How To Plan An Epic Road Trip
Are you ready for an epic road trip? In this article, I’ll show you “How To Plan A Road Trip With Friends. I’ll give you these easy tips to make sure that you have a fun and peaceful road trip! I’ve also provide some resources at the end of this post that will help you with planning your road trip. I’ve also included a free Road Trip Packing Checklist at the bottom of this article.
How To Plan An Epic Road Trip
Let’s be real! Who wants to be trapped in a car for hours with someone who irritates you? Not me! Make sure to chose a friend or friends that are your ride and die friends. A friend who always has your back and will make a good roommate. This might be obvious, but a lot of people invite friends because they don’t want them to feel left out. Be honest with yourself and only invite friends that you know that you connect.
Set A Budget
Time to plan a budget for the trip. Think of everything imaginable that you will need to pay for when you’re on the road. This includes gas, hotel rooms, and snacks. Make a budget that is comfortable with everyone and stick to it. Set the budget and then decide who will be in charge of reservations.
It might be a good idea to open a free checking account and transfer the money in there. That way, spending is transparent, and everyone has access to the account to see how the money is being used.
Additionally, items to include in your budget are toll fees, entrance fees, and parking fees. These expenses may seem minor, but they can add up over time.
Pick A Destination
Have your friends make a list of places that they would like to go to. Make sure to have at parameters to destinations, ex. Must be within budget and must be able to get to the destination and back within the time allotted. Once everyone, has their dream road trip locations put the name of the destination in a hat and pick a name. Once a trip location is chosen, create a Roadtrip Pinterest Board and add your friends as collaborators. This will give everyone a chance to have input on road trip stops and photo opportunities.
Make A Packing Checklist
I’m a big believer in having a checklist to get ready for a big trip. I don’t know about you, but I quickly get overwhelmed with remembering all the tasks that need to be done. Creating a checklist and putting a copy in your luggage and another on your phone can keep you focused on the things you need.
Remember that extra checklist in your luggage. It will make sure that you don’t leave anything behind when it’s time to go.
Create a list of items with everything that you would need on the road.
Packing snacks, water, and a first aid kit will go along way if you. Think of everything that could put a wrench in your trip. Headaches, periods, stomachaches, forgotten toothbrushes…there is an endless list of things that can go wrong. Get travel-sized items and pack them in a freezer bag.
Make A Road Trip Playlist
Don’t neglect to create a playlist for the ride. Every road trip needs a soundtrack. Choice songs that have nostalgic value and an upbeat tempo that you can turn up the volume and sing your hearts out.
Read The Signs Before You Park
If there is one piece of advice I can give you, it will be one. Make sure to read the sign-in areas where you park. I learned this lesson the hard way when I took a road trip to Portland. We went to grab something to eat, and I parked my rental car in a parking lot. It was dark, and I didn’t notice any signs. When we came back a short time later, the car was gone! Did I also mention that it was my birthday? On top of that, I was getting sick and started feeling feverous.
One of the girls that we were with said that this parking lot was none to have cars towed on regular bases. At the end of the night, it cost over $300 to get the rental car out of the tow yard. I’ve never been so angry in my life, but I did learn a valuable lesson.
Road Trip Apps & Resources
Here are a few road trip apps and resources that can help you plan the most epic road trip ever!
- Google Trips
- Google Maps
- Waze
- AAA -Discounts & Trip Guides
- Air BnB
- The Road Trip Expert
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