This post came about after I had been asked for the millionth time how to plan a for a road trip.
If I had to pick a song to describe my experience with traveling, it would have to be “I’ve Been Everywhere” by the late great Johnny Cash.
Not because I’ve been to all of those places (yet)- but because I am the Johnny Cash of planning road trips.
I’ve road-tripped nearly everywhere across the US, including the dozens of bucket list places in my home state of Texas and my adopted state of Oregon, plus England, Iceland, Ireland, Scotland, and many other beautiful places in the world.
Road tripping is one of my favorite modes of travel, but it can also be the most difficult, with so many moving pieces to account for.
Here’s how to plan for a road trip in 7 easy steps:
#1 Pick your Destination
What’s the first thing to do when planning a road trip? Pick a place!
If you’re getting stuck on step one, don’t worry, this post will fix that for you. Here’s how to pick your next road trip destination-
Start with inspiraiton
Every road trip begins with an idea, a goal. Personally, I keep a running list of all the places I dream of visiting. If you don’t, that’s ok, inspiraiton is everywhere!
Maybe a friend went somewhere really cool, or you found a song, piece of art, or Pinterest post. Or maybe you just want to create badass memories and visit iconic spots.
Here are a few of my favorite places to light your fire:
National parks:
Big cities:
Epic road trip itineraries:
Bucket lists
Consider the weather
Many states have attractions that are only open part of the year, and others can be visited every season for different but equally memorable trips.
Calculate distance and travel time
A road trip’s length depends on the distance and how many hours you are willing to drive each day. I use Google Maps to calculate travel time, including stops for rest and sightseeing.
#2 Make a Wish List
Now that you’ve gotten inspired and picked a season, it’s time to make a list of things you want to see and do on your road trip.
How to find stuff to do
- Dig through my blog for the best beaches, deserts, big cities, budget destinations, and more <3
- Use an app like Google Maps to zoom in and find interesting small towns, scenic routes, and weird roadside stops
- Check out a list of national monuments in that area
#3 Plot your Route
Use an app like Google Maps to find driving times, and use that list you just made.
Make sure to calculate time zone differences- Google Maps is way off for certain places (like Puerto Rico), so be sure and triple-check your dates and times.
It’s important to be realistic about how much you can safely drive in a day. Sure, it’s possible to drive 13 hours per day…but do you want to?
You will almost undoubtedly lose all service at some point, so download your map or use a powerful mobile hotspot. This one is easy to use and reliable.
#4 Make a Budget
Careful budgeting is vital for any good trip because nothing takes the fun out of fun-cation like financial stress.
Here’s how to create a budget for your road trip:
- Estimate fuel. Estimate fuel costs based on distance.
- Figure out the sleeping situation. Plan accommodation expenses per night.
- Plan to eat. Add a daily expected amount for meals, snacks, coffee, and cocktails.
- Pre-road trip costs. Estimate the cost of any outfits or items you may need to purchase before the road trip.
- Don’t forget souvenirs. Choose a set amount you’re willing to spend on souvenirs.
- Create a safety net. Include emergency funds for unexpected expenses. A good rule of thumb is 20% of the total budget.
- Be ready to track spending. Use apps or spreadsheets to track where your money is going. I find this is the best way to stay on budget.
- Stay flexible. Adjust as needed during the trip to stay true to the budget. For example, your good or activity budget may be higher or lower on some days.
Note: When creating your budget, divide any shared expenses, such as hotels or gas, by the number of people you’ll travel with.
#5 Book Ahead
After you plan your route, book ahead for the best deals on hotels.
While some of the beauty of driving is letting the road lead you, there is still a certain degree of planning required for a trip unless you have an endless budget.
If you plan to camp
- Use apps like Hipcamp to find places to camp.
- You can also book exotic and themed campsites or even cabins and tiny houses with my absolute favorite travel website, Booking.
#6 Prep your Vehicle
Before you head off, it’s important to know that your vehicle is as ready as you are. Taking your car in for a service appointment is the best practice.
Other car essentials
- Consider a rental car to spare yourself the anxiety of driving your personal vehicle across the country.
- Keeping a roadside safety kit with things like jumper cables, a flashlight, a spare battery charger, and some bottled water is a great idea.
- If you have a roadside service like AAA, keep your membership information where you can access it easily and without cell service, as disaster loves to strike at the worst possible moment.
- When renting, make sure to check what your rental insurance covers. Always read the fine print! I always get free insurance by putting the rental car on my Chase card, and it’s much easier to only have to know one policy.
- If you’re renting abroad, check the country’s driving regulations to see if you’ll need an international driver’s license or anything else, and always follow the local rules of the road.
#7 Pack Properly
Wondering if you should take packing cubes on a road trip? Read this.
Basics
- Documents: License, car registration, insurance.
- Clothes: Depending on the weather; include layers.
- Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant.
- Emergency Kit: First aid, flashlight, spare tire, jumper cables.
Tech
Remember to bring along backup batteries, cables, and memory cards!
- Camera. DSLR for high-quality shots, with a couple of lenses for versatility. This is my top pick for an affordable DSLR.
- Portable Charger. I’ve used the Basesus for years.
- Tripod. I use this lightweight tripod for stable shots, especially in low light or for group photos.
- Binoculars. These are useful for spotting animals and sites far away.
- Steamer. If you know you’re going to be cramming your clothes into tight spaces, use a portable clothing steamer to keep it cute.
Snacks
- Chopped Pickles. Pickles are great for immediate hydration.
- Raw Almonds or Pistachios.
- Non-refrigerated fruit. Small oranges, like Cuties or Halos, are my favs! Also, bananas are a crowd-pleaser.
- Snack bars. I like Larabars because most of them have less than 5 ingredients and are a good source of fiber to keep you full on the road.
- Water. DripDrop packets keep you hydrated without slamming down bottles of water that will make you have to pee.
- Utensils. You’ll need portable utensils for eating on the go and spontaneous picnics.
Entertainment
If you have a favorite podcast or audiobook, this is your time to let it shine, as the road offers many uninterrupted hours of listening. Also consider:
- Tune into local radio stations (you never know what cool stuff you might hear).
- Make a massive playlist (which can be as fun as the actual road trip).
- Go old school with a pile of CDs. Be sure to download or prepare offline music options for when service cuts out.
My favorite road trip game is trying to spot a license plate from every state. You can also make up your own game and create a road trip tradition.
How to Plan for a Road Trip: Practical Tips
The 7 steps listed above will tell you everything you need to know about how to plan a road trip- but these general tips will add a ‘Lil razzle-dazzle:
Take lots of pics
Those long hours in the car will go by faster than you think, and it’s always good to have photos to go along with the great memories you have left over when the trip is done.
Read: How to Take Travel Photos on Your Phone
Slow down
Don’t be in a rush to get to your destination.
If there is something interesting you would like to stop and see, do it.
Ask yourself, “when is the next time I’ll be here?”
Create a travel journal
Never forget personal insights and stories with a travel journal. Here’s my method:
- Start with a sturdy, blank notebook.
- Record specific locations, dates, and the people you’re with.
- Ticket stubs, postcards, and receipts make for great inserts. Bring a glue stick to easily attach items.
- I include my personal experiences and emotions under each entry, but it doesn’t need to be that heavy if you don’t desire.
- Using colorful pens or markers adds a personal touch.. and it’s just fun.
Alternatively, you can buy a pre-designed travel journal inexpensively on Amazon.
Leave room for adventure
Although planning is important, keep in mind that part of the fun is being spontaneous, so build time for freedom into the route.
Underestimate your daily mileage to allow for side quests to check out abandoned buildings, random signs, and general randomnesses, such as seasonal produce stands or unscheduled stops at roadside attractions.
Frequently asked questions
How do I plan a road trip with multiple stops?
To plan a road trip with multiple stops, I start by listing all the destinations I want to visit. Then, I use a road trip planner or an online map to sequence them efficiently. I make sure to consider the time spent at each place and to have alternatives in case of unexpected changes.
Which essentials should you never forget when planning for a road trip?
Remember to bring your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and insurance information. I always pack an emergency kit, spare tire, maps, portable charger, and cables for my devices.
How do you mentally prepare for a long road trip?
I mentally prepare for a long road trip by ensuring I have a good night’s sleep before departure. I set realistic driving times to avoid fatigue and schedule enjoyable breaks to keep my spirits high. I also create a playlist and download podcasts for times when the signal is lost (driving without noise is something I just don’t do).
How often should you stop driving on a road trip?
Deciding how often to stop driving on a road trip is an individual choice. I stop every 4 to 5 hours to stretch my legs and refresh, but I’m a seasoned traveler. Resting every 2-3 hours is also normal.
Breaks are vital for maintaining focus and energy levels, and they’re a great chance to explore interesting spots along the route.
What are the top strategies for using Google Maps to organize your road trip?
I use Google Maps to find the best routes and estimate travel times. I add my stops to the map to visualize the trip and look for attractions or dining options along the way. I also use it to track real-time traffic updates to avoid delays.
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Check In
I have broken down exactly how to plan a road trip in 7 easy steps as a way to inspire and guide others to have their best experiences on the road and in the world.
If you used this list to plan a road trip, tell me how it went in the comments below!
