Road trips make the perfect escape—whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or mapping out a full vacation. What makes them so irresistible is the freedom they offer: you’re in your own car, choosing your own pace, pulling over for that unexpected small-town café or scenic overlook, and calling it a day whenever you’re ready. But the secret behind a truly smooth, stress-free road trip? Planning.
That old scout’s motto, “Be prepared,” couldn’t be more true when you’re gearing up for a drive. A little preparation goes a long way in helping you avoid surprises, stay comfortable, and actually enjoy the journey. Below are the essential road trip planning tips you’ll want to keep in mind before you hit the open road.
#1 Get Inspired and Start Planning!
You may have a rough idea of where you’d like to visit. But you may not be aware of all the places along the way that might actually be good spots to stop for a bit. Think hikes with scenic views, historic sites, a winery, distillery, or brew pub, amusement parks, sporting venues, and unique establishments.
Get inspired for your trip and find fun places that interest you and your group. There are always guidebooks (borrowed from your local public library or purchased) that provide ideas for activities, popular sites, accommodations, and dining. In addition, here are some helpful websites that you may consider:
- Pinterest – Pinterest is loaded with ideas for just about every kind of thing you can imagine, and there are tons of “pins” (that link to online articles) profiling places to visit and things to do while there.
- Google Maps – Plan your trip on Google Maps (using a Google account), adding the stops you plan to make along the way. Google Maps provides reviews on many places, which can help you make decisions. Also, you can easily share your travel route with others and save your map for offline viewing – a bonus when traveling in areas without good cell service. Of course, Google Maps also provides driving directions.
- Roadtrippers – Roadtrippers helps you plan your road trip with the places you plan to visit. It provides driving time between scheduled stops, mileage, approximate cost of gas as well as some curated trip plans to inspire you. In addition, it has filters you can select to add other spots you may not have considered at first. For example, you can search for restaurants, entertainment venues, landmarks, campsites, and the like. The more filters you select, the more specific your results will be — such as independently owned restaurants with 4-star ratings or above.
#2 Get Organized!
Once you’ve picked your destination, the real road trip planning begins. This is the time to map out the museums, parks, restaurants, and must-see attractions you want to visit—and double-check their hours. Some spots may close earlier in the week or run on limited schedules, so knowing when everything is open will help you build a realistic, stress-free plan. After a little mixing and matching, you can create an itinerary that actually works for the way you like to travel.
A written itinerary is especially useful. Jot down your travel dates, where you’ll be each day, your planned activities, and any tickets or reservations you’ve already booked. Not only does this keep you organized, but it also prevents surprises—like discovering your chosen museum is closed on Mondays.
I personally love using a simple chart to keep everything straight. I create a Google Doc with columns for Dates (including the day of the week), Where We’ll Be, Driving Time between stops, and What We’ll See and Do. Adding the day of the week is a game-changer because it helps me line up activities with actual opening hours. I also share the document with my husband so he can review, comment, and stay in the loop.
Whatever planning method you choose, make sure everyone traveling has access to it—and if you’re using an online platform like Google Docs, download it for offline use. You’ll be glad you did if you end up in a spot with weak cell service.
Once you know where you want to go and what you want to do, the next step is to:
- book your lodging.
- purchase tickets online to the places that are your must-sees. Some places only provide timed tickets, making planning ahead essential.
- book dinner reservations. Get tips on good places from the hotel, inn, or short-term rental where you’ll be staying and from online review sites (TripAdvisor, Yelp, and/or those already mentioned).
#3 Make Sure Your Car is Ready for the Road
Of course, it’s essential to check your vehicle’s gas, fluid, and tire pressure levels. Also, check for documents related to driving: driver’s licenses for every driver in your party, vehicle registration card, vehicle insurance card, and your vehicle’s owner’s manual (just in case!).
#4 Outfit Your Vehicle with Handy Items for Your Trip
Think about your car, what you might need on the road, and the comfort of you and your passengers. Stock your vehicle with handy items for on-the-road traveling:
- water and snacks like fruit, cut-up veggies, granola bars, and nuts
- bin/container with helpful items like sunscreen, insect repellant, disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer, tissues, paper towels, and small bags for trash
- power cords for devices you’ll be using while driving
- portable charger for devices
- earbuds or headphones if some passengers want to listen to something other than what the driver chooses
- first aid kit
- umbrellas
- binoculars if you’re planning on taking in some scenic views
- collapsible outdoor chairs for picnicking on the road
- hiking/trekking poles for hiking on uneven terrain
- seasonal vehicle gear like ice scrapers and a small shovel for snow
- games or cards to amuse passengers on long rides
- portable speaker for time in your guest room (or while you’re picnicking along the way)
#5 Check the Weather
Check the weather forecast for the places you plan to visit as you get close to departure time. This will help you pack the clothes and gear you’ll need for the elements you’re likely to encounter. Knowing the forecasted weather could also lead you to modify your itinerary a bit. Some helpful weather sites and smartphone apps are The Weather Channel and Accuweather.
#6 Plan Meals on the Go
If you’ve planned a full day of sightseeing or outdoor adventure, packing your own breakfast or lunch can be a game-changer. Not only does it save you time—no waiting on restaurant service—but it also gives you total flexibility. You can fuel up in the morning as you’re getting ready or enjoy a relaxed picnic at a scenic overlook, a trailhead, or wherever lunchtime happens to find you.
And don’t overthink it. Pack what you know you’ll want for the first part of your trip, then restock along the way. A little preparation keeps you energized, flexible, and ready for whatever the day brings.
It’s also smart to pack a few snacks and drinks for your B&B, inn, or hotel stay. Don’t count on the minibar or lobby convenience shop to have what you want—and even if they do, those extra charges can add up fast. Bringing your own treats ensures you have exactly what you like without the surprise bill.
You could even pack a bottle of wine and a few munchies. After a long day of being out and about, Happy Hour is ready in seconds, and you get a relaxing moment to recharge before heading back out for the night.
#7 Use Helpful Travel Apps
There are many websites and apps to help you plan your trips and manage your travel along the way. Check out my page of the best travel apps for a complete list.
#8 Buy Local
When shopping, consider buying local and supporting that town’s economy. See an independent bookstore or other retailers that catch your eye? Go ahead and browse their wares — and don’t hesitate to buy what interests you.
Final Thoughts
Road trips are genuinely one of my favorite ways to disconnect from the noise and reconnect with what matters. There’s something special about hopping in the car, rolling down the windows, and discovering spots you’ve probably driven past a hundred times without noticing. You don’t need a cross-country itinerary to feel refreshed—sometimes the best adventures are not far from home.
Whether it’s a small town café, a scenic overlook, or a hidden hiking trail, exploring close-to-home destinations reminds you that adventure doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful. With the right planning and a little curiosity, every road trip becomes a chance to slow down, recharge, and experience your own backyard in a whole new way. So pack your snacks, set your playlist, and let the open road show you something new—right where you are.
Planning vs. Over Planning
Although I tend to be detail oriented in my trip planning (!), I don’t schedule every dinner out or every activity. But I do make sure I make reservations at restaurants and museums/experiences that are high on our list of “must-try” and “must-see” before leaving home.
Comments
Feel free to share a suggestion or idea that’s worked for you on road trips. Other readers may benefit from your experiences. Thanks! 🙂
