Planning a road trip takes careful consideration. It’s not as easy as picking a spot on a map, especially after the Covid-19 travel disruptions. Of course, you can still have a fantastic road trip when you know what to look out for. Here’s how to choose a road trip destination for an unforgettable adventure.
8 Essential Questions to Ask When Choosing Road Trip Destinations
1. Which destinations resonate the most with you?
Road trip attractions are as diverse as there are adventurers. Some of us love rugged mountains and wilderness; others feel at peace near lakes and oceans. Maybe you’re a history buff and enjoy exploring ancient ruins and museums, or you prefer to immerse yourself in crowds and gravitate toward festivals and farmers markets. Choose a road trip route that matches your personal interests, so it will be worth the drive.
2. How much time do you have?
If you can only spare an afternoon for your road trip, find interesting destinations or attractions within that time. If you want to spend a month on the road, find a balance between driving time, exploration time, and relaxation time. You don’t want to rush through the attractions or feel overwhelmed by the road trip.
3. When do you plan to travel?
This is where you consider the seasons: do you want a sunny beach or a snowy mountain? Do you want to catch an annual festival or visit some must-see landmarks? Generally, summer months are peak tourist seasons; even though the weather is perfect, you will encounter more crowds and higher prices for accommodations. If you’re not bound to any specific event, plan your road trip during shoulder months or off-peak seasons, but brace for less-than-ideal weather conditions, e.g., rain and snow.
4. Who are you traveling with?
If you’re going on a road trip with a companion, consider their preferences and interests, too. Remember that you’ll be stuck with them in a metal box for extended periods of time. Can you communicate with each other effectively and honestly throughout the journey? How will you make decisions about where to stop or what to spend your money on? Choose a compatible road trip partner and find common ground if and when your travel plans change.
5. How much are you willing to spend?
Every road trip needs a budget because you’ll be spending money on fuel, food, accommodation, attraction tickets, parking fees, souvenirs, and more. These expenses can add up pretty fast when you’re on the road, so include a contingency amount to keep you within your budget. This will cover vehicle repairs, health emergencies, and any other unexpected costs along the way.
6. How safe will you be on the road trip?
Safety not only means travel advisories and crime rates for your road trip destination but also medical facilities and emergency services on the road. Some road trips are quite remote and have very few facilities, so keep a well-packed first-aid kit with you. Other road trips have wildlife crossing the highway, so drive mindfully to avoid incidents. Think about what you’ll do in case you lose your way or your car breaks down.
7. What are the transport options available?
Sometimes you’ll want to park your car and explore the road trip attractions by train, bus, bike, or horseback. Find out where you can safely park your vehicle and go on mini-adventures around the area. Also, find out if there are road closures, construction, or other infrastructure obstacles on your road trip. This is especially important if you’re traveling during the fall and winter months. If roads or facilities are closed for whatever reason, adapt your itinerary accordingly.
8. What are your ideal accomodations?
Maybe you want to rent an RV for your road trip or want a luxurious spa bath at the end of a long drive. Sometimes you want a hotel or motel close to road trip attractions, e.g., when traveling with family. Other times, you may prioritize amenities like Wi-Fi, showers, laundry, and recycling, e.g., if you plan to hike or backpack at your destination. Choose the most comfortable and affordable accommodations that take the stress out of your road trip.
Next Steps for Your Final Road Trip Choice
So, you’ve answered all these questions and narrowed down to two or three ideal road trip ideas. Here’s what you should do next:
1. Do your homework
There’s plenty of information about road trip destinations available online from travel blogs, reviews, and books. Join travel groups on social media and connect with fellow adventurers for insights and recommendations. Learn as much as you can about your road trip from reliable sources to help you plan your itinerary.
2. Include detours in your itinerary
There are always the must-sees on your road trip checklist, but always allow for unexpected discoveries on your journey. You may find a breathtaking view that you didn’t expect, a secluded, relaxing spot, or even an individual worth spending some extra time with. You may even find volunteering opportunities for a worthwhile cause, so take a day or two from your itinerary to support local communities. Learn to improvise and follow uncharted paths should opportunities arise.
3. Make your road trip sustainable
It’s more important than ever to consider sustainability when traveling, including on road trips. For short road trips, you can drive an electric vehicle without stressing too much about finding a charging station. Otherwise, go with a hybrid car for long road trips because it’s more comfortable and fuel-efficient. Avoid throwing trash on the roadside and find recycling bins instead.
Choose eco-friendly accommodations, buy from small local businesses along the way, and use reusable instead of single-use items, e.g., water bottles, travel mugs, etc. These small steps go a long way in reducing your carbon footprint on the road.
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.
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100 Road Trips 