Planning a cross-country road trip can provide a high-octane and life-changing experience. As Rachel of the Crafted Life mentioned, “The first to do is to get your car checked before you leave. You want your safety to be your top priority on this trip. Seeing things is probably your second priority.”
Here is a comprehensive guide on how to plan a cross-country road trip. It covers essential steps, tips, and considerations for your trip's success. With careful planning, you can avoid the pitfalls of bad weather and traffic. Sometimes, you may drive 60 miles or more without finding a rest shop or gas station.
How to Plan A Cross Country Road Trip?
How to plan a cross-country trip is not that tricky a question. You must pack some essentials before heading towards a cross-country road trip. So you enjoyed your trip with all your necessary stuff. Below is a checklist that you need in case you're on the way to a country road trip;
Vehicle Safety Gear
Spare tire and jack
Jumper cables
Tire pressure gauge
Emergency tire inflator
Visibility triangles, vest, and gloves
First aid kit
Flashlight
Essential tools like a socket set, screwdrivers, and a crowbar
Navigational Tools
Road atlas
Navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze.
Comfort Items
Travel pillow
Seat cushions
Window shades
Motion sickness bags
Towels
Comfortable clothes like leggings, sweatpants, and light layers
Rain jacket and boots
Winter coat, hat, gloves, and scarf if needed.
Snacks And Meals
Reusable water bottles
Snacks and non-perishable food
Utensils, plates, and cups
Cooler and ice.
Technology
Portable chargers
Car chargers
Headphones
Tablet or laptop for entertainment.
Outdoor Gear
Daypack for day hikes
Hiking shoes
Swimsuit.
Miscellaneous
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Bug spray
Hand sanitizer
Toilet paper
Trash bags
Duct tape
Microfiber towels.
Remember to look at the weather forecast and pack your things based on that. Bring different types of clothes that you can wear over each other. Have a good attitude and a willingness to try new things!
Cross Country Road Trip Planner
You may be mulling over how to plan a cross-country road trip. Well, for this, you must have a planner. Roadtrippers Autopilot is the top choice for planning cross-country road trips. It can make a personalized schedule according to what you like. Moreover, they have planned over 38 million visits before. Their service provides;
Real-time traffic updates
Access to wildfire smoke maps
The ability to share your itinerary with travel companions.
Printable PDF road trip planner templates are available on Etsy and Jotform. It allows you to fill in details like;
Personal information
Departure/arrival times
A packing list.
These templates can help you organize and prepare for your cross-country road trip.
Cross Country Road Trip Itinerary
Here are some of the core parts of a country road trip itinerary;
Choose a northern, central, or southern route that covers the desired regions and destinations.
Plan to drive no more than 5-6 hours daily to allow time for sightseeing and rest.
Think about the weather and avoid driving through areas with likely lousy weather.
Include must-visit destinations along the way, but don't try to see everything meticulously.
Take a different route for the return trip to see more of the country.
Use online tools and resources like maps, GPS, and travel groups to plan and refine your itinerary.
You can plan an enjoyable cross-country road trip by complying with these steps.
Cross Country Road Trip Routes
If you want to travel across the country and see the massive United States, consider these best cross-country road trip routes!
The Southern Route, which follows a path across southern states like;
Georgia
Texas
Arizona
This route allows you to experience a variety of sceneries and destinations like;
Charleston
Savannah
Orange Beach
The Rocky Mountains
The Northern Route, which stays along a road through northern states like;
Minnesota
Montana
Idaho
This route entails highlights like;
Yellowstone National Park
Badlands National Park
The Black Hills
The Central Route passes over middle states like Kansas and Colorado. This route allows you to see destinations like;
The Rocky Mountains
Moab
The Million Dollar Highway
The Pacific Coast Highway runs along the West Coast from Washington to California. It offers scenic ocean views and stops in Olympic National Park and Redwood National Park.
When planning a cross-country road trip, balancing driving with exploring regions is crucial. Also, consider destination weather and accessibility for your travel timing.
Cross-Country Road Trip Cost
Whether with family or solo, cross-country road trips entail different budgets. Both have different needs and requirements. An 8-member family can travel across the country for about $3,048, spending an average of $381 per person for a 20-day trip. Primary budget savings include;
We budgeted $1,500 for gas. However, we came in at $252 under budget. We achieved this by driving a fuel-efficient vehicle and using lower gas prices.
We kept food costs down to $405 by packing meals and snacks from grocery stores rather than eating out.
Staying with family and friends for half the nights to reduce lodging costs.
You can also do a solo country road trip on a tight budget of under $100 by:
Bringing a cooler and cooking your meals
Driving during off-peak hours to save on gas
Booking accommodations in advance to get discounted rates
Carpooling with other travelers to split costs
Key elements include careful planning, budgeting, and flexibility with routes and accommodations.
Cross Country Road Trip With Kids
A cross-country road trip with kids creates extraordinary memories and brings the family closer together. As per Statista, in 2021, 76% of U.S. parents said they went on a family road trip as an everyday vacation activity. Planning a cross-country road trip with kids? Check out these vital tips for a smooth journey:
Pack Strategically
Give each child a backpack with activities like art supplies, felt boards, and new books/toys to dole out as surprises.
Keep snacks, water bottles, and a trash can in the car
Pack mess-free coloring books with magnets and paintbrush markers
Bring sound books - they are the most engaging activity for long drives.
Plan with Flexibility
Let kids help choose some destination to build enthusiasm
Aim for 2-3 significant stops rather than cramming in too much
Build in downtime at the hotel pool or for leisurely walks
Use apps like HotelTonight and Roadside to find last-minute accommodations.
Stay Within Budget
Opt for tent camping and cooking meals to save on lodging and food costs.
Look for inexpensive state park campsites, with the occasional splurge on a hotel using credit card points.
Bring a physical road atlas to help visualize your route and track progress.
The central is being prepared with engaging activities, having a flexible plan, and finding ways to save on costs.
Conclusion
After exploring how to plan a cross-country road trip and considering various aspects, it's clear that thorough preparation is critical. It will help make the most of this exciting adventure, from packing the essential road trip gear to mapping out an engaging itinerary. Each step plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and memorable journey.
Ultimately, the beauty of a cross-country road trip lies in the flexibility to explore new hidden gems. It's also about forming enduring memories as we go. With careful planning and embracing a sense of adventure, explorers can set off on an incredibly memorable trip. Share your unforgettable cross-country road trip journey with us in the comments!
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