Things You'll Need:
- car
- tank of gas
- GPS or road map
- friends/family
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Step 1
Select the primary attraction or event of the trip. Road trips are the most fun when there is one definite place or purpose at the end of the "trail" with the pleasure of spontaneous stops along the way. Consider this a multi-personality approach--a little something for the structured and a little something for the more laid-back.
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Step 2
Make the passenger list. If this is a family adventure, no need to play eenie-meenie-miney-moe. Go ahead and let all the kids come as long as they promise to be nice. If a friend adventure, think of friends who like to have fun or those that you feel most need the break! If you're brave enough, go ahead and make an open event on facebook and see who wants to come. For the most comfortable drive, cap the list at four.
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Step 3
Determine your route and length of initial travel time. With MapQuest or another online map application, enter your start and end location to determine the length of travel time each way.
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Step 4
Select one stop (event/attraction) on the way there and one stop on the way back. This is for the structured people in your car and to help you plan your budget. Determine the maximum amount of time that could take and then add that to the time listed in step 3.
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Step 5
Allow time for spontaneity. As paradoxical as this may sound, it is still spontaneous and actually lets you be more flexible. Add 5 hours to the trip for each way (a total of 10 glorious and spontaneous hours).
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Step 6
Determine departure/arrival times using the total time estimate from steps 3-5.
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Step 7
Plan a trip budget. First, decide how much your family is willing to spend or take a poll among friends to see how much each passenger is willing to spend. With a group of friends, use the lowest amount (within reason) as the figure you work with. The cheap-skate of the group can help you all stay in budget! Determine the cost of the main attraction/event first, the determined stops along the way, and then money for spontaneity/shopping/food last.
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Step 8
Have a family meeting or a friend get-together. Use the time to build excitement and get ideas of what others want to do. Have the Internet nearby and go to sites like RoadsideAmerica.com to get ideas of attractions that are along your route.
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Step 9
Make a list of essentials to pack, pack up and go! Be sure every passenger has a camera so that you can preserve memories from each traveler's perspective!
Comments
Susanh said
on 6/9/2009 Love this article! It makes me want to plan a trip. 5*****