How to Survive a Cross-Country Road Trip

Setting out on a cross-country road trip is an ambitious endeavor. It can be a really fun, exciting way to travel that allows you to see the country and explore places that you would’ve never otherwise visited. However, it takes a certain amount of preparation to pull off such an ambitious trip. Read on for some of the best tips that can help you have a successful cross-country road trip.

Come up with a plan

Before setting out on any trip, you should first take the time to come up with a plan. Organize a travel itinerary that includes the route you’ll be taking, the locations you’ll be stopping at, and the places you’ll be staying at. Having some kind of structure on your journey will cut down on stress and confusion, in addition to possibly saving you money.

After all, if you just meander from town to town and stop whenever it gets dark, your accommodation options may be very limited, which can end up costing you. Even though roadside motels are generally cheaper than luxury hotels, that doesn’t mean they’re always the best option financially. Plus you might be forced to wind up staying at one that’s dingy or dirty—and while that initially may sound like a cool on-the-road experience, you’ll probably change your attitude at the first sign of a cockroach. So come up with a route you’ll be following and book at least some of your accommodations in advance.

Keep in mind that just because you make an itinerary doesn’t mean you have to follow it down to the last detail. Part of the fun of any long-distance road trip is getting a little lost and encountering surprises along the way. But having a general idea of where you’re going and where you’ll be sleeping along the way can make the trip go a whole lot smoother.

Pack snacks and water

If you don’t want to constantly stop somewhere every time you get hungry, then be sure to pack plenty of snacks for your trip. Bring along foods that are nutritious and filling, such as nuts, dried fruit, and protein bars.

Consider ordering delicious trail mix in bulk from Sincerely Nuts, which offers a wide variety of trail mixes, so you’re sure to find one that you like. You could also bring along some CBDfx gummies if you’re looking for a great snack that’ll help you relax while on the road.

And, of course, you have to hydrate in order to stay in good health and keep your energy up. So bring along a pack of disposable water bottles or, if you want to be more eco-friendly, purchase a one-gallon stainless steel jug from RTIC Outdoors and find places to fill up on water along the way. The best part is that the jug is insulated, so it’ll keep your water cold—or your coffee hot—for long periods of time.

Get your vehicle checked out

Getting your vehicle checked out by a mechanic before going on your road trip can potentially save you a lot of trouble. Have your mechanic check the vehicle’s brakes, tire pressure, fluid levels, battery, and anything else that could cause you some serious issues.

If anything needs to be tuned up or replaced, make sure to get it done by a professional. Going on a cross-country trip can take quite a toll on your car, so you want to be certain it’s in good shape.

Clean out your car

When going on a cross-country road trip, you’ll be spending the majority of every day inside your car. And the last thing you want is to spend all day in a dirty, smelly car. That’s why it’s important to do a deep clean of your car before hitting the road.  One useful addition to your cleaning supplies is to buy flat surface cleaner, which can help you effectively clean both the interior and exterior of your vehicle.

Throw away the trash, old receipts, empty water bottles, and any other clutter that may be taking up space in your car. Go over the interior of the car with a Shop-Vac to rid it of any crumbs, dirt, and other grime. The cleaner your car, the more comfortable you’ll be throughout your trip. Plus, by throwing away trash and decluttering the interior of the car, you’ll free up more space to pack the things you need for your trip.

On a long trip, it’ll also be important to go back and clean your car on a regular basis while you’re on the road. Between stopping for food and picking up trinkets at local shops, clutter will inevitably pile up in your car throughout the trip. Just don’t let it get out of hand—keep an eye out for car washes that have powerful coin-operated vacuums you can use to clean out your car.

A cross-country road trip is a special experience, but it can quickly be ruined by car troubles or other unexpected issues. Don’t let that happen—follow these tips to prepare the right way and make memories that you’ll never forget.