So you’ve decided that you are going on a road trip? Congratulations! But before you go, read on. After decades of traveling — as a singleton, mother and empty-nester, I have learned some valuable travel lessons. And having a successful road trip has its own lesson plan! So I’ve put together my ultimate road trip rules to have that perfect road trip experience.
Let’s begin…
R ealize upfront that road tripping will be as good or bad as you make it. If it’s your first time, give yourself some slack if things don’t go perfectly. Like with any journey, you need to be flexible. And realize that you’re learning and creating your travel journey along the way.
With that being said, let’s move on…
Organize your itinerary. One of the keys to having a successful trip is having a plan or at minimum, some sort of a framework of a plan. Don’t get me wrong here. I’m all for spontaneity. But do you really want to juggle the logistics of your trip WHILE on your road trip? Trust me, you don’t. So in addition to having the details of each destination stop planned before you leave, develop a plan for the actual driving part of your trip too.
Include your route, estimated mileage and travel time between stops, rest stops and meal stops, and possible quick sight seeing stops at the very minimum. You’ll thank me later. And when formulating your plan…
Add fun stops! This is where your research pays off. A visit to an off the beaten place historic site, a funky lunch stop. Doing your homework can uncover some amazing finds and result in some amazing memories as well.
For example, on my family’s Yellowstone road trip, I found an amazing road stop between Cheyenne and Custer at Hot Springs Mammoth Site. Head over to read all about it and more of our Yellowstone road trip here:https://followmyyellowbrickroad.com/?page_id=2359
Don’t rush! Realize that even with a time estimate between destinations, s*** happens! Traffic, more potty stops than you planned, a detour that you decided to take. Remember: The point of road trippin’ is not just the destination(s), it’s the journey. Yes.. this sounds corny but it’s true!
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Take your kids, your friends, your extended family! Solo traveling is great, don’t get me wrong. But having someone along can add to the fun (to the driving load and the safety, maybe?)
Sharing experiences with the ones you love is truly priceless. The memories, photos and stories can never be replaced by anything you buy. As you grow older, this is even more true.
Relax and take it all in. Sometimes doing nothing is better than doing something. Of course, if you’re the driver, keep your eyes on the road. But you can still take it all in. If you’re a passenger, turn off your phone and take in the landscape.
If you approach your road trip as nothing but a way to get somewhere, you’re losing out on the experience.
Insurance! Yes. Please make sure that your car insurance is up to date. Have your insurance card in your car and have access to your policy.
Also make sure you have your HEALTH insurance card with you as well. One never knows when you need some sort of healthcare. A stomach bug, a sprained ankle. Things happen when you travel just like when you’re at home. Be prepared just in case.
Pack smart. Remember, you’re in a car and you and your passengers are in a limited space to begin with. Using your seating area and floors for suitcases and bags is big NO NO! If you can’t fit everything in your trunk, invest in a roof rack to put luggage or a back rack. You’ll thank me later.
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Respect one another. Whether you are with family members or friends, remember where you are –in a tight space for relatively long periods of time. Don’t talk too much, blast your music, eat smelly foods…and please wear some deodorant! (HaHa!)
Use your car for driving, not sleeping! I ALWAYS have my road trip sleeping accommodations booked BEFORE I leave. It gives a level of comfort that you will be grateful for after a long day of driving. And this stops you from driving further than you probably should. Believe me, you want to know that there is a bed and a bathroom waiting after driving for hours. There are many inexpensive accommodations everywhere — hotels, motels, campsites — along the way.
Local laws.. learn them & respect them! Most of us at one time or another has been pulled over for some traffic infraction. And for some reason, that out of state license plate attracts the police like flies. So don’t be a lead foot on the gas pedal. This is not only true on long stretches of highway but when you head into towns where the speed limits seem to change drastically from one block to another.
Eat well by packing snacks and drinks. And healthy ones, if you can. Really.. do this! There is nothing worse than a hungry driver and passengers with nothing but open road in front of you and no food in sight. Relying on food at gas stations and convenience stores to fuel up will be your enemy.
Your stomach will be subject to a new routine as it is and exposed to enough unhealthy meals during your journey. Try to keep yourself well fueled and well hydrated while driving at least.
And last but not least…
Savor every moment! Even when it looks like things are going wrong, remember no one is judging you and you’re not being graded on your trip. Everything will work out. Road trips are no different from life. If you hit a bump in the road, just take a breath, reset and move on.