Most people never really get the chance to head out on the open road and experience America through its gas stations, rest stops and seedy motels. While this may not sound incredibly appealing, it can actually be a pretty great time if you can just let loose and enjoy it. But if you really want to have an amazing time, you’ve got to do a little planning before you pack up your RV or jump on the back of a motorcycle. If you’re trying to plan the perfect road trip, but you feel a little lost, you’re in luck because I have a list of tips and suggestions that are sure to make it a memorable trip.
1. The first thing you need to do is plan out where you want to go. You don’t have to make your list of placed incredibly detailed, but a least write down a list of states that you want to visit, so that you will be able to easily map out your trip.
2. Once you’ve decided on where you want to go, you should start thinking about how you will get there. If you’re planning a month long road trip, you’re going to want a comfortable ride to get from point A to point B. This might mean a spacious SUV or 4-door sedan. Just make sure you’ll have plenty of space to stretch because hours on the road can really take a toll on your body. If you are set on taking a motorcycle trip, make sure you have an extremely comfortable motorcycle helmet and plenty of extra storage space.
3. Now that you figured out where and how you will take your road trip, you should think about when. If you’re planning on taking a cross-country, you’ll probably want to plan it for summer. If you’re planning on cruising up the east coast, then you might want plan it for fall so that you can see the color change of the leaves. Just make sure that you are being smart and realistic. You don’t want to be riding through Minnesota in the dead of winter.
4. Stock up essential supplies. You’ll want to have a first aid kit, a reliable cell phone, plenty of food and water, and weather appropriate clothing. Sometimes the road presents unpredictable conditions and you’ll want to be prepared for anything that comes up. You may even want extra backup like an auto repair membership, so you’ll always be covered.
As long as you plan carefully, your road trip is sure to be a blast. Mix it up by combing hotel stays with camping. You’re sure to come home with some fantastic stories and memories that will last a lifetime.