The concept of a road trip has been romanticized by plenty of movies and pop songs. However, there is no arguing that it can be one of the most memorable trips in your life, striding through the different landscapes and scenery.
That said, taking a road trip can also take a toll on you, even if you are a young student. After all, the US is a really big place, and it might be hard deciding where to go, what to do, where to stop, and stuff.
If you are overwhelmed by the idea of taking a road trip across America, then this article is for you. Within this, we have covered a few tips that will help you make your road trip dreams into reality.
The Mode of Transportation
When thinking of taking the road trip, the first image that comes to mind would be of a car, preferably an open hooded, and the wind on your hair. As perfect and thrilling as things might seem, a vehicle is not the only choice.
The case for using a car is that it will make it easier to access different utilities – such as a parking spot. Moreover, driving would be relatively less stressful. However, the space in your car would be much more limited, which could be an issue if you are planning to take long trips.
On the other hand, road tripping in an RV would be a totally different experience. You will have more, and depending on the RV model you use, you could even sleep, cook, and do plenty of other things. You might even be able to do some college assignments effortlessly with the help of qualified paper writers at WritePaper, while one of your other friends takes the wheel. The comfort is pretty high, and you might also end up saving money on food and accommodation.
That being said, it could be challenging to find proper parking spaces and services when using an RV. Ultimately, it is up to your preferences and the comfort level you choose.
Pick Your Route
There are countless options when it comes to road trip routes in America. However, when in doubt, focus on the two important aspects:
- What you want to see;
- And, how much time you have.
Each route offers you a different set of visuals and activities. The two most popular road trip routes in the US are – Route 66 and Pacific Coast Highway.
Route 66 starts from Chicago, taking you down to Los Angeles at the Santa Monica Pier. Pacific Coast Highway runs through California through soft beaches and rugged landscapes.
There are several other routes that you can take; however, it would be best if you plan the stops you would like to make along the way. You need not necessarily plan everything down to the T.
At least you can decide which cities to stay in at night and leave the days open, so you don’t have a strict itinerary to follow when exploring a spot. Moreover, if you have to find accommodation, setting the dates will also help you take care of bookings beforehand.
Set Up a Budget
So, once you have taken care of the route and accommodation, you might want to look into how much you want to spend on the road. Of course, you can set out without this. However, you might realize that you have no account of what you are spending when you are tired and stressed.
Today, you can use apps that will essentially take care of this. All you need to do is enter the amount you spent or link your card so the app will collect the information automatically.
Here are the main areas you will be spending money on:
- Food
- Gas
- Accommodation
- Fun
- Extras
You should also have some extra money around for contingencies. There are always chances of something unplanned happening while on the road, and it will be best to financially plan for these.
Don’t Forget the Music
Needless to say, music can make or break a road trip. Sometimes, it might be the only buffer you get. While you can access songs from phones, you might still want to have a basic idea.
Well, Spotify can always help you with inspiration via its tons of playlists. And just like everything else, make sure that the music is to the taste of everyone taking the trip.
Get Your Vehicle Prepared
Finally, it is most important to make sure that your car is ready to set out for the journey.
- Check the car battery
- Top of all fluids and replace filters if needed
- Inspect belts and hoses
- Ensure that lights and other pieces of equipment are working
- Check the brakes
- Inspect the tire and make sure you have a spare one
- Pack an emergency road kit with flashlights, jumper cables, and tools to change a tire
You can also add a neon vest to the list in case you have to stop the car at night on the highway.
Rest Stops vs. Truck Stops
When you are on the road, you will want to stop at some point. If you check the GPS, you will notice that there is a rest stop ahead. Now, depending on the route you take and the final location, rest stops can change.
While you can be sure about having bathrooms, vending machines, and a place to walk dogs, not every rest stop will have a restaurant, store, or other facilities. In fact, you might have better luck at Walmart or Target, and you will pay less too.
If you are looking to get a cup of hot coffee and some proper food, then you need truck stops. These have gas stations, restaurants, and convenience. Some even have amenities such as showers and WiFi for truckers.
The key to a successful road trip is making sure that everyone is having a good time. And people won’t be fun if they don’t get to do what they want. This is why planning is necessary, so you don’t leave out any important sights that anyone had their hearts set on.