How to Plan the Perfect Road Trip

BY Micaela May 2, 2022

Summer is here, the days are longer, and the temperature is warming up, which means road trip season is on the horizon. Whether packing up for a weekend getaway or hitting the open road for a longer excursion, these road trip planning tips will inspire you to pack up your car and embark on your next adventure.

Perfect Places All Around You

The arrival of summer inspires us to break out from our homes and embrace the fresh outdoors. Why not challenge yourself to plan a trip within 150 miles of your home? Road trips are an American pastime, and you don’t need to travel far to enjoy some of summer’s loveliest drives. Put together a budget, then set a radius of 150 miles from your home when researching vacation rentals, camping grounds, or hotels within two hours’ driving distance. See if an awe-inspiring trail, historical landmark, or charming small town you have never visited pops up when you review the area. If not, expand your radius until you find your next vacation.

Be Gas Smart

Download gas-saving apps before you travel to find the cheapest fuel options and pack light without your roof rack or trailer because less weight in your vehicle means better gas mileage. You may also consider driving steady to conserve fuel by going easy on the pedals. Cruise control on open highways should be your friend. 

Don’t Forget You Camera

Whether you’ll see bluebonnets decorating the Texas Hill Country, Spanish moss flowers in Low Country Georgia, or cherry blossoms in the Northwest, the season is ideal for taking photos on a drive with the perfect floral backdrop. Search your favorite flowers and landscapes by hashtags on your social media platform of choice if you are one of those who plan their trips around photo opportunities.

Visit Local Dining

Half of the fun of a road trip is reading local and tourist restaurant reviews and then leaving your own review after checking them out. If you plan your vacations around what you will eat or drink, how about a road trip planned around the foodie experience? Research the “food trails” for inspiration, such as the Great Wisconsin Cheese trail, the Green Chile Cheeseburger Trail, and North Carolina’s Historic Barbecue Trail.

Tune Up Before You Set Out

Last but not least, make sure your vehicle is tuned up, and your winter tires or snow tires are changed if you don’t have all-season tires. Many parts of the country will experience rainy conditions and wet roads. It’s essential to check your alignment, tire pressure, and the tread on your tire to ensure you have the proper amount of traction and grip when the roads are wet. If you need new tires, now is a good time to consider a purchase because they tend to go on sale at this time of year.