How to plan a road trip, from long-distance adventures to weekend escapes

Driving is a core aspect of American culture, making road trips a beloved tradition throughout the U.S. Whether you're aiming to explore cities rich in history and culture or national parks that offer stunning natural beauty, a road trip can lead you there. If you're unsure where to begin, here’s how to plan your journey.

What are the steps to plan a road trip for beginners?

If you're new to planning a road trip, there are several key points to discuss with your travel companions before you begin crafting a detailed itinerary. First, decide on your destination. Focus on the larger scope, like a region or state, rather than pinpointing every single stop along the way (we'll share tips for including stops later). Next, consider the duration of your trip. Finally, take your budget into account. Once you've settled these three aspects, you can delve into the specifics.

When is the ideal time to start planning a road trip?

The sooner, the better! Organizing a road trip can require significant time and effort, so it’s wise to give yourself at least a few weeks to develop a complete itinerary. You should also allocate time between your planning and departure to have your car inspected by a mechanic. Nobody wants to experience car trouble on the road!

If you’re renting a car instead of using your own, be sure to reserve your rental car ahead of time to ensure availability (like securing the right type of rental car you need).

How many days should you allocate for a road trip?

The length of your road trip is completely your decision. The key factors to consider are your destination and the activities you want to enjoy along the way. If you're seeking suggestions for planning a cross-country road trip, aim for at least two weeks if you want to make several sightseeing stops. For a more relaxed journey, where you spend more time exploring than driving, four weeks is ideal. However, regional trips can be as short as a few days, or you can take your time and extend them over a week or more.

How to figure out the best itinerary for your trip?

When choosing a road trip itinerary, it largely depends on your personal tastes, but you should begin by considering your desired destination and the companions you'll have. Planning a family road trip may lead you to different places compared to traveling with friends or going solo.

After you've decided on a general destination—be it a region, a state, or a cross-country adventure—you should identify points of interest within that area. Mark these locations on a map and connect the dots! This serves as a foundational step in route planning, but then comes the detailed work of checking drive times between those points. It might take some adjustments to create an itinerary that suits your needs.

While mapping out your road trip itinerary, you'll also need to think about where you'll stay overnight. Some remote locations might lack accommodations entirely, and popular spots may get fully booked months ahead of time.

How to decide the best time for a road trip

Seasonality is a crucial factor to consider for road trips. When selecting a destination, examine the usual weather conditions for each season. Typically, it's best to steer clear of snowy locations in winter (as some roads may close seasonally) and avoid excessively hot areas in summer (extreme heat can impact your vehicle).

How to budget for a road trip

You can embark on a road trip with any budget, but it's essential to note that no road trip is entirely free. You'll always need to factor in the costs of fuel and food. One effective way to cut costs is by choosing accommodations wisely. Hotels tend to be pricier than campsites, but keep in mind that campsites often fill up quickly, especially during the summer months.

What is a reasonable driving time for each leg of the journey?

If you have multiple drivers, you can take turns, allowing for longer daily driving hours. However, a single driver should ideally limit their driving to six to eight hours a day. More seasoned drivers might stretch this to 10 to 12 hours. Drowsy driving poses significant risks, so ensure drivers are well-rested before each leg and take breaks every two hours.

What are the top road trip tools or apps to consider?

Every road trip enthusiast has their favorite apps, but these are some reliable classics.

What essentials should you buy and pack for your trip?

Here’s a simple and effective packing list for your road trip.

What are the key steps in planning a road trip?

2 months prior to departure: Begin researching points of interest, estimate the length of your road trip, and establish your budget.

1 month prior to departure: Have your car serviced or reserve a suitable rental vehicle, and secure your lodging arrangements.

2 weeks before departure: Purchase necessary items for your trip.

1 week prior to departure: Conduct a 'test' packing session to verify that everything fits in your vehicle or luggage, especially if you're planning an international road trip.

Final Thoughts

A road trip offers a fantastic way to explore a destination, but it requires thoughtful planning to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. While thorough planning is essential, always allow some free time in your schedule. You never know what unexpected treasures you might find along the way!

What makes Dinogo an authority on this guide?

I have organized and driven countless road trips in the U.S. and abroad, ranging from quick weekend getaways to an extensive five-month cross-country adventure. Additionally, as a travel writer, I've researched and outlined many more road trips that I haven't yet experienced firsthand!