8 steps to planning an unforgettable road trip

As fun as they are, road trips are also notoriously stressful. Cramming tired, bored, and hungry people into an enclosed space for hours at a time is often a recipe for disaster, and even the best-laid plans can get derailed by unforeseen circumstances. To help plan the best road trip you’ve ever experienced, we’ve come up with a few nonnegotiables for outlining your journey. Check out this list to learn the steps you can take to make your road trip fun, memorable, and stress-free. 

1. Choose the perfect vehicle 

Though cars are the go-to choice for many families, widening your options could allow for even more fun. RVs are a popular mode of transportation for those who love traveling, and they’re available for rent and for sale across the country. Choosing a luxurious RV could help you avoid hotel fees, and it’ll also provide a one-of-a-kind opportunity to ride in luxury. If RVs aren’t your style, a large van would also afford your family a lot more room on those seemingly endless drives. Rental vans and cars can add another element of novelty to your vacations.  For families who’d rather splurge on experiences than transportation, however, we’re sure whatever vehicle you own will get you safely to your intended destination. 

2. Don’t skimp on snacks

As we mentioned before, road trips can sometimes feel like they last forever. Hunger is often at the top of everyone’s minds, but stopping at several restaurants can slow the trip down as well as rack up unnecessary costs. To curb cravings, try packing snacks ahead of time. Goodies packed in the car are a great way to lift everyone’s spirits when there seems to be no end in sight. Portable snack options like chips and cookies (as well as healthier ones like apples or bananas!) can keep kids and adults alike distracted from the tedium of dull freeway views. Snacks like chips, pretzels, nuts, and trail mix are all classic additions to any road trip.

3. Bring along a game or two

What do you do when your stomachs are full, but complaints about boredom just keep rolling in? Fun games like trivia, Mad Libs, and 20 questions are surefire ways to boost everyone’s morale. Games like these keep everyone engaged, laughing, and alert, and they prove that fun can be had even in typically boring settings.

4. Word roadside attractions into your agenda

As the saying goes: it’s not the destination, it’s the journey. When you take this famous quote into account, it can actually be used as a strategy for designing a great road trip. If you have time for quick stops, finding quirky roadside attractions is a blast. America is filled with odd and interesting tourist spots like California’s Winchester Mystery House or Kentucky’s Dinosaur World. Check out which fun stops are along your way, and you’ll spice up any road trip adventure. 

5. Make a memorable playlist

Crafting the perfect playlist can be a tricky thing. It’s about striking a balance between fun, emotional, and exciting. Choosing the right songs only becomes more difficult, when there are multiple car passengers all chiming in with opinions. Enjoyable music will help keep momentum up, so everyone is still enthusiastic when you arrive at your intended destination. In order to come up with a good playlist, collaborate with your fellow road trippers ahead of time. Let everyone share some of their music taste, and you’ll (hopefully) end up with a playlist that’s eclectic and engaging. A solid playlist won’t only make the drive more fun, but it’ll help you avoid mid-trip arguments about choosing music. 

6. Don't be afraid to try new things

Oftentimes, the best part of travel is discovering foods, hobbies, and locations that you didn’t know existed. It’s natural to want to stay inside your comfort zone, but doing so on a road trip can limit the amount of fun you’re able to have. To make a trip that’s truly unforgettable, branch out into new experiences. Try foods you haven’t before, take part in games you never thought you’d try, and explore areas that are unfamiliar to you. Being willing to leave the beaten path and find adventure is an act of bravery you’ll thank yourself for in the future. 

7. Map out good eats

Gas station hot dogs work fine in a pinch, but they aren’t exactly indispensable for a road trip. If you have the time and extra cash, working unique and/or delicious meals into your journey is a great way to make the most of your drive. Before driving, look into some of the areas you’ll pass through and find restaurants that really pique your interest. Driving through a small Maine town that claims to have the best lobster sandwiches? This might be worth checking out! Riding near one of Florida’s most popular Key Lime Pie restaurants? Stop by in order to test out the state’s most popular dessert. Food is a must for everyone, but it can also be more exciting than just fast food burgers and rest-stop sodas. 

8. Enjoy the view

No road trip is perfect. Bickering is common, and boredom is almost unavoidable. One constant, though, is taking in the view around you and trying your best to take pleasure in the journey. Even highways or fields of corn can be interesting to admire, and some trips have even more unusual sights available. Breathe, look out the window, and never discount the relaxation that can be achieved just by appreciating your surroundings. 

Test out these tips and hit the road

At some point or another, most of us will embark on an epic road trip. To make this experience amazing, try following these tips to turn a subpar travel experience into an unforgettable one. If you’re in the market for a new truck, Transwest has a wide selection of trucks and cars to choose from. Visit one of our locations today and find a vehicle to make your next road trip incredible.