The Great American Road Trip is a rite of passage that everyone should save up for and invest in. The United States is full of so many great locations, roads, towns and cities. It is one of the most beautiful places in the world to explore on wheels, but it is hugely expansive.
To truly enjoy the adventure, before planning is essential, and that planning starts with this guide:
Plan Out the Specifics
First thing’s first, the specifics. You will need to take time off from work, and of course you will want to save well in advance so that you can comfortably enjoy a long-haul road trip. That is why the first three things you will want to plan are:
Length of Trip
A week long road trip is great for small areas, but impossible for large ones. Though yes, you can drive from coast to coast in less than a week, it will be very uncomfortable and stressful. For large road trip itineraries, take off two weeks to a month or even longer so that you can actually enjoy the journey and the unexpected adventures along the way.
Cost of Trip
You will want to plan for the cost of gas based on the route you want to take and then double that sum to accommodate detours. You will also want to take into consideration the cost of the vehicle, insurance, roadside assistance, accommodation, food, and give yourselves an allowance for souvenirs or other spontaneous costs.
A lot of these can of course be grouped into one if you rent with an RV rental. You will have the vehicle cost, accommodation cost, and the food cost all reduced significantly. The best part is that you will enjoy the freedom of having your own home away from home.
Top Road Trip Ideas
There are great routes to take all throughout the country. In New England alone there are 6 stunning roads to take that will tick all the boxes for a great road trip. Depending on how much time you have off, consider planning for any of these three road trips:
- Coast to Coast
- The National Parks
- New England
- Pacific Coast
Best Roads to Take
Alternatively, you can plan a road trip around some of the most stunning roads in the USA.
- The Infamous Route 66
The infamous Route 66 was one of the first highways in the US, and when it comes to road trips, it is one of the best routes to take.
- The Pacific Coast Highway
The Pacific Coast Highway will take you from San Diego to San Francisco and along the stunning western coast in just three days. Perfect for those who can only take a week off!
- US – 50
Also known as Route 50, or the Loneliest Road, this road will take you from coast to coast, from Ocean City in Maryland to Sacramento in California. It covers 12 states and will take you through four capitals, and has some stunning views through Nevada that you won’t want to miss.
- Head to the Florida Keys
The Florida Keys are a great set of islands for those who want a paradise escape but don’t want to fly. Instead, take an RV and drive over the overseas highway that will take you from Miami to Key West, and let you drive right over the ocean and enjoy stunning views along the way.
How to Make Your Drive Experience More Enjoyable
When it comes to enjoying a great summer road trip, there are a few more pointers to keep in mind:
Don’t Try to Do Too Much at Once
Don’t over plan so that you can instead enjoy a spontaneous adventure along the way. Road trips, after all, are all about the journey and not the destination.
Plan to Stop Every Two to Three Hours
Stop and get out every two to three hours just to enjoy the views and the experience. If there is nothing to see, or if you are driving through the night, then instead switch drivers.
Pack Accordingly
Try to pack lightly so that your living space or your car are not crammed full of stuff. Instead of packing enough clothes to last every day of the trip, pick out 30 items (ideally less) and be prepared to wash them as you go.
