There’s nothing quite like a road trip- freedom, the scenery, the detours to quirky roadside attractions, and that unbeatable sense of adventure. But to really enjoy the ride, a little planning goes a long way. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend escape or a cross-country odyssey, these practical tips will help you hit the highway with confidence, comfort, and just the right amount of flexibility.
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Map It Out: Plan Your Route & Schedule
The best road trips are the ones with room to explore and relax. Start by knowing how many days you have and whether your trip has a destination or is all about the journey. Limit your daily driving to 2–5 hours so you can enjoy the sights, not just the pavement. Identify rest stops, gas stations, restaurants, and lodging ahead of time so you’re not stuck in no-man’s-land when your stomach growls or your gas light comes on.
Pro Tip: Leave space in your itinerary for unexpected roadside gems. Some of the best memories happen when you go off-script (within reason).
Prep Your Vehicle Like a Pro
Before you even think about packing the snacks, give your car a once-over:
-Check tire pressure and tread
-Top off fluids (oil, coolant, wiper fluid, etc.)
-Inspect lights and wipers
-Make sure your registration and insurance are up to date
-Renting a car? Snap photos of its condition before you drive off the lot, just in case.
Pack for Safety, Comfort & “Just in Case”
Everyone remembers to bring clothes. But a seasoned road tripper brings the essentials that really matter:
Safety & Emergency Kit:
First aid kit– even basics like bandages and alcohol wipes can come in handy.
Flashlight and batteries– Flashlights have so many uses, don’t forget yours.
Waterproof matches– Never know when you need a flame lit or a fire.
Power bank or solar charger– Basic for all travel.
Blankets (Mylar or cozy throw)– In case of emergency for warmth and for comfort during your trip. During winter travel, we take them to the hotel with us for extra comfiness.
Spare tire and basic tools– This is something you should always have, but on a road trip it can save time if you get a flat.
Jumper cables and roadside flares– Roadside flares are so important for safety so other travelers see you. Not everyone has jumper cables, so if someone stops to help you it may save you from waiting for roadside assistance.
Paper maps– Cellphones are great, but if you can’t get a signal, then a paper map can be invaluable if you’re lost.
Bottled water and non-perishable snacks– Not only will these come in handy if you break down and must wait for help, but they’re great to save on stops when you want them.
Comfort & Convenience:
Cooler and ice packs– I don’t know about you, but I’m a sucker for buying all sorts of things when traveling and I love buying food that I can’t get at home (specialty jams, gourmet cheese, etc.) so coolers are very handy.
Trash bags or small bin– The last thing you want to do when you get home is clean out the litter from your vehicle.
Wipes, napkins, plastic utensils– These come in handy when you want to grab something to eat on the go.
Kleenex, hand sanitizer and sunscreen– Having these handy in the car is great when you make a stop for a roadside attraction with nothing else nearby.
Comfy clothes and shoes– There’s nothing worse than shoes that hurt your feet while driving or being uncomfortable with miles to go.
Pro Tip: Keep in mind that you’ll be staying at least a few nights in different places and will have to take your suitcases in and out of the car, so pack with as few suitcases as possible.
Don’t Skimp on Rest
Sleep is not optional. Get a full night’s rest before driving and plan to take a break every 2–3 hours to stretch and rehydrate. If you’re tired, pull over—it’s better to arrive late than not at all.
Booking Hotels: Be Strategic, Not Spontaneous
Unless you’re winging it with an RV or planning to sleep under the stars, make your lodging plans early:
-Book rooms in advance if you know your overnight stop. You will save time and gas by not having to get on and off exits and stopping at different hotels to find out the rates and availability.
-If you’re more flexible, start looking by early afternoon to avoid fully booked hotels and inflated last-minute rates
-Check for AAA, AARP, or warehouse club discounts.
Traveling with Pets?
Treat them like any other passenger. Use seatbelt harnesses or carriers, never let them roam freely in the vehicle, and bring their essentials: food, water, bowls, meds, leash, ID tags, and a favorite toy. Plan stops where pets are welcome to stretch and sniff.
Use the Right Tools for the Trip
Turn your phone into your co-pilot with these apps:
Roadtrippers: This app and website lets you map your route and discover unique attractions, natural wonders, monuments, and roadside stops along your way. You can explore the map for recommended points of interest and even let their Autopilot feature suggest an itinerary based on your preferences. For more information about using this app, see our blog. For a discount of $5 click here and use code BTR5QTP.
Google Maps: Input your route, then use the search function to find rest areas, restaurants, gas stations, and landmarks along your journey. Google Maps also shows real-time traffic and can help you avoid highways or tolls if needed.
Furkot: Plan your route, set daily driving limits, and let the app suggest overnight stops and attractions based on your schedule and preferences.
iExit: Especially useful on interstates, iExit shows what amenities are available at each exit, including restrooms, restaurants, gas stations, and hotels.
Other helpful apps include GasBuddy (for fuel), AllTrails (for parks and hikes), and National Parks Passport (for park info).
Research and Select Safe Rest Stops
Look for well-lit, well-maintained rest areas with visible security measures and regular traffic. If a rest stop feels unsafe, continue to the next one.
Plan to stop at travel centers, reputable gas chain stations, or busy public areas rather than isolated spots, especially at night.
For overnight stays, book hotels or campgrounds in advance, check reviews for security and cleanliness.
Diversify Your Stops
Mix traditional highway rest areas with local attractions, parks, playgrounds, or scenic viewpoints to keep the trip engaging and allow everyone to stretch and recharge.
Use resources like state tourism websites, TripAdvisor, or community forums to find hidden gems and popular landmarks along your route.
By combining these strategies and tools, you can create a safe, efficient, and memorable road trip itinerary that balances rest, safety, and sightseeing.
Final Thoughts: Keep the Fun and Ditch the Stress
A road trip should be just as much about the journey as the destination. With a little planning and preparation, you’ll avoid the common headaches like no gas station for 60 miles, hungry passengers, or fully booked motels, and be able to focus on what matters: discovering new places and making memories that last way beyond the next tank of gas.
We give you information and tips that we learn on our adventures to help you plan your trip. We love road trips and hope this helps you plan your perfect trip. We hope to inspire you to find your adventure, have fun and make lots of memories. So, pack smart, plan loosely, and most of all, enjoy the ride.