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Are you thinking about taking a road trip across the United States? If so, you will need to plan carefully if you want to have a successful journey. In this blog post, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to plan your road trip. We will cover everything from choosing your route to packing for the trip. So, whether you are an experienced traveler or this is your first time hitting the open road, read on for some helpful advice!

How to Plan a Cross Country Road Trip

When planning a road trip, one of the most important things to consider is your route. You will need to map out your journey in advance and make sure that you have enough time to cover all of the miles. One way to find a good route is to use an online mapping tool such as Google Maps or Roadtrippers. These tools allow you to plan out your entire trip, including stops for food and gas.

If your plan is to actually see some fun sights on the way during your trip, you should plan to average 4 hours of driving per day. While you can drive longer, you do need to allow for time to spending hiking, exploring, and more. The best way to plan your route is to take the total number of days that you have and divide the hours of your mapped route and make sure the total is under 4 hours per day.

The other way that you should plan your cross country road trip route is to focus on the few key places that you hope to visit and structure your route around these stops. The best way to connect your outbound and return trip is via another interstate.

How to Plan a Road Trip Tips

Here are some expert tips to help you plan the perfect road trip. This way, when you embark on your cross-country trip you’ll be fully prepared and can have the best time.

1. Begin Planning ASAP

When it comes to road trips it’s better to plan sooner rather than later.

Therefore, be sure to define your route and know exactly where you’re staying. This way you can book accommodations at popular destinations as soon as possible.

This is especially important when it comes to national parks since campgrounds and reservations for day-use permits can get booked up quickly.

2. Use Various Planning Tools

With so many incredible resources available on the internet today, it is crucial that you use an array of apps, websites, guidebooks, and other tools to plan a stress-free road trip.

So, some of the best resources on the market today include:

• Spotify – This music streaming app will help you create the perfect road trip playlist.

• Waze – This navigation app offers up-to-date information on traffic and weather conditions, allowing you to travel the quickest route possible every single time.

• Google Maps – Probably the most used navigation tool availabl, Google Maps is a free app that allows you to receive step-by-step directions that will quickly and easily get you to your next major destination.

• Road Trippers – An incredible, free app that will help you plan the road trip of a lifetime. Plus, you can upgrade to the paid version to determine drive time, calculate mileage, and determine gas prices in between stops.

3. Prepare Your Car

Before setting out on any road trip it is important to prepare your car. As a result, you should stop by your local mechanic and have them check your engine, battery, and tires before you depart.

Also, check all of your car’s fluids, assess lights/signals for any issues, and make sure that your car is fully outfitted with a first aid kit and a roadside assistance kit prior to your trip.

4. Be Sure to Do Side Trips

While it’s important to get to your final destination, sometimes the drive there can get a bit boring and tedious.

Therefore, be sure to break up your journey with plenty of fun and fascinating side trips that everyone in the family will love.

This way you’ll get to enjoy a wide variety of totally unique destinations and can avoid sitting in the car for long periods of time.

5. Try Doing a Road Trip that is More about the Route than the Final Destination

When embarking on a road trip many people think about one thing…their final destination.

However, the United States is full of amazing road trips that are all about the route and the incredible stops that you can make along the way.

So, consider adding Route 66, the Oregon Trail, the Great Northern Route, the Great River Road, and Route 2 from Maine to Washington State to your travel bucket list.

6. Don’t Try to Do Too Much

A common mistake that many road trippers make is that they try to do too much and embark on a road trip that is way too long for their vacation time.

And if you attempt to cover 600+ miles in three days, you’ll be miserable since you won’t be able to see anything and will spend the majority of the time in your car.

Instead, try to cover between 100 and 150 miles in a single day. This way you can actually see something and really enjoy the route you’re taking.

Where to Stay on Your Cross Country Trip

Another thing to keep in mind when planning your road trip is how you will handle lodging. There are a few different options here, such as camping, staying in motels, or using Airbnb. You will need to decide what works best for your budget and your travel style. We spend much of our time road tripping in our van and we plan to stop at either rest stops or we find cowboy camping/wild camping spots via iOverlander. This certainly helps cut down on the costs of the trip.

How to Pack for Your Cross Country Trip

Finally, it is important to pack appropriately for your road trip. Make sure to bring along items like sunscreen, insect repellent, and a first-aid kit. It is also a good idea to pack snacks and drinks, so you can stay fueled up during your journey. And don’t forget to bring along your camera! A road trip is a great opportunity to capture some amazing memories. Check out this blog post for a complete vanlife packing list.

How to Plan a Road Trip FAQ

How do I Prepare for a Long Car Trip?

You can prepare for a long car trip by:

• Getting a good night’s rest before you drive
• Bring some drinks and water
• Pack plenty of snacks that are good for you
• Make stops along the way
• Fill your car with energizing scents
• Chew gum to stay alert
• Play games to entertain passengers
• Sit up straight

How do I Prepare my Cat for a Road Trip?

You can prepare your cat for a road trip by:

• Lining their carrier with pee pads
• Giving them plenty of fresh water at rest stops
• Waiting to feed them until the evening to reduce the risk of vomiting

What to Do on a Long Car Journey?

Some of the best things to do on a long car journey include:

• Stopping at scenic viewpoints
• Watching a Movie
• Read reviews as a group
• Listen to a fun podcast
• Play car games
• Read magazines and books
• Listen to music
• Document your trip with photos and more

How to Plan Your Road Trip

If you want to plan that bucket list road trip, first figure out how many days you have available, then plan to drive no more than 4 hours on average per day. Then decide how far you can go based on this calculation and create your route. Decide your budget and accommodations. Check out this post if you are looking for how to save money on your next road trip. Then get to packing! Have you ever done a big road trip or would you like to? Let me know in the comments!

You May Also Enjoy These Posts:

• The Ultimate Southwest Road Trip Itinerary
• 5 Scenic Drives in Utah You Can’t Miss
• Our Truck Camper Remodel
• Vanlife Packing List

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