Whether you’re planning a trip for the whole family, a weekend getaway with friends, or a vacation just for yourself, one of the most exciting, affordable, and safest ways to travel is going on a road trip. A road trip is a great way to make memories and see new places, either locally or across the country. Organizing the perfect road trip isn’t always a walk in the park—you have to plan your budget, your mode of transportation, your itinerary, and make sure everyone’s packed up and ready to go—but the effort is worth the reward. Let’s go over some tips for planning the perfect road trip, so you can make sure your next trip goes off without a hitch.
Choose Your Mode of Transportation
There are more options for your mode of transportation than you’d expect. It’s common for people to use whatever vehicle they have on hand, whether that’s a family van or a sports car, but there are two other options: renting a different car, which is self-explanatory, or attaching a trailer or camper to your vehicle.
A trailer or camper can make a great addition, especially for longer road trips. Most trailers and campers are outfitted with amenities from home, including a kitchen, a bathroom, and beds. They’re expensive to purchase, but if you’re not looking to keep one permanently, renting is a much more affordable option. Just make sure to familiarize yourself with how to prepare your vehicle for towing a trailer or camper before you jump the gun and rent one.
Plan Your Itinerary
It’s important to outline your trip before you head out on the open road. You don’t have to create an hour-by-hour plan, but having a general list of places you want to visit will make your trip a lot easier.
Know Who’s Coming
Another tip for planning the perfect road trip is to know who’s coming with you, because the more people tagging along, the more you’ll need to plan. You must make sure that everyone’s suitcases can fit snugly in your vehicle, for one. And if people’s personalities clash, you’ll have to find a way to keep the peace throughout your road trip. There’s nothing worse than driving in silence or with people arguing in the back seat. The number of people with you will impact your sleeping arrangements, too. If you’re planning to stay at a hotel, it’s important to locate and book a place that has enough room for everyone to sleep. For those traveling with a trailer or camper, make sure everyone knows where they’re sleeping each night. If you don’t have enough beds, you can always rotate who sleeps on the chair and who gets the bed.
