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]]>Plan, Plan, Plan
Like anything, the key to a successful road trip is careful planning. Before you hit the road, map out your route and research spots where you can take breaks along the way. Schedule regular stops to stretch your legs and grab a snack, taking probable traffic and the need to fill up on gas into consideration. Apps like Google Maps and Waze are good resources.
Pack Properly
Taking the time to thoroughly pack and organize your car before you leave can make a world of difference in the comfort and efficiency of your trip. Make a checklist of all of the things you’d like to bring in advance, including emergency items such as a spare tire and first-aid kit. Additionally, be sure to pack plenty of entertainment options, especially if you’re traveling with children.
Prioritize Comfort
Sitting for hours can really do a number on your legs and back, but using cushions for support can help. Pack a few options to play around with should you start to feel achy, and wear breathable, loose-fitting clothing that allows for more freedom of movement. While not really an option for the driver, passengers in your car can also bring blankets or full-sized pillows should they want to cozy up and take a nap.
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]]>Get your car serviced
Getting your car serviced before you leave for your road trip will help keep you safe and minimize the risk of any unexpected breakdowns. Schedule a thorough inspection with a trusted mechanic who can check the tires, brakes, fluid levels, and overall condition of your vehicle. We also recommend keeping a spare tire and some jumper cables in your trunk.
Check the weather
Keep an eye on the weather forecast for the areas you’ll be traveling through before you leave and to prepare for potential challenges. Inclement weather can affect driving conditions and lead to delays or road closures, potentially putting a damper on your trip. By staying informed about the weather, you can adjust your route or make necessary accommodations to ensure a safer and more enjoyable journey.
Plan where you’ll stay
If you plan to include overnight stops on your road trip, making hotel reservations in advance can save you the stress of finding a place to stay on the go. Research and book your accommodations ahead of time to secure the best options and rates. Knowing that you have a comfortable place to rest and recharge after a long day of driving will provide you with immense peace of mind.
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]]>The Pacific Coast Highway
Stretching over 600 miles from California’s Big Sur to the Olympic Peninsula in Washington, this route offers picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged coastline. Along your journey, be sure to check out iconic landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge, or take a pit stop at one of Napa Valley’s world-class wineries.
(@luzie_neuge)Route 66
No list of American road trips would be complete without Route 66, the legendary highway stretching over 2,000 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica. More than anything, Route 66 is known for its quirky roadside attractions and nostalgic Americana. Drive through ghost towns, see classic diners and motels, and take in the desert landscapes of the American Southwest.
Coconut (@oce_coco)Lincoln Highway
Lincoln Highway is the oldest highway for automobiles that spans the entire continental United States. It starts in Times Square, NYC and passes through over 700 small towns before coming to an end in San Francisco’s Lincoln Park (or vice versa, depending on which direction you’re headed.) With such a long journey comes countless opportunities to stop and explore, though some notable pit stops include the Lincoln Monument in Illinois and the National Automobile Museum in Nevada.
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]]>Thankfully, the guys at Auto Trader in the UK have analyzed the data and compiled a list of the top places around the world to hit the road.
Route 66 — United States
It’s hardly surprising that Route 66 ranked as the most popular road trip destination. After all, the highway that travels cross-country, from Chicago to Santa Monica, was the inspiration behind Jack Kerouac’s On the Road. With dozens of quirky motels and peculiar sites, you definitely won’t be bored.
Big Sur — United States
The coastal region of California is a sight to behold. Known for its rugged mountains, redwood forests, and beaches, Big Sur has been deemed “an isolated stretch of road, mythic in reputation.” Be sure to heck out the Bixby Creek Bridge and Point Sur Lightstation.
Wild Atlantic Way — Ireland
Stepping away from the States, and stretching from Cork to Donegal, the Wild Atlantic Way is the longest road trip in Ireland. The 1,500-mile journey includes cliffs, beaches, hiking spots, and a dark sky reserve!
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]]>The thing about flying on a plane towards a cool country is that there are no funny surprises. Or, at least, you don’t want there to be any. What you want is for your plane to land smoothly and safely at the destination you intended, and to enjoy your time in whichever city you landed in. For the most part, everything about it is planned.
When it comes to a road trip, this isn’t always the case. You may have a destination in mind, but there is so much that can happen along the way. You may decide halfway through that you want to take a detour and visit that random water park. Or perhaps you may become lifelong friends with the kindly old lady who runs that bed and breakfast. In many ways, road trips are a lot more of an adventure than a mere flight. And it’s the randomness—the sheer, beautiful randomness—that makes it all worth it.
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]]>Keep Everyone Well Fed
You and your kids will probably both get pretty cranky if and when you get hungry, so get ahead of this potential pitfall by planning ahead to have lots of snacks and pit stops at restaurants and gas stations.
Entertainment Galore
Road trips can be pretty boring, especially when you get onto those long stretches of highway with nothing on them, and that’s when kids will tend to begin with the endless repetitions of, “Are we there yet?” But you can avoid this by preparing lots of entertainment from classic road trip car games to toys and tablets loaded with books, music, and movies.
Freedom Loving Nomad Family (@thefreedompreneurfamily)Bathroom Breaks
Our tip? Plan for at least one bathroom break an hour. It may sound like a lot, but you’ll end up using them, even if not to actually use the restroom, then at least just to stretch your legs and get rid of some excess energy. And some wet wipes and toilet paper in the trunk will help for any emergencies.
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]]>Good Driver
Road trips are much easier to endure if you have someone by your side to share driving duties. This is not a must in the case of short day trips, but it’s crucial when it comes to longer journeys. Road trips tend to be more enjoyable and less stressful when at least two people can share driving responsibilities.
Travel Style
If you don’t want your road trip to turn into a total nightmare, don’t hit the road with someone who has a drastically different travel style. Discuss interest, sleeping habits, logging arrangements, and other important factors that will help you determine if you’re on the same page.
(@project.vanlife)Money Talk
Financial matters should also be discussed beforehand, and they play an important role in determining your travel compatibility. Tell your potential road trip companions what your budget is and try to find common ground so you would embark on a road trip that you can all afford.
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]]>Driving Plan
When it comes to longer road trips, it comes in handy if several members of your road trip group can share driving responsibilities, and this is something you should discuss beforehand.
Perfect Timing
Even if you have a lot of free time on your hands, that may not be the case with your fellow travelers. That’s why it’s important to figure out when you’re going to hit the road and come back home before embarking on your trip.
Sleep or No Sleep
If you’re embarking on a day trip, you probably won’t be spending the night, but longer road trips call for camping or lodging arrangements that fit everyone’s needs.
Money Talk
One of the best things about road trips is that everyone shares the expenses equally, but you should make sure that everyone is aware of this before you hit the road.
Packing Tips
Also make sure to remind your road trip companions that you all have to fit your stuff inside a small trunk, so it’s best to travel light and double-check to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything important.
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]]>Alice Isn’t Dead
If you like a little horror and a lot of suspense, Alice Isn’t Dead is an amazing story to listen to. Told by a truck driver in a dystopian future America searching for her presumed-dead wife, Alice Isn’t Dead delivers thrills and chills in abundance. You’ll be binging every episode right up till the end. Most of it takes place on the road, so it’s particularly good for driving.
Unwell
Unwell is a self-described “gothic horror” podcast, set in a small town in middle America. It follows a young woman who comes home to care for her estranged mother. The small-town setting lends itself to classic haunted house/ghost town weirdness, with a large cast of characters both living and dead. The show uses voice actors and background noises to put you right inside its world.
Ghosts in the ‘Burbs
Unlike Unwell and Alice Isn’t Dead, Ghosts in the ‘Burbs is an anthology podcast with a slowly-unfolding narrative through-line. The narrator is a suburban housewife (playing herself) in Wellesley, Massachusetts, who tells the surprisingly haunted stories of her fellow suburbanites. Since each episode stands on its own, it’s a good option if you aren’t the biggest fan of binging. It’s also slow-burn on the intensity–the first few stories aren’t really scary, but by the 30th episode you’ll be gripping the wheel tight in fear.
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]]>Let People Know Your Plans
No matter what, tell someone where you’re going and check in with them when you reach your destination so they know you’ve arrived safely.
Bring Backup Resources
Dead cell phones are the worst, especially on road trips. To prevent this from happening, pack batteries and chargers for your electronics. Also carry backup resources on your devices for important documents like your credit card information, driver’s license, and passport.
Prepare Your Ride
Before heading out on your trip, get your vehicle checked by a mechanic. Make sure the tires are good, the oil is changed, the brakes are checked, the fluids are topped off, and the air conditioning is working.
Pack an Emergency Kit
Pack an emergency kit with first-aid essentials, roadside hazard items, and blankets. Be sure to bring basic tools like a flashlight and jumper cables if your car breaks down.
Bring Food and Water
Make sure you have plenty of non-perishable food and water, in case you go miles without a stop. Be mindful of how much salt you’re eating as it can leave you thirsty and make sure you drink tons of water to stay hydrated.
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