How to plan your perfect road trip: Tips for a seamless travel experience

Going on a road trip gives you the opportunity to explore the US, while taking your time to reach your destination. Each region of the US has developed in different ways in response to the needs that were placed upon them. Travel the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Appalachian Mountains, or ride along the remnants of Route 66 out west to experience the beauty and idealism that are found along these routes.

Planning your trip before you leave home helps you avoid major problems and makes the drive more enjoyable. The following tips will help you take into consideration the practical needs and decisions you should make before you set out on your journey.

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Lay out your ideal route before you leave home

Going on a road trip is more than getting to your destination. It’s also about enjoying the journey and the sights along the way. To that end, you should pick a route that delivers the best scenery and has interesting places to stop along the way. Planning the route in advance lets you figure out how much time you need for the drive and what kind of spare time you’ll have for stops.

Search out interesting destinations that have something that makes them worth stopping for. Alternatively, look for stops that are off the beaten path, but known for welcoming travellers. It’s a way to see the interesting geography, towns, and people that make up the US.

Locate gas or charging stations along the route

It’s a good idea to know where you’ll need to stop for gas or a charge along the way. There are some sections of the US where there are long distances between stations, and if you’re in an EV, you have to plan a route where you can reach a charging station with ease. A gasoline engine or a PHEV has an easier time getting to a gas station, but the issue is moot if there’s a significant distance to cover between stations.

For gas engines and PHEVs, bring a gas can with just in case something goes wrong. For EVs, a route that has short distances between charging stations is ideal. Keep in mind there’s nothing wrong with making frequent stops to top off either type of fuel to avoid running out in an area that’s got rough terrain and little in the way of habitation.

Make sure your auto insurance is current

You can be the safest driver on the road but still find yourself in an accident. Check your insurance policy before you leave to make sure that it’s active. In addition, it’s a good idea to include an underinsured/uninsured motorist clause to protect yourself against someone who feels they don’t need insurance. You never know if the other driver has decided to let their auto insurance lapse.

The purpose of auto insurance is to provide you with financial support and help in the event of an accident. A road trip involves travelling a distance away from home as well as passing through states you’re not familiar with. In the event something happens to you and your car, your insurance can provide you with coverage and assistance that keeps you safe until you can get back home.

Fill up a USB drive with podcasts and music

Your smartphone can keep you connected to the internet and deliver entertainment, but there may be areas that have poor data service. That means you won’t be able to rely on your data connection to keep you entertained along the way. Filling up a USB with podcasts and your favourite music makes it easy to get around intermittent data, and avoid getting throttled for using too much high-speed data.

Don’t own a car with a working USB port for audio files? Bring along a portable Bluetooth speaker that has good audio quality. You can place the speaker in a central location for the best sound. Another option is a transmitter which works over the radio waves. These work well in areas where there isn’t a lot of crowding on the radio dial.

Pack small meals, drinks and snacks

The cost of eating while on the road can add up quickly, adding another area of expense to the trip. Fortunately, you’re driving in your own vehicle, which means you can dedicate space to a cooler or two. Make some sandwiches, brew a couple of thermoses of coffee, and pack your favourite snacks. This helps keep you fuelled up while you drive, making it easier to handle the time spent on the road.

Chances are good that you’ll need to restock along the journey, but you can use your coolers to hold foodstuffs that you can’t get back home. In the meantime, you save money since you don’t have to buy as many meals along the way.

Bring a pillow and a blanket for naps

Driving long distances can wear you out more than you realise. Fortunately, there are a lot of busy rest stops that are safe for quick naps, and bringing a blanket and a pillow can make the nap more restful. If you can’t find a rest stop, a Walmart parking lot also works. It’s a good idea to make a stop for a nap on longer trips to give yourself a break and recover from the fatigue.

Oftentimes, rest stops have time limits on how long you can stay there. Make sure to check the signs before you settle in to stay in compliance. No one is going to bother you if you overstay for a little bit, but you want to leave as soon as you can to avoid drawing attention from a state trooper.

Relax and enjoy the drive

You’re going to be spending long hours on the road, but you don’t need to feel stressed and rushed. Put your seat back a little, stretch out your arms and legs, and set the cruise control for a steady pace. The time and miles flow by much more quickly when you let yourself get comfortable and don’t let the behavior of other drivers bother you.

Conclusion

Use the road trip as an opportunity to create an entirely new experience for yourself. Have fun planning out the route, seek out unusual places to see, and engage with locals to learn more about how people live. Along the way, make sure to take it easy when you drive, and look out for yourself first. The goal is to arrive safely at your destination and do what you want to do when you get there.

Author’s bio: Megan Isola holds a bachelor of science in Hospitality and a minor in Business Marketing from Cal State University Chico. She enjoys going to concerts, trying new restaurants, and hanging out with friends.

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