You’re finally ready to embark on that epic road trip that will take you across the country from sea to shining sea. The gas tank is full, you’ve checked off every item on the packing list, and you’re ready to hit the road. But are you actually ready for a long road trip?
The longer a road trip, the more complicated it can get. I didn’t say would get, but it certainly can get complicated. Have you packed enough clothing for the entire trip, or will you need to do laundry along the way? Are you ready for chilly nights, rain, and unexpected adventures? Unfortunately, these are the kinds of questions many people don’t consider until the road trip is underway – and it’s too late to make many changes.
These 25 practical tips for long road trips will help you get prepared long before you leave home, save money along the way, and help you spend more time enjoying the road trip and less time dealing with those pesky complications.
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No. 01
Buy food at grocery stores instead of gas stations
Road trip snacks are almost as necessary as gasoline for the car – they even perform similar functions. But one of the worst things a person can do on a road trip is to buy the snacks spontaneously at random gas stations along the way.
Save money and time with those snacks at grocery stores or bulk purchase stores. Stock up on all the snacks, drinks, and coffee at a fraction of the price of buying it along the way. The more you save, the longer you can drive.
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No. 02
Get your car inspected
Before leaving home, get your car inspected. Most national chain auto repair shops offer free inspections because they want your business when they find something wrong with the car.
But it’s an excellent way to get all the fluids topped off, tires rotated and balanced, and the hundreds of moving parts of a car inspected before you leave. Spur of the moment auto repairs during a road trip can be prohibitively expensive – not to mention you might have to shack up at a roadside motel for a few days while the work is done.
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No. 03
Keep your car maintained
Did you know properly inflated tires can lead to better gas mileage? Under-inflated tires cause a drop of 0.2% miles per gallon for every 1 PSI of all tires. That may not seem like much, but it can add up on long road trips.
Consider a 5,000-mile road trip in a vehicle that gets 30 miles per gallon. This would require 167 gallons of gas to complete the trip. However, if all four tires are underinflated by an average of 4 PSI, that means the vehicle is only achieving 27.6 miles per gallon. This would require 182 gallons to complete the trip – an increase of 15 gallons.
Beyond tire pressure, be sure to maintain fluids for the radiator, brakes, and engine oil to prevent damage to the engine. Replaced burned out headlights and taillights immediately. Keep up with oil changes and tire rotations for trips longer than 5,000 miles.
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No. 04
Set a reasonable daily mileage goal
The point of a road trip is to enjoy the journey as much as the destination. Driving 500 miles per day on the interstate highways doesn’t make for a very enjoyable road trip adventure. Driving that far on two-lane roads is incredibly tedious and exhausting.
By the time you stop at a couple roadside attractions, go for a hike in a state park, sit down for lunch, and take a short detour, the number of miles you’ll be able to cover in a single day will be limited at best. But that’s the point of the road trip! Set a limited number of miles to drive each day, giving yourself plenty of time to enjoy everything you’ll discover along the way.
No. 05
Avoid rush hour traffic and peak dinner times
Sitting in congested traffic and waiting for food are two of the biggest examples of losing time on a long road trip. In fact, those are the biggest time wasters for just about any kind of travel. But there is a simple way to avoid losing time: avoid rush hour and peak dinner times.
Eat breakfast after 9 a.m., get lunch around 2 p.m., and consider dinner either early at 4 p.m. or wait until 7 p.m. During those time frames, you’ll get seated faster, and food served quicker. Also, when driving around town or between destinations, avoid the rush hours of 7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.
As an added bonus, use a navigation app or dedicated GPS device in your car that includes traffic information – this information will help you spot potential traffic jams from congestion, construction, or accidents and usually includes optional detours. Using an app like OpenTable (iOs | Android) will allow you to make reservations at many restaurants – cutting down the time spent waiting for a table to open.
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No. 06
Avoid Small Town Travel on Sundays and Mondays
Roll into almost any small town with a population of less than 20,000 on a Sunday or Monday, and you’re likely to find every restaurant, museum, and attraction closed. It’s not from the owners’ lack of business sense but rather because the owners often work in their businesses, and they want a couple of days off each week.
Sundays and Mondays tend to be the most common days these local businesses are closed. However, it may also include mid-weekdays like Tuesday and Wednesday. Instead of visiting the small towns, consider spending the night in state or national parks, driving scenic routes, or just taking a couple of days to relax.
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No. 07
Pack everything – including the kitchen sink
I own six rain jackets, four sets of trekking poles, and two pairs of Crocs Swiftwater shoes. It’s not because I want a particular color combination for each day of the week, but instead because I kept leaving the items behind, thinking I wouldn’t need them.
Pack everything you can possibly fit into your vehicle for a long road trip. Go beyond your tentative itinerary and think about things you enjoy doing that you might want to do along the way. Take those golf clubs or stunt kites, pack the fleece hoodie, and bring more than two pairs of shoes. Although it’s impossible to prepare for every eventuality, every little bit helps save money in the budget.
No. 08
Fill the gas tank on Monday
GasBuddy (iOS | Android) conducted a survey a few years ago to determine the best and worst times for gas prices. Interestingly, Mondays were the cheapest day of the week to get gas on average, with the best time coming around 10 a.m.
Also, interesting – though not surprising – was that the worst day to get gas was Friday or the day before a major holiday. During those days, gas prices tended to spike first thing in the morning.
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No. 09
Don’t rely on cellular service
One universal constant of any long road trip is the eventuality of running into a cellular dead zone. Rural areas in the Midwest, rugged terrain in the Rockies, and sporadically throughout the Southeastern United States are areas in between cellular towers that will leave your cellphone or tablet as useful as screen doors for submarines.
Be prepared to eventually lose cellular service during your long road trip. Download Google Maps (iOS | Android) for offline use, make sure all your apps are up to date, and download movies for entertainment. Doing as much of this as possible while connected to WIFI will prevent you from breaching a monthly data limit.
No. 10
Plan to do laundry on the road
Depending on the length of the road trip, the activities you plan to enjoy along the way, and your fashion style, it just might not be possible to pack a new outfit for every single day. So rather than pack five suitcases stuffed with every stitch of clothing you own, consider doing laundry somewhere along the way.
As a rule of thumb, pack at least five of each type of clothing. Shorts, pants, tees, polos or blouses, underwear, and socks. On top of that, pack something for chilly nights and rain. This will give you about a week of clothing – but you’ll need to get used to wearing those shorts and that shirt more than once in between washing.
Buy a laundry bag and take it with you on the road trip. However, do not buy laundry detergent ahead of time. The heat and humidity will ruin most detergents and leave your car with an overwhelming smell. When you finally decide to do laundry, be sure to take enough quarters to complete your load, never leave your laundry unattended, and always use a laundromat during daylight hours.
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No. 11
Get organized
Organizing all your clothing, gear, food, and accessories is a crucial and often overlooked aspect of any long road trip. But, after two, three, or four weeks of restacking bags, hunting for that small item, and shifting cargo around every curve of the road, you’ll be on the edge of losing it.
Buy stuff sacks or use gallon-sized Ziplock bags to organize smaller items. Buy midsized duffel bags or plastic totes for organizing smaller bags. Stackable totes that can lock together are best for keeping the totes from sliding around in the vehicle. Label everything and always leave the most frequently used items on top.
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No. 12
Get plenty of sleep
The first few days of a long road trip, you’ll likely feel energized by the excitement and tempted to stay up 18 hours a day. I can typically keep that level of stamina going for about the first three weeks of constant travel – but eventually, everyone slows down.
Getting plenty of sleep is important to maintaining your mental and physical health, not to mention keeping morale high. Spending too much time traveling and not enough sleeping will eventually lead to exhaustion, depression, and moodiness.
On a long road trip, plan to take one or two days a week off from travel. Find a nice roadside motel, splurge on a super nice hotel with a free hot breakfast, or settle into a campground for two nights. Avoid the temptation to go out and explore the area – just focus on rest and relaxation.
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No. 13
Keep the car clean (inside and out)
The day before any road trip begins, I always find one of those really nice car washes with the conveyor belt that pulls the vehicle through a wash cycle. Then, after getting the exterior cleaned – included RainX and a tire shine – I visit the vacuum cleaners. There is no greater feeling than starting a long road trip with a squeaky-clean vehicle.
On long road trips, it will probably be necessary to do a little cleaning along the way. Car washes are easy enough. Instead of relying on their vacuum cleaners – or paying for them – consider buying the THISWORX Car Vacuum Cleaner. It uses 12v power with a removable collection bin and comes with a nice travel bag.
For an added touch, the Little Trees Vent Wrap Car Air Freshner’s “new car smell” will make your vehicle smell brand new after getting it clean.
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No. 14
Join a roadside rescue plan
Most auto insurance companies and cellular providers offer some sort of roadside assistance rescue plan. If you don’t have the option for either of those, consider buying a AAA membership to access their roadside rescue plan.
At the very least, roadside rescue plans will unlock a vehicle, tow your vehicle to safety, and provide gas in case you run out. Better plans will include longer towing distances and more gas. It’s the one thing you never think about until you need it – so this time, plan ahead.
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No. 15
Keep up with monthly bills
Only about 40% of Americans use auto pay for monthly bills like utilities and credit card payments – I’m not one of them. One of the biggest mistakes with long road trips that last more than a month is forgetting to take care of those bills before you hit the road or somewhere during the trip.
It’s easy to pay those bills with the home computer with your login information saved, but could you pay those bills on the road with a cellphone or tablet? Be sure to take your login information with you and keep it in a safe location like a locked glovebox or portable security case. Add the due date for any bills to your travel itinerary – and remember that cellular service is not a guarantee everywhere.
Life Pro Trip: Many credit card companies and certain utilities allow you to choose a due date for your monthly bill. Aligning all these bills for the same due date makes it easier to keep up with – especially while you’re traveling.
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No. 16
Leave room for souvenirs
I know I said “pack everything – including the kitchen sink” earlier, but don’t go overboard and fill the entire vehicle before you hit the road. More than likely, you will want to buy some souvenirs along the way.
Smaller souvenirs like clothing, décor, and Christmas ornaments – my favorite type of souvenir to buy – are easy enough to pack into a bag or tote in the vehicle. But if you buy more oversized items like artwork, glassware, or large gift items, ask the retailer if they can ship them to your home or a relative’s home for safekeeping. Often, the shipping is included, especially in areas of high tourism where they expect the buyers to be non-locals.
Insider Tip: An easy way to keep up with souvenirs on a long road trip is to mail them to a friend or relative. The Flat Rate boxes at the United States Postal Service come in several sizes and are indeed a single flat rate – ranging from about $5-$15 per box – no matter where you ship it in the continental U.S.
No. 17
Bring your favorite ___________
Do you have a favorite coffee mug? Slippers? Or what about a television series you love to watch? Just because you’re going on a road trip doesn’t mean you can’t bring some of those with you.
Bringing your favorite items with you on a long road trip can help you feel more at home and relaxed. Instead of missing that perfect coffee mug or comfortable slippers, you’ll feel much better having them with you.
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No. 18
Have an itinerary but leave room for spontaneity
It’s always good to have a travel itinerary. It’s essential to know the business hours of museums, restaurants, and attractions, so you don’t arrive too late or on a day when they are typically closed. Building an itinerary can help you avoid those frustrations.
However, leave room for spontaneous detours that will inevitably come along during a long road trip. Be prepared for entire destinations to change as your route progresses. Take advice from locals and be willing to give something new a try!
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No. 19
Fill all prescriptions and bring extra
For three years, I worked as a certified pharmacy technician at CVS/Pharmacy in Emerald Isle, North Carolina. During the hectic – sometimes chaotic – summer months, we would sometimes fill thousands of prescriptions in a single day. The most common type of prescription was for someone who had left the medication at home.
If you have any kind of regular medication, be sure to pack that for your trip. But for long road trips that last more than 30 days, you might run out while on the road. Make sure your prescription has refills on file with your pharmacy or take a new prescription with you – as long as it is not a controlled substance. If your insurance allows, consider getting two or three months’ worth filled at one time for your long road trip.
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No. 20
Watch out for 140-degree heat in the car
On sunny days during the summer months, vehicles’ internal temperatures can rise 30-40 degrees higher than the outside temperature. When I was a kid, I remember going for a walk to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse during a family vacation. When we returned, my mom opened the back of the car to make snacks – only to discover the Cheese Whiz had exploded all over the car!
The high internal temperatures of vehicles can ruin more than just pressurized cans of food. Contact lenses, prescriptions, electronics, and coolers are all susceptible to damage from temperatures over 100 degrees.
You can reduce those internal temperatures by using a windshield sunshade. Close the sunshade on the moonroof. You may even consider buying curtains for the side windows – it’s not as silly as you might think.
No. 21
Set a daily and final budget
My first road trip adventure of 2021 was a spontaneous, itinerary-free adventure along the Gulf Coast from Gulf Shores, Alabama, across Florida to Vero Beach. After a week exploring that area of Florida, I was considering heading south to Key West for what would have been my first visit. But when I looked at my bank account, my heart hit the floor when I realized my travel budget was at an end.
I’ve never been good at creating or keeping to a travel budget, and that resulted in a road trip cut short. So the better method is to create a daily budget and stick to it. But also give yourself leeway for those rare opportunities to do something awesome and set a final budget for the entire trip.
The advantage of a long road trip is that if you’re on the road long enough, you might just get an extra paycheck while you’re traveling. So how many vacation days do you have saved up for your long road trip?
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No. 22
Only travel by day
Some people only travel at night to avoid any traffic congestion at all – and that’s a good idea. But driving on unfamiliar roads at night poses some safety issues – not to mention what would happen if your vehicle broke down at 3 a.m.
The safest and surest way is to only travel by day. It will be much easier to keep aware of the unfamiliar road ahead, and you’re certain to get roadside assistance faster during normal business hours.
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No. 23
Choose the best road trip route
My #1 Rule for Road Trips is no interstate highways. There is just no reason to take a road trip route onto the interstate – you’ll miss everything along the way.
But what is the best road trip route? National scenic byways are a good start – there are dozens across the country. But sometimes, the most scenic or exciting road trip route is just a simple country road connecting interesting destinations. The best way to find those is to ask the locals – they always know the best route.
No. 24
Document the trip
After returning home from an epic long road trip, it might be difficult to remember precisely where you found that amazing cheeseburger or savory salted caramel ice cream cone or watched that stunning sunset. It can be downright frustrating when you realize you don’t have a single photo to share or any clue where to find the name of that restaurant.
But what exactly does it mean to document the trip? I am not advocating for ten thousand photos plus an additional five thousand selfies from your long road trip. Don’t become one of those people who jump out of the car on the Blue Ridge Parkway just long enough for a selfie and then leave just as quickly.
It starts with the photos. Capture an exterior photo of every restaurant, museum, and attraction you visit – and be sure to include the name of the business. Capture an interior photo and then one or two photos of every meal or activity.
Take a journal. Jot down notes of the places you visit. Feelings. Smells. Sights. Take note of the business name, details of the food you eat, and reaction to museums. Draw pictures and maps, create word maps, put any word to paper that comes to mind. It will all be wonderful to see all the photos and notes again when your long road trip is finished.
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No. 25
Keep in touch with regular updates
One of the most important safety measures you can take during a long road trip is to let someone know where you are and where you are going by the end of the day. Particularly in places where cellular reception could be spotty, it’s good to tell someone that by nightfall, you should be at a particular destination and able to call them again.
That way, if your vehicle breaks down while in a cellular dead zone with little traffic, at least someone knows the route you were driving to send rescue your direction.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
Introducing Myself as a Road Trip Expert
As a road trip enthusiast and expert, I have extensive personal experience and knowledge in planning and executing long road trips. I have embarked on numerous road trips across various countries, covering vast distances and exploring diverse landscapes. I have encountered and successfully dealt with the challenges and complexities that can arise during extended road trips.
Providing Information on Road Trip Concepts
This article provides practical tips for long road trips. Let's discuss the concepts mentioned in the article:
Buy food at grocery stores instead of gas stations Buying snacks and food items at grocery stores or bulk purchase stores can save money compared to purchasing them at random gas stations along the way.
Get your car inspected Before embarking on a road trip, it is crucial to get your car inspected. National chain auto repair shops often offer free inspections, which can help ensure that your car is in good condition and reduce the risk of unexpected breakdowns during the trip.
Keep your car maintained Proper car maintenance, such as maintaining tire pressure, fluids, and replacing burned-out headlights and taillights, is essential for a successful road trip. It can improve fuel efficiency and prevent potential damage to the engine.
Set a reasonable daily mileage goal Setting a reasonable daily mileage goal allows you to enjoy the journey and explore attractions along the way. It is important to strike a balance between covering distance and taking time to appreciate the destinations and experiences during the road trip.
Avoid rush hour traffic and peak dinner times Avoiding rush hour traffic and peak dinner times can help save time and make the road trip more enjoyable. Eating meals outside of peak times and using navigation apps with traffic information can help you plan your travel accordingly.
Avoid small town travel on Sundays and Mondays Many small towns have limited business hours on Sundays and Mondays, so it is advisable to plan your road trip itinerary accordingly. Consider spending those days in state or national parks or relaxing at your accommodation.
Pack everything – including the kitchen sink Packing essential items and considering activities you may want to do along the way is important. While it is impossible to prepare for every eventuality, packing strategically can help save money and ensure you have what you need during the trip.
Fill the gas tank on Monday According to GasBuddy, Mondays tend to have cheaper gas prices on average. Filling up your gas tank on Mondays, particularly around 10 a.m., can help save money during the road trip.
Don’t rely on cellular service Cellular dead zones are common during road trips, especially in rural areas or rugged terrains. Downloading offline maps, updating apps, and downloading entertainment content can help you stay connected and entertained even without reliable cellular service.
Plan to do laundry on the road Depending on the length of the road trip, doing laundry on the road can be more practical than packing excessive amounts of clothing. Packing enough clothing for about a week and having a laundry bag ready can help you maintain cleanliness and save space in your vehicle.
Get organized Organizing your belongings, including clothing, gear, and food, is essential for a smooth and enjoyable road trip. Using stuff sacks, bags, and containers can help keep everything organized and easily accessible.
Get plenty of sleep Getting enough sleep is crucial for your mental and physical well-being during a long road trip. Taking regular breaks, planning rest days, and ensuring a comfortable sleeping arrangement can help you maintain your energy and enjoy the trip to the fullest.
Keep the car clean (inside and out) Keeping your car clean not only enhances the overall experience but also helps maintain a pleasant environment during the road trip. Regular car washes, vacuuming, and using car air fresheners can contribute to a comfortable and enjoyable journey.
Join a roadside rescue plan Having a roadside rescue plan, such as through auto insurance companies or AAA, provides peace of mind and assistance in case of emergencies or vehicle breakdowns during the road trip.
Keep up with monthly bills Ensuring that your monthly bills are taken care of before the road trip is important to avoid any financial or administrative issues while traveling. Setting up auto-payments, taking login information with you, and aligning due dates can help you stay on top of your bills.
Leave room for souvenirs Leaving space in your vehicle for souvenirs allows you to collect and bring back memories from your road trip. Planning ahead for shipping larger items or mailing souvenirs can help you avoid overpacking and make room for special finds along the way.
Bring your favorite items Bringing your favorite items, such as a coffee mug, slippers, or a TV series, can help create a sense of familiarity and comfort during the road trip. Having these personal touches can make you feel more at home and relaxed while on the road.
Have an itinerary but leave room for spontaneity Having a travel itinerary helps ensure you don't miss out on must-see attractions and activities. However, leaving room for spontaneous detours and experiences allows for flexibility and unexpected adventures during the road trip.
Fill all prescriptions and bring extras Ensuring you have an ample supply of necessary medications and prescriptions is crucial for a long road trip. Consider getting refills before the trip and carrying extra medication to avoid running out while on the road.
Watch out for 140-degree heat in the car During hot summer months, the internal temperature of a vehicle can rise significantly, potentially damaging certain items. Using windshield sunshades, closing the sunshade on the moonroof, and considering curtains for side windows can help reduce internal temperatures.
Set a daily and final budget Creating a daily budget and an overall budget for the road trip helps manage expenses and ensure financial stability throughout the journey. Planning for unexpected costs and aligning due dates for bills can contribute to a successful and stress-free road trip.
Only travel by day Traveling during daylight hours is generally safer and allows for better visibility on unfamiliar roads. It also ensures that roadside assistance and services are readily available during regular business hours.
Choose the best road trip route Selecting the best road trip route involves considering scenic options, such as national scenic byways, and seeking advice from locals. Avoiding interstate highways and opting for country roads can enhance the journey and provide unique experiences.
Document the trip Documenting your road trip through photos, notes, and journal entries helps preserve memories and allows you to share your experiences with others. Capturing exterior and interior photos of visited places, noting details, and recording impressions can enrich the storytelling aspect of your road trip.
Keep in touch with regular updates Maintaining regular communication with someone who knows your itinerary can enhance safety during the road trip. Sharing updates on your location and plans ensures that someone is aware of your progress and can assist if needed.
These concepts cover various aspects of planning and executing a successful long road trip. By incorporating these tips into your preparations, you can enhance your experience, save money, and make the most of your journey.
