Road trips. I love a good road trip adventure! Don’t you? Check out my road trip planning and travel tips. I don’t mind driving cross country to get to my destination. If I’m doing a multi-stop tour or a loop drive to see several sights/ places, I don’t like to feel like I’m spending most of my time in the car. My favorite road trip adventures are with people I love, along with some amazing playlists and my favorite road trip snack, Twizzlers. Check out my time-tested road trip tips.

Pre-Trip Planning

1. Pack light – You’re not headed to the Serengeti and even if you are, still pack light.
2. Plan…but plan your itinerary loosely – You’re on vacation. It’s not a precision military expedition. You want to relax and not feel pressured.
3. Plan your route – There’s usually more than one route to get anywhere. Plan your rest stops accordingly. You may as well see something interesting while you’re stretching your legs!
4. Figure your rest stops into your travel time – 10-15 minutes here and there can add up.
5. Road trip music! Yes, make some playlists – If traveling with others, ask them to make a playlist also and rotate them throughout your trip. Make a road trip-specific playlist of music you don’t listen to every day and when you hear a song from it in the future, it will take you back. I’ve never been a HUGE Elvis fan, but when I hear Rubberneckin‘ I am taken back to a road trip I took with my daughter several years ago when she graduated high school. Fond memories, for sure!
6. Check your car over before heading out – Safety first.
   • Check tires and tire pressure.
   • Check your oil and other fluid levels.
   • Get any check engine type lights checked out before heading off into the sunset.
7. Rain-X your windshield – it’s great stuff and a tremendous help when driving in wet weather! Water beads up and rolls off and it diminishes glare. Best thing ever!
8. Use window sunscreens – you know, like ones used for babies. They are great to minimize the sun’s glare through the side windows NOT the windshield! (ha ha)
9. Rest up – A good night’s sleep will serve you well while on the road.

On the Road

1. Twizzlers – Every good road trip requires Twizzlers. I prefer strawberry and chocolate. YUM!
2. Car time. Spread it out – This has worked well for me on several road trips. It’s a good balance of time in the car. Here is my rule of thumb:
   • 8+ hour drive = spend 3 nights minimum
   • 4 – 6 hour drive = spend 2 nights minimum
   • 2 – 4 hour drive = spend 1 night minimum
3. Choose truck stops and gas stations over rest areas – They tend to be safer with more people around.
4. Traveling with your dog? – Bring their dog bed. Mine like to have their beds in the backseat. They curl up and nap. Good traveler buddies are priceless.