Road Trip Tips and What We’ve Learned
If you didn’t grow up with parents who hit the road for a family vacation who are you? Just kidding as it all really depends on preference. There’s so many factors but coming from Chicago going to Michigan was a summer trend to now cross country road trippers here’s our suggestions.
Phone that Friend or Google Experts
If you haven’t traveled the paved path sit down to google for a bit and make yourself comfortable. There’s a ton of information out there on the subject so try to find reputable sites and travels that give good tips. Site like Road Trippers, Road Trip USA and Trip Advisor are the tip of the iceberg with great ideas, pointers and maps. If you know a friend or family member who's always on the road reach out! See what tips and tricks they'd recommend!
Plan
Of course you’d plan, who gets in a car randomly and drives 8 hours? Think fall, summer, history, people, and more. What are your interests, passions or must sees? We’re fall people so we love leaf peeping, scary haunted sites, history, creepy attractions while road tripping. However maybe your wanting to travel the USA or Europe via car with history sites in mind or see where your favorite author is from? Think crowds, temps, walkability, weather, and access. We’re avid fitness nerds so walking 5 miles or hiking excites us but if you’re planning a walking tour for 2 miles and don’t walk regularly perhaps planning ahead and working up your walking is something to keep in mind. Whether are you a fall or summer person? If you plan driving in the fall expect rainy weather vs summer you might be near Tornado alley! The more you road trip in different seasons the better you’ll become at knowing what to expect.
Timeframe
We have three pointers on this. Driving is the first. Everyone varies but most of the time you’ll need a break, food, gas and sleep at some point. Attempting a one shot by yourself is a no go when a long trip is scheduled. If you have other drivers then plan accordingly but also for kids and dogs. They’ll only make it so far and some rest stops are a minimum of 23+ miles apart that makes planning timeframe a must. The less you stop the farther you’ll go in shorter times but to do that, planning it all out can make the most.
Driving vs Sightseeing!
If you trek and drive 16 hours to a coast or cabin, staying for 3 days isn’t viable. Give yourself the right amount of time to enjoy where you’re going. Actually stay awhile and check out the area. Tour and enjoy how far from home you’ve driven and explore. Are you stopping and seeing along the way? If you’ve ever seen the movie Michael you know. Some people need to see the worlds largest frying pan where others just don’t care. The Road Tripper app is a great tool to see what you’re passing along the planned route and plan if you’d like to stop. Just keep in mind this does add time to the trip so the google maps ETA suggestion will increase with more stops. It's your vacation stop and see what you want!
Prep the Car and You
Prepping yourself and car are a must. Whether it's a few hours or many, you're going to be spending a ton of time in your car. Riding in a clean car even if it's just in the beginning is far nicer than including your mess from your daily routine or the past month. You'll be far happier you did. Making sure it's in tip top shape and an oil change is also a great idea. Insurance and documents as well. Always plan just in case of an emergency and know your options if you have a flat tire or need a tow. Most insurances cover help but checking your plan or options ahead is always a good idea. Limiting your personal routine. Spending your vacation doing your normal personal routine somewhere else can be a time waster. It's a good idea to axe or limit getting ready. Get your hair blown out before you go to hold a few days for example. You'll be out and about, touristing and far happier than spending your time in the bathroom.
Packing
Dear people who pack 6 days before. I don't get it, nothing personal. Perhaps this comes from a place of learning to pack for 6 months to a year abroad for University in London helped curb the packing heavy issue for us. Learn to limit your outfits, your luggage is gonna be packed in the car or in a luggage rack so space is limited. Reusing a shirt, jeans or dress that can be versatile is key. Shoes as well, keeping in mind if you're going to be walking a lot and know heels wont be needed. This is a good example and reason to reconsider packing items or not.
There's many more tips and tricks out there but we hope these help! As you become more experienced in your travels you know more of what you need and tips that help you. So hit the road and may you're journey be full of fun adventures!
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