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Embarking on a cross-country road trip in the United States is quite the undertaking. With thousands of miles connecting the East Coast to the West Coast, many unique ways exist to explore the diverse landscape and cultures. Whether you’re craving hidden gems or the open road, a well-planned journey is needed for a stress-free, enjoyable trip.
This guide offers all the essential steps and tips for planning the best cross-country adventure. From planning a route to budgeting and fun activities, you’ll be ready to hit the road and create lasting memories.
Plan Your Route
Before making plans, consider everyone’s travel style during the road trip. You’ll need to make plans that everyone agrees on. Make time to stop at scenic overlooks, lakes, and other attractions that are attractive to others. Then, figure out how long you have for the road trip. If you have time for extra stops, plan to deviate from the interstates and enjoy the out-of-the-way attractions.
The extra stops also break up long driving times, making a cross-country road trip manageable. Driving 10 to 12 hours a day may work for a few days, but it’s not sustainable every day.
Make Reservations
After driving all day, you’ll be ready for a good night’s sleep. Once you’ve planned the route, make reservations before leaving home so you won’t need to stress about the trip. Campgrounds and hotels fill up fast if you’re traveling during peak season, making it challenging to get last-minute lodging.
Call ahead a day or two before heading out to confirm the reservations. Consider a mixture of hotels, campgrounds, and unique stays like Airbnb. Hotels are convenient, with some offering a warm breakfast.
White Airbnbs offers a home-like stay, with access to washers and dryers, dishwashers, and full kitchens. This can give you time to reorganize and clean your vehicle during the long drive.
Pick A Good Vehicle
You’ll spend a lot of time in your vehicle on this trip, so picking an appropriate one for your needs is vital. An RV might be the easiest option if you plan to camp often. Van camping is also a popular, cheaper option.
A regular car, truck, or SUV is also appropriate for smaller groups, especially if you plan to tent camp or utilize hotels or Airbnb. Make sure whatever car you decide has enough room to store all your gear and extra room for things you may purchase along the way.
Double Check Everything
Once your route is planned and accommodations booked, make a packing list. Ensure everything fits into the vehicle. Then, double-check that you have everything. Some things can be repurchased, while others cannot. Gear essentials like insurance cards, extra cash, specific clothes, and prescription medication should be double-checked.
Do preventative maintenance on your car. Before leaving home, double-check that the oil, fluid levels, belts and hoses, tire tread and pressure, battery, and brakes are all in good shape. You won’t want to start this exciting trip only to have your car break down a few days in.
Pack a stocked car emergency kit with essential tools for common repairs. Wrenches, portable tire inflators, and jumper caples can save you from being stranded on the side of the road. Add a first aid kit to be prepared for minor injuries while on the road.
Set A Budget
While planning, booking accommodations, and buying tickets to attractions, make time to budget. Stressing about money can make a trip enjoyable. Look at your car’s mileage and miles per gallon rating to calculate how much gas is needed– plan to need a few extra tanks for emergencies or planned changes.
Budgeting for food requires more thought. Research restaurants you’re interested in and set price limits. Add additional lines in the budget for emergencies, souvenirs, and unexpected must-see attractions.
Plan For Reliable Electricity
Planning a cross-country road trip involves the logistical challenge of reliable electricity. While you can keep some electronics, such as a tablet or cell phone, charged in the car, charging a laptop or running small appliances is much more complicated.
If you plan on stopping at campgrounds, there may not be easily accessible electrical outlets. EcoFlow RIVER 2 Series Portable Power Stations are lightweight, powerful options for electricity in your vehicle. They come in various sizes that can meet any need while road-tripping or camping.
Customize Your Ride
Driving doesn’t have to be a boring part of the trip, and your vehicle doesn’t have to be uncomfortable. Make playlists ahead of the trip. Customize them for mornings and nights, sync them with different states, or make themed ones for specific attractions.
Download podcasts and audiobooks to switch up the sound. If you plan on sleeping or hanging out in an RV or van, add an EcoFlow Wave 2 Portable AC. It provides 8 hours of heating or cooling, making the downtown comfortable and relaxing.
Pack A Cooler
Stopping for snacks and drinks at gas stations quickly becomes expensive and time-consuming. Pack snacks that are convenient but nutritious. The best snacks are trail mix, fresh fruit, veggies and hummus, string cheese, yogurt cups, peanut butter with crackers, and popcorn.
EcoFlow Glacier Portable Refrigerator makes it easy to pack healthy snacks and hydrating drinks. It offers dual fridge-freezer compartments, up to 38 L capacity, and a run time of 40 hours. There are many ways to use a portable refrigerator, but the top benefit is that it requires no ice to stay cool. It’s a pain to empty and refill ice in traditional coolers, and you may worry about some food going bad if it is not kept at a specific temperature.
Research Attractions
There’s a lot of ground to cover between the east coast and the west coast. With so many attractions, both amusement and scenic, you must research what is important to you. As you pass through each state, why not stop somewhere special at least once in each one?
When planning where to stop, consider what facilities are offered, how parking is laid out, and whether you need special equipment. You’ll want to avoid accidentally taking a too-strenuous hike or stopping somewhere with bad ratings. Many smartphone apps and websites are designed to find unique places to visit, making this step much easier.
Document Your Journey
Taking a cross-country road trip is a fun, maybe once-in-a-lifetime, journey. Take time to document the most important parts carefully. Bring a digital, video, or film camera to record the trip. Keep them charged with the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max. This portable power station weighs only 13.4 lbs, has 512Wh storage capacity, and offers 500W AC output.
Outside of photography and videography, keeping a journal or starting a blog are great options to document your adventure. A blog or social media lets you share your journey with others and make new connections. If you’re taking a solo trip, journaling can help with your mental health.
Stay Flexible
No matter how much planning you put into this trip, you must be open to spontaneous detours. Staying flexible allows you to make the most out of unexpected opportunities. Having options for stops and attractions prevents the stressful situation of figuring out what to do.
On the other hand, overplanning creates a rigid and tense environment. There are so many attractions along the way that it’s difficult to research them all. Sometimes, the best adventures are the ones not planned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan a cross-country trip around your budget, time for travel, and interests. Make the most of the trip with a realistic budget, with room for surprises and emergencies. Know how many days are allotted for the trip so you can properly space out mileage. Plan stops at cool restaurants and unique attractions to keep the trip fun.
Allow 5 to 7 days for a fast-paced trip with minimal stops. This involves driving for upwards of 10 hours per day. A balanced trip with sightseeing, breaks, and rest days will take 10 to 14 days. If you want to fully experience regions leisurely, plan for 3 to 4 weeks of travel.
The best month largely depends on the regions you plan to visit and your weather preferences. In general, September is considered the best month to travel. The weather is mild across most states, fall foliage starts to show in late September, and peak summer travel season is over, so costs are lower.
Final Thoughts
As you start putting together all the aspects of your cross-country road trip, remember that the journey is just as important as the destination. Strategic planning will help create a smooth and enjoyable experience. Book accommodations that fit the trip’s timeline, and rotate between hotels, Airbnb, and campgrounds to keep it interesting.
Travel with the right vehicle, and give it a general inspection and service before heading out. Pack all the essentials, from snacks to entertainment and cameras. Don’t forget to grab one of the EcoFlow Portable Power Stations to charge all your electronics while away from home.