How to Plan the Perfect Road Trip
As we lead our everyday lives, sometimes we have the random urge to travel and be adventurous. You know, that feeling where you want to just take off as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, it’s hard to see the world on a budget when you consider the price of plane tickets, hotels, transportation, eating, and other hidden costs that you may not even think of (expensive meals out, tickets for any landmark/tour you add to your agenda, etc). However, there is a way to plan a trip that is affordable, adventurous, and unforgettable: hit the road!
1. Get your crew together!
The people you travel with can make or break your trip — especially when you’re in the car together for an extended amount of time. But not to worry; get together with your 3 or 4 closest friends and pick a few days on your calendars to have a memorable adventure! You’d be surprised how far you can go and how much you can do in just 3 or 4 days’ time.
Tip: Go ahead and get that group message going! It will help you all work out plans and get excited for the trip at the same time.
2. Choose your destination.
With your relative budget (and timeline) in mind, decide on your destination with your crew — that final place you want to reach before heading back home. A GPS on your phone, Google Maps, or trusty Road Atlas are helpful tools to plan your route and calculate how much time you’ll spend on the road.
3. Choose your stops along the way!
This is where the internet comes in handy! Roadtrippers.com is a great resource for planning the stops on your trip. You simply type in your starting point and destination, and it gives you the locations of “hotels, attractions, natural wonders, and weird stuff” along your route. Try to accommodate each member of your crew when selecting your stops, too! It will give everyone something extra to look forward to on your journey.
Tip: Try to work in some cool nature spots. It’ll be a great way to stretch your legs and relax along the way — and you may find some incredible natural wonders.
4. Plan a budget.
Once you have decided on your roadtrip path, you need to figure out how much money you need to make it happen. There are some online resources you can use to prepare for your expenses!
- Gas: Check out gasbuddy.com and fill out the short form to get an estimate on how much gas money you’ll need!
Remember, you can split the costs evenly with your fellow passengers.
- Places to Stay: Try to use youth hostels or Airbnb to find more affordable prices!
Hotels can get pricey fast when you have to book for multiple nights along your path. But remember, you can split this cost among your group, too!
Tip: Make sure you are aware of any age restrictions on checking in or booking a place to stay (been there, done that, had to be very convincing for them to let us stay).
- Food: Bring some of your own!
Consider packing some healthy fruits in a small cooler and some non-perishable items (crackers, protein bars, and trail mix) as healthier and cheaper alternatives to frequent fast food stops along the way. Try to budget about $10-$15 per meal otherwise.
Tip: Restaurant portions are usually bigger than you can handle alone anyway. Try splitting meals with a friend to minimize your spending on food!
- Activities: Look up the price of admission for each of the places you plan to go — and estimate high to account for spontaneous additions to your agenda!
5. Pack your bags and hit the road!
Make sure that you have everything you need for the trip. Check out both Best Backpacks for Women: the Daypack and Best Backpacks for Women: Multi-Day Packs if you need to find the perfect pack for the trip!
Remember, pack lightly if you can! Excess clothing will take up space that you can’t afford to loose when you’re packed in a car. Plus, sometimes it’s fun to be a minimalist — it’s a part of the adventure!
Thank you for reading! I hope this article inspires you to hit the road and find some adventure — even if you only take off for a long weekend. Really, that’s all you need to have an unforgettable trip!
