A cross country road trip is the perfect way to see America. You can take your time, explore new places, and bond with your family. But planning a cross country road trip can be daunting. Where should you go?
How will you keep the kids entertained? What are the best ways to save money on a road trip?
Don’t worry, we’re here to help. In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about planning and taking a cross country road trip with your family. So, buckle up and let’s hit the open road!
Choosing Where to Go
Road trips are a great way to see the country and have some adventures, but they can also be a lot of work. The first step is to decide where you want to go. Do you want to stick to one state, or venture out further?
It’s important to focus on the areas that you’ve always wanted to see the most and the different types of attractions you want to see or activities you want to do.
Educational destinations that encourage family bonding such as Bryce to Antelope Canyon can be a great addition to a family road trip for a number of reasons. Both Bryce Canyon National Park and Antelope Canyon offer stunning natural beauty and offer a variety of outdoor activities that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Once you’ve narrowed down your destination, start looking into hotels or camping sites. Make sure to book your reservations in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak season.
Next, before you plan out your route, you’ll need to then think over a few key things. You’ll want to decide how many miles you’re comfortable driving each day so you can make sure that you plan out the best possible route to take.
After determining your travel distance, the next critical step involves booking your accommodation ahead of time, ensuring your trip is as comfortable as possible. If your journey takes you through the heart of America’s country music scene, you’ll find an array of excellent accommodation options at your disposal. In fact, some of the best Hotels in Nashville cater to all tastes and budgets.
Planning Your Route
The first step in planning your cross country road trip is figuring out your route. If you’re starting on the East Coast, you might want to head west on Interstate 10 and then turn north on Interstate 5.
This will take you through some of America’s most iconic cities, including New Orleans, Houston, Phoenix, and Los Angeles.
Or, if you’re starting on the West Coast, you could head east on Interstate 40. This route will take you through Albuquerque, Amarillo, Oklahoma City, Memphis, and Nashville. Either way, there are plenty of options for interesting stops along the way.
Once you’ve figured out your route, it’s time to start planning your daily driving goals. You don’t want to bite off more than you can chew—especially if you’re traveling with young kids—so figure out how many miles per day you’re comfortable driving.
Then map out each day of your trip, including where you’ll be staying each night and what sights you’ll be seeing during the day. Planning ahead will make your trip much more enjoyable. Trust us!
Budgeting for Your Trip
A cross country road trip is a great way to see America on a budget. That being said, there are still some costs that you need to account for when planning your trip. This is why you need to have it all planned out before you go. Here are the three main things you’ll need to pay for.
1. Gas
Depending on the size of your car and how much driving you plan on doing each day, this could be a significant expense. To save money on gas, try to avoid driving during rush hour and plan your route around areas where gas is less expensive. You can use sites like GasBuddy to find the cheapest gas prices along your route.
2. Accommodation
Again, depending on where you’re staying each night—campgrounds vs hotels—this could be a major expense or a minor one. Campgrounds are usually much cheaper than hotels but they don’t have the same amenities (think: showers).
If saving money is your number one priority, consider camping most nights of your trip and splurging on the occasional hotel stay when everyone needs a break from sleeping in a tent!
3. Food
Eating out every meal quickly adds up—especially if you have a family of four or more! To save money on food while on your trip, pack snacks and non-perishable items that everyone will enjoy eating in the car. And when it comes time for meals, look for restaurants that offer kids eat free deals or early bird specials that can save you some serious cash. With careful planning, it is possible to stick to a budget while still enjoying all that America has to offer!
Packing Everything You Need
Packing for a road trip can be tricky, especially if you have kids. You’ll want to make sure that everyone has enough clothes and that you have all of the essentials, like food, water, and first-aid supplies.
It’s also a good idea to pack some entertainment for the long stretches of highway. Games, books, and movies are all great options for keeping everyone entertained during the drive.
Before you hit the open road, it’s important to make sure you’re properly prepared. Start by making a list of everything you’ll need for the trip. Include the items we mentioned, like clothes, toiletries, first-aid supplies, electronics, and snacks.
Then be sure to pack everyone’s belongings in separate bags or containers so that everyone has easy access to their own things. But also make sure that you can fit everything in the car and still be comfortable for the drive too.
Staying Safe on the Road
Before setting off on your next road trip, take a moment to review some basic safety tips. First, make sure your vehicle is in good working order. This means ensuring that the tires are properly inflated, the oil has been changed, and the brakes are in good condition. If you haven’t had your car serviced in a while, then you’re going to want to do this first.
You should also pack an emergency kit that includes things like a first-aid kit, a flashlight, and jumper cables. It’s also a good idea to have a map of the area you’ll be traveling through so that you can plan your route in advance and avoid getting lost. These essentials really are going to come in handy so you’ll want to ensure your car is full of them ahead of time.
It’s also important to avoid distractions while driving, so put away your phone and resist the urge to fiddle with the radio. You might also want to read up on the criminal speeding laws so that you’re not caught short at all. If you’re fatigued or become aware of hazardous weather conditions, pull over at the next safe opportunity and wait until the conditions improve. It’s always going to be important for you to be safe as well as have a great time.
Creating an Enjoyable Journey
Driving for hours on end can be exhausting, so it’s important to take breaks often. Breaks are crucial for making sure everyone stays safe and comfortable during the drive. Plan ahead and make sure to map out rest stops or hotels where you can take a break from driving. And don’t forget to stretch your legs and get some fresh air every few hours! It can be hard work to stay in the car for too long—so regular breaks can help.
For this, you may want to make sure that you actually plan out your trip well enough so that you don’t have too long stretches between your stops. But, the most important thing to remember when taking a road trip is to relax and enjoy yourself! Spending time with family and exploring new places is what memories are made of—and this is what it’s all about.
Making the Best Memories
A family road trip can be a great way to create lasting memories. However, there are a few things you can do to make sure your trip is extra special. First, try to avoid planning too much. It’s important to have an idea of where you’re going and what you’ll be doing each day, but leave some room for spontaneity. That way, you can take advantage of any interesting detours or side trips that come up along the way.
You should also be sure to document your trip with photos and videos. This will help you to remember all the details of your adventure, even years later. It can be hard to remember this when you’re in the moment, and you may also find that you really do want to enjoy being in the moment too—so it can be important to find a good balance.
Enjoying the Best Road Trip With Your Family
A cross country road trip is an incredible adventure for any family—one that will create memories that will last a lifetime. It’s also a great way for you to be able to see the country in one go. By following this guide, you can ensure that your cross country road trip is safe, fun, and memorable! Just make sure that you pay extra attention to the points that matter most to you so that you can have the best time. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!