There is nothing quite like the open road. You can see the country in a whole new way, experience excitement, and stumble upon some of the most unexpected fun you could imagine. The trouble is, there are so many choices, it can be hard to choose the right trip for you and your family. And then there’s the planning.
Let’s take a look at how to plan the trip and where to go.
Planning
The planning stage is critical. Before we get into destinations, consider what you should do to plan the trip right.
Map it Out: Sure, you have a GPS mapping app like Route4Me on your smartphone to guide you along the way, and it may be updated with real-time traffic and construction delays. But what will you do if you run into too much traffic? Map out your route and bring maps along in case you need to find a detour around problems.
Hang Loose: When you are planning, don’t get set into stone. The best part of taking a road trip is enjoying the open road and whatever adventures you stumble across. Give your route flexibility to enjoy the ride as much as the destination.
Budget, Budget, Budget!: Did we mention budget? While taking to the road can be cheaper, remember the hidden expense. There are gas and food and lodging. Set a realistic budget.
Choose Your Ride: While it may be tempting to drive your car, it isn’t your only option. Have you considered buying an RV? It’s a hotel on wheels, and you can stock your own fridge, make your own meals, and enjoy entertainment. It doesn’t have to cost a lot either. You can get an RV loan with great rates.
Destinations
It’s about where you’re going just as much as how you get there. Find out what five destinations you should take your kids, or consider one of these options.
Route 66, Illinois to California: By far the most famous and iconic driver in America. Because of interstate construction, the route isn’t quite the same as it used to be, but you can still find some of the classic stops along the way.
Great River Road, Minnesota to Louisiana: Did you know that most of the rivers running through the center of the US lead back to the Mississippi River? But it isn’t just the waters that are amazing. From eagles to the bayou, there is so much to see and love about this natural raging wonder. There are also a number of great cities to stop in along the route. It’s recommended to start in the north and work your way south for the best effect.
Pacific Coast Highway, San Luis Obispo to Monterey, Calif.: Route 1 runs all along the California coast, but experts on the route claim the center of the state is where the best scenery is. You can visit art stands and wineries, and so much more. If the driver wants a good view of the route, it’s best to drive south to north. Along the way, make sure you visit Hearst Castle.
Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina: Running along the length of the Appalachian Mountains, this scenic drive offers beautiful natural foliage and unique southern style. The speed limits are slower and strictly enforced, but you won’t want to drive any faster for fear of missing something.
If you’re looking for more ideas, take a long at this extensive bucket list of road trips in the US. And as always, enjoy the drive.
