Embarking on a cross-country road trip is an exhilarating adventure that promises an unforgettable experience. For first-time travelers, meticulous planning is essential to ensure a smooth journey.
A cross-country road trip, taking the most direct route, will see you travel around 2,800 miles. That means you’ll be driving for approximately 43 to 45 hours. Hence, proper planning and taking precautionary measures is a must given the distance and time you’ll have to cover.
This guide will provide you with valuable insights on how to plan your trip, from choosing the best routes to preparing for potential mishaps. With the right preparation, your road trip can be an exciting and stress-free experience.
Table of Contents
Which Roads Should You Take for the Road Trip?
Popular routes like Route 66, the Pacific Coast Highway, and the Blue Ridge Parkway offer picturesque views and interesting stops along the way. US Routes 1, 2, and Highways 50 and 61 are also popular roads taken by cross-country travelers.
Invest in a reliable GPS device or app to navigate the roads. While smartphones are convenient, dedicated GPS devices often provide more accurate and detailed maps. The best car GPS trackers will cost you between $20 and $100. Make sure you’re subscribed to a good GPS subscription plan before you head out on the trip.
Where Should You Stay During the Night?
When selecting where to stay, consider the amenities offered, such as free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and parking. Read reviews from previous guests to ensure a clean and comfortable stay.
If you’re planning to make the trip in an RV, you don’t have to worry about finding a hotel to stay in. Over 45 million Americans are set to travel the country this summer in their RVs, and you can be one of them.
That being said, if you do get bored of staying inside the vehicle, definitely go out and book yourself a hotel room. Don’t feel it’s mandatory not to get a hotel room just because you’re traveling in an RV.
What Do You Do If Your Car Breaks Down?
If your car breaks down, the first step is to stay calm and ensure your safety by moving to a secure location if possible. Once you’re safe, assess the situation to determine if you need professional help.
If the issue is beyond a quick fix, contact a reliable towing service. A local towing company can provide immediate help, often through towing services that will transport your vehicle to the nearest repair shop.
Ensure you have the contact information for towing services and roadside assistance programs handy before starting your journey. Googling something like a tow truck near me will also help you find the nearest possible road assistance service.
According to Minneapolis Towing and Roadside Assistance, the best towing companies offer 24/7 services. Hence, no matter the time of the day, help will be on its way if your car breaks down during the road trip.
What to Do If You Lose Your Way?
Losing your way during a cross-country road trip can be a nerve-wracking experience, but it’s important to stay calm and composed.
Begin by checking your maps and GPS for your current location and try to identify nearby landmarks. If your digital tools aren’t helping, ask locals for directions, as they often provide valuable insights. It’s also beneficial to have a physical map as a backup, which can be a lifesaver in areas with poor network coverage.
Retrace your steps to the last known location if you’re completely unsure of where you are. Communicate with your travel companions and discuss the best course of action together. Taking a few deep breaths and viewing this detour as part of the adventure can help maintain a positive outlook.
Remember, getting lost can lead to unexpected discoveries and memorable experiences, turning a potential setback into a unique aspect of your journey.
Lastly, How Do You Enjoy the Trip?
Enjoying the ride during your cross-country road trip is essential to making the most of your adventure. Start by creating a playlist of your favorite songs, as music can elevate the mood and make long stretches of driving more enjoyable. Make frequent stops to explore interesting spots, try local cuisine, and stretch your legs.
Engaging with the scenery and appreciating the changing landscapes can make the journey itself a highlight. Bring along snacks and drinks to keep your energy levels up, and consider games or audiobooks to pass the time.
As long as you can ensure all this, your first-ever cross-country road trip experience will be a fun and successful one.