15 Travel Tips for Planning the Ultimate Road Trip

There's something special about being on the open road. A full tank of gas and a vehicle packed with luggage and friends can be the start of a trip for the ages.

As you start prepping, consider these tips as you make your checklist of items to pack or services to complete before you set off on your trip. You may be ready for an adventure, but these tidbits can help make your trek even more memorable for all the right reasons.

1. Get a Tune-Up

Whoever owns the car is responsible for getting the crew to the destination and back as safely as possible. No one wants to spend a portion of their trip on the side of the road, trying to get a tow truck to come to rescue them. Nor does anyone want to pay for all those extra fees in the middle of a trip.

Have your local mechanic test the brakes, check the fluids, and inspect the tires. Also, make sure the spare tire is inflated. These little fixes can ultimately save the trip.

2. Have an Emergency Kit

Even if you have a tune-up, keeping an emergency roadside kit in your trunk is essential. You can never be too prepared on the road, and these kits can help you get back on the road as fast as possible.

Most local automotive stores have pre-packaged kits you can store away. But, if you want to build your own, make sure you have a flashlight, jumper cables (or portable jump starter), a first aid kit, blankets, gloves, fuses, and a small tool kit.

3. Bring Plenty of Water

Not only does water keep you hydrated, but it can also help in an emergency breakdown situation or keep you clean. You'll need water to cool off an overheating car, help with spills, or wash your hands if you get stuck and need to use the restroom in between stops.

4. Download Your Entertainment

Have you ever been stuck on a long road without any services? It's the worst. You can't connect your streaming services and might be stuck with no music or podcasts for over an hour. What will you do to pass the time? Count cows on the horizon?

However, you wouldn't be in this situation if you downloaded your media before the trip. Being prepared for losing service can keep you and your carmates happy on those long, lonely roads.

5. Get Google Maps Offline

As with your entertainment, you'll still need access to your GPS when service is scarce.

Prior to hitting the road, download the maps for the areas you will be traveling to. This allows you to still have directions and avoid getting lost. Or, if you want to go old school, you can pick up a road atlas like your dad used to keep in his glove box.

6. Pack Headphones

Whether you're traveling with friends or parents, there will come a time when you want to have your own time. Maybe you want to listen to your own podcast or catch up on your audiobook.

Headphones allow you to escape whatever everyone else is listening to. They can also be used to drown out noisy campsites or motels with paper-thin walls.

7. Take the Scenic Route

A road trip is all about having a unique experience. Sometimes, getting off the highway and taking the scenic route provides an adventure you never planned on having.

Scenic routes can lead to breathtaking overlooks, fun roadside attractions, local farmer's markets, and diners serving some of the best cherry pies you ever ate. If you have the time to add a few extra miles to your trip, do it. It might be the best part of the trek.

8. Invest in a Roof Rack

If your car has limited cabin space, a packed car can be uncomfortable. No one wants to be cramped during long periods of driving, but a roof rack can free up some of that space.

Having the extra space in the car is great for a tired kid who wants to lie down and take a nap or for passengers to spread out a bit more in the car.

9. Stock up on Chargers

Having plenty of extra chargers and cables is vital during your adventure. The odds are that you and your crew have multiple devices that need charging. Investing in a portable charging unit capable of simultaneously adding juice to multiple devices could be beneficial.

Not only will it keep you and your road trip partners entertained, but it will also alert you to the next gas station or hotel and keep you safe if you were to get lost or break down.

10. Bring Disposable Cutlery/Napkins/Plates

You never know when you'll need to enjoy a meal on the road. Keeping a stash of throwaway dinnerware can make it easier and cleaner to eat on the road.

My parents always had a stack of napkins in the center console. They come in handy when someone has a runny nose or accidentally spills their drink in their lap.

11. Take Advantage of Road Trip Apps

In 2024, there's an app for everything. When it comes to traveling, several apps will help you on the road.

Apps like Roadtripper help you navigate; Roadside America alerts you to unique roadside attractions; GasBuddy finds the cheapest gas, while Waze diverts you to alternative routes to avoid traffic jams. There are hundreds more you can browse and decide if they are right for you.

12. Make Regular Stops

We all know that a road trip involves long hours behind the wheel. That much sitting isn't good for anyone, let alone a driver.

Stopping every few hours to take a walk, use the bathroom, stretch, or grab a bite to eat can help you stay focused and alert while driving. It's also a perfect excuse to check out some cheesy roadside attractions, like that large maze of hay you secretly want to see.

13. Never Pass up Snacks

Here's a fun fact: Calories on road trips don't count, so eat all the gas station junk food you want. Obviously, I'm kidding, but all jokes aside, a proper road trip should include a cooler of cold beverages and a box of treats.

If you're running low on any of the staples and you're at a convenience store, stock up. You never know when you'll come across another store or what selection they may have.

14. Have a Plan

One of the major appeals of a road trip is the ability to change things and have a good time. But it is also smart to have a basic outline of your route and planned stops.

Depending on the time of the year, certain roads may be closed, requiring extreme rerouting and adding extra time to your already long trip.

15. Be Ready to Switch it Up

Even with a plan, if you have the time, don't be afraid to shake things up and add stops when you want. As I mentioned earlier, some of the best moments on my past trips happened out of pure spontaneity.

My family was traveling through Montana on a camping trip. We stopped at a local bar to grab dinner and watch the football game. We met some friendly locals who let us camp on their land. I still remember how much fun we all had that night. It wouldn't have happened if we hadn't been flexible enough to change our plans.