Mastering the Art of Road Trip Planning: 5 Essentials to Ensure Fun

There is, in theory, nothing more romantic, adventurous, and fun than taking a long road trip. We say ‘in theory’ because while the idea will always sound nice, the actual trip itself can be a bit of a mixed bag if the adventurers haven’t done as much preparation as they should have.

While you’ll likely have a fun time regardless of what you do, it’s always best to push the boat out and really aim for brilliance. Make sure you’re ticking all of the essentials that we’ve outlined below, and you’ll return home having had a great time.

Settle on An Idea For Your Trip

The spontaneous element of a road trip is a big part of its fun and excitement, but things can’t be too spontaneous. Making things up as you go along will be more trouble than it’s worth, and will likely mean that you miss out on some sights and attractions that you’d definitely prefer see.

While you don’t need to have every detail planned out, it’s best to have at least a vague idea of the route you’ll take. That’ll provide the framework you need to make the most of your trip, and will also allow you to calculate how much time you’ll spend on the road and if the weather will be clear. Remember: the best road trips are long enough for you to really settle in, not so long that you can’t wait to get home.

Awesome Co-Pilots

It’s not just where you visit on your road trip that matters, but who you visit those places with. You’ll be living, breathing, and most likely sleeping with the other people on the trip, so choose carefully. If you’ve got an RV, then you’ll likely be limited to however many beds there are, though also keep in mind that you don’t need to fill every bed. Having some extra space to lounge around can be invaluable after a day of driving.

Great Overnight Stays

We tend to think road trips are all about driving — but actually, with a well planned trip, you won’t be driving most of the time. It’s recommended to do some research to find the best RV parks and campsites along your route. Having a relaxing space to unwind after you’ve been on the road for 6 – 8 hours can make all the difference, helping to keep spirits up and simply offering nice moments that turn into lifelong memories.

Cooking on the Road

Being out on the road can be fun, but if you’re eating basic meals that have no flavor, then it won’t be long before you’re longing to be back home. Elevate your cooking by investing in some quality camping cooking equipment. You really can have a delicious meal of steak, potatoes, and veg, even when you’re in the middle of nowhere.

A Can-Do Attitude

Finally, remember that the one who decides whether it’s a great trip or not is, ultimately, you. Having a can-do, positive attitude can make all the difference when things don’t go quite to plan. There’ll be many days and nights when you’re not out on the road; when you are, embrace it to the max.