15 Mar How To Choose The Ideal Road Trip Route
Do you want to set out on the open road with friends but are nervous you won’t get the most out of your route? With careful planning and creative thinking, you can make any trip one of the most memorable experiences you’ll ever have. Chanel and Stevo are huge fans of road trips (which is why they spent so much time and energy on getting #TheBadger🚐 just right) so if you too want to embrace the open road, read on…
Everyone Has Their Version Of The Best Road Trip Route
Does the ideal road trip exist? Brian Brettschneider, a climate scientist, probably believes he came close. He released a year-long route that stretches under 8,000 miles (12,800km), weaving through coastal and inland states in the US. Best of all, he assures it’ll stay 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius) the whole time.
Should you choose a preplanned road trip route like Brettschneider’s year-long journey, or is it better to carve your own path through the country? While you’d save time on planning by following someone else’s vision, you might miss out on unique experiences.
How Do You Find The Best Road Trip Route?
While relying on preplanned routes makes things easier, it’s fair to say you’ll get the most out of your experience by choosing your own path. After all, “ideal” is subjective — only you can design a trip that checks your boxes. Besides, who has time for a year-long drive?
Realistically, the ideal road trip route looks different to everyone. For instance, while Washington ranks as the most scenic state in the country of USA — thanks to its mix of mountains, deserts, waterfalls and plains — another might come to mind when you picture a picturesque drive.
The ideal road trip doesn’t have to be something you share with your friends just because preplanned routes don’t fit your schedules or preferences. As long as your journey is safe, scenic and satisfying, you’ll have a unique, memorable experience.
How Do You Plan The Ideal Road Trip Route?
Choosing the ideal road trip route takes some planning.
Make Sure Your Car Can Handle It
Capable vehicles make road trips possible. Even minor accidents — like grazing a curb or hitting a pothole — can force your wheels off-balance, which can make driving long distances challenging. Try to avoid notably dangerous roads and ensure your car can handle the route you plan on taking.
Consider Your Weather Preferences
Even though you’ll really only step out of your vehicle to fuel up and take bathroom breaks, the weather makes a big difference. It’s the deciding factor for whether you drive with the windows down and radio up, or blast the heat as your windshield wipers work overtime.
Decide What Scenery You Want to See
The scenery is a make-or-break factor for most road trips. Would you rather cruise down an uninteresting highway or wind through a picturesque landscape? Decide whether you want to see deserts, mountains, shrub-steppe, wetlands, plains, or tropics. Remember, some states in the US (and some countries throughout the world) have a mix of multiple ecosystems — with strategic planning, you won’t have to choose.
Coordinate Distance And Driving Time
How much time can you spend on the open road? The question is literal, not rhetorical — whether you’re on spring break or took time off work, you have a timeline to follow. Determine how to align distance with reasonable drive times to get the most out of your trip.
Plan for Staying Places Overnight
Where do you plan on staying overnight? Unless you drive a camper or an RV, you must figure out some accommodations. While small tents go for under $200 — and sleeping in your car is free — weather and safety factors might make hotels a better option.
Decide Where Your Destination Will Be
Even if you believe road trips are about the journey, not the destination, you still need to decide where to go and how long you’ll stay. Having a purpose can make the trip more exciting and rewarding since it gives everyone something to look forward to.
Remember To Plan Your Return Trip
The return trip is almost as important as the initial one. You can go the same way and make the same stops all over again, choose an alternative route home, or go the same way and stay at different places.
Considerations Before Hitting The Road
Even if you know exactly where you’ll go and what you’ll do, some extra planning helps ensure the road trip route you choose is ideal.
Plan Your Route Around Fuel Stops
Do you drive a camper, a motorcycle, or a minivan? Is it electric or gas-powered? Are you hauling a trailer or carrying cargo? These factors impact how much distance you can cover before stopping to refuel. Map out chargers and gas stations so you don’t strand yourself.
Don’t Let One Person Do All The Driving
Generally, one person shouldn’t do all the driving. While experts recommend you rotate every two hours to give every driver a chance to rest, snack and admire passing scenery, how often you switch depends on how much time you drive daily.
Set Out With The Bare Essentials
While stuffing your vehicle full of snacks and entertainment is a good rule of thumb for most long stretches spent on the highway, road trips are about the journey. Consider packing light so you’re forced to get out more often and explore as you travel.
Be Mindful Of Potential Hazards
You’ll likely run into hazards while driving, stopping and staying in places overnight. For example, you can get altitude sickness from going from low to high elevations too quickly. Remember to watch out for everything from unfamiliar traffic laws to gas station food.
Plan Alternative Routes Just In Case
A long-distance road trip is the ideal time to explore the unknown. At the very least, alternative routes are helpful when you run into literal roadblocks. Visit travel blogs, local forums, and social media for insider tips and detour recommendations.
Make Reservations Ahead Of Time
While most roadside attractions are walk-in welcome, landmarks, national parks and popular tourist spots sometimes require reservations. Before settling on an ideal road trip route, ensure you can get into the places you plan to stop at.
Get Ready To Hit The Road And Make Some Memories
You can turn any route into a memorable, enjoyable road trip if you plan correctly and bring pleasant company — even if you set out with a shoestring budget and no real destination in mind. As long as you cover the basics, you’re sure to make memories that’ll last a lifetime.
Author Bio
Jack Shaw is a freelance lifestyle writer and dedicated traveler. His writing focuses on exploring the food, culture and beautiful views of wherever life decides to throw him. Stories of his travel can be seen in Modded, The Travel Facts, Urban Adventure and more. Jack has a love of all things outdoors, and spends much of his free time taking on local hiking trails and state parks.
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