How to Plan a Road Trip in the USA
Planning your road trip in the USA properly can make the difference between a great trip, and one you'll want to forget. The key to a successful road trip is to have a clear, realistic idea of your route and activities for each day on the road, as well as leaving room for spontaneity. With just a little research and preparation you can maximize the amount of the country you see, without spending every minute behind the wheel.
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Instructions
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Determine how much time you have available. This has a huge impact on where you can go and what you can do. Remember that you only have as much time as the other members of your group, in the likely event that you have traveling companions.
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Decide where in the USA you want to take your road trip. Consider exploring just one region or state if your time is limited. Otherwise, you may find that, frustratingly, all your time is spent in the vehicle.
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Mark down on a map the places you want to visit. Popular spots include national parks, cities, monuments and historical sites. Pick spots throughout the area in which you will travel, rather than attractions clustered in one place, so that each becomes its own "destination."
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Measure distances on your map, or enter the information into a GPS if you have one, to calculate driving time. Plan to limit your driving to a maximum of six hours each day and leave one or two hours free for unexpected attractions, like seeing the world's biggest ball of twine in Kansas, or visiting Carhenge, an oddball replica of England's Stonehenge, in Nebraska.
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Make hotel reservations in advance for the end of each day's drive. You don't want to spend additional time searching for suitable accommodations after a long day's drive.
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Tips & Warnings
Ensure your vehicle is in good working order before you set off. According to Mary Donahue, from the faculty of DeAnza College, it is important to check your water, tire pressure, oil and brake fluid.
Prepare a small first aid kit for your car in case of minor injuries. The Red Cross recommends that you include, among other things, adhesive bandages, aspirin, antiseptic wipes and a first aid instruction booklet.
Ensure you have all necessary car details, including your license, registration and auto liability insurance identification card.
Sign up for a roadside assistance service such as OnStar, recommends The Unofficial DMV Guide, so that if you do break down, you are only a phone call away from help.
If another motorist signals that you should stop because there is something wrong with your car, do so. But go to a gas station or a similarly well-lit, populated area.
Plan to drive a conservative distance each day. Driving for long stretches without rest can lead to fatigue. According to the United States Department of Labor, 100,000 accidents occur every year due to tired drivers. It recommends getting out of the car every two hours to stretch and walk briskly.
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- Photo Credit young red-haired woman with her broken car. image by ta_samaya from Fotolia.com
