Electric vehicles (EVs) are here to stay. An EV is the greenest way to travel, especially for daily commutes to work or school. Can you go on a road trip with an electric car, though? The answer is yes. It takes a little extra planning, but it’s definitely doable. If you’re considering going on your next road trip in your EV, this guide highlights what you should know before you set off on your journey.
1. What is your EV’s range?
The biggest concern about electric vehicle road trips is range, meaning how far the car can go without recharging. A Car and Driver report says that an EV typically goes just under half the distance of a gas-powered car before needing a recharge. That means finding a road trip route with twice as many charging stations as gas stations, or at least a charging station every 100 miles.
That said, find out all your EV’s range efficiency options, like regenerative braking, eco-driving settings, managing climate control, and other tips and hacks from fellow EV drivers. These can help you get the maximum mileage for your road trip traveling farther between charging stations.
2. How to find charging stations en route
If you have Google Maps built into your electric vehicle, you can easily search for charging stations by charge type, charging speed, and payment methods. If not, try manually searching for charging stations on the Google Maps app, or try alternatives like Waze and Zap Map. These apps can help you plan the most efficient route and notify you about charging stations as you drive.
Note that charging stations vary by type (Level 1, 2, and DC fast charging), while others require specific memberships and payment options. Try to plan your EV road trip along reliable charging networks for your convenience.
3. Preparing an electric vehicle for a road trip
I always recommend doing a thorough maintenance check for your road trip vehicle before you hit the road. It’s even more important for an electric vehicle road trip. Make sure your car’s battery is in good shape and you’re running updated software. Also. keep your charging cables and adapters handy for compatibility at different stations.
4. Planning your charging stops
Regardless of the type of charging your EV has, it will take time to get your battery full, sometimes up to 8 hours. Also, some charging stations may be crowded or have limited availability during peak travel times. So, what can you do to make the most of this waiting time?
The easiest thing is to find charging stations that are close to the attractions you’d like to visit during your road trip. This way, you can set a timer or notifications for your charging vehicle and explore a nearby park, museum, nature walk, etc. You can also plan your trip to charge your EV overnight only. Of course, a charging station is not a parking spot. Consider who else is waiting for their turn, and remove your vehicle when it’s charged.
Include charging options as you plan your accommodations, too. Some hotels and restaurants also provide charging stations for their guests, which is a convenient way to juice up your EV battery while you enjoy a meal or rest after driving.
5. Overcoming range anxiety on an EV road trip
I understand that even with all these tips and tricks, it’s still a bit nerve-wracking to go on a long trip in an electric vehicle. Range anxiety keeps saying, “What if my battery runs out in the middle of nowhere?” There are roadside assistance services that cater to EVs, either provided by your vehicle manufacturer or through membership services. These services can jump-start dead EV batteries or tow you to the closest charging station or dealership. Keep these services on your emergency contact list and head out on your EV road trip with confidence.
Looking for road trip ideas? How about 100 to start you off? 100 Road Trips in the USA: An Alphabetical List of Scenic Drives, National Parks, Historic Monuments, and Incredible Attractions in America.
A road trip is a wonderful opportunity for parents to bond with their children, no matter their age. However, the younger the kids, the more preparation you need to have an enjoyable journey. Here are some road trip tips if you’re traveling with children under the age of 12.
1. Plan some age-appropriate, engaging activities
Younger kids who need car seats can get restless and bored quickly on a road trip. So, keep their toys and games within reach and engage them with conversation. Coloring books are also great for road trips, but keep the crayons and colored pencils in a Tupperware container to keep them neatly. Same with Play-Doh, Legos, and other types of toys with small parts–a plastic container for these items will be a lifesaver on a road trip.
For older kids, pack their favorite comic books, puzzles, dolls, action figures, and other favorites to keep them occupied. Try to break up their screen time with hands-on activities with fun road trip games like I Spy or trivia.
2. Pack enough healthy snacks and drinks
Don’t let your kids get hangry on your road trip. Otherwise, they’ll need more stops and distract you while you drive. Pack snacks like fruits, vegetables, trail mix, and finger foods in portioned containers, plus more than enough water and juice to keep them hydrated. Save the candy for extra-special treats.
3. Choose age-appropriate destinations and attractions
A road trip with kids under 12 will have lots of rest stops, not just for bathroom breaks but to just let them run around and explore. Children have shorter attention spans, so a long stretch of road will quickly get boring. Pace your journey accordingly in terms of distance, driving time, fuel consumption, and attractions. Plan to stop at parks, museums, amusement centers, zoos, aquariums, beaches, lakes, science centers, etc., depending on your kids’ age and interests.
4. Consider your safety from all angles
Child safety on a road trip means more than car seats and seatbelts. It’s about checking the weather conditions before you head out and making sure you and your kids are dressed appropriately. It also means having a fully stocked first aid kit and emergency contacts for clinics and hospitals along the way. Share your travel plans with your loved ones and check in with them regularly while you’re on the road. Drive defensively, even if your road trip vehicle has the latest safety features.
5. Be prepared for motion sickness
Extended road trips can trigger motion sickness in children, making them nauseated, dizzy, tired, or drowsy. It’s usually caused by a sensory mismatch, meaning your body registers motion but your eyes don’t. Winding roads or sudden stops and starts while you drive can feel uncomfortable for your children. You can reduce the chances of motion sickness for your kids by:
Using a booster seat to allow your child to see out the window and look at the horizon. Have some travel pillows on hand to make sitting more comfortable.
Avoiding heavy meals before and during the road trip. Light snacks can minimize the chances of vomiting from motion sickness.
Keeping the windows open to allow fresh air to flow through the vehicle. If not, keep the air conditioning in the vehicle cool and constant.
Avoiding screen time and encouraging your kids to look outside or play some active games.
Taking regular breaks every couple of hours to alleviate any motion sickness symptoms.
6. Celebrate milestones big and small
When you have kids on a road trip, your milestones go beyond reaching your destination. Reward your kids when they spot something interesting on the journey, finish their snacks, or put away their toys neatly. Appreciate them when they win their road trip games or look out for each other as they explore attractions. Recognize them when they take great photos during the trip or have a super fun singalong. This is what makes the road trip fun and keeps you motivated, especially during an extended journey.
Looking for road trip ideas? How about 100 to start you off? 100 Road Trips in the USA: An Alphabetical List of Scenic Drives, National Parks, Historic Monuments, and Incredible Attractions in America.
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:
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.
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!
Looking for road trip ideas? How about 100 to start you off? 100 Road Trips in the USA: An Alphabetical List of Scenic Drives, National Parks, Historic Monuments, and Incredible Attractions in America.
Let me start with a disclaimer: I like planning my road trips. Some of us prefer to be more spontaneous and flexible, and you can certainly enjoy this freedom if you don’t plan ahead—just pick a destination and see where the road leads you. But if you’re traveling with company or have time or money constraints, a road trip planner will make things much easier. Here’s how to make a good road trip itinerary, plus some dos and don’ts to remember.
Road Trip Itinerary in 7 Steps
Step 1: Decide your start and end points
This is a pretty basic step, but it helps you know the distance and route you’ll take on your journey. You’ll need a different itinerary for a one-way trip than a round trip. For example, if you’re relocating to a new town, city, or state, your road trip planner may have fewer attractions or stopovers for recreation because there’s a sense of urgency to arrive at your new home. A round trip, however, means you can be as leisurely as you like because you’re going back to the same place.
Step 2: Estimate the length of your trip
How much time do you have for the entire road trip? How many stops do you want to make? How long do you want to spend at each stop? You want to make the most of every moment on the road.
Step 3: Note down the attractions and accommodations
Do some research about your route and mark the scenic attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and accommodations. Categorize them into a “must-see/must-stop” list and a “would be nice” list. If you encounter any setbacks on the road, you may have to forego some stops or destinations because of time or budget constraints.
Step 4: Leave some wiggle room
Be flexible with your road trip planner in case you make changes on the journey. You may want to linger at certain destinations, follow an unbeaten path, or even participate in an event that just happens to be en route.
Step 5: Write a rough draft
Consider how far you want to drive each day, where you’d like to stop for food and supplies, where you’ll spend the night, etc., and put it down on paper. It helps to visualize your trip this way before you proceed with the next steps.
Step 6: Check your budget
Think of your draft itinerary as a wishlist; now look at it against your road trip budget. See if your finances can manage the fuel, food, accommodation, attraction fees (if any), equipment rentals (bikes, kayaks, tents, etc.), plus a contingency amount for emergencies.
Step 7: Share your road trip itinerary
There are two reasons why sharing your itinerary is a good idea. First, you can get feedback from others who have taken the same trip before. You may discover attractions or activities you may have missed, or get some useful tips to make your journey easier. Then, you want someone trustworthy to know your whereabouts before you head out. Once that’s done, you can commit to the itinerary and start thinking about what to pack and getting your vehicle ready for the trip.
Pro tips:
Consider using a planning app or editable template. Do a quick search on your smartphone marketplace or search engine and pick what works for you.
You can also find pre-made road trip itineraries if you’re planning a popular trip, like the example below.
Road Trip Itinerary Example
Here’s a basic road trip planner for a journey from San Francisco to Los Angeles, seven days along the West Coast of the USA.
Day 1: San Francisco to Napa Valley
1.5-hour drive
Visit vineyards and wineries
Overnight stay at Napa River Inn
Day 2: Napa Valley to Lake Tahoe
3.5-hour drive
Hiking and swimming in Lake Tahoe
Overnight stay at The Cottage Inn
Day 3: Lake Tahoe to Yosemite
4.5-hour drive
Full day at Yosemite National Park
Overnight stay at Curry Village
Day 4: Yosemite to Monterey
4.5-hour drive
Visit the Monterey Aquarium and Point Sur Lighthouse
Overnight stay at Victorian Inn
Day 5: Monterey to Big Sur
1-hour drive
Visit Keyhole Rock at Pfeiffer Beach; surf at Sand Dollar Beach
Overnight stay at Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn
Day 6: Big Sur to Santa Barbara
4-hour drive
Visit Lotusland Gardens and Sea Center in Stearns Wharf
Overnight stay at Eagle Inn
Day 7: Santa Barbara to Los Angeles
2-hour drive
Tour Warner Bros. Studios; visit the Hollywood Wax Museum
Overnight stay at The Hollywood Roosevelt
You can imagine the variations and possibilities just from this simple itinerary. There are all kinds of activities and attractions on this route, not to mention accommodations for every kind of budget. You can also break the drives into shorter distances to extend the road trip by a few days and explore more local towns and experiences. Customize your itinerary as much as you wish and get the most out of your road trip.
Road Trip Itinerary Do’s and Don’ts
Do:
Include rest days to avoid burnout behind the wheel, especially if you’re traveling solo.
Use your itinerary as a packing guide, e.g., pack swimming trunks and sunscreen if your journey includes a beach, or waterproof shoes and a raincoat if you’re hiking through a rainforest.
Plan your itinerary more around attractions than budget and distance. You can find creative ways to save money and still visit your must-see destinations.
Have a backup plan. Know what to do if you find roads closed for maintenance, experience inclement weather, or other unexpected changes on the journey.
Don’t:
Cram too much into your road trip planner. Make your journey about enjoyment, not crossing off a checklist.
Overlook essential services. You can sign up with a roadside assistance company, but also check gas stations, grocery stores, pharmacies, and emergency health services along your route as you research your trip.
Overlook eating time. Expect to stop for meals and refreshments, whether that’s your packed road trip snacks or a diner along the way.
Forget the weather forecast. Add a note to each destination marking the expected weather conditions and always anticipate changes.
Looking for road trip ideas? How about 100 to start you off? 100 Road Trips in the USA: An Alphabetical List of Scenic Drives, National Parks, Historic Monuments, and Incredible Attractions in America.
100 Road Trips 