Take a road trip

 

Check out the step-by-step guide below to get started.

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adventure | ▲▲▲ difficulty |⏳1-3 weeks

Step-by-step guide

OK, let’s get started.

Step 1: Think it through before you start planning

Audit the type of road trip you & your friends are looking to pursue. Ask yourself: 

  • What’s a reasonable timeline? A couple days? A week? A month? 

  • What type of road trip do you want this to be? A nature escapade? Scenic drive? Multi-city adventure? 

  • What are some places you’ve always wanted to visit? 

Doing a brief reflection can help narrow down the many options for a road trip. Whatever route you choose, we recommend having a starting point and a destination. For those in the U.S., check out the relevant links for popular road trips throughout the country. 

Step 2: Book transportation & lodging

Once you determine your road trip route, book your transportation and lodging (if applicable).

If you have a car, double check and make sure it’s in good shape to drive long distances. If you want to be especially secure, take your car to a local mechanic a couple weeks beforehand for a quick check up. If you’re renting a car, you can use a site like Priceline or Kayak for solid options.

For lodging, don’t wait. Depending on your adventure, you’ll want to research lodging options in any place you’ll be spending the night—whether that’s a motel, hotel, Airbnb or timeshare—and book ahead of time.

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Step 3: Write down a packing list

Get your packing list together (check out the link below for an in-depth packing list). Look up the weather forecast and pack accordingly — don’t forget about snacks for the road.

Step 4: Download Google Maps offline

Download Google Maps offline as you may encounter areas with poor service and want to make sure you have reliable navigation.

Step 5: Document your trip

Document your trip. Photos, videos, or maybe just a simple journal to write down reflections. You’ll be amazed at what you encounter along the way and the memories you take back with you.

Relevant links: