I get asked all the time how to plan a road trip or vacation. Many times people want me to plan one for them. We have a good set of steps we use when planning all of our trips and I hope they can help you as well.
Here’s Our Tips to Plan the Best Road Trip
Step 1. Select Destinations
As many people do we always see interesting places from our friends on social media. Kayla and I usually send them to each other through Facebook, pin them on Pinterest or looks at them together in person.
Pinterest is a great way to combine your trip ideas and to draft a plan. (You can follow us on Pinterest Here)
After picking destinations I research them on fellow travel bloggers sites and through google.
When my wife and I agree on the main areas to stop on our trip, we move on to google maps to check the distance and time it takes to get to each place.
Step 2. Map it Out
We open up Google Maps and see how far away the destinations are and how long it takes to get to them. Remember that Google Maps uses current traffic and construction to decide the time it will take so it could change closer to trip time. We also see the miles it will take round trip and calculate approximate gas costs and oil change costs for the trip.
Bonus Tip: Save Maps Offline
if you save maps offline and you lose signal you can still navigate to destinations.
Find out how we save our maps online with our video below.
Step 3. Pick Attractions and Events
Most attractions have different hours and events happen at different times so see what the destinations have to offer and when. You want to ensure it is open when you get there! Many times we have gone on road trips without checking the hours first and missed out on some museums and attractions.
Step 4. Set the Dates
Make sure your vacation isn’t during any significant birthdays or local events you might not want to miss.
You will need to be sure you can get those days off from work and that it won’t interfere with your family’s plans.
Also, look at the weather for the places you are visiting. You will want to schedule your trip when the weather is pleasant.
Step 5. Make Home Arrangements
Arrange for pet sitters, house sitter or baby sitters if needed.
Any time you go on a trip you should consider securing your home with different types of home security. Check out our 5 tips for home security.
Step 6. Find Places to Stay
I usually use Hotels.com or Booking.com to find hotels in the areas we visit. Many people use Airbnb’s and similar home sharing options as well. Camping is another great option for road trips especially for outdoor lovers who want to save money.
Step 7. Plan Meals
Hard to travel on an empty stomach, be sure to plan what your will eat during the trip.
Pack lunches or planning to grocery shop around destinations is a great way to save money on road trips. Or if you prefer eating out get an idea of some places you’d like to go on your trip.
Step 8. Budget Costs
Factor in all of your costs. You do not want to overspend or be surprised the prices within your destinations.
Step 9. Pack
Pack the right clothes. Weather can change so make sure you have tour bases covered. Also don’t over pack it’s better to back lighter and do laundry if needed rather than having an abundance of clothes.
Don’t forget the specifics, if you are going to the beach bring sunscreen and snorkels, if you are going hiking don’t forget the big spray. Check out our packing lists on our Amazon Store.
Also don’t forget chargers for your electronics. I always have extra batteries and memory cards for my cameras.
Step 10. Double Check
It’s never too late to make changes to your trip plan or itinerary. Many hotels even offer free cancellations a few days before the stay. Things can come up so it’s ok if plans change.
Bonus: Don’t Over Plan
Plans are helpful but can be overwhelming.
Don’t over plan, leave wiggle room for changes and random stops
Leaving room for random stops has been one of my greatest ideas. There have been many times we see a sign or hear something last minute about an area and have a great time experiencing it.
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Great ideas!! Adorable family!
We do love road trips and totall agree to all of the tips. They are truly helpful. Thanks for sharing.
i always try to balance the planning with the just-go approach on road trips!
Great tips! I would love to plan a big road trip one day. Pinning for future reference!
These are some great tips. And I love your family photo <3