What Should Your Road Trip Route Really Look Like?
What Should Your Road Trip Route Really Look Like?
Thanks to transformative depictions of road trips on screen, this alternative form of getting around has become a tempting bucket list item for many of us.
We imagine legendary playlists, fresh air blowing through our hair, and of course, the open road sprawling out ahead of us.
In reality, however, while all of us this is definitely possible, none of it’s likely unless you put a decent plan in place.
After all, while it might not fit with your romantic idea of what a road trip should be, the reality of this form of travel comes down to intricately laid plans.
From getting your engine and tires checked before heading off right down to perfecting your packing list.
Luckily, there are plenty of experts and advice out there to help you get these crucials right.
Regardless, this still overlooks perhaps the most crucial aspect of planning overall – your route itself.
How exactly do you start finding the route that’s right for you?
Use Tried and Tested Options
If this is your first road trip, using tried and tested routes is a foolproof solution. Spanning from Missouri to Arizona, Route 66 is perhaps the most obvious example.
It provides a pre-laid, well-traveled route across key American locations.
Equally, speaking to friends who have taken road trips, or even reading autobiographies that depict other people’s route choices, can help.
You can determine where a road goes, what condition it’s in, and ultimately whether it’s the right choice for your needs.
Always Turn to Google Maps
Nowadays, Google Maps is a prerequisite when it comes to planning a road trip.
For good reason.
After all, satellite and even street views of any location across the world mean that you can trace routes across any destination.
Even enter A-B destinations so that Google plans out a viable route for you.
This can be great news. Especially if you keep a pen to hand to write down any adjustments. Like where you’re going, what it’s like, and any precautions that you’re likely to meet along the way.
Embrace Uncertainty
To some extent, the joy of road trips also comes from getting lost. Don’t get us wrong, you are going to need a plan.
Remember that as long as you’re moving in the right direction, unexpected routes can provide the best gems of your trip.
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- The Do’s and Don’ts of Planning a Road Trip Abroad
- Summer is Here, Road Trip Around Canada
- Your Guide to Documenting Any Trip
As such, outside of a relatively loose plan that outlines places, times you need to be there, and so on, uncertainty about specifics certainly isn’t a bad thing!
Road trips get such a good rep on screen for a reason.
They really can change your life!
Are you ready for planning your next road trip?
Let me know, til then—cheers m’deres!
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Nancy Polanco is a freelance journalist, lifestyle content creator, and editor of Whispered Inspirations. She is a proud Mom to Gabby and Michaela and partner and best friend to Darasak. Having worked as part of a health care team for almost a decade, Nancy is happy to be back to her passion. She is a contributor to the Huffington Post, TODAY’s Parents, and an Oprah Magazine Brand Ambassador.
