Planning a road trip or any other trip for me is one of my favorite parts. The downfall is sometimes I research it so much that I feel like I have already been on that trip. I have always loved to travel, and I want to see it all. I have always struggled with FOMO before it became a thing. Road trips are my favorite way to travel followed by car camping.
Traveling by car is the best way to travel in my opinion because it gives me the freedom to come and go as I please. I can take the scenic route or stop at things that catch my eye. I love traveling in my SUV because I have started car camping, which eliminates the need for hotels. I have been able to wake up to some pretty views.
In this road trip guide, I am going to share how I plan my trips, where to stay, what to pack, and how to avoid mistakes.
Planning A Trip: Figure out Destination
This is the fun part of planning a trip. It’s figuring out where to go! There are so many places to go that the ideas are endless. Every trip I go on I probably add 10 or more new places to visit. I get inspiration from my surroundings.
Road Trip Inspiration
Inspiration for trips is literally everywhere. Pinterest. Travel Bloggers. Friends. Family. State Websites. Recommendations. Visitor Centers.
Planning A Trip: Transportation
There are several options when it comes to picking how you are going to take trips.
- Renting RV – There are several websites available on renting an RV. I haven’t done this yet, but I have looked into for several trips.
- Renting Car – I have friends and family who do this, but this has never made sense to me. There are several different reasons you might want to rent a car: not put the miles on your car, test drive a car you have always wanted, want something fun like a convertible in California.
- Campervan, RV – I would love to have my own campervan or RV. I have looked into every now and again. I haven’t decided if I want to pull an RV or drive an RV. I have looked into RV that goes in truck bed. I haven’t looked in a while because I am having fun car camping
- Car camping – This is my #1 or favorite way to travel. From spring to fall I am gone most weekends exploring. I like taking my own car because I am familiar with it and it’s the least expensive from my perspective. (
If you take your own car, make sure your car can handle the conditions, check your tires, fluids, get an oil change (if needed)
Planning A Trip: Length
most of my trips have been weekend trips. The most I have been away is 5 days.
Planning A Trip: Route
There are several apps and websites that can help track your trip, but I use Google maps. I use Google for everything else, and it’s free for right not. I didn’t always use google maps, but with longer trips it’s a lifesaver.
Quick Tutorial – How to Use Google Maps
Create an acct if you don’t have an account. Search for a location, select location, hit save under name of trip. When you pin the location there is a heart for favorites, flag for want to go, star for starred places. I haven’t messed around with this. I have just put everything under the name of the trip. Some people have created a key that works for them.
If you don’t want to plan a trip or want help you can purchase Google Maps from travel bloggers. I have purchased a few maps and they helped out with planning of the trip. Don’t forget to download Google Maps for offline access.
Planning A Trip: Budget
This is something I figure out early on because it does affect how many things I can see and do. In the past I haven’t created a budget for a trip, if I wanted it or wanted to see it I did it. Now I am more conscious of how much I spend
Planning A Trip: Where to Stay
The best thing about road trips is the accommodations are endless. You can stay at AirBnB, Vrbo, hotel, camping, car camping or RV life. I haven’t used Vrbo but I have used AirBnB to find unique places to stay. I have found some really fun places to stay. I have stayed a barbie themed place in Florida, bright colored hotel in Florida as well.
Camping and Car camping have several options available. National Parks, State Parks, gas stations like Loves and Flying J, rest stops, and apps like Campspot, and campendium.
Planning A Trip: Packing List
I am an overpacker and I’m really trying to get better. Some basics that I usually always have with me is water, power cords, flashlight, first aid, and blanket.
Planning A Trip: Mistakes To Avoid
- Not giving yourself enough time
- Planning too much
- Not planning rest or gas stops
Planning A Trip: Best Apps for Road Trips
I use Campendium the most. I love that it’s free and people have left notes about the location. Hipcamp is one that I look at a lot but I haven’t used. I have a friend who uses Free Roam a lot but I haven’t used it. iOverlander is another one that I used a lot more. Here is another blog post that I wrote about my favorite travel apps.
Planning a Trip: Road Trips
- Libby
- Spotify
- Podcasts
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