Road trips are very American. Approximately three in four Americans prefer driving to their vacation destination to flying. And why not? Nowhere else do you get such a vast geographic expanse paired with a well-developed interstate highway system.
So, is the thrill of exploring sprawling deserts and quaint small towns tempting you to plan a cross-country road trip? Then, plan a trip today.
But hold up before you gas up that car and hit the road. Road trips offer endless adventure; they, however, require a bit of planning to get the most out of the experience.
So, if you’re dreaming about hitting the open road, buckle up. Here, we’ll share a few tips that will make your cross-country trip safe and smooth.
#1 Map It Out, But Leave Room for Detours
It’s a good idea to have a rough itinerary. So, figure out where you’re headed. Do you want to stick to iconic highways like Route 66, or are you more of back roads and hidden gems kind of traveler?
Plot your must-see stops on a map. Decide which cities you want to hit, where you will sleep, and how far you will drive each day.
Route planning apps like Google Maps can help you chart your route and find stops along the way. According to AFAR Media, it’s the most feature-rich road trip map out there. Whether you’re looking for the quickest route or the nearest gas station, it has got you covered.
Don’t pack your itinerary too tight, though. Leave some room for detours and unexpected adventures. Some of the best road trip moments happen when you take a detour to a random diner or stumble upon a local festival.
Oh, and one more tip—save your route offline. If cell service drops, you’re not left guessing which way to turn.
#2 Get Your Car Road-Trip Ready
You will drive your car for thousands of miles. Before you hit the road, tune it up.
Yardbarker advises getting the car checked by a mechanic before heading out—and they are right. A mechanic will inspect the car thoroughly. They will change the oil, inspect the brakes, and check the tires, including the spare.
Your car must also have enough fluids—especially engine oil and coolant (antifreeze). The two fluids, Knoxville News Sentinel states, help keep the engine from freezing when the temperature is freezing.
Ask your mechanic to check fluid levels, too. Top them off if they are below the minimum marks in the reservoir.
Remind your mechanic to check the AC. This is especially important if you’re heading to places where the temperature is high, says HotCars.
Don’t forget to pack a roadside emergency kit with items like a tire jack, jumper cables, a flashlight, and a first aid kit. It will come in handy if things go south.
#3 Prioritize Safety
Driving for hours can be exhausting, so plan for frequent breaks. If fatigue hits, pull over—don’t push it. Apps like Waze provide real-time traffic updates, so use them.
Also, avoid busy streets because the high traffic volume increases the chance of collisions.
Suppose you plan to travel to Geneva in Illinois from Chicago this holiday season. Try heading out before 5:30 p.m.—ideally at noon. Last December, on the 28th especially, the traffic was expected to be more congested than usual in the city, informed Patch.
The likelihood of getting involved in an accident is high if you travel out of Chicago in the evening. No one plans for them, but they happen, even to the most careful drivers.
Just last year, a 6-month-old girl involved in a crash on 29th December in Cottage Grove in Woodlawn, Chicago, passed away.
The crash occurred around 9:42 p.m. Two vehicles—a Chevy SUV and a Ford SUV—were involved. The former ran a red light and crashed into the latter, in which the baby girl was there.
If you’re involved in a collision in Chicago that wasn’t your fault, you have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit to cover damages.
Potential damages in a personal injury lawsuit, according to TorHoerman Law, include medical bills, lost wages, the cost to repair a vehicle, emotional distress, and loss of consortium.
Navigating the legal process can feel overwhelming, but an experienced personal injury lawyer in Chicago can help you navigate the legal stuff. They will handle the paperwork as well as advocate for fair compensation. Just make sure you choose an experienced lawyer with a positive reputation.
#4 Pack Smart, Not Heavy
A car is not as spacious as a plane. And when space is tight, less is more.
Stick to comfy, weather-appropriate clothes, and don’t forget layers. That is because it can be 80°F in the desert and 40°F in the mountains on the same day. A pair of sturdy walking shoes is a must for all those scenic overlooks and unexpected hiking trails.
Invest in travel organizers and roll your clothes. That will help maximize space. Keep a go bag that contains essentials like chargers, snacks, and toiletries. That way, these things will be within arm’s reach.
A cross-country road trip is a bucket list experience for a reason. It allows you to immerse deeply in the journey, with the freedom to stop and discover hidden gems at your own pace.
Whether it’s the endless desert roads, bustling cities, or quiet mountain passes, the open road is calling. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your keys, cue your favorite playlist, and hit the road.
