road trip vehicle – 100 Road Trips

How to Prepare for a Road Trip With Cats and Dogs

If you have a furry friend, you want to take them everywhere with you, including on road trips. But how do you travel over long distances with a cat or dog (or both or several!) and have a great time? Here are the top questions to ask before you head out on your adventure.

1. Is your pet’s personality compatible with a road trip?

Maybe your pet loves to run around in open spaces, so an extended time in the car would make them anxious. Or your pet has a cool, calm personality and loves the tranquility of a long drive. Or they have a huge personality and would bounce around the car, distracting you from driving. Ideally, you want to acclimatize your pet with short car rides, but if you’ve just adopted them, there are a few things you can do to make the road trip more comfortable:

Get a pet carrier or crate, especially if your pet is small in size or young in age. Your pet should be able to stand, lie down, and turn comfortably, so you can secure the crate to the car seat. It should also have room enough for a few pet toys to keep them happy.
For larger pets, put a mesh divider or barrier between your front and back seats to keep them from rushing forward while you drive. For dogs particularly, you can buy a canine seatbelt to buckle them in during your journey.
Get your pet’s favorite toys and blankets in the car with you. Familiar objects can help them calm down during a road trip.

Remember that even a super well-behaved pet can get excited on a road trip and become a hazard while you drive. Secure them as best you can, then stop often to let them get some exercise.

2. Is your pet in good health?

If your pet has a preexisting health issue or is a senior, take extra precautions while you prepare for a road trip. Take them to the vet a few days before the trip to update their vaccinations, top up their medication, and get tips on how to keep them calm on your journey. Even with pets in great health, a routine checkup is great for peace of mind.

3. Does your pet have all their identifications?

This means their name on a collar, your contact details should they get lost, and possibly a GPS tracker on them as well. You may also need permits or vaccination certificates for certain destinations if you’re crossing state borders. Some parks may also need these details in case your pet gets off their leash or gets injured as you travel.

4. Are you ready for frequent stops?

Road trips with pets tend to go slower than you expect because of the rest stops. Your pet will need exercise and a chance to potty, so pace your journey to accommodate their needs. Choose pet-friendly stops and always have waste bags to pick up after them.

5. Do you have road trip-friendly bowls?

You need to keep your pet fed and hydrated during your road trip, but the food and water bowls at home might not be suitable for the journey. Find some spill-proof pet bowls and leak-proof bottles to avoid making a big mess in your car. Search online for “travel pet bowls” and “travel pet water dispensers” and see which ones best fit your furry friend.

6. Does your road trip vehicle have good climate control?

If you have to stop for supplies or grab some takeout in no-pet places, you’ll need to leave your pet in your car for some time. Remember, cats and dogs can easily overheat or get too cold, so your vehicle needs a well-functioning AC system in case you leave them unattended, however briefly. Crack your windows open, too, and consider leaving a note on your window indicating that your pet is safe and you’ll be right back.

7. How do you plan to keep your pets entertained on the road?

Unlike road trips with kids where you have lots of conversations and [road trip games] to play, pets will need a different kind of engagement. Look for interactive toys that dispense treats, and get a variety of their old favorites and new, fun toys to keep them occupied. Try to avoid squeaky or noisy toys because they can be really distracting when you’re driving. And go for larger toys that won’t roll under your car seats.

8. Have you confirmed that your accommodations and attractions are pet-friendly?

Imagine arriving at your destination only to discover your furry friend isn’t allowed. Read the reviews, look at pet policies, and call ahead to find out if your hotel, motel, parks, beaches, etc., welcome pets. Some places charge additional fees for pets, while others have strict rules about leashes. A little extra research can save you from huge inconveniences.

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6 Road Trip Tips When Traveling with Children

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.

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How to Prepare for a Family Road Trip

We’ve all seen the movies where a family packs up and hits the road, and the ensuing drama is what makes it fun to watch. But the reality is that a family road trip takes a lot more planning if you want it to go smoothly. So, this guide covers the road trip essentials to help you travel with your loved ones, no matter your family’s configuration. These tips will work if it’s just you and your child, you and your parents, partners with toddlers or teenagers, you name it.

1. Choosing your route and destinations

Research everything you can about your journey, from the most efficient route to attractions that engage all ages. It’s best to make this process a family thing, so ask everyone what they’d like to see on the road trip. While you might not make everyone 100% happy at this step, explore alternatives and compromises based on:

The distance you need to drive
The time you can realistically spend on the journey
Opening hours and admission fees for certain destinations
Events you can or can’t afford to miss.

Let everyone contribute to planning your road trip itinerary. It’s more fun that way, and you may discover really great ideas for adventures and experiences than if you planned the trip alone.

2. Budgeting for a family road trip

The secret to a family road trip budget is prioritizing. The non-negotiable expenses on a road trip include food, fuel, and accommodation. Find out how to save money by traveling off-season, finding affordable dining options, and finding family discounts for hotels or campsites.

When it comes to attractions, consider buying group passes for visiting parks, museums, or other destinations. If an attraction is too far from your main route, it will cost more time and fuel. Prioritize the locations that are most convenient and enjoy them fully instead of rushing through destinations.

Souvenirs can take up the least portion of your family road trip budget. You want to buy fewer non-essential items, which can add extra luggage for the journey. Instead, take photos and videos at your destination as timeless keepsakes to share with your friends. These cost nothing but some storage space on your camera or phone. Print out your favorites after the road trip for your work desk or as wall hangings.

Finally, define the terms for your road trip contingency money. This amount should only be used for emergency car repairs, health emergencies, replacing lost or broken items, or finding alternative transportation or accommodation if the weather changes.

3. Preparing your road trip vehicle

Apart from servicing your family vehicle before your trip, there are a few other preparations you may need to make to keep everyone safe and comfortable on your journey:

Leg room: Make sure your car seats are easily adjustable to accommodate a diverse group. It will help you decide who sits where, so that taller or elderly people don’t feel cramped or kids don’t have too much space to play around and distract you while you drive.
Safety features: With your loved ones in the car with you, make sure you have more safety features than you think you’ll need. Check that your seatbelts, airbags, ABS, driver assistance, emergency brakes, etc. are in top shape before you travel.
Accessibility: Something as simple as sunshades can make a huge difference for a family on a road trip, especially for kids and the elderly, who may not enjoy direct sunlight in the car. Ensure your car has wide-enough doors and a low step-in height, too.
Climate control: Heating, cooling, and ventilation are the essential features you need for an enjoyable family road trip. These keep you and your passengers at a comfortable temperature in the vehicle regardless of the weather outside, meaning you can travel any time of the year.
Device charging ports: Expect almost everyone on a family road trip to have a gadget of some kind that will need charging, e.g., smartphones, cameras, tablets, gaming devices, etc. Get a portable USB outlet that fits into your cigarette lighter to charge multiple devices conveniently.

4. Packing for a family road trip

A family road trip packing list needs four main things: an emergency supplies kit, personal items, entertainment, and snacks.

Your emergency supplies should include a full first aid kit, flashlights, jumper cables, a spare tire, and anything that would come in handy in case of a medical or vehicle problem. The idea is to have what you need to get you back on the road and to the closest health facility while you’re on the journey.

Personal supplies include everyone’s clothes and toiletries for the trip. This means having everyone’s belongings packed separately to avoid confusion and inconvenience.

If you’re traveling with young kids or teens, road trip entertainment becomes a priority. Those long stretches of empty road can make them restless and cranky, meaning they’ll distract you while you’re driving. So, make sure everyone has their favorite toys, books, and gadgets for the trip. Consider playing a few road trip games as well to engage their interests.

Also, pack a good variety of road trip snacks to keep your family happy during the trip. Fill a cooler with precut fruits and veggies, fruit juices, plus energy drinks and candy for when you really need a boost. Give everyone a reusable water bottle instead of buying bottled water for the trip. Pack sandwiches or other bite-sized meals to enjoy at pit stops.

5. Accommodation for a family road trip

There are plenty of family-friendly accommodations for road trip travelers, from hotels to campsites with kitchenettes and playgrounds. Choose places that are close to the attractions you want to visit and have all the amenities you need at your convenience. Read guest reviews about each type of accommodation and book it in advance.

Keep in mind, however, that your family members may each have their own privacy needs. This may prove challenging for your budget if you need to book separate rooms for everyone or rent a spacious RV for the road trip. Figure out how best to share spaces with as little friction as possible.

6. Distributing tasks for a family road trip

Get everyone to participate in the family road trip depending on their age, interests, and abilities. For example, assign tasks like preparing snacks, creating music playlists, using navigation apps, etc., so that whoever is behind the wheel can concentrate on driving. You can also choose a designated photographer to capture the experience as a family.

Let everyone participate in tidying up the vehicle or organizing their belongings as you leave your accommodations. For extra motivation, consider creating a reward system like stars or points for whoever does their tasks the best. Whoever scores highest gets special privileges like choosing the next playlist or activities at the next rest stop.

7. Resolving conflicts during a family road trip

Families are bound to get into some disagreements on a road trip. You could have different preferences for destinations, activities, privacy, entertainment, food, rest stops—the list goes on. But that doesn’t mean that a family road trip is a disaster waiting to happen. Keep these tips in mind as you plan your journey:

Try to find common ground where everyone’s needs are met.
If there’s no common ground, find a middle ground by compromising and making concessions.
Set expectations clearly before you start the journey in terms of how to communicate and behave with respect.
Keep your sense of humor. It will help to diffuse tensions and keep a positive outlook.
Involve everyone in important decisions and take each person’s opinion into account.
Be flexible and open to unexpected situations on your journey.

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Expert Tips for an Eco-Friendly, Sustainable Road Trip Experience

Sustainable travel is gaining momentum, not only for air travel but road trips, too. Many of us want to experience the joys of the open road but worry about how it impacts our environment. It’s safe to say that you can still love road trips with the smallest possible carbon footprint. So today we’ll look at some road trip essentials for an enjoyable, eco-friendly journey.

Sustainable Road Trip Vehicle Tips

Make fuel efficiency a priority when you select your road trip vehicle. Hybrid and electric cars are your ideal choices, but you can also choose a model that’s known for low fuel consumption.
Keep your car in good shape before, during, and after your road trip. A well-maintained car will use less fuel and have less need for spares and replacements. You can keep the same car for decades instead of buying newer models frequently, unless you’re upgrading to higher efficiency, better safety, and lower maintenance.
Use eco-friendly motor oils that are biodegradable and meet industry standards. An environmentally acceptable lubricant (EAL) should contain at least 90% biodegradable substances for oils and 75% for grease.
If possible, use alternative fuels for your road trip vehicle, e.g., biodiesel, ethanol, or hydrogen. First, check if your engine is compatible with these alternative fuels, and if it is, look for gas stations with alternative options as you plan your trip.
Share your ride if you’re heading for popular destinations. Join a carpooling platform like sRide or BlaBlaCar and offer rides along the way. If you do this right, you can meet incredible people on your road trip and do your part to reduce the number of cars and emissions on the road.

Sustainable Road Trip Planning Tips

Choose the most efficient road trip route possible. Go for destinations that are closer to each other, so you’ll drive less and spend more time enjoying each location.
For longer road trips, opt to stay at eco-lodges or green hotels that use renewable energy, recycled products, sustainable waste management, etc.
Travel with reusable shopping bags to avoid plastic bags when you top up supplies or buy souvenirs during your road trip.
Use biodegradable toiletries like wet wipes, soaps, toothpaste, and toilet paper. This way, you know your products won’t harm the environment whenever you dispose of them.
Choose to buy locally made souvenirs instead of imported ones. Supporting local artisans and craftspeople means improving their livelihoods and cutting emissions from the importing process.
Travel slowly and spend enough time at each destination. Packing your itinerary with activities over a short time means you’ll be rushing through places, driving more, and using more fuel.

Sustainable Road Trip Food Tips

Reusable water bottles are a must-have for a road trip, especially if you’re planning to go camping or hiking. Refill it at rest stops, convenience stores, gas stations, or water fountains at different attractions.
Also, travel with a portable water filter in case you need to draw water from a river or a lake, but more for your peace of mind when refilling your water supply. There are lots of options available, from manual hand-pump filters to rechargeable models.
Carry reusable utensils and food containers for snacks and leftovers when you stop at diners and restaurants. This is a great way to avoid using disposable or single-use food items. Just remember to keep them clean and pack them safely away after use.
Make sure all your containers (water bottles, coffee mugs, Tupperware) are leak-proof to minimize waste.
Buy food from local farm-to-table restaurants or farmers’ markets. It helps to support mom-and-pop businesses and reduce your carbon footprint–you reduce emissions from food transportation when you get your food locally as you travel.

Sustainable Adventure Tips

Always dispose of your road trip waste items like food wrappers, fruit peels, empty bottles, cigarette butts, etc., at designated trash bins or recycling facilities. Don’t toss these items out the window as you drive. Pack them properly in a waste bag and keep them until you find a bin.
If you’re exploring a national park or campsite, keep to the designated areas. Straying from these places can risk disrupting a fragile ecosystem or disturbing the animals that live there.
Don’t feed any wildlife you encounter on your road trip. It’s risky to lure animals with food because they could harm you, but the food itself can harm them too.
Follow the Leave No Trace principles at every destination on your road trip. Pick up after yourself when you stop for a picnic, keep your road trip entertainment at a respectable volume, and leave every destination better than you found it.
Volunteer for conservation initiatives if you find them on your journey, e.g., beach cleanups, habitat restorations, wildlife monitoring, etc. Leave some room in your itinerary to participate in these activities.
Immerse yourself in the cultures you find on your road trip through workshops, festivals, or other activities. You’ll learn about the impact of climate change on these communities from a new perspective.

After Your Journey

If you’ve saved some money from your road trip, consider donating it to a carbon offset program that invests in green energy and conservation.
Calculate your road trip’s carbon footprint and buy carbon credits to offset your impact. Use an online carbon footprint calculator to see your estimated vehicle emissions, then select your offset options, e.g., tree planting initiatives, reforestation, or other initiatives that remove carbon from the atmosphere.
Find local renewable energy initiatives that create a greener community, and volunteer your time and knowledge when you return home from your road trip.

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7 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Road Trip Vehicle

A road trip is different from your everyday commute, and not just because of the distance. You need greater levels of comfort, fuel efficiency, and safety to really enjoy your road trip. So, does your car make the cut, or should you consider renting a vehicle for your big adventure? Ask yourself these questions to discover your best road trip vehicle.

1. What are your essential road trip needs?

The size and type of road trip vehicle depend on:

Passengers: How many people are going on the road trip? Of course, the greater the number, the larger the vehicle. You don’t want to be cramped together for an extended drive—the road trip will become unbearable pretty fast.
Cargo space: What do you plan to carry for the road trip? Think of camping gear, clothing, sporting equipment, road trip snacks, plus the souvenirs you’ll pick up on the way.
Distance and duration: How far do you plan to drive for your road trip? A smaller vehicle is ideal for a short day trip, while a larger, more spacious vehicle works great for long drives.

2. Which type of vehicle do you prefer?

Once you figure out the factors above, it’s time to weigh the pros and cons of your preferred vehicle.

A compact car is perfect for a solo road trip or with one partner. But it can get uncomfortable on a long journey, and may not have enough cargo space for large equipment.
A sedan is great for small families or friends on the road, or for solo or couple road trips with extra gear.
An SUV works for off-road adventures because of the all-wheel drive option and high ground clearance. But it may not be as fuel efficient or maneuverable in certain conditions.
A minivan is perfect for group travel, plus the sliding doors are convenient if you plan to make many stops on the road trip. You can also fit plenty of gear and even sleep in it if you need to.
An RV or campervan is the classic road trip vehicle, especially for extended trips. But the more amenities in the vehicle, the more it costs to rent it for a journey.

3. What’s your vehicle’s fuel efficiency?

You want to maximize the distance you can travel per gallon and minimize your environmental impact. Fuel efficiency is also important for your road trip because you may have limited refueling options on long-distance trips. Good fuel efficiency means you can drive farther and make it to the next pump. Verify your car’s MPG rating to optimize your fuel consumption.

Note: If you want to use a hybrid or electric vehicle for your road trip, prioritize charging stations in your road trip planner.

4. How comfortable is your vehicle?

If your current car meets the above criteria, ask yourself if you can bear driving it for long hours. Consider the legroom, adjustable seats, air conditioning, infotainment system, smartphone integration, etc. Your car becomes a second home on a road trip, so make sure you can live in it happily.

5. How safe is your vehicle?

When you’re out on the road, you want the peace of mind that comes from your car’s safety features. Things like your anti-lock braking (ABS) and automatic emergency braking (AEB), stability control system, and corrective steering features should be in top shape. Also, check your airbags and seatbelts work properly before you head out on your road trip.

6. How driveable is your vehicle?

Smaller cars maneuver better in urban areas and congested highways, while larger vehicles excel on rougher terrain. If you decide to rent a minivan or RV for your road trip, choose a few models and take them on a test drive to check the suspension, drivetrain options, and overall drivability.

7. How reliable is your vehicle?

Don’t take a road trip in a car that’s prone to breaking down easily or costs a fortune to repair. A road trip-worthy vehicle has a good reliability track record and known issues that are relatively easy to fix when you’re on your journey. The best thing to do is to go online and check the vehicle’s consumer reports and first-hand reviews before you make your choice. A routine maintenance should be enough to prepare the vehicle for your road trip and get you there and back safely.

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