How to Take a Road Trip Across the United States

While most of us are used to winging from coast to coast in a few hours, there's something romantic about a cross-country road trip. Be sure to stop and see the sights along the way, and take a charming byway - rather than the highway - once in a while so you can experience America's small towns and back roads.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Decide when to go. If you have no time constraints, time your trip to coincide with special events or festivals along the way, or with seasons that provide opportunities for special sight-seeing or recreational activities.

2. Buy a map or purchase a software program and plan your route. Also consider joining the American Automobile Association (AAA) and obtaining TourBooks, which are invaluable resources for planning a cross-country trip.

3. Consider joining clubs such as AAA and AARP, which provide lodging and attraction discounts at various destinations. You will save money in the long run. Carry your membership card with you on the trip.

4. Make a list of sights you definitely want to see. Figure out how far off the beaten path you'll have to go and calculate the time you'll likely spend sight-seeing. Figure this into your daily travel distance and time.

5. Make camping or lodging reservations before you go if you want to be guaranteed a place to stay every night. If you prefer a certain chain, call and ask for a free national directory to be sent to you well in advance of your trip.

6. Have your car fully serviced before you leave. Ask your mechanic if there any potential problems you should be aware of. Plan to bring tools, a spare tire, a fan belt, and in summer, spare radiator hoses with you on your trip.

7. Buy some trip food. Nutritious snacks and plenty of water are extremely important when you are going to spend long hours in the car. Try to keep the junk food to a minimum.

8. Pack up and leave early in the day with a full tank of gas. Drive in short shifts of 1 to 4 hours, with frequent rest breaks. Continue until your gas tank is half-empty, then stop and refill.

9. Try to limit your daily driving to no more than 600 miles - or 10 hours - per day. Use this formula when scheduling lodging stops.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're a member of AAA, also obtain TripTiks, routing maps that are a great boon to road trippers.
• Listen to books on tape - they're a great way to entertain yourself in the car. Or play the inevitable road games, such as trying to find license plates for every U.S. state or counting road kill critters.
• Other information you need on the road includes news of road closures (especially on major highways), weather conditions and knowledge of where speed traps are located (try the Speedtrap Registry at www.speedtrap.com).
• Open the window whenever possible to help you stay alert. If you're tired, or if it's late at night, stop immediately. Caffeine will only keep you awake for so long.
• Different states have different speed limits. Be aware and follow them to avoid getting a ticket.
• Don't pick up hitchhikers.

[fresia]

on 9/12/2009 Hello!! I would love to go from CT to Oregon... I don't want to take a plane because I want to explore the country,take photos and just enjoy life... is somebody interesting?? I prefer go my Feb or Jun or whatever...
if is somebody interesting please contact me..
mine email is [e-mail]

[sohil7]

on 1/10/2009 anyone planning on a road trip in feb/march and looking for a travel partner ? am flexible with the travel route ..

[sohil7]

on 1/10/2009 i wanna road trip in feb/march. anyone looking for a travel partner ? am flexible with the route ..
sohilshah7 at gmail dot com

[sillypretty]

on 11/3/2008 I would like to plan a roadtrip starting in Atlanta, Ga and ending in Arizona (Grand Canyon). Ultimately I would like to spend the last three days enjoying the sights of the grand canyon. I would like to take my kids and my husband along with me. Does anyone know how to make this possiple and what would be the cost? ****Want to sight-see on the way , Kids are 8 and 9***

[Puzzledragon]

on 9/8/2008 Hi, I am going to be laid off at the end of September 2008. I want to follow the sun, I love to cycle , Kayak & photograph the natural world. I currently live in Maryland & can set aside at least 3 weeks to go explore. I have my own vehicle,bicycle & Touring Kayak
At this time of the year which direction is best for me?
Thanks
Dances with Kayaks