Everything You Need For The Best Road Trip Ever

Road trips have been popular for many years now and are a wish list checkbox for many people.

Road trips are a way of traveling and going on an adventure where most of your time is spent driving. Although most popular with young people, anyone can go on a road trip.

Here is everything you need for the best road trip ever:

1. Where You Should Go For The Best Road Trip

Where you go on your road trip is entirely up to you. It can depend on your budget or your personal preference. If you have enough money for a plane ticket, a road trip overseas could be a fun option for you. Driving around in a new country is a great way to discover all its beauty up close. Plus, in this time and age, getting lost is a rare occasion. Just make sure you have a map and a GPS and you’re good to go. Having a planned itinerary will also keep you from getting lost.
 
Here are a few destination ideas for a road trip:

• New Zealand
• Australia
• Canada
• United States
• Italy
• France
• Switzerland
• Japan
• South Korea
• Vietnam

If a plane ticket is not an option for you, or if you simply want to discover your own country first, you can start your road trip from home. All countries have something beautiful to offer, so do your research and choose where you want to go. You can then build your itinerary. Going to a foreign country is not essential to have a great road trip. Driving around your home country can be very enjoyable and you will probably discover many beautiful corners you never knew existed.

2. How To Have The Best Road Trip On a Budget

Road trips can be surprisingly pricey. Things can quickly add up and before you know it, you bust your budget. This is why the planning part of your road trip should not be neglected. Having a well-planned itinerary will allow you to estimate your expenses.
 
Things like gas, food, activities, and lodging can all be calculated in advance. No surprises. Gas and lodging expenses will vary depending on the vehicle you will use. If you decide to rent an RV, gas and renting will cost more, but you save on lodging. If you go around in a small car, gas will be cheaper, but you’ll need accommodations. Packing up a tent in your car could be a good option to save on both gas and lodging.

Many camping sites can be quite cheap compared to hotels, so camping could be a good option. But of course, you need to consider that you’ll then need to pack and unpack the tent every day. It really depends on your budget and your preferences. But one thing is for sure, your budget should not stop you from going on your dream road trip.

3. When To Plan Your Road Trip

Like any trip, it is best to plan your road trip a few months in advance. The big road trip season is usually summer, so keep that in mind when you plan. Whether you are renting a car or an RV, or if you are reserving hotel rooms, or reserving camping sites, it is important to do so in advance to make sure you get the dates you want at the places you want. If you start planning too late, you might need to make some changes to your itinerary because some spots will be full. So really, start planning at least two or three months in advance. Plus, planning is always fun. It’s like the trip has already started a little. Keep it exciting.

4. How To Plan Your Road Trip

Start by surfing the internet. Once you’ve decided on your destination, look for attractions you’d like to see and visit. Then, connect the dots. Easy, right?
Of course, some dots might be too far apart to connect, so you’ll need to stay in a certain area for it to be possible in the amount of time you’ve decided you wanted your road trip to last, which is another thing you need to decide. You also need to decide where you will spend the night. It is recommended not to drive more than 8 hours a day to stay alert and safe on the road. If you are more than one driver, you might be able to go longer than that, but be sure to stay safe.

Considering all these factors, you’ll have everything you need to build your itinerary. But remember, the beauty of road trips is spontaneity. Don’t let your planned itinerary keep you from being adventurous along the way.

5. When Is The Best Time To Go On a Road Trip

As we’ve mentioned before, the big season for road trips is usually summer. That’s because people are off school in summer and are more easygoing in summer. It’s also warm and sunny, so camping is easier and being on the road is more pleasant when it’s nice and sunny.
 
However, summer is not the only good season for road trips. They say the best sunsets are in Spring and Autumn, which are great options as well. It’s usually a little bit cooler than summer, which can be very enjoyable. In Spring, flowers are blooming, nature is coming back to life. In Autumn, the trees are full of color and the sunsets are amazing.

The scenery would be breathtaking if you decide to travel during these seasons. There will also probably be fewer people going on road trips during these periods, so more spots will be open for you to use in camping sites or hotels. You can also probably avoid a lot of tourists in attractions.

Another thing to consider is where you are going on your road trip. For example, if you are going on a road trip to New Zealand, Winter can be a better choice because of the beauty it has to offer during this period. Do your research and determine when the best time for you is. 

6. What Clothes to Bring on a Road Trip

Clothes wise, what you bring depends on where you’re going and during which season. If you’re going during summer, make sure to pack light clothes and a bathing suit. If you’re going during winter, bring warm clothes so you won’t get cold. Whatever clothes you bring, remember that you’ll be spending most of your time sitting in a car seat. So of course, make sure it’s comfortable clothing. If you’re visiting specific attractions, bring the appropriate clothes for these events. If you’re going hiking, bring good flexible and breathable clothes.
Other than clothes, there are things you absolutely need to bring.

7. The Essentials For a Road Trip

Here’s a small list of essentials you need for your road trip:

• Make sure you have music for the ride. Bring your favorite CD's, or a Bluetooth connecter, or an AUX wire, whatever you need.
• Bring some games, whatever your favorite ones are. Card games are easy to pack and don't take up too much space.
• Pack some snacks since you are certainly going to get hungry along the way. Instead of having to stop every time someone is hungry, having some food in the car can be fun and help you avoid unnecessary stops.

These few things will certainly make the road very enjoyable.

8. How To Make The Best Out Of Your Road Trip

In order to truly enjoy your road trip, you need to be in the right mind space. This should be a time of relaxation and adventure. This is the time to feel free and truly let go. If you are a control freak, remember that things probably won’t go exactly as planned, but that’s okay. In this kind of adventure, you should welcome a change of plans. This is the time to develop your easygoing side and go with the flow. No stress is invited.

If you are going with others, make sure everyone is on the same page on this. That way no one will be stressed, and everyone will be able to enjoy the trip fully.

I can testify that when everyone has the same mindset, it is far more enjoyable and there's less chances of getting irritated, which is the last thing you want. Whenever we get in the car, right before leaving, we always shout: "Let's go!". It really sets the mood for the rest of the ride.

9. Who You Should Bring on Your Road Trip

If you are in a relationship, a road trip is a great way to learn more about each other and draw even closer. You will spending a lot of time sitting in a vehicle next to each other and it can be a great opportunity to talk. Make the most of it.

Going with your friends can be the experience of a life time. We rarely get to spend full days at a time with them as our lives are often busy. A road trip is a great opportunity for bonding time and creating memories that will last forever.

10. Thing To Be Careful About On Your Road Trip

Being spontaneous should not be a synonym for being reckless. Make sure you’re staying safe and being responsible, whatever you’re doing.

Do your research before going on your road trip so you know what to look out for where you’re going. Whether that be animals to watch out for or cities to avoid, make sure you are well informed and prepared. This is the best way to avoid bad surprises.
 
In conclusion, your road trip can be like what is portrayed in movies. As long as you have good preparation and a good mindset, it can truly be the trip of a lifetime. Whatever your age, this can be a great way to bring out the young and adventurous side of you.

Your road trip will certainly be one that you will remember all your life, so don’t forget to breathe it all in and enjoy it in the moment. Bon voyage!