cross-country road trip – 100 Road Trips

A cross-country road trip is the journey of a lifetime. You can go coast to coast, head north or south, east or west, or even loop through incredible destinations. This extraordinary adventure needs proper planning because you’ll be out on the road for a long time, and you want the best possible experience. Use this guide as a starting point to plan your cross-country road trip. Let’s dive in!

In this guide:

How to Choose the right cross-country vehicle
How to Map out your route
- Best time for a cross-country road trip
- Destinations on a cross-country road trip
- Estimating the cross-country road trip distance
How to pack for a cross-country road trip
How to stay safe on a cross-country road trip
How to interact with the people you meet on a road trip
How to make the most of national parks
How to be flexible and adaptable during a cross-country road trip
Recommended reading

How to Choose the Right Cross-Country Vehicle

I wrote about road trip vehicles in this post, but some cars simply aren’t cut out for long-distance trips. For example, driving an electric vehicle across the country can be stressful because you have to find charging stations and estimate your driving range. Minivans and RVs are ideal for cross-country trips, but an SUV can work great if you’re traveling solo. A cross-country trip needs a roomy vehicle to fit your clothes, food, gear, etc., plus the best fuel efficiency and safety record on the road.

Tips:

Consider renting a road trip vehicle from a service that has a branch at your destination. This way, you can get a fresh set of wheels for the journey back home.
Have a roadside vehicle assistance service number before you set off, but also know how to do some car basics like changing tires, changing the oil, jumpstarting the battery, checking tire pressure, etc.
Get as many up-to-date safety features in your vehicle as possible, e.g., parking sensors, emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane assistance, etc.
Do a thorough maintenance check before you hit the road. Inspect the tires (including spares), lights, filters, and fluids (including the windshield washer).
Keep spares you wouldn’t think of having, e.g., fuses, bulbs, fan belts, tire patches, etc. Have some duct tape and zip ties handy to secure loose parts until you get to a service station.

How to Map Out Your Route

The perfect cross-country road trip route depends on three factors: the time of year, the destinations en route, and the average distance.

Best Time for a Cross-Country Road Trip

The winter months are usually the most difficult for long distance road trips because of road safety. If you’re looking for adventures during this time, consider taking day trips to enjoy local destinations or events.

Summertime is perfect for a cross-country trip, but it’s also high travel season. Expect to experience heavier traffic on the road and packed attractions, so book your tickets, passes, and accommodations in advance.

The spring and fall seasons work best for long distance road trips. The weather is crisp and the landscape changes color, which is spectacular to experience. Just prepare for rain and wind, and you’ll be alright.

Destinations on a Cross-Country Road Trip

National parks, beaches, iconic buildings, hidden getaways, must-try restaurants, annual festivals–you can explore them all during your road trip. Take your time when creating your itinerary. Do lots of research online from travel sites, social media groups, discussion forums, and your friends and family. And always leave room to venture off the itinerary and discover new places.

Estimating the Cross-Country Road Trip Distance

This means more than what your map app indicates. You may want to travel 1,000 miles, which means around 17 hours if you keep at a steady 60 mph. On the ground, though, there may be dozens of incredible destinations you want to explore; the weather might change and require an extra day to let it pass; you may have sections of rough road that slow you down.

The best approach is to decide how many miles or hours you’re comfortable driving at any given time. Maybe you can drive for two hours and take a break, or clock 200 miles at a time and then stop to stretch your legs. Try to find a good balance where you minimize fatigue and arrive at your destinations in good time. That thousand-mile trip may end up taking two weeks, so make it an adventure and enjoy every single day.

How to Pack for a Cross-Country Road Trip

This is where you need a packing checklist because you’ll be on the road for a considerable amount of time, so you want to have all the right items before you head out. You will need:

Weather-appropriate clothing, umbrellas, swimwear, sleepwear
Toiletries (toilet paper, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, soap, sunscreen, etc.)
Medications
Personal documents (ID, insurance info, vehicle registration, emergency contacts, etc.)
First aid kit
Spare tire, jack, jumper cables
Smartphone plus mount, charger, power bank
Travel pillows
Flashlight or headlamp
Multitool or Swiss army knife
Camping and sports gear
Portable cooler
Etc

If your road trip vehicle can’t carry everything comfortably, there are a few things you can try. Consider packing cubes or vacuum-sealed bags for clothes. You can pack a lot more when these items are compressed. Get a handheld vacuum sealer and reusable bags for your trip. Also, budget for items you can buy or rent along the way to avoid carrying too much, e.g., perishable foodstuffs, camping gear, etc.

How to Stay Safe on a Cross-Country Road Trip

Your car is ready, you know your route, your itinerary looks good, and you’ve packed everything you need. Now comes the most important part of your cross-country road trip: your safety.

Of course, you should be mindful of traffic laws like speed limits, but always wear your seat belt and drive defensively. This is where the car safety features we mentioned previously will come in handy. Let your car help you respond to what’s immediately around you, like other drivers, potholes, or debris, so you can look out for other potential hazards like pedestrians, cyclists, weather changes, wildlife, etc.

You also want to minimize distractions from your smartphone, so keep notifications on mute and only respond during pit stops. It’s helpful to have a separate navigation device instead of using your smartphone’s map app.

Remember, eating can also be a distraction. Snacks like popcorn or chips can get messy, and you don’t want to take your eyes off the road to chase a few stray pieces. If you must eat while you drive, have some fruit or a sandwich.

Last but certainly not least, drive sober. Alcohol is a big NO behind the wheel, but keep away from any substances that may affect your concentration while you drive. This includes medications that make you drowsy. You will get tired while you drive, so instead of downing another energy drink or popping a pill to stay alert, pull over somewhere safe and take a nap instead.

How to Interact With the People You Meet on a Road Trip

The general rules of etiquette apply to a cross-country road trip: treat everyone you meet with respect, be polite and thoughtful with your communication, and my personal favorite, do a good action.

You may want to brush up on your conversation skills, though, especially if you’re not a fan of small talk. Find a friendly way to ask for directions or recommendations, strike up conversations during rest stops, etc. Trust your intuition as well, because you may encounter some unscrupulous individuals during your adventure.

Read up on the traditions and customs around your destinations, like table manners when dining locally, how to dress and behave at sacred sites, and asking for permission before taking photographs or videos. If you’re uncertain about anything, just ask. It shows respect and politeness, and most people will respond positively and help you out. And who knows, you may make a friend for life on your road trip. Keep an open mind.

How to Make the Most of National Parks

I believe you can’t have a cross-country road trip without visiting national parks. It’s not just the wildlife and nature that’s attractive, it’s supporting conservation efforts and making a small but positive difference in our environment. That said, you usually can’t just walk into a national park without a plan. Why?

Entrance fees: Most, if not all, national parks charge a fee at the gate. Find out if you need reservations, permits, or passes for some restricted areas.
Park regulations: All parks have rules for visitors to follow, e.g., staying on designated trails, never feeding the wildlife, no littering, keeping pets on a leash, etc.
Activity difficulty levels: National park activities are usually either easy, moderate, or difficult. Nature walks and scenic drives are easy, while longer hikes may require better fitness levels. Difficult activities require experience and expertise, e.g., mountaineering, backcountry backpacking, and whitewater rafting.
Fire safety rules: National parks have specific rules about camp fires, including having designated fire rings, restricting wood and coal fires (you’ll need a gas burner), and zero fires at all during dry seasons. Breaking these rules attracts a hefty fine, so prepare appropriately for your cooking and heating needs while camping.
Waste disposal: The Leave No Trace principles apply to all national parks, particularly regarding trash. Pick up after yourself if you’re camping, and carry wrappers and other waste with you until you find an appropriate bin if you’re out hiking. Learn how to dig a cat hole in case you need to do a Number Two and you’re away from a toilet.

How to Be Flexible and Adaptable During a Cross-Country Road Trip

Being flexible and adaptable on a road trip means two things: keeping your cool during emergencies and being ready for a change of plans. It definitely helps to have enough cash on hand and some kind of travel insurance to cover your journey. But what happens when a road is closed for maintenance, or the weather changes suddenly, or you want to stay longer at a hidden gem?

Manage your expectations: No cross-country road trip ever follows the itinerary to the letter. None. Don’t expect everything to go exactly as planned; keep a more balanced mindset and appreciate the journey.
Be resourceful: You’re going to have to be creative when you’re out on the road. You may need to find indoor activities when the weather changes, come up with temporary fixes for your car, or even communicate nonverbally to get help if there’s a language barrier and your phone is dead (no translation apps).
Let the journey unfold: Treat everything that happens on your cross-country road trip as a learning opportunity or a great story to tell. Decide to have a great time out there and make new friends and memories. Best of all, learn more about who you are and discover what makes you happy. Have a great road trip!

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A Comprehensive Guide to Cross-Country Road Trips