The Great American Road Trip. Nobody can compare to the experience of road-tripping across multiple national parks or traveling without a specific goal in mind at all. On the other hand, there’s nothing like the exciting freedom of the open road, little villages that carry a powerful punch, odd roadside cafes, off-key singalongs, and an unlimited supply of goodies.
Road vacations are clearly not a new phenomenon, but they are now more popular than they have ever been. Many individuals believe that driving is the safest and most socially acceptable mode of transportation (and they are not entirely incorrect). Because of this, road vacations have become the vacation of choice for 2020. And possibly in 2022 and ’23 as well… Not only are individuals traveling by car more often, but they are also traveling further away from home. According to a poll conducted in August 2020, a staggering 35% of participants stated they have taken a road trip that included three or more states, excluding their own state.
Road vacations, while their many advantages need more planning and preparation. This is particularly true while traveling across many states. The topics covered range from how to save money on a road trip and what to dress to road trip basics and how to be safe while on the road. Some of you may be experienced travelers, while others may be first-timers on the open road. In any case, you’re bound to find at least a few of these cross-country road trip suggestions to be beneficial.
Use your maps app
There are so many unexpected finds and a handful of places where people road-trip to. Google Maps is a fantastic tool for planning and plotting your road trip schedule – but only if you know how to use it correctly, of course. It is feasible to generate personalized maps for any region you want to visit by simply adding all of your potential destinations to a single map. You may also color-code the attractions to make it easier to keep track of them.
To create an itinerary, open Google Maps and save your starting location as a destination. To go from road A to road B, choose the ‘direction’ option. Repeat these locations to ensure that you have included all of the destinations you wish to see on your road trip.
One of the many advantages of utilizing Google Maps is that you can check traffic conditions as well as whether or not the attractions you wish to visit are open.
Consider Map alternatives
Make use of Waze, a GPS navigation program that is driven by the community. Waze identifies traffic congestion in real-time and assists you in finding other routes to avoid being stuck in traffic for long periods of time. The software is quite useful for avoiding being stopped in traffic and being delayed in traffic for extended periods of time when on a road trip.
Besides potholes and road work, Waze users may also report the presence of the police. In certain countries (such as the United States), Waze even displays the lowest petrol stations. You don’t need a road trip itinerary, but you do want a general itinerary.
You can use Waze from any location. However, in order for the maps and traffic updates to be as accurate as possible, the app relies on users in the area to contribute current information. Keep this in mind, particularly when planning vacations that are somewhat off the usual route. Also, the Roadtrippers app is a recommendation from us.
Local driving laws
Check out the local driving laws. For research instances, this is an excellent tip. If you’re planning a road trip outside of your native nation, you should be aware that driving regulations may vary from those in your own country.
Even the regulations of the road might change significantly from one state to another! Before your journey, be sure to familiarize yourself with the country’s driving laws, such as which side of the road cars must travel on and parking regulations. Additionally, learn about traffic signs and apply for an International Driving Permit (if needed).
For information on local driving laws in the nation, you’re visiting, contact a vehicle rental firm in the country you’re visiting. The agency will be familiar with the fundamentals of speed restrictions, what to anticipate in terms of traffic, and/or will have access to practice exams and films.
A good playlist is key
Everyone enjoys a good cross-country road trip, but no one enjoys sitting in the car and staring out the window in utter stillness. A decent music mix is essential for every car trip. Take to the road and sing out your favorite tunes, no matter what kind of music you like to listen to.
The most effective technique to create a fantastic road trip playlist is to mix up the music types in order to break up the boredom of the journey itself. Put on lively tunes to keep you awake, important songs to inspire contemplation, and sing-along songs to get you in the mood for vacation. All of the music streaming services make it simple to put together the ideal soundtrack for your road trip journey.
Bring extra water
One of our favorite cross-country road trip travel tips is to pack extra water bottles to keep you hydrated. It is always possible to have mechanical difficulties with your vehicle while traveling, which might leave you stuck. While you are waiting for assistance, you may get thirsty and want water. When you discover more bottles of water in your vehicle that you can drink, you’ll be overjoyed – they’re the ideal road trip need!
Portable jump starter
Having a portable jump starter for your car is one of the most important road trip necessities. The unexpected happens a lot on road journeys, and when one of those shocks is unpleasant, a portable jump starter may prevent an inconvenience from becoming an emergency. For less than $50, you may have this pre-charged pack on hand to assist you when driving around town.
Additionally, the jump starter is useful for charging phones and other electronic devices, which allows everyone to stay connected while on the road. Some versions offer extra characteristics, such as the ability to inflate bicycle tires, which may be useful.
Pack a cooler
Every road trip necessitates the use of a cooler or cooler bag of some kind. While a cooler bag is not required, it is recommended since it can be folded down for simple storage when not in use.
Perhaps you’re planning to travel off the grid for a few days and want to stock up on fresh food, or perhaps you simply want to sit back and relax with a few ice-cold beers while watching the sunset. Having a cooler full of ice is one of our top cross-country road trip suggestions, regardless of the weather.
Repackage everything
Almost often, the original package is large and takes up a significant amount of space in the storage area. Every product, from food (think of a package of granola bars) to toiletries, falls into this category (a bottle of aspirin).
One of our most important road trip packing suggestions is to remove products from their original containers and place them in simple bags. It’s OK to use plain Ziploc bags, but utilize reusable choices that are more environmentally friendly, such as these Stasher bags. The “snack” size is ideal for holding little items such as bobby pins, prescriptions, and condiments.
Choose no-fuss meals wherever possible
One of the finest cross-country road trip ideas we can provide you is to make your meals as basic as possible while on the road. Driving along the road while carrying jars and multiple bundles is not something you want to deal with! Even if you have to do it in the parking lot, try to prepare ahead of time by preparing sandwiches, chopping fruits, and veggies, and opening sealed goods – everything you can.
Consider purchasing pre-cut and individually packed snacks, such as hummus and pretzel cups, individual doses of peanut butter, and single cheese and meat packs, to keep your snacking budget under control. They are not the most cost-effective meals, but they are occasionally worth buying for the convenience they provide.
Keep things organized
Taking the previous suggestion a step further, designate one packing cube for each passenger that will be conveniently accessible when traveling. This cube is perfect for storing often used road trip supplies such as your toothbrush, glasses, and toilet paper.
We also suggest storing supplies for “just in case,” such as a packable rain jacket, clean undergarments, extra socks, and a First-Aid kit, in this location as well. Keep this packing cube in a convenient location where you can readily reach it so that you don’t have to search through it!
Prioritize rest
One of our most important cross-country road trip recommendations is to get enough sleep and relaxation before hitting the road. Drivers who are fatigued may lose control of their vehicles in a matter of seconds, resulting in catastrophic outcomes.
One of the most important pieces of advice is to take regular breaks, particularly when you are feeling fatigued. The highways are littered with rest places and even pullouts where you may take a little snooze, and stopping when you absolutely need to can save lives. When traveling long distances by car, change drivers every two hours or so, if feasible, to allow everyone to get some rest.
Skip the fancy footwear
We recommend that you wear slip-on shoes on your cross-country road trip, which is one of our top recommendations. It seems to be straightforward, however, it is really easy to overlook! Getting comfy in the vehicle and taking your shoes off is a natural reaction when you’re stuck in traffic for an extended amount of time.
Nonetheless, while stopping at a gas station or making a brief picture stop, tampering with shoelaces or straps becomes a pain in the neck. As a result, the simplest answer is to wear shoes that are easy to slide on.
Camp along the way
Long drives can be tiring. Find places where you can camp the night. When it comes to seeing as much as possible and having unique experiences, road vacations are unbeatable. If you’re traveling on a tight budget, camping along your route is unquestionably the best option. It is possible to not only have an unforgettable camping experience, but you will also be near to nature while saving money.
Campers may choose from many different options when planning their camping vacation; they can hire a campervan or a rooftop tent, or they can just set up an ordinary tent, which is the most economical choice. Even while camping is typically more enjoyable in warmer regions, it is entirely achievable in colder climes with the correct cold-weather camping equipment.
Bring bicycles
Bike transportation should be considered for road trips if at all feasible! Finding hidden treasures in a new location while exploring on a bicycle is a great way to discover places that are off the usual path. Not only is it beneficial to the environment, but it may also save you money on parking costs (not to mention the frustration and time spent trying to locate a parking spot!). It should be noted that many national parks charge bikes substantially less than they do automobile visitors. So you will have to pay just a small commission.
You can acquire a trunk mount bike rack or a roof mount bike rack for a very reasonable price, and most of them are universally compatible with a broad variety of automobiles. For those traveling via car rental, make careful to inquire about the company’s rules on bike racks — or any other external equipment, for that matter — before you set off on your journey.
Don’t rush and enjoy the journey
Loose plans can sometimes be beneficial. One of the most important cross-country road trip recommendations is to avoid making inflexible, hard-set plans. Detours and impromptu pauses are often the sources of some of the most memorable experiences. Enjoy some time with local users on the long beach possibly in San Diego or any other city.
While having loose planning is vital, it may be frustrating to have to stick to a strict schedule in order to travel from A to B. Every day, have a (rough) schedule of when and where you need to be but give yourself time to pull over when you see something intriguing, meander through a charming town, or stop for coffee at a charming café. Road vacations are all about capturing fleeting moments, so take your time and enjoy them!
Bring a portable toilet
An excellent escape plan for when you need to go to the toilet. Despite the fact that this advice isn’t very fancy, it is one of the most important cross-country road trip suggestions. When it comes to going to the toilet, young children are renowned for doing so at the most inconvenient of times. Suppose you passed a rest stop only five minutes ago and the next one is at least an hour away; this is a case in point.
This difficulty may be resolved by using a portable toilet. They are easy to install and utilize basic plastic bags for the “bowl,” allowing you to set up a portable restroom almost anyplace. They are also inexpensive. When you’re through, cleaning up is simple, and the portable toilet can be folded almost flat for storage. They also provide a fantastic alternative for those occasions when a rest stop restroom is just too filthy to use!
Pack surprise bags
Never go out on a road trip without packing luggage full of surprises in it! The use of a surprise bag enables you to swiftly grab something out of the bag and alter the atmosphere in the vehicle when the kids get bored or angry (or start complaining or bothering each other). Pack a variety of activities and unique foods – they are absolute must-haves for every road trip adventure!
Plan your road trip route
As you begin to plan your road trip, make a list of all of the places you want to see and pin them to a Google map or a Maps.me map. Despite the fact that they are not real things, I consider these sorts of applications to be important road trip necessities! Even have an escape plan to get off country roads if necessary in some situations.
Whatever the number of locations, you’ll be able to quickly identify where the points of interest are situated, and you’ll be able to figure out the most effective driving path from one location to another. This helps you avoid going backward or mistakenly skipping a location that is essential to you. Be careful about permits for some places you need them, like for example the Wave Arizona Lottery.
Don’t rely entirely on technology for navigation
If you rely on technology and avoid frequent stops in small towns you will miss most of the popular attractions happening around. Paper maps, in addition to having your maps downloaded on your phone, should be included as one of the most critical road trip packing recommendations.
Yes, GPS is more convenient and quicker. However, it is not impenetrable and might put you in dangerous circumstances if you are in a rural place where signal quality is suspect. You do not want to get trapped in the middle of the night on the backroads of Utah, unsure of which direction to go. Consider it similar to an insurance policy – no one likes paying for it, but when you need it, you’re always grateful you have it on hand!
Avoid visiting popular attractionson busy days
Be careful when visiting a new area away from your home country. When choosing one of the possible destinations, avoid visiting on busy days or at an all-time high season in terms of visits. If you want to have the finest road trip experience possible, avoid visiting national parks and other popular locations during weekends, long school vacations, and significant holidays. During this time of year, many national parks are at their busiest, with campsites completely filled, trails jam-packed, and parking spaces difficult to come by.
This is particularly true if you intend to come during the summer, which is the busiest time of year for many national parks and monuments. As an alternative, visit state parks or, better yet, national monuments, where you will encounter barely a fraction of the crowds who congregate at national parks and other tourist destinations. For example, Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument and Bears Ears National Monument are excellent alternatives to busy national parks like Zion and Arches in Utah, which are both located in the state’s western region.
Keep your devices charged
Keeping your camera and gadget batteries fully charged and ready to go is another of the most critical cross-country road trip suggestions. It is important that you can go a couple of days with your devices charged. It is important to document your road trip so that you may save your experiences forever and share them with your friends and family back home once you return.
If you plan on traveling with a portable charger or backup batteries, you can guarantee that your batteries remain charged. After seeing a beautiful view or spotting a highly uncommon sighting, the last thing you want to do is discover that your camera has died and that you have no backups.
Pack toilet paper and disinfecting wipes
How many times have you arrived at a bathroom after a long stretch on the road, only to discover that there is no toilet paper in the facility? Alternatively, it is nearly as bad to discover that the bathroom or toilet is completely nasty. We recommend that you pack your own toilet paper and disinfectant wipes on your cross-country road trip as one of our top cross-country road trip suggestions.
Bring insulated water bottles
It is critical to maintaining proper hydration when on the road. All of those pit breaks at the gas station for water and snacks will rapidly become apparent, though. Because of this, high-quality reusable water bottles are among our most-recommended road trip needs.
Several parks, attractions, campers, and retail locations have free water fountains for patrons to fill their water bottles. Ideally, fill two or three at a time to ensure you have enough water between stops. Additionally, you may purchase a couple of gallons of water as a backup. These are often substantially less expensive than single-use bottles, and they are also significantly more ecologically friendly.
Choose the food you pack
Do not pack endless snacks which are hard to store. Focus on easy storage as it will save you time and energy. We are all aware that eating is one of the most important road trip necessities. It is critical, however, to carry food that will last for many days and has a high caloric content. If you don’t have a lot of room, bring along veggies (fresh is ideal, if possible), pasta, rice, tinned beans, and tomatoes, among other things.
Always remember to repackage heavy or bulky things! If you have these basic items, you can create a broad variety of hearty meals that can be prepared on the road with a simple camp stove. Make use of your imagination when combining these simple yet nutritious foods to keep yourself fed – even on lengthy travels.
Keep it clean
One of the most useful road trip packing suggestions is to bring along a dustpan and brush. Even if a campervan, vehicle, or tent is simply a little area, the floor becomes quite dusty very fast, particularly if you participate in outdoor activities or are traveling with young children.
And how do they manage to get sand all over their clothes when they haven’t even come into contact with one?! Maintaining the cleanliness of your car or tent is easy with a tiny brush and dustpan. Take along a couple of plastic bags in case you need to store anything.
Stretch it out
Long Pacific Coast Highway travels tire people out. Travel writers recommend that stretching out while traveling is one of the great things that you can do for yourself. This road trip advice expands on the last one in a few ways. It’s crucial to get out of the vehicle and perform some basic stretching of the arms, back, and legs when you’re fatigued, in addition to pulling over or swapping drivers when you’re sleepy.
Driving may not seem to be a physically demanding activity, but it may really be very so! Squeezing yourself into a small place for an extended length of time is particularly taxing on your back. Stopping and stretching often on long-distance car journeys allows for a more comfortable experience.
Invest in a rooftop cargo carrier
For the best experience get a cargo carrier with a little protection. Undoubtedly one of the finest cross-country road trip recommendations is to invest in a rooftop cargo carrier such as the Thule Sidekick, which can be mounted on any vehicle’s roof and used to transport items.
They are available in a variety of forms and sizes, and even a little one can free up valuable inside space in your car. If you are visiting glacier national park, for example, a rooftop cargo carrier will prove beneficial for you. You can put a spare tire or some side vehicles accessories in your cargo carrier which may prove beneficial at some point.
Generally speaking, rooftop cargo carriers are designed to be universally compatible with any vehicle that has roof rails installed. However, there are a number of soft-sided rooftop freight carriers that may be used with or without them! The product works well on cars with roof rails or racks, but it also works well on vehicles without them thanks to unique clips that are installed in the doors of the vehicle.
While there’s no denying that rooftop cargo carriers are must-have road trip necessities, there is one caveat: make sure you stuff them wisely. Make use of its inside space to store items that you won’t require on a regular basis, reducing the need to continuously go in and out of it. Keep in mind these important things to make your travel an epic road trip.
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