Fun | Claire’s Itchy Feet
Description: A great road trip needs some planning, but you don’t have to create a rigid schedule. Learn how to prepare properly while leaving room for the unexpected.