During spring break, my sister and I decided to take a 1,000-mile road trip. Now, I admit it was extremely fun, but I definitely learned quite a few tricks to make sure my next road trip, or anyone's for that fact, is a smoother one. These 9 steps were not all excluded from our planning, but they for sure could have been expanded on or researched a little more.
1. Choose your location.
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If you are traveling to a new place or returning to your go-to vacation spot, you need to make sure your location is somewhere you won't forget. Everyone always has a location in mind, but since you are on a road trip, take advantage of the states you cross through on your journey to your final destination. Get a map and draw your travel path to see what big or small destinations you may come across. Stop at some on the way there, but don't let your fun end when you are heading home.
2. Pick a time frame.
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Even with summertime, everyone's schedules are still busy. From taking summer classes to working a full-time job, you have to find the right time to travel while also getting it approved. While making sure you have the dates you need free, it can be challenging for your travel partners to get the same dates. The best way to do this is to ask in advance and plan ahead of time. Vacations, no matter the length of time, take planning at least a few months in advance. Now, even if you do or don't have these things to factor in, keep in mind that summer is when everyone travels, and if you are going to a popular place, it's going to be busy.
3. Figure out who to invite.
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You can make this a family vacay or a trip with your besties, but how can you choose? Is this someone who you can spend a long time period with? Are they going to be stressed or annoying you the whole time? You have to travel with someone you know you won't argue with and can have a good time with. We all have that one person that no matter how much we love them, we probably shouldn't travel across the country with.
4. Travel in charm.
You can rent or take your or your travel partner's car, but make sure you have the room for everything. From all of your luggage, snacks, and room for your bodies, you need all the space you can get. Take into consideration how many are in your party and how much you will be bringing with you.
5. Pick the road trip jams.
Everyone has a few favorite songs, artists, or albums. Take advantage of a great deal that Spotify or Apple Music give and create a bopping playlist for your drive. Take everyone's music interest into consideration and add it to the playlist. Try to make it at least half of your travel time, to give you some good background noise or something to jam to on your journey.
6. Pack for spacing.
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Packing light is essential, and let's be honest, there is a good chance you won't need the 3+ cute dress-up outfits. To feel comfortable and save space, T-shirts, shorts, and some nice running shoes will be your best friend - especially if you are doing a lot of walking. However, everyone wants to feel cute, so a nice shirt and jean shorts will take up the same amount of space. Packing snacks and water will help you spend less money and also keeping you from stopping as much.
7. Enjoy the attractions, relaxation, and fun.
When you get to your destination, this is the most important part. Enjoy yourself. Take time to explore the area you are in. What's the fun in saying you went somewhere if you didn't do anything while you were there? Go to museums, visit local areas, but don't spend time at the glorified places. There are many things that are extremely fun, not as busy, and free.
8. Determine the sleeping situation.
Depending on your location depends on where you can sleep. Camping out, staying with family, or even booking a hotel is one of the most important steps. If you choose to camp out or stay in a hotel, compare all the locations you can on price and what they have to offer. If you do stay with family, make sure they are filled in with all your plans before arrival, if they expect anything from you. Always plan ahead, as well as keep in contact.
9. Set a budget.
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This is probably the most important step and it will tie into every single step. How much you and those traveling with you can chip in will determine where you go, when you go, how long you can go, and what all you can do. Sit down with all those going on this trip (multiple times) and discuss how much you need to make this trip happen. Make sure you do all the booking and planning together to ensure that you are all on the same page.
