We’re here to tell you how to plan the perfect road trip in the US – which will offer you a rush of excitement like never before.

While it’s tempting to opt for a more laid-back vacation—like binge-watching TV shows or enjoying https://www.slotozilla.com/free-slots —or even curling up with a good book, there’s something truly exhilarating about hitting the open road.

If your spirit craves adventure and fresh air, then this article is tailored just for you. So strap in, and let’s look at everything you need to do in order to pull off the road trip of your dreams!

Get the Basics Down First

Before you start the actual planning process, you need to get a few elementary things out of the way. Decide when and where you’ll be taking your road trip, who will be accompanying you, what vehicle you’ll be taking, and how you’ll split the driving time and the entire cost of the trip. If all of these things are planned ahead of time, it will make sure that everyone is on the same page throughout the whole process.

Jot Down Your Route

While some people are more inclined towards a spontaneous trip where you don’t know what your next move will be, others tend to desire a well-planned itinerary. Sit down with your group to discuss which of the two categories you belong to. If you’re in the latter segment of people, then you better get to planning your whole route.

A good way to do it is to think of a start and end location first and then come up with everything you wish to visit in the middle of those two points. The best app to use for this purpose is Google Maps. Not only can you utilize it to check the distances between various locations, but it will also allow you to create a custom route map. You can add all your locations to this route and then share it with people who are accompanying you on the trip!

During this phase, make sure to calculate drive times, check which roads are open, and plan where you will be stopping for food, fuel, and restrooms along the way. Seeing your route laid out in this way is great for figuring out whether your planned itinerary is feasible to carry out in real life. You can also take a look at some popular routes and itineraries online to see how others are travelling. Some of the most popular routes in the country right now are:

1. Route 66
2. Blue Ridge Parkway
3. Hana Highway
4. Beartooth Highway
5. Highway 1 to Big Sur
6. Route 101
7. Overseas Highway

Pick Your Accommodations

Even if you plan to have a mostly spontaneous trip, it’s good to have some idea of your accommodations beforehand. A lot of places might be unavailable at the last moment and you don’t want to end up in a shabby motel on your road trip. While the idea might sound thrilling, it’s not worth compromising a good night’s sleep. After all, you need to be well-rested to enjoy the next day.

Pick good hotels beforehand, and make sure to check for any amenities you might personally want, such as a pool or a hot tub. This is especially required during the summer seasons. Try to book your hotels in advance, before the peak season hits. Also, for a cheaper price, you can consider places outside the main city center. Make sure to also check if there’s a parking fee wherever you’re staying.

Get Packing

A road trip must always be carefully packed. You can’t just throw every random item into a bag and call it a day. Make sure to pack light and only take what’s useful. Have a packing list ready before you begin so you don’t miss out on anything important.

One important tip is to keep fewer clothes and then use laundry facilities on your route. It’s also a good idea to pack a ‘capsule wardrobe,’ which essentially allows you to create different outfits using a few individual items. Pack snacks for the trip, especially items that make you feel energized.

Don’t just fill your bag with sugary items that don’t even leave you feeling full afterwards. Lastly, make sure you have packed items for any activities planned along the way, such as visiting a beach, a hiking trail, or a museum. Don’t forget to keep something for entertainment during the journey, such as travel cards or board games.

Always Be Realistic

Things could go wrong anytime, so it’s important to be realistic and have patience. Changes to your itinerary could occur out of the blue, and that’s just how it works when you’re on the road for such extended periods of time. You will miss exits, roads will unexpectedly close, and you’ll miss out on a spot or two—and that’s okay.

Make sure to develop a plan that’s realistic to begin with and leaves room for flexibility so no one has to feel too upset about whatever’s going on. Also, don’t forget that road trips have both pros and cons, so it’s essential to be aware of both. Here’s a list of some of them:

Pros	Cons
➕ Travel flexibly without any restrictions	➖ Might get exhausting to drive
➕ Save money on things such as camping and cooking your own food	➖ You have to plan everything yourself
➕ Travel at your own pace	➖ You might need to find parking spaces
➕ Change your mind whenever you want

Final Thoughts

Road trips can be the source of mesmerizing memories, but only if you plan them right. Once you have all the important things sorted beforehand, you’ll be all ready to begin having fun on your time away. So grab a few friends, pack your bag, and get ready for the trip of a lifetime!