road trip planning pinterest

Road Trip Planner

How to Plan A Road Trip Using Pinterest and Google

This is a guest post by fellow intentional traveler, Alyssa Padgett, who shares her master road trip planning skills with us. Alyssa and her husband, Heath, took an RV to 49 States (and flew to Hawaii) while filming their documentary, Hourly America, on their honeymoon.

A Guide to Planning Road Trips With Pinterest + Google Maps

Deciding to take a 50 state tour across America was the most exhilarating and daunting decision of my life. I had no idea how to start to plan a road trip across the US, and I really had no clue what I should do in each state. I mean, North Dakota? What is there to do in North Dakota?

So I hopped on Pinterest and found my board where I pinned all of my travel inspiration.

Most of the awesome places I’ve visited in the past two years of RVing full-time, I’ve found because of Pinterest. Like this awesome sight on the coast of Oregon:

  Nanoseconds after this shot, I turned and clamored up the rocks to try to avoid the splash. And while my shoes are completely ruined and I reek of salt water, I’m reminded that the best moments in life only happen when you venture out of your comfort zone. #nofilter #oregon #roadtrip #hourlyamerica #rvlife A photo posted by Alyssa Padgett (@alyssapadge) on Jun 29, 2014 at 2:42pm PDT

Totally gorgeous, right? Searching with Pinterest and utilizing Google Maps helps us plan all our road trips and maximize what we see while we travel.

How to Pick Your Destinations

Looking at my past pins helped me kickstart my travel list with all the typical “I’ve-always-wanted-to-go-there places” like the Grand Canyon, Disneyworld, the Pacific Coast Highway, Yellowstone, Niagara Falls, etc. You know what you like.

I love the mountains and the ocean, so my route is more focused on nature. You might have a tour of cities or want to follow the old Route 66.

Whatever your interests, if you’ve been on Pinterest for any amount of time in the past, you probably have a good list going.

Now that I’ve started my list of stops, I need to see them all on a map to plot my route and find out if visiting all of these places will even be possible in a single road trip.

This is where Google comes in. If you have gmail account, you have access to Google My Maps. This is not Google Maps, but its own app that allows you to create your own routes using Google Maps for free.

Learn how we use MyMaps at Intentional Travelers here.

Google My Maps

To create your map, make sure you’re logged into a google account and then  you can go straight to My Maps here .

Once you create your map, My Maps will open the typical map view that you see when visiting Google Maps, but instead of a box where you enter locations for directions, you have options to create layers.

I named my first layer “Pinteresting,” since this is where I’m gathering my travel info. (I usually create another layer later titled “Recommendations” with recommended stops from friends and family.)

Now I’ll start adding all the stops I already listed from my Pinterest and put them on the map. If you already have a travel bucket list, you can start adding these to the map, too.

To drop my first pin, I pick one of the stops I saw on Pinterest and type into the search bar. Google will drop a lime green pin on the exact location you searched.

Then you can add your own marker to remember that spot on the map. I like to add notes based on what I know about the area, like places to visit, things to do, costs, busy season, etc.

You can also drop pins by eyeballing locations where you want to stop, like Las Vegas or San Francisco, which are clearly marked on the map.

After I’ve marked all the places from my Pinterest (Note: I haven’t actually searched anything yet) on the map, I look to see which areas of the country are bare, or which ones I missed completely.

For me, planning our fifty state tour in 2014, this was imperative because I needed to visit each State. For you, this may mean you’re looking for attractions and things to do while driving from one place to another.

This is when Pinterest becomes especially helpful.

The best part about researching a trip on Pinterest is that the photos help you easily see if the place you’re looking at is the type of place you’d like to visit. I’ve found that Pinterest is typically more reliable than Google Images when it comes to showing you photos of the actual place you’re considering visiting.

For example, if I’m driving through Iowa – and, for the record, I’m pretty certain there’s nothing to do in Iowa – I simply Pinterest search “Iowa.” Not even “things to do in Iowa” or “places to visit”, just the name of the state.

Pinterest does a great job of curating relevant content whereas Google can give you an overwhelming number of articles to consider.

Here’s the response I got from just the state’s name:

I’m already pumped to visit Iowa! Look at these caves and waterfalls! When I think of Iowa, I think of corn and thunderstorms. Pinterest has given me lots of options to consider, plus the buttons at the top can help me filter based on my interests.

Now I have pictures and lists of all the best places to visit in Iowa, so I can start pinning them to my travel board. Then I’ll repeat the search process with any other states I’ll be visiting or passing through.

I went ahead and added a few pins based on my Iowa search to my 2016 travel map. For reference, here is our travel map for the entire year of 2016.

The different colors on my map relate to seasons: blue for winter, green for spring and summer, and red for the fall. The non-pin shapes indicate flights and our home base of Austin, Texas.

The Actual Road Trip Part

You’ll see on my map above that in addition to lots of pins, I’ve got blue lines connecting many of them. With Google My Maps, you can connect up to 10 destinations with directions. This will do two awesome things for you:

A) It will tell you the exact step-by-step directions for your road trip and

B) It will help you find detours and places to visit along the way.

For example, here’s the step-by-step directions for our summer road trip from Texas, to Colorado, to Canada, to Iowa, across to Oregon. I love how this also tells you the number of miles you’ll travel and how long it will take.

We travel no more than six Google Maps hours a day, so now I know this road trip will call for at least two weeks of drive days.

When we initially made our map, our destinations for our summer trip were: Texas to “somewhere where it isn’t hot” to Iowa to Oregon.

Now, as you can see, we’ve added stops in a few different places in Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, and Canada. After finding Banff National Park, Google My Maps showed me that we had to drive along the Rockies to get to Alberta.

Then I was able to find minor but beautiful detours like La Veta, Colorado (pictured below), the Grand Tetons, and Glacier National Park using Pinterest.

This method of using Pinterest + Google My Maps is how I’ve been planning all of our road trips for the past two years. How do you typically plan your road trips? Was this helpful? Comment below and let me know.

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If you’ve always wanted to try out a motorhome, or want to upgrade your road trip with a cute Airstream, consider renting through Outdoorsy. Their customer service and reviews have outranked the other top RV rental companies. You can search listings by vehicle type and location. Some owners will even deliver the motorhome to your door! *Take $50 off your Outdoorsy rental with coupon code: intentional

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You might also like: Tools for Full Time Travel in the US Our Epic Car Camping Road Trip Packing List How Much Does It Cost To Visit 50 States?

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How to Plan Your Road Trip Using Pinterest

When it comes to planning a road trip, Pinterest isn’t the number one source that comes to mind. Aside from the fact that Pinterest is a great place to get lost in a sea of copycat recipes and makeshift tutorials, it also can be an incredible resource for planning your next road trip adventure.

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Some of the most beautiful places we’ve visited in the past three years of RVing I’ve found because of Pinterest, like this awesome sight on the coast of Oregon called Thor’s Well.

Or this awesome view of the Grand Tetons:

Why Plan a Road Trip Using Pinterest

• It’s the perfect place to go for inspiration.

If you’re looking for inspiration or motivation to get out and travel more, Pinterest is a one stop shop for “travelspiration.”

There is no shortage of inspirational quotes pasted on photos of stunning landscapes.

Before we decided to go on our  fifty state honeymoon tour,  I spent a lot of time on Pinterest planning our wedding and getting distracted by gorgeous photos of beaches and mountains. I soon found myself daydreaming less about our wedding day and more about what we do after the wedding. Where would we honeymoon? Where would we live? Scrolling through Pinterest sparked a desire in me to see the world and everything it had to offer.

If you’re considering RVing full-time or just getting out and traveling more, there is no better place to get lost in jaw-dropping landscapes and travel inspiration.

• It’s the best place to find off the beaten path destinations.

When people hear that you’re heading west, they all recommend you go to Yellowstone. When you go east, everyone says to hit coastal towns like Savannah and Charleston.

Yes, I’ve been to Yellowstone. But even better was discovering the Grand Tetons, which I found on Pinterest while searching for things to do in Wyoming.

There are also millions of Pinterest posts that offer quirky travel destinations like “12 Stops to Make on Route 66” or “Best Ice Cream in All 50 States.”

Posts like these are gold and a great way to uncover hidden gems.

How to Plan a Road Trip Using Pinterest

• Research Places to Visit

Googling ‘where to visit in Maine’ can be overwhelming. You’ll likely end up with a bunch of tourist board websites and maybe a link to a Buzzfeed article.

The great thing about Pinterest is that instead of sifting through titles and text, you can simply look at pictures. Here’s what I got when I searched in Pinterest for places to visit in Maine, where we are planning to spend our summer:

This gives me a few great options right off the top: coastal towns, tips for visiting Acadia National Park, plus nine road trips in Maine worth taking (And one out of place ad for traveling to Norway).

I clicked on the pin offering tips for visiting Acadia and found a long list of restaurants to visit (plus what they offer on the menu), advice on trails to hike, and mentions of various tourist companies in the area, like Lulu’s Lobster Boat Ride which sounds awesome.

Heath and I are planning on visiting Acadia for two weeks in August, so this pin on “Tips for Visiting Acadia National Park” was incredibly helpful for us.

• Pick Your Favorite Pins

What I love about clicking through links on Pinterest is that it feels often like you’re asking a friend for suggestions. Most links go to personal blogs by fellow travelers or bloggers. This can be especially helpful if you are looking specifically at posts related to RVing. Fellow RVers know to include important info in their posts, like whether or not you’ll encounter low clearances or length restrictions while visiting a new place.

Pro tip:  A good way to vet out what quality of content you’ll get on the other side of a pin is to look at the photo. How are the graphics? Does this look like a professional photo or a pixelated photo from a family vacation with text thrown on top?

I typically look out for obvious stock photos or photos that look  too  professional. I’ve found that those typically link back to sites with the least useful information and are just using photos to get re-pins.

• Save Articles for Future Reference

The other great thing about Pinterest is how easily you can re-pin and save places that you really want to visit. This is especially helpful when you’re planning an extended road trip and don’t want to forget tips you’ve found online.

You can create a travel board to save all your pins to, or create different boards for different parts of the country (Pacific Northwest, the South, the Keys) or different terrains (national parks, beaches, deserts, etc.).

When you re-pin your favorites, you can also change the description in the pin to remind yourself what information you found there.

I’ve been using Pinterest in this way for years, ever since planning our fifty-state honeymoon tour back in 2014. And even after visiting all fifty states, it continues to show me cool places that I missed during our first tour, like Shipwreck Coast in Michigan and Hilton Head, South Carolina.

Planning a road trip is one of the most exciting things to look forward to. I’m constantly dreaming about national parks along our route and our upcoming trip to the Florida Keys. Dreaming of future travel destinations is the single most inspiring thing to think about when I’m having a rough day, or our rig breaks down or I second guess why we decided to live in a home on wheels.

The way Pinterest easily displays pins on a board with beautiful pictures keeps your future road trip front of mind and inspired to Go RVing (see what I did there?).

Have you found any roadside gems using Pinterest? Let us know in the comments!

Heath & Alyssa Padgett

We've been RVing since 2014. What started as a honeymoon dream to visit all fifty states spun into an obsession with RV living and RVing around the world.

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How to Plan A Road Trip Using Pinterest & Google Maps

This post may contain affiliate links. See our affiliate disclaimer here .

Deciding to take a 50 state tour across America was the most exhilarating and daunting decision of my life. (Don’t worry Heath, deciding to marry you was still the best decision I’ve made!) I had no idea how to start to plan a road trip across the US and I really had no clue what I should do in each state. I mean, North Dakota? What on earth am I going to do in North Dakota?

So like any 23-year-old girl, I hopped on Pinterest and found my board where I pinned all of my travel inspiration. [For travel inspiration, you can view my Pinterest board “Travel Things” here .] I know when it comes to planning a road trip, Pinterest isn’t the number one source that comes to mind. But most of the awesome places I’ve visited in the past two years of RVing full-time I’ve found because of Pinterest, like this awesome sight on the coast of Oregon:

Nanoseconds after this shot, I turned and clamored up the rocks to try to avoid the splash. And while my shoes are completely ruined and I reek of salt water, I’m reminded that the best moments in life only happen when you venture out of your comfort zone. #nofilter #oregon #roadtrip #hourlyamerica #rvlife A photo posted by Alyssa Padgett (@alyssapadge) on Jun 29, 2014 at 2:42pm PDT

How to Pick Your Destinations

Related: Learn how to use Pinterest to increase your web traffic .

Now that I’ve started my list of stops, I need to see them all on a map to plot my route and find out if visiting all of these places will even be possible in a single road trip.

This is where Google comes in. If you have gmail account, which you probably do, you have access to Google Drive. I use Drive all the time to create and share documents, but the best feature of Drive is lesser known. It’s called Google My Maps. This is not Google Maps, but an app that allows you to create your own routes using Google Maps for free.

To create your map, visit your Google Drive . Click the big red “New” button on the left-hand menu and then click “More” at the bottom. The menu that pops up will include Google My Maps (Or you can go straight to My Maps here ). Once you create your map, My Maps will open the typical map view that you see when visiting Google Maps, but instead of a box where you enter locations for directions, you have options to create layers.

I named my first layer “Pinteresting,” since this is where I’m gathering my travel info. (I usually create another layer later titled “Recommendations” since once you say you’re traveling,  everyone  has recommendations.) Now I’ll start adding to my map all the stops I already listed from my Pinterest. If you already have a travel bucket list, you can start adding these to the map too.

To drop my first pin, I pick one of the stops I saw on Pinterest and type into the search bar. Google will drop a lime green pin on the exact location you searched. Then you can add your own marker to remember that spot on the map. I like to add notes based on what I know about the area, like places to visit, things to do, costs, busy season, etc. You can also drop pins by eyeballing locations where you want to stop, like Las Vegas or San Francisco, which are clearly marked on the map.

After I’ve marked all the places from my Pinterest (Note: I haven’t actually searched anything yet) on the map, I look to see which areas of the country or bare, or which ones I missed completely. For me planning our fifty state tour in 2014, this was imperative because I needed to visit each state. For you, this may mean you’re looking for attractions and things to do while driving across South Dakota on your way to the Grand Tetons (If this is you, I highly recommend Oh My Cupcake! in Sioux Falls, Wall Drug, the Badlands, Mt Rushmore, and Crazy Horse).

This is when Pinterest becomes especially helpful. The best part about researching a trip on Pinterest is that the photos help you easily see if the place you’re looking at is the type of place you’d like to visit. I’ve found that Pinterest is typically more reliable than Google Images when it comes to showing you photos of the actual place you’re considering visiting.

For example, if I’m driving through Iowa and, for the record, I’m pretty certain there’s nothing to do in Iowa, I simply Pinterest search “Iowa”. Not even “things to do in Iowa” or “places to visit”, just the name of the state. Pinterest does a great job of curating relevant content whereas Google can give you an overwhelming number of articles to consider. Here’s the response I got from just the state’s name:

I’m already pumped to visit Iowa! Look at these caves and waterfalls! When I think of Iowa, I think of corn and thunderstorms. Most Americans probably wouldn’t be able to spot Iowa on the map, let alone tell you of anything to do there. Pinterest has given me lots of options to consider, plus the buttons at the top can help me filter based on my interests.

Completely unrelated story about Iowa: When Heath and I visited Iowa the first time, we were having severe issues with the RV and had to get down to Texas for RV repairs. It was the end of August, super hot, and we were in terrible moods because of our RV trouble! So our opinion of Iowa has been pretty low ever since. We are visiting the great state again this July to speak at the Grand National Rally for Winnebago and to be honest, I’ve been pretty bummed about it. Iowa in the summer? Been there, done that, it was hot and humid. Now that I’m checking out the state on Pinterest, I’m legitimately excited to go back and explore! (And praying that it isn’t too steamy!) Anyway, back to how you can plan your awesome route!

Now I have pictures and lists of all the best places to visit in Iowa, so I can start pinning them to my travel board. Then I’ll repeat the search process with any other states I’ll be visiting or passing through. The great thing about this is that Pinterest will store your pins indefinitely, so if you miss something on the road or want to remember stops for your next road trip, they will all be stored on your Pinterest board.

This is easily the most fun part of planning a road trip. You get to sit on Pinterest, look at pretty pictures, and daydream about all the awesome stuff you’ll see one you hit the road.

I went ahead and added a few pins based on my Iowa search to my 2016 travel map. For reference, here is our travel map for the entire year of 2016.

The different colors on my map relate to seasons: blue for winter, green for spring and summer, and red for the fall. The non-pin shapes indicate flights and our home base of Austin, Texas.

The Actual Road Trip Part

You’ll see on my map above that in addition to lots of pins, I’ve got blue lines connecting many of them. With Google My Maps, you can connect up to 10 destinations with directions. This will do two awesome things for you:

A) It will tell you the exact step-by-step directions for your road trip and

B) It will help you find detours and places to visit along the way.

For example, here’s the step-by-step directions for our summer road trip from Texas, to Colorado, to Canada, to Iowa, across to Oregon. I love how this also tells you the number of miles you’ll travel and how long it will take. We travel no more than six Google Maps hours a day, so now I know this road trip will call for at least two weeks of drive days.

When we initially made our map, our destinations for our summer trip were Texas to “somewhere where it isn’t hot” to Iowa to Oregon. Now, as you can see, we’ve added stops in a few different places in Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, and Canada. After finding Banff National Park, Google My Maps showed me that we had to drive along the Rockies to get to Alberta. Then I was able  to find minor but beautiful detours like La Veta, Colorado (pictured below), the Grand Tetons, and Glacier National Park using Pinterest.

We’re currently camping in Colorado for a few days before continuing on to Wyoming to visit the National Parks there. These little stops wouldn’t have made it on our route if we hadn’t been able to plot it so easily with Google My Maps and Pinterest.

This method of using Pinterest + Google My Maps is how I’ve been planning all of our road trips for the past two years. How do you typically plan your road trips? Was this helpful? Comment below and let me know.

• About Author
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Alyssa Padgett

Travel blogger

The second half of Team Padgett and the chief navigator in our travels. I blog about our latest adventures, how I run our business from the road, and the ridiculous things Heath does on a daily basis. Fortunately, my husband thinks I'm funny.

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13 responses.

This is SO helpful! I’m bookmarking it for future reference 🙂 Thank you!

Yay! I’m glad it helped 🙂 Then maybe one day we can meet up with you on the road!

[…] How to Plan a Road Trip Using Pinterest […]

[…] How to Plan a Road Trip Using Pinterest and Google Maps […]

I will writing that down. I have used Roadtrippers in the past, then do google maps from A to B and print it out just in case GPS issues. But the pins on a full map and step by step to ten at a time? I NEVER would have known that. Flipping sweet. Plus we are setting out from SA Town… so possibly very similar. Thanks again.

For me it’s the easiest way! I never really liked Roadtrippers and Pinterest tends to give really good destination ideas 🙂

It seems nice and cohesive. I do have a travel board among the 5 or 10 or 20 other boards. haha

I will be playing around with this! I am struggling to figure out a system to combine my Pinterest boards, bookmarks, Saved places in Facebook, etc. I’ve been using Roadtrippers to develop basic routes, and created an Excel file to track reservations. Yeesh.

Right?! It can get so overwhelming!

great post, would you be able to share the link for your google maps road trip around the USA? I would like to see all the pins you have dropped and what they are. Steve

Hey Steve! You can follow us on Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/alyssapadgett/ but you can see all of our Google maps on our travel page: Heathandalyssa.com/travel

Wonderful idea. I was clueless about Google Drive and what you can do with it. I’ve used an old-school huge atlas (I love maps) and Google Maps for mileage and a dose of reality. Fall 2017 – Summer 2018, we’ll be traveling in a huge circle around the country pulling our little cargo trailer with our “live comfortably in a tent” gear. The pinterest/google drive approach will be great!

[…] Heath & Alyssa: […]

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How to Plan a Road Trip: Your Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide

Get ready to hit the road because it’s time to plan your next adventure! Road trips are a classic way to explore new destinations, bond with family and friends, and make unforgettable memories. Whether you’re a seasoned road warrior or a first-time traveler, planning a road trip can be both exciting and overwhelming. 

But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! I’m going to walk you through the entire process of how to plan a road trip. 

Yes, the same one I once used to plan a 12-day road trip in 2 days. 😅  

Over the years, we’ve road-tripped countless times (so we’ve had a LOT of practice). I know the ins and outs of planning the perfect road trip and am stoked to share it with you. 

In this article, I’ll guide you through the best way of planning your ultimate road trip step-by-step, from choosing your route and destinations to preparing for emergencies on the road. We’ll also share our best tips for keeping kids entertained, staying safe, and eating well on the road.

Step-by-Step Guide to Planning a Road Trip

As I’ll share in this article, many things go into planning a road trip. But, if you’re looking for. a quick breakdown, there are a few simple steps to do as you’re planning a road trip.

ROAD TRIP PLANNING STEP-BY-STEP

• Determine the Length of Your Trip and Your Main Destination
• Establish a Budget for the Trip
• Plan an Overview of Your Route
• Research & Identify Key Stopping Points and Must-See Attractions Along Your Route
• Create Your Agenda: Choose Your Travel Dates, Decide How Long to Spend at Each Location, Create a Driving Schedule, and Include Estimated Daily Mileage
• Research and Choose Your Accommodations, Making Reservations as Needed
• Make Sure Your Vehicle is Tuned Up and Ready to Go, Including Emergency Supplies
• Pack for the Trip Based on Your Destination and Activities
• Plan Your Snacks, Meals, Entertainment, and Activities for the Road
• Review Your Plans and Confirm All Reservations Before Departure

Ready to dive into the details? Let’s get started!

Determine the Length of Your Trip

One of the first things you’ll need to know when planning a road trip is how long your trip will be. Whether you have 3 days or 3 months, knowing this is crucial to helping you plan your stops and how long you’ll spend at each.

Planning Your Budget

Another critical piece of planning a road trip is your budget. I’m the first to admit that I’ve been terrible at budgeting and mapping out the entire cost of the trip ahead of time.

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I’ve always done an overview of the significant costs – lodging, gas, and estimated major activity costs. But I only sometimes go beyond that. 🫣

Truth be told, budgeting road trips (and other travel) in a more detailed way is something I need to work on. But believe it or not, I’m usually close to our final dollar amount, which is probably why I rarely bother writing it all down. 😆

BUT in the last year or two, I’ve had a more challenging time estimating things as accurately. With costs going up everywhere (especially food!) and two boys entering the teen stage, my ability to guestimate food has been…wildly off, to say the least. 

So, I’m improving at planning and tracking our spending during our trips.

And in case you’re in a similar boat, I’ve put together a Road Trip Budget Planner & Tracker within The Ultimate Road Trip Planner to help you track how much money you can (and do) spend.  

Choosing Your Main Destination & Route Overview

Picking a route for your road trip is like choosing toppings for your pizza – you want it to be just right. It’s the foundation of your journey, and getting it right can make all the difference in creating an unforgettable experience.

To start, determine your general location (i.e., Pacific Northwest) and your endpoint (where you’ll spend the most time OR turn around to make your way home). Even though we’re calling it your endpoint, it’s your starting point for planning.

This is typically the primary destination for your trip – most likely the one that made you start planning a road trip in the first place.

Once you’ve decided on your main destination, take a peek at maps and look at the different routes you could take to get there and back.

You can take a different route each way to see more. (We do this all the time!) To see as much as possible, explore your routes and what you can see along each…are there any destinations that stand out?

For instance, when we planned our California road trip with Legoland as our final destination, we knew we wanted to make sure we stopped in Monterrey for the aquarium. Still, we also wanted to make sure to see Yosemite. So, we traveled down the Pacific Coast Highway and back up via National Parks .

However, if time is of the essence, you can skip this part and pick the straightest shot.

Picking Stopping Points and Must-See Attractions

After you have your main route overview planned, comes the fun part. Start by looking along your route for cool places to stop.

We typically start by looking for National Parks , State Parks, and places we’ve had on our bucket list. Then, I’ll scout additional locations by reading blogs and searching Pinterest and Instagram.

Along your route, make a note of the places you want to see most, highlighting your top three stopping points. This will help you create a loose itinerary and show you how to piece the rest of your trip together. 

Planning Your Schedule

Now that you’ve got a general idea of where you’re going, it’s time to add more details to your road trip itinerary.

First things first, plan for the unexpected. Leave a little wiggle room in your itinerary to account for flat tires, impromptu roadside attractions, and those inevitable bathroom breaks.

Next, set reasonable daily driving limits based on your preferences and travel style. Some folks drive for hours without stopping, while others prefer shorter drives with more frequent breaks. Figure out what works best for you and your fellow road trippers.

Finally, allow a bit of extra time for rest and relaxation. You want to make the most of your trip without overdoing it. If possible, plan to kick back and enjoy your surroundings for an afternoon or a day or two.

As I’m planning, I always start by asking myself the following questions.

Road Trip Planning Questions to Ask Yourself

Now that you know where you want to go on and the routes you want to take to get there, your next step is planning your road trip with a tentative schedule.

I like to start by calculating the total miles we’ll be traveling and approximately how long the total travel time will be. This helps me determine how much time we can spend at each stop. 

For instance, if we have 10 days for our trip, and the total drive time is about 15 hours, I know that means we’ll choose to either have two super long travel days of 7-8 hours and only 1-2 stops OR we can choose to break the drive up into 3-5 hour chunks and spend 2-3 days at each stop.

Next up, it’s time to start thinking about those places you’ve been dying to visit. If you only have one main destination, you’ll figure out your drive time and whether you need a night along the way to break up the drive. The rest of your time will be for exploring your main destination.

If you’re planning multiple stops, here’s where you decide how long you want (or can) spend at each. These will be used as your anchor points, and then you’ll fill in your other stops.

Prioritize the remaining destinations on your list – you can write them down and rank them or have the entire family or travel group vote. 

When we planned our California and Legoland road trip, we had 10-15 places on our “wish list. San Francisco, Sequoia, Monterrey, Napa, Yosemite, and many more. We could only hit some of those places in one 12-day trip, but we wanted to do our best to see as much as possible. 

Having our most important stops planned out made it easier to decide which ones to drop off the list when it came down to it.

Once you’ve prioritized those locations, add them to your route as it makes sense. 

Whether you have an unlimited budget or need to keep it as frugal as possible, this is a crucial question to ask yourself before you get too deep into planning mode.

Now that you’ve planned a basic overview and budget, it’s time to decide where you will stay. Are you going to stay in hotels or camp? Do you need to rent a campervan or RV?

There are some pros of booking on the go, such as stopping when you feel like it or spending an extra night in a location you love. However, a big con is that you aren’t guaranteed a hotel or room. 

If you’re flexible, you can typically find something that will work. Though it does get more tricky in popular locations, during high season, or when events or conventions are happening.

Another great alternative is to book refundable accommodations. This way, you have a place reserved for each night, but if you need to adjust, you have the flexibility to make changes. 

Using all of these details, start piecing together your agenda. I like to start by filling in our top destinations first. Then, I calculate the drive time and estimated mileage between each. With the time we have left, I determine how long we can spend at each location and fill in any extra stops, if possible.

Planning a Road Trip with Multiple Stops

Road-tripping is one of the best ways to explore new places and make unforgettable memories. As you’re planning a road trip with multiple stops, the process is much the same, but you can do a few things to ensure it goes smoothly.

• One of the most important things to remember when planning a multi-stop road trip is to stay flexible. You never know when you might encounter an unexpected attraction or spend more time in one place than you originally planned. Allow yourself wiggle room in your schedule to account for changes.
• Next, in many cases, you’ll want to research and book accommodations ahead of time. This will typically save time and money and ensure you have a comfortable place to rest at the end of each day. Consider booking refundable accommodations to allow for last-minute changes to your itinerary. Alternatively, you can choose to secure your reservations as you go, but this can be a bit more risky.
• Finally, make a packing list to ensure you have everything you need for each activity and stop. I like to include clothing for the weather and activities we’ll experience and any gear or equipment we might need. Plus, we’ll always pack snacks, drinks, entertainment options, and necessary safety and emergency items.

Booking Your Accommodations

After you have a tentative agenda with dates and stopping points, it’s time to start choosing and booking your accommodations! There are several ways to do this.

Sometimes, such as when we planned a California road trip, we book our nights at our main destination (this time, the Legoland Hotel) ahead of time but wing it on the remainder of our bookings to give us some flexibility. Other times, we’ll book everything before we leave.

But, no matter when we book, I start by doing research on a variety of websites and apps to help us find the best options and deals along our route.

Here are some of our favorite places to book accommodations:

Our Top Picks for Booking Hotels & Vacation Rentals

• Hotels.com  – We love Hotels.com because it has such an easy rewards system that anyone can use. Once you sign up (it’s free), you earn “stamps” on each booking and, after staying 10 nights, can redeem 1 reward night. ProTip: Use a travel rewards credit card (like the Capital One Venture X ) and “double up” by earning points at the same time.
• VRBO  – Anytime we want more space or a kitchen, we head straight for vacation rentals. We love booking with VRBO because of the variety of homes we can find in almost any area we visit. Plus, with VRBO, you always have the rental to yourself – no single-bedroom rentals with shared bathrooms here.
• Booking.com  – Booking.com has properties worldwide at almost any location you could dream of, with reviews to help you choose. 
• Hotel Tonight – Another option I recently found out about is HotelTonight. It’s designed to help you find last-minute hotel deals. If you’re booking hotels along your road trip route as you go, this could add up to huge savings.

Our Top Picks for Booking Campsites

• The Dyrt – With TheDyrt, you can find essential information about campsites, glamping sites, and more. Plus, they now have a feature called The Dyrt Alerts which makes it easier to snag a site at popular campgrounds that are sold out. ( Try PRO for free here. )
• Harvest Hosts – We love the unique site options (wineries, farms, and more) available through Harvest Hosts. With one super reasonable yearly fee, you can stay at any of their partner sites for free! ( Get 15% off your membership at this link. )
• HipCamp – HipCamp is an excellent spot to find privately owned campsites in unique locations, such as llama farms, lakeside yurts, and more! ( Get $10 off your first booking here. )
• Campspot – Campspot makes it easy to search for precisely what you’re looking for with their handy filters – and they won’t hit you with any surprise booking fees either.
• Campendium – Campendium is one of our favorite spots for finding free camping along our route. But they also make finding RV Parks, dump stations, and more easy. Asdf links

Tip: When it comes to reservations, I prefer to have our confirmation number somewhere other than my email. We’ve been caught with little to no signal, trying to pull up booking info. 😅 It’s just not worth the stress.

Whether you copy your confirmation into your Notes app, take a screenshot, print your confirmation email, or jot it down in your Details & Accommodations page in our Road Trip Planner, it can save a lot of stress at check in.

Preparing Your Car

This isn’t the fun part of getting ready, but it can save you a LOT of headaches in the long run.

Before hitting the road on your trip, it’s crucial to check your car. Nobody wants to be stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire or a dead battery – especially when traveling with kids. 

First, ensure your car is in good working order, and you don’t have any lights on your dashboard that you’ve been ignoring. 😅 Check your tires for any signs of wear and tear, and ensure that they are properly inflated and that you have your spare. It’s also important to check your brake lights, headlights, and taillights. You don’t want to be caught out with a burnt-out bulb while driving at night.

We typically make sure we’ve had a recent oil change, filled the washer fluid, and rotated the tires before going on a road trip. If we leave early in the morning, we will top off our gas tank the night before to make getting out of town easier.

Before leaving, pack emergency items such as a first-aid kit, tire repair kit, and other necessary tools. We also like to ensure we always have a set of jumper cables. These items can be lifesavers when you’re in a pinch. 

Also, check your car’s oil level, washer fluid, and coolant. If you have a diesel, it’s also a good idea to top off your DEF. And, if you’re coming up on an oil change or any other service, it’s best to get it done before hitting the road.

If our plans include any travel off the main roads onto gravel or Forest Service Roads, we also bring our air compressor. This lets us air down for a smoother ride (and less chance of a popped tire) but air back up when we get back to the main roads. 

Staying Organized on the Road

Packing for a road trip can be much different than packing for a short car ride or airplane travel. When you spend hours or days on end in the car, your entertainment and snack game needs to be on point.

And, as someone who has been on my fair share of road trips, I know staying organized is key. Who wants to have to pull over to find that one must-have toy or favorite snack? Not me, that’s for sure.

I recommend using bins, backpacks, and other organizational tools to keep things tidy. That way, everything has a designated spot and is easy to find when needed. Plus, it helps to keep your car clutter-free and more comfortable for everyone.

And speaking of comfort, it’s also a great idea to bring a favorite pillow or blanket for those long stretches of driving (especially at night). 

Our organization system on the road typically looks something like this: 

Car Packing Tips

Personal Backpacks

We have each kid pack their own backpack full of entertainment and any special items they want to bring. 

Entertainment Bin

I also typically pack a bag or bin with additional books (we love taking books about the area or wildlife we’ll see) and a few small surprises. This can be anything from new coloring books to fidgets to games that can be played in the car. The dollar store, Target, or Amazon are my go-to spots for finding inexpensive items to keep little hands busy. 

Snack Bin and/or Cooler Bag

We also like to keep a bag or bin of snacks just behind the front seats so they are easy for everyone to grab and to minimize extra stops. Especially on longer trips, I also like to add a cooler bag like this one . We love having cold drinks and snacks, such as cheese sticks, fruit, veggies, and hummus on hand.

What to Pack for a Road Trip

Packing for a road trip can be a challenge. You want to remember everything important but also avoid overpacking and ending up with a cramped car. 😅

Fear not, my road-tripping friend. I’ll help you learn to pack like a pro. To help you out, here is a list of key items to add to your road trip packing list:

Essential Items:

• Driver’s license, car insurance, registration, and any other necessary documents
• Road atlas or paper map (in case you lose cell service)
• Emergency contact information
• Cash and credit cards

Comfort and Convenience Items:

• Pillows and blankets for a cozy nap
• Sleep eye mask (optional)
• Neck pillows for added comfort
• Sunglasses and hats to protect you from the sun
• Snacks and drinks for the ride

Clothing and Shoes for Various Weather Conditions:

• Layers for temperature changes
• Rain jackets and umbrellas for rainy days
• Comfortable shoes for walking and hiking

Toiletries and Personal Care Items:

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss
• Deodorant, soap, and shampoo
• Hand sanitizer and wet wipes for cleaning
• Feminine hygiene products, if needed
• Toilet paper (just in case!)
• I also like to take a female urination device, like the Tinkle Belle – it’s come in handy more than once!

Tech and Electronics:

• Chargers and portable battery packs for your devices
• Headphones for quiet time or to listen to music or audiobooks
• Cameras and memory cards to capture the memories

Outdoor Gear and Equipment:

If you’re planning to camp along your trip, be sure to pack your camping gear. Even if you’re not planning a night at a campsite, you may still want to pack some of these. For instance, we typically take our camp chairs and a portable stove to make a quick meal anywhere. 

• Tents and sleeping bags for camping trips
• Camp chairs and a portable table for outdoor dining
• Coolers and ice packs for keeping food and drinks cold
• Portable stove and fuel
• A couple of easy meals that you can make anywhere (i.e., ramen, beans and rice , etc.)

First Aid Kit and Medications:

I can’t tell you how many times a basic first aid kit in our car has saved us. Whether for scrapes, bug bites , or other minor injuries, we always carry one along with essential medications in our vehicle.

• Basic first aid supplies such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, over-the-counter medications, and gauze
• Any prescription medications you or your travel companions require

Related: Download our Road Trip Planner for a printable packing list!

Snacks and Drinks for the Road:

Always, always, ALWAYS travel with snacks.

It’s sometimes the only thing that keeps us sane on a road trip with kids.

We always pack fresh fruit like apples or oranges, allergy-friendly snacks, and crackers. We also like filling a cooler with small, healthy items like baby carrots, hummus, and cheese sticks.

We started doing this years ago because one of our kids had a severe food allergy, making stops at some restaurants unfeasible. He’s since outgrown the allergy, but we kept up with the snacks and drinks on the road because it’s so convenient. 

Our goal is always to keep the fast-food stops to a minimum and have some healthy options on hand. 

• Fresh fruit, granola bars, and other healthy options
• Chips, candy, and other treats for indulging

Related: Make Life Easy with These Allergy-Friendly Pocket Snacks

Roadside Emergency Kit:

When it comes to a roadside emergency kit, you can purchase a complete kit or assemble your own, including items like these: 

• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Jumper cables
• Tire gauge and tire repair kit
• Multi-purpose tool or a pocket knife
• Reflective warning triangles or flares

For winter road trips with a possibility of snow, we also travel with: 

• Snow shovel (a folding version like this saves on space)
• Traction boards
• Windshield washer fluid with de-icer
• Ice scraper
• Additional layers, including blankets or sleeping bags, gloves, coats, warm socks, and snow boots.

Best Road Trip Planning Tools: Plot Your Adventure Before You Hit the Road!

If you’re anything like me, you’d rather be a passenger princess than glued to the maps every five seconds. 😜Thankfully, this is where road trip apps come in. Apps like Google My Maps and Roadtrippers can help you navigate like a pro, providing helpful information on attractions, restaurants, and gas stations.

Before you hit the pedal to the metal, let’s talk about planning your road trip. As you start putting together all the details of your journey, you’ll need an easy way to organize it all. But don’t worry. I’ve got you covered with the best road trip planning tools to help you make the most of your adventure.

Roadtrippers: The Ultimate Trip Planner

Roadtrippers is the ultimate tool for plotting your epic road trip. This website (and mobile app!) helps you plan your route, discover new destinations, and find interesting places. You can even filter by category (outdoor activities, scenic drives, weird attractions… you name it!). 

We love that Roadtrippers helps us automatically find the most efficient route, has roadside attraction suggestions, and we can create trips with up to 150 stops and download the maps for offline access with the Plus plan. This is especially helpful if traveling in remote areas – or even within many National Parks ! Plus, Roadtrippers lets you save and share your itinerary with your travel buddies.

You can find out more here and use code: STOKEFAM and code for $5 off your upgrade. Even if you don’t upgrade, the free version offers many excellent road trip planning features! See how we use the Roadtrippers app to plan our adventures .

Here’s how it works:

Google My Maps: The Collaborative Planner

If you’re more of a Google person, you’ll love Google My Maps . This tool lets you create custom maps, add notes and recommendations, and share them with your travel friends. We love the ability to use map layers to help organize your points of interest and plan the best things to do. 

Plus, it’s easy to collaborate with others. So if you’re road-tripping with friends or family, everyone can pitch in and add their favorite spots to the map.

The Ultimate Road Trip Planner: Printable Road Trip Planner

Planning a road trip can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! Our printable road trip planner is here to make the process easier and more organized. 

It includes an overview section to help you map out your route, accommodation details to ensure a comfortable stay (and that all the important stuff is handy), and a packing list to ensure you remember the essentials. Additionally, it has sections for budgeting, daily agenda, and brainstorming, so you can have everything you need in one place. 

I’ve also included Road Trip Bingo and Trip Journal pages for the kids to help keep them entertained during the drive. 🙌

By using The Ultimate Road Trip Planner, you can reduce stress and focus on creating unforgettable memories with your loved ones. So, whether you’re planning a long-awaited family vacation or a spontaneous road trip with friends, our printable road trip planner is the perfect tool to ensure you’re fully prepared for the adventure ahead.

Other Options to Consider

While Roadtrippers and Google My Maps are fantastic tools, there are many options like Furkot, MapQuest, and even good old-fashioned paper maps. Find what works best for you, and don’t limit your creativity! 

Best Road Trip Tools and Apps to Use On the Road

As much as the journey itself, the tools and apps you use during your trip can make or break your road trip. Here are some must-have road trip tools that can help you navigate, stay entertained, and stay safe.

Entertainment Apps

Long drives can be boring, but apps like Spotify, Netflix, Overcast, and Audible can entertain you and your passengers for hours. Whether you want to listen to music, watch a movie, or listen to an audiobook or podcast , these apps offer endless entertainment options.

Related: 10 Family-Friendly Podcasts & Audio Books We Love

Game apps are a great idea when you’re looking for a bit more interactive fun during a road trip! There are many options, but a few ideas to get you started are:

• Who Wants to Be a Millionaire
• What If…

When you’re road-tripping, fuel costs are a massive part of your budget. GasBuddy is one of our favorite tools to save as much moolah as possible by showing you crowd-sourced rates for fuel along your route. You’ll see when the rate was last updated as well, so you know if it’s likely to be accurate (for instance, if it was updated today, it’s usually spot on, but if it’s been a couple of weeks, the price may be different). 

Drive Weather

Drive Weather is a handy tool that helps you know what’s coming along your drive. It shares details about the weather along your route based on your departure time – how cool is that?! It’s a great way to know if you’ll likely encounter bad weather as you travel. If things look severe, you can always build in additional stops or change your route. 

Road Tripping with Kids

Road-tripping with kids can be an adventure, to say the least! 😜 But with a bit of planning and patience, it can also be a fun and memorable experience for the whole family.

Here are some tips for road-tripping with kids:

• Special Accommodations & Items: If you have young children, you’ll need to ensure you have a car seat appropriate for their age and size. You might also want to consider bringing along a travel crib or pack-and-play. And if your kids get motion sickness, pack some children’s motion sickness medication to help alleviate the symptoms.
• Take frequent breaks: Kids have shorter attention spans than adults, so taking regular breaks to stretch their legs and use the bathroom is essential.
• Pack plenty of snacks, drinks, and games: Kids can get antsy on long car rides, so keeping them happy and occupied is essential. Pack various snacks and beverages to keep them fueled, and bring along some games, books, or other activities to keep them entertained. Consider creating a special “road trip activity bag” for each child to make it more exciting (the dollar store and Target Dollar Spot are great places to find inexpensive items for these).
• Download (or borrow from the library) a few new audiobooks and podcasts for the drive. We’ve had some of our best road trip memories while listening to these.
• Plan your stops around playgrounds or parks where your kids can burn off some energy. We do this all the time, and it makes a huge difference! 

Games and Activity Ideas to Keep Kids Entertained During a Road Trip

When it comes to entertainment on a long road trip, you can never have enough when you’re traveling with kids.

Our kids typically do really well on road trips. Still, sometimes an activity I think will entertain them for an hour, they abandon after 15 minutes. 🤷‍♀️ This is why you will find us with a wide variety of activities when we travel.

Here are some of our favorite game and activity ideas to keep your little ones entertained on the road:

Classic Road Trip Games

• I Spy: A game where someone chooses an object within sight and gives the other players a clue by saying, “I spy with my little eye something that is…” and then describing the item based on its color, shape, etc. The other players take turns guessing the object until someone guesses correctly.
• 20 Questions: One person thinks of a person, place, or thing, and the other players take turns asking yes or no questions to try and guess what it is within 20 questions or less.
• License Plate Game: Players try to spot license plates from different states and keep track of how many they find.

Digital Options

We live in a digital age, so while we try to balance electronic use during a road trip, there are some advantages! Load up on some kid-friendly apps, fresh podcasts & audiobooks , or movies for a smooth ride. 

You can also try kid-friendly gaming apps like Mad Libs , Trivia Crack 2 , Rory’s Story Cubes , and Heads Up!

If you’re going to toss all your screen time rules out the door during the trip, then no worries. You do you!

But if you’re hoping to maintain some of your normal routines, we’ve had luck with these road trip screen time strategies. 

• 30 minutes of reading or creative activity before every 30 minutes of electronics. 
• Setting a screen time limit and letting the kids know how long we will be in the car for the day. Then, we allow them to choose how they want to use it. For instance, if we are driving for 6 hours, but their max is 2 hours, we let them decide how to break it up. This one works best for older kids who can self-regulate a little. 
• Exhausting every non-electronic option before allowing the opportunity. We’ve knocked out entire 5-6+ hour drives by having a lot of creative activities before we had to resort to screens.

Creative Activities

Encourage creativity and imagination by bringing some coloring books or Mad Libs. Who knows what kind of hilarious story you’ll create together!

Some of our favorites to pack are: 

• Paper and markers or crayons for drawing
• Activity books
• Paper Crafts like these folding robots or origami paper
• Road Trip Bingo (grab a free printable version in our road trip planner )

Safety Tips for Road-Tripping with Kids

We’ve been road-tripping with our kids since they were tiny and we love it! But, one of the most important things about traveling with kids is ensuring their safety. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Ensure you have the right car seat for your child’s age, weight, and height and that it’s properly installed in your car. Check the manufacturer’s instructions or have a professional install it for you.

To make sure your car seat is installed correctly, take advantage of free car seat check events in your area. Your local fire department or police station may offer this service, but if they don’t, here’s a handy tool to help you find an inspection station near you.  

In case of an emergency, make sure you have important contact and medical information on hand, including phone numbers for your child’s doctor, insurance information, and any medical conditions or allergies.

Chow Time: Road Trip Food for Families on the Go!

Other than “Are we there yet?” the most common thing we hear on road trips is “I’m hungry.” 😅Needless to say, a family road trip is not complete without some delicious snacks and meals to keep everyone happy and energized. Here are some tasty and healthy food options for families on the go:

Snack Smart

Road-tripping with kids doesn’t mean you have to ditch healthy eating. Pack fruits, veggies, trail mix, and granola bars for guilt-free munching. Here are some quick, healthy snack ideas: 

• Fruits and veggies: Chop carrots, celery, and bell peppers for a healthy, crunchy snack. Apples, bananas, and grapes also make great on-the-go snacks.
• Trail Mix: Combine nuts, seeds, and dried fruits for a sweet and savory snack that will satisfy you between meals.
• Cheese and crackers: A classic snack that’s easy to pack and provides a good source of protein and calcium.

Grab-n-Go 

On-the-go meal options like sandwiches and wraps can be lifesavers when hunger strikes. Make them ahead or grab ’em at a local deli or grocery store and pop them in your cooler for when the craving strikes.

• Sandwiches and wraps: A sandwich or wrap can be customized to everyone’s liking and is easy to eat in the car. Pack some whole-grain bread, lean meats, and veggies for a quick, nutritious meal.
• Pasta salad: Cook some pasta and mix it with veggies, cheese (if you like), and a light dressing for a refreshing and filling meal.
• Hummus and pita: Hummus is healthy and flavorful and pairs well with pita bread and veggies.

Dealing with Roadside Emergencies

No matter how well you plan, sometimes things go wrong on the road. From a flat tire to a dead battery, it’s important to be prepared for any roadside emergency.

Here are some tips to help you handle unexpected situations:

• Create a Roadside Emergency Kit: Having an emergency kit in your car is always a good idea. Your kit should include things like a flashlight, jumper cables, a tire gauge, and a first aid kit. Make sure to check your equipment regularly and replace any expired items.
• Know How to Change a Flat Tire : If you get a flat tire, you want to avoid being stuck on the side of the road waiting for help if you can. If you don’t know how to change a tire, you can practice in your driveway to know what to do in an emergency. And be sure to have a spare tire with you! 
• Keep Your Phone Charged : Your phone can be a lifeline in an emergency, so make sure it’s always charged and ready to use. We also like to bring a portable charger or extra battery pack on the road.
• Know Who to Call : In an emergency, ensure you know who to call for roadside assistance. Many car insurance companies offer roadside assistance as part of their coverage, so check your policy to see if you’re covered. Other options are roadside assistance through your vehicle and AAA. 
• Stay Safe : If you find yourself in an emergency, the most important thing is to stay safe. Stay in your car on a busy road or highway. And, if you can, move your vehicle off the road, turn on your hazard lights, and use flares or reflective triangles to alert other drivers while waiting for assistance. 

FAQs About Planning a Road Trip

Is there an app to plan a road trip .

Yes! There are several of them. Two of our favorites are Roadtrippers and Google My Maps .

Can Google Maps help you plan a road trip? 

Absolutely! We suggest Google My Maps to help you plan and break things down by day and activity type. 

How often should you stop on a road trip? 

It can vary depending on your group, but a good rule of thumb is to stop approximately every two hours. You can vary your stops between rest stops, parks, restaurants, or even hikes. But stopping frequently allows everyone to stretch their legs, use the restroom, and stay alert.

Staying Flexible

Ultimately, being flexible is the most crucial part of learning how to plan a road trip.

Whether it’s that your ideal hotel is booked, that you run into a traffic jam, or that your kids are starving EVERY FIVE MINUTES, there are going to be some things that require flexibility. If you go into it with that expectation, dealing with the changes will be much easier.

But, sometimes, being flexible just means allowing for spontaneity and making memories that last.

You may come across a roadside attraction you can’t miss.

Or, you find the perfect spot to stop and watch the sunset.

Allow yourself the flexibility to adjust your plans for your perfect road trip, and you’ll be sure to remember your experience for a lifetime. 

Final Thoughts About How to Plan the Perfect Road Trip

Now that you’ve planned your trip and are armed with all the tips and tricks for a successful road trip, it’s time to hit the open road and make some unforgettable memories. But, before you head out, it’s a good idea to take a few moments to review your plans and confirm reservations to avoid any surprises.  

Planning for a road trip is key, but remember to enjoy the journey. And don’t be afraid to take detours or stray from the beaten path – some of the best road trip memories are made off the grid!

Whether you’re road-tripping with family, friends, or even solo, there’s something magical about the freedom of the open road. So pack your bags, grab some snacks, and hit the gas pedal. Adventure awaits!

Related Road Trip Articles

• How We Use the Roadtrippers App to Make Family Adventures Easier
• How to Plan Your Perfect Road Trip
• How to Afford More Travel and Adventure
• 10 Tips for the Best Road Trip with Your Family
• The Best Day Trips from Portland to Start Planning Now

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Tiffany is co-founder of The Stoke Fam. She has been adventuring outdoors with her family since her oldest child was born 13 years ago, and has loved traveling both near and far since she caught the travel bug as a teen. She moved to the Pacific Northwest with her family in 2012 where they first lived in Washington for 5 years before settling in Oregon in 2017.

Tiffany has spent years exploring the PNW. She helps over 20,000 tourists and locals plan their outdoor adventures and family travel each month by sharing things to do and outdoor adventures in the Northwest and beyond.

When she isn't working on The Stoke Fam, you'll likely find her paddleboarding, snowboarding, hiking, camping, or planning her next trip.

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How to Plan a Road Trip From Start to Finish

By Ashlea Halpern

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

What’s more American than a road trip ? Like blue jeans and apple pie, it's so embedded in the culture that travelers from around the world plan a road trip just to experience our open highways and byways. From the iconic Route 66 stretching across the heartland to the rugged beauty of the Pacific Coast Highway, the US has no shortage of scenic routes . What sets the American road trip apart is the sheer diversity of experiences on offer, from camping under a star-spangled sky to exploring epic parks like the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone . “Road trips offer an opportunity to venture out and connect with a multitude of people and experiences,” says Samantha Brown , the television host behind Samantha Brown’s Places to Love on PBS. At its most basic, Brown says, road tripping is about freedom.

We asked Brown and a slew of other travel experts to weigh in on planning the perfect route , finding good food and cheap gas, and keeping safety top of mind when hitting the open road. Below, see their best tips on how to plan a road trip so you're never lost, hungry, or bored.

Map your route

The route is the heart and soul of any good road trip. And while there’s a time and place for spontaneous diversions, it’s always smart to head into a long drive with a game plan. To customize a trip with multiple waypoints, use Google Maps’ My Maps feature to create your itinerary. This allows you to add up to 10,000 places of interest, as well as driving directions. (If you use Google Maps without signing in, you’ll be capped at the number of stops you can add.) Veronica E. Garnett, founder of the Black Adventuristas travel group, plots her trips via Google Maps, then uses Waze to get driving directions with live traffic updates and potential road hazards, and TollGuru to calculate fees and see if it’s possible to avoid them altogether. (Note to app minimalists: Google Maps offers similar features.)

California's Highway 1 is as scenic as they come.

If you’re setting out in a recreational vehicle rented from Cruise America , Road Bear , or a peer-to-peer rental site like RVshare , which can deliver rental RVs right to your destination, be mindful of narrow roadways and other potential obstructions. Jason and Rae Miller, founders of the Getaway Couple and Nomadic News , used to travel the country in a fifth wheel travel trailer measuring 42 feet long, eight feet wide, and 13.5 feet tall. “That is right at the legal maximum size for driving on the interstate,” say the Millers, which meant they couldn’t just fire up Google Maps and go on their merry way, since some overpasses were too close to call. Instead, they would plug their destination into the RV LIFE app for turn-by-turn directions that routed them safely around unforeseen obstacles like low-hanging bridges, narrow tunnels, and steep grades. While the Millers recently traded their fifth wheel for a smaller 12-foot-tall truck camper, they still consult the app, along with the travel-planning site RV LIFE Trip Wizard , when sketching out road trips. Cole Reinhardt, vice president of digital strategy at Kampgrounds of America, Inc. , is also a Trip Wizard fan, noting that the tool gives its users “RV-friendly travel routes and details on campgrounds and points of interest, including essential stops such as fuel stations.” For American drivers trying to plan a road trip outside of the United States, don’t forget to obtain an international driving permit from AAA, says Kim Bennett, founder of the crowd-sourced itinerary platform AtlasGuru . “Sometimes the rental companies ask for this, most often they don’t. But it’s easy to get so I usually do it as a precaution.” Bennett also recommends skimming the trip reports posted by members of the AtlasGuru community. One contributor who road tripped in Hungary recently reminded fellow users that you need to purchase a special pass for the highway; if you fail to do so, you could be fined.

Find good food, cheap gas, and other points of interest

Rule number one of planning a memorable road trip? Get off the interstate. “Research scenic byways for each state and get off the freeway as much as you can,” says Sam Highley, founder of All Roads North , a luxe US road trip planning service. The US Department of Transportation designates National Byways as roads with at least one notable archaeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational, or scenic feature; those with two or more of those qualities are classified as All-American Roads. This comprehensive mapping tool of byways allows users to search by state; each listing includes estimated mileage and driving time, plus notable attractions along the way.

The Millers trumpet GuideAlong, calling it their “new favorite app” for GPS-based narration of national parks. “My favorite feature is that it allows you to listen to your own music but lowers the sounds while [the host] provides tidbits of information or the next navigation step,” says Jason, who RV’d from Key West, Florida to Homer, Alaska last year. (Roaming around Denali National Park was a highlight.) Before setting out for any major US park, check recreation.gov to see if pre-booking is required, advises Darley Newman , the host, creator, and executive producer of Travels with Darley and Equitrekking on PBS. “Many of these parks now require advance reservations to limit the number of travelers and avoid overtourism,” she says.

Jessica Puckett

Hannah Towey

For those with no choice but to take major interstates, Brown suggests the iExit app, which provides detailed information about upcoming exits including gas stations, restaurants, and hotels. “This allows you to plan ahead so that you don’t have to settle for fast food,” says Brown. “Instead you might find a local diner just 10 miles down the road.”

Leaving adequate time for hikes —particularly in state parks and local trails—is a good way to “leave 95% of the crowds behind,” as well, says Highley. Brown concurs, plugging the AllTrails app for its detailed hiking maps and terrain notes, safety precautions, trail photos, and user reviews. When it comes to identifying unique flora and fauna on said hikes, self-described “eager but uneducated naturalist” Highley turns to Merlin Bird ID for birdwatching, PictureThis for plant identification, and SkySafari for stargazing—or for catching celestial phenomena like the recent total solar eclipse .

Google Maps superuser Denise Barlock, an early retiree and Level 10 Local Guide , has reviewed more than 1,300 restaurants, grocery stores, and campsites across the country. “Expenses can add up quickly when you’re on the road,” she says. “So use Google Maps to search gas stations and prices for the best deal near you.” The GasBuddy app , which includes a trip-cost calculator, is another good resource for finding cheap fuel.

Barlock also uses Google Maps to search for local restaurants offering takeout and curbside pickup, plus interesting things to see and do. “You can use the search bar for specific things like ‘scenic spots,’ ‘waterfall,’ or ‘trailhead,’” she says, adding that the more detailed your search request is (like “oceanfront RV campground” or “kayak rental daily rate”), the better the results. The Explore tab surfaces events happening nearby, as well as curated lists of local recommendations, and the Save tab lets you favorite places you’ve already been and flag places you want to go in the future. Once you’ve plotted everything on your map, download it for offline usage before you take off; you’ll thank yourself later if your reception cuts out.

Wyoming's Yellowstone is a popular family road trip destination.

Have special dietary considerations? Black Adventurista member Holly McGuinn of Queens, New York , uses the HappyCow app to sleuth out the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants on the road. With more than 220,000 listings in its global database, it also covers bakeries, health food stores, farmers markets, and juice bars. TVFoodMaps has drummed up thousands of as-seen-on-TV restaurants featured on popular shows such as Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and Man v. Food, while Jane and Michael Stern’s Roadfood spotlights authentic regional cuisine at mom-and-pop restaurants. And nothing beats the 1,000-plus “wondrous” eats detailed on Gastro Obscura , a worldwide dossier for adventurous foodies.

If you’re looking for roadside photo ops, Gastro’s parent site, Atlas Obscura , is unmatched for finding offbeat things to see, from the biggest ball of twine in Minnesota to a psychedelic mirror maze in San Francisco . Outdated as the website is, Roadside America is also chock-a-block with quirky attractions—and surfable in app form too.

For a little history, follow the lead of Jasmin Hogan, a San Antonio-based member of the Black Adventuristas, who once drove an extra 600 miles to turn a road trip from Maryland to Texas into “an epic African-American history journey.” She and her sister hit up historic sites and museums dedicated to Black history and ate at Black-owned restaurants .

Florida , Louisiana , Alabama , New Hampshire , and other states have notable Black heritage trails. The National Park Service made a list of places featured in its short film, “ Twenty & Odd ,” exploring 400 years of African American history; highlights include Fort Monroe National Monument in Virginia and Georgia’s Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park . To find out which civil rights monuments fall along your route, consult this interactive mapping tool from the US Civil Rights Trail , a project that documents more than 100 important landmarks across 15 Southern states.

Put safety first

Not everyone has the privilege of traveling where they want, when they want. LGBTQ+ and BIPOC travelers, as well as individuals with accessibility concerns , may wish to take additional precautions.

Wheelchair Travel compiles accessible travel resources, including rentals for wheelchair vans and medical equipment, and publishes wheelchair-friendly city guides . The National Park Service also provides information about accessible experiences within each park ; navigate to the “Plan Your Visit” tab for additional info.

Drive through towering trees in Sequoia National Park.

Human Rights Campaign’s State Maps of Laws & Policies is designed to help LGBTQ+ travelers determine the potential risk of certain routes. Users can search the map by issue, surfacing states with laws that address hate or bias crimes based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Refuge Restrooms , another app and online database searchable by location, helps transgender and gender-nonconforming people find safe bathrooms, even in rural areas.

Victor H. Green, a Black postal worker from Harlem, published a guides series called The Negro Travelers’ Green Book from 1936 to 1967; it was essential reading for Black motorists because it told them where they could safely eat, sleep, and gas up in Jim Crow’s America. Today, The Post-Racial Negro Green Book , compiled in 2018 by New Orleans-based writer Jan Miles, replaces the Black-friendly hotel and diner listings of yore with a state-by-state index of 21st-century racial bias against African Americans—documenting incidents of police brutality and harassment. Lastly, anyone hitting the road should also be mindful of the growing number of wildfires impacting US travel, says Highley, who relies on the Watch Duty app to monitor developing conditions.

Book accommodations in advance

There are tons of sites out there to help you find the perfect pit stop along your route. Look for hotels or Airbnbs with flexible cancellation policies; sites like Travelocity have filters for exactly this. Campendium is a solid app for finding RV and tent campsites, and Brown calls the HotelTonight app a “lifesaver” for last-minute hotel bookings. “When I need a hotel quickly, I don’t want to sift through hundreds of options,” she says. “I just want the top five in my price range.” If you just want a refresher stop, McGuinn recommends Dayuse , an app lets you rent a hotel room—and all its accompanying amenities, like the swimming pool and fitness center—by the hour or multi-hour block, with rates up to 75% off an overnight stay.

Or just let someone else take over the planning

If wrangling all of the above is too much of a time suck, you can always pay the professionals to do it for you. Luxury companies like Audley Travel offer self-drive itineraries for some of the most popular corners of the United States, from coastal California to New England. Heritage Inspirations in New Mexico introduced a series of Click-and-Buy Road Trips for half-day, full-day, and multi-day itineraries from Santa Fe, Taos, and Albuquerque. Each downloadable PDF includes detailed driving directions, plus insider intel and packing tips from company guides.

When Highley and his team are tailor-making a road trip for All Roads North, they try to understand a client’s primary motivation for traveling—a strategy useful for all road trippers. “It might be that they have a specific interest or region they want to explore, but equally want to connect with family, disconnect from work, or challenge themselves,” says Highley. “When you start the conversation in terms of experiences and emotions, rather than simply places to see and things to do, we are able to plan a much more rewarding trip.” He’s also a big proponent of the less-is-more ethos: Spend more time in fewer places and really dig deep. By connecting travelers with wildlife biologists, Navajo musicians, astrologers, art collectors, rising chefs, and other local experts, they’re able to build an enriching itinerary that would be hard to orchestrate on one’s own.

Most importantly, adds Newman, just “roll with it.” Every road trip will have its hiccups. “Don’t be afraid to go off the beaten path,” she says. “Some of the best travel experiences can be unplanned.”

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Strike it rich on this California Gold Country road trip from Sacramento to South Lake Tahoe

April 17, 2024 // By Tamara Gane

By Tamara Gane April 17, 2024

The California gold rush was one of the most exciting times in U.S. history, defined by prospectors, outlaws, and enterprising madams who journeyed to towns like Placerville, Folsom, and Sacramento with dreams of striking it rich.

Today, this history is preserved throughout California. On this California Gold Country road trip, you'll explore towns in Sacramento and El Dorado counties, stopping at museums, pop culture landmarks, and wineries, before ending in South Lake Tahoe.

Note: Although you can start and stop anywhere, budget at least two days to explore each town.

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Rancho Cordova and Sacramento

Start your California Gold Country tour in Rancho Cordova. During the gold rush, the town was a significant supply stop between Sacramento and Folsom. It remains the ideal place to gear up for a road trip since there are dozens of shops, restaurants, and hotels in Rancho Cordova. (Most Rancho Cordova hotels are chains, so keep those loyalty numbers handy.) While you're here, check out the city's vibrant beer, wine, spirits, and mead scene in the Barrel District of Rancho Cordova .

A short distance away, visit historic gold rush buildings dating back to the mid-1800s in Old Sacramento. Today, these buildings hold shops, bars, restaurants, museums, and other tourist attractions. Top attractions include the Sacramento History Museum , the California State Railroad Museum , and a riverfront park with a carousel and waterfront Ferris wheel.

Where to stay in Rancho Cordova: The Courtyard Sacramento Rancho Cordova provides easy access to the freeway and the area's shops and restaurants.

Ten miles from Rancho Cordova, the Folsom Historic District bursts with gold rush-era architecture in upscale boutiques, eateries, coffee shops, inns, and museums. The town square offers a slice of California Gold Country with a historic train depot, turntable, and seasonal activities like gold panning and blacksmithing.

Folsom was founded in 1849 but didn't become a household name until 1955 when Johnny Cash released his single, "Folsom Prison Blues." The singer later recorded two shows and a live album here, cementing its status as one of the most famous penitentiaries in the world. Folsom still operates as a prison, and you can hike or bike past its walls on the wheel-chair accessible Johnny Cash Trail .

Where to stay in Folsom: Bradley House , a bed and breakfast in the middle of Folsom's historic district, is within walking distance to shops, restaurants, and The Square.

Placerville

Twenty-five miles away from the Folsom Historic District, Placerville blossomed from a mining camp to California's third-most populous city during the gold rush.

Today, Placerville is one of the best-preserved Gold Country towns in California. You can easily spend a day admiring the architecture and popping into museums, restaurants, and eclectic shops. Don't miss the El Dorado County Historical Museum , which features artifacts and life-sized displays to showcase the area's history.

The Gold Bug Park and Mine carries visitors on a journey back in time with a mining museum, blacksmithing demonstrations, gold panning, and a mine tour.

When it's time for lunch, stop by The Original Mels Diner , part of the nostalgic restaurant chain featured in movies like "American Graffiti" and the television series "Alice." After, head to Apple Hill , where you'll find lovely pastoral views and a collection of farms, orchards, and wineries.

Where to stay in Placerville: The gold rush-era Historic Cary House Hotel offers reasonably priced rooms within walking distance of museums, restaurants, and old-time saloons.

When you leave Placerville, drive 10 miles via Highway 49 to Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park in Coloma. That's where the California gold rush ignited in 1848. At its peak, 10,000 people called this area home; today, Coloma only has about 200 year-round residents. Historic buildings include two churches, a tiny post office, a schoolhouse, and a blacksmith shop. There are also several replica buildings, including a sawmill and a cabin.

The Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park museum tells stories of the California gold rush through interactive exhibits, artifacts, and live events. Guided walking tours, gold-panning lessons, and a junior ranger program are among the most popular programs in the park.

Where to stay in Coloma: Coloma Resort offers accommodations for nearly every type of traveler. Guests can choose between campsites, cabins, or glamping options in tent or wagon villages.

South Lake Tahoe

End your California Gold Country road trip in South Lake Tahoe, about 70 miles from Coloma. The area exploded with commerce during the gold rush due to its prime location between the Comstock Lode in Virginia City and the Central Pacific Railroad near Truckee.

By the time the gold rush waned, many fortunes were made, and wealthy families began summering in Lake Tahoe. You can get a glimpse of what their lives were like at the Tallac Historic Site , a 74-acre lakefront property with three historic estates and the ruins of what was once advertised as "The Grandest Resort In The World."

From May through October, a free museum, special events, and tours of one of the residences are available. The property is free, open to the public year-round, and connects to beaches and hiking trails.

Where to stay in South Lake Tahoe: The century-old Camp Richardson Resort offers traditional hotel rooms, cabins, and campsites within a mile of the Tallac Historic Site.

About Tamara Gane

Tamara Gane is an expert panel member for 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. She's based in Reno/Lake Tahoe and in addition to USA Today 10Best, her work has been published in Travel & Leisure, Fodor's Travel, The Washington Post, SF Gate, Houston Chronicle, Lonely Planet, and more.

Read more about Tamara Gane here.

Connect with Tamara via: Instagram

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Road Trips: How to Plan an Accessible Getaway

By Syren Nagakyrie

Planning an accessible road trip is getting a little easier for people with disabilities. There are more resources created by and for the disability community, and the tourism industry is starting to recognize the value of accessible travel. As a disabled, chronically ill, neurodivergent person, I take road trips every year and have learned some tips and tricks along the way.

Renting a vehicle

Most major car companies offer adaptive driving devices for their vehicles at no additional cost. Enterprise , for example, offers hand controls, left foot accelerators, pedal extenders and spinner knobs to facilitate steering. Budget can provide hand controls, spinner knobs, a panoramic mirror, swivel seats and transfer boards. Be prepared to request adaptive devices at least three business days in advance.

For a wheelchair-accessible van with a ramp or a lift, rent from a mobility company like BraunAbility , one of the largest builders of wheelchair-accessible vans in the country, with rentals at many locations. MobilityWorks , an accessible-vehicle and adaptive-equipment dealer, has rental locations in 34 states. AccessibleGO , which offers a one-stop shop for adapted rental cars and wheelchair-accessible vans, has agreements with 100 wheelchair van rental locations nationwide; request a quote on their website. For accessibleGO’s rental cars, you can request hand controls and a spinner knob at checkout.

Route planning

You can use Google Maps, Waze and MapQuest for initial accessibility research using photos and street view. Google Maps provides directions for some wheelchair-accessible pedestrian and transit routes.

Sites such as Roadtrippers and Furkot can plot an entire itinerary. While these websites are not disability specific, they are invaluable tools. (Roadtrippers does have a wheelchair-accessible check box in the search function.) You can filter by types of destinations such as national parks or museums, and search for hotels and campgrounds. Furkot allows you to input how long you want to drive each day, whether you want to travel on Interstate highways or take more scenic roads. The app will determine the best route and length of time between stops, and suggest where to stay overnight.

Finding lodging

While hotels and other accommodations are required to comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act, many hotels do not meet all accessibility needs. Most of the booking sites list hotels with accessible rooms for those with mobility, hearing and vision needs, but this information is not always verified. Do additional research on review sites and look for photos. Hyatt, Marriott, Hilton and Fairmont hotels offer allergy-friendly and scent-free rooms in some locations. Call the hotel to verify accessibility and to make sure a specific room is reserved for you.

Vacation rentals are typically not required to be A.D.A. compliant, but some do provide accessibility information. Airbnb recently rolled out an adapted category with accessibility search features and homes that have been scanned for accessibility. Review photos and contact the host for more information. Some hosts will make accommodations, such as changing the cleaning supplies or shifting furniture, but document your request using the in-app messaging system so that customer service can help if you run into issues.

Wheel the World is an accessible travel agency offering bookings at over 3,000 verified accessible hotels in the United States. The hotels have been reviewed in person by trained assessors; only those that meet the criteria are listed. Sign up as a disabled traveler or a companion and complete a personal profile that includes options for a variety of disabilities and accessibility needs. The site will provide listings that match your profile with partial, adequate and outstanding match options.

Food and medication

There are a variety of options to keep food or medication cold while traveling. Electric coolers can plug into your vehicle’s 12-volt outlet, but pay attention to the type of cooling mechanism — the less expensive versions are usually thermoelectric and will cool only to about 30 degrees below ambient temperature (if it is 70 degrees in the car, it will cool to 40 degrees). Compressor coolers are more expensive but maintain normal refrigerated temperatures.

Many hotels provide mini-refrigerators. When you know you will be stopping somewhere with a fridge almost every night, layer large ice packs and supplies in a cooler, then top them with another insulating layer like a cooling bag. This keeps everything cold for a couple of days at a time.

It’s also a good idea to travel with a single-burner cooktop — electric to use inside, or propane to use at rest areas and campgrounds — and a camp mess kit so that you can safely cook meals.

Some of the best apps to find food, restaurants and grocery stores that accommodate dietary needs are Fig for allergy-specific options, Happy Cow for vegan-friendly options and Find Me Gluten Free for celiac-safe spots. Add your favorite options to the route-planning app so that you know where to stop.

Finding activities

In addition to the apps mentioned in the route-planning section, state and local tourism organizations are good sources for accessible destinations.

National parks and monuments, which are required to meet federal accessibility guidelines, typically have visitor centers and recreation sites with accessible features. Each park website has information, as well as programs and services within the park. While accessibility varies, you can usually find information on wheelchair-accessible trails and campsites, tactile and audio features, assistive listening devices, and American Sign Language interpreters.

At state parks, accessibility features may not be consistent, but you can usually find some information on each park’s website.

Apps like AllTrails list wheelchair-friendly trails across the country, but the information may not be verified, so contact the park or land manager for verification. Among the parks with notable accessible trails are Redwood National and State Parks, North Cascades National Park, Badlands National Park, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park .

Syren Nagakyrie, the founder of the nonprofit Disabled Hikers and the author of “The Disabled Hiker’s Guide to Western Washington and Oregon” and “The Disabled Hiker’s Guide to Northern California,” among other guidebooks, leads group hikes and conducts assessments throughout the United States.

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

Your Ultimate Guide to Planning a Memorable Road Trip From Dubai to Oman

H eading on a road trip from Dubai to Iman is an exciting adventure. The whole journey promises cultural encounters, unforgettable memories and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you are a traveler or a new explorer, a well planned tour ensures an enjoyable journey. In this guide, we'll explore everything you need to know regarding the perfect road trip from Dubai to Oman. Our guide also includes route options, essential preparations as well as recommendations for car rental services.

Research and route planning

Before picking the route, deep research is important. Always start by studying different routes from Dubai to Oman. Some of the common roads are the following ones: 

Dubai to Muscat: This road will take you through the Eastern region of UAE. It passes from the cities like Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah before crossing the border of Oman. You will head towards the capital city of Muscat.

Dubai to Salalah: Another popular route from Dubai to Oman is the drive from Dubai to Salalah. It is located in southern Oman. It’s one of the beautiful roads as it offers diverse scenery, mountains, desert as well as coastal landscape.

Before choosing your route, it’s important to consider various factors such as road conditions, distance and point of interest to determine which one is best according to your preferences.

Vehicle selection and car rental services

Choosing the right vehicle is important for a successful road trip. Whether you are looking for a compact car or SUV for an off road adventure, choose a vehicle that accommodates  your needs and provides comfort throughout the journey.

Rent a car Dubai services offer a range of options to suit various budgets and preferences. It would be best if you choose a budget friendly car rental option. It provides flexible car rental terms with competitive rates that make it ideal for budget friendly travelers. Before booking a car, compare the prices and ask about the insurance coverage with additional fees to enjoy a comfortable experience from Dubai to Oman. 

Essential preparations

In order to ensure an enjoyable and safe trip from Dubai to Oman, make the following preparations:

Vehicle inspection: Inspect your vehicle for any damages or mechanical issues. Document any pre existing damage and inform the company to avoid extra charges upon returning.

Documentation: Carry all the essential documents such as driving license, passport, vehicle registration and insurance papers with you. Verify Visa requirements for entering Oman as these demands vary depending on your nationality.

Navigation and communication: You must have some navigation tool such as GPS or smartphone applications with offline maps. Make sure that your mobile phone is fully charged and subscribe to an international roaming plan for smooth communication.

Emergency supplies: Don't forget to pack a roadside emergency kit. It mainly includes a flashlight first aid kit, spare tire, jumper cables and jack. Carry enough water and snacks to stay hydrated during long stretches of driving.

Attractions and accommodation

Plan your accommodation in advance to secure a comfortable living along the route. Whether you want a resort or a budget friendly Hotel, Oman offers various accommodation options to suit every preference. 

Consider incorporating attractions and landmarks such as: 

Jebel Hafeet: Jebel Hafeet is located near Al Ain. The place offers amazing views of the surrounding desert landscape. If you are a photography enthusiast then this place is ideal for you.

Wadi Shab: Explore the district Wadi Shah, famous for its Emerald green pool, hiking trails and waterfalls. Pack your swimming suit for a refreshing dip in the pool.

Muscat Corniche: You can also take a leisurely walk along the Muscat Corniche. Get a chance to soak in the soothing ambiance while admiring the Skyline and beaches of Oman. 

Safety tips and essential considerations

Safety must be the top priority while heading on a road trip. Follow these tips to ensure a smooth and secure journey from the way to Oman

Drive safely: Practice defensive driving techniques. Follow the traffic regulation to minimize the risk of accidents. It would be best to exercise on unfamiliar roads, especially in rural areas.

Respect local customs : You must be familiar with Oman's cultural norms and rules to avoid any mishap. Dress modestly especially when you are visiting religious sites and avoid yourself from consuming alcohol in public places as it is citrically prohibited in Oman.

Stay hydrated: It would be best to take regular breaks to rest and stretch your legs. Stay hydrated especially in the hot climate and avoid driving while fatigued. Try to switch the drivers to maintain alertness on the road.

Emergency assistant: Save emergency contact numbers in your phone for quick access in case of any emergency. Be prepared to provide your location accurately in case of any breakdown.

Planning a road trip from Dubai to Oman offers an exciting opportunity to explore the diverse landscape. You will create long lasting memories by conducting research, vehicle selection and making essential preparation. Your trip to Dubai from Dubai to Oman will be an experience of a lifetime.

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Police release few details in fatal stabbing of teen at Wasilla movie theater

The Valley Cinema, photographed on Monday, April 15, 2024 in Wasilla. A teenager died from knife wounds after a fight inside the Wasilla movie theater Friday evening, according to the Wasilla Police Department. (Zaz Hollander / ADN)

Wasilla police on Monday provided no additional information as their investigation continued into a fatal stabbing involving teenagers inside a movie theater last week.

One teen was stabbed during a fight involving multiple teenagers inside a Valley Cinema theater on Friday evening, police said over the weekend. The teen was transported to Mat-Su Regional Medical Center for emergency treatment and then flown to Providence Alaska Medical Center where they died, police said.

A spokeswoman for the Wasilla Police Department on Monday said that she could not provide any additional information or confirm if any arrests had been made in connection to the stabbing because the investigation was ongoing.

A person described by police as “the suspect” remained on scene and cooperated with officers, the department said in a written statement on Saturday.

The stabbing was being investigated as a homicide, but neither the suspect nor victim were identified because they are juveniles, the department said. Alaska state law automatically waives juveniles age 16 or older into adult court if they are facing an unclassified felony charge, including murder.

As of Monday, it wasn’t clear how old the suspect was or what, if any, charges had been filed.

The multiplex theater, located just south of Wasilla’s Walmart store, is part of the Oregon-based Coming Attractions Theaters chain. A theater manager did not immediately return a call for comment Monday.

Tess Williams

Tess Williams is a reporter focusing on breaking news and public safety. Before joining the ADN in 2019, she was a reporter for the Grand Forks Herald in North Dakota. Contact her at [email protected].

What’s the Best AI Trip Planner?

How to use supercomputing skill to plan your next road trip

By Roadtrippers

Trip planning is time-consuming because of all the dimensions that go into it… Are you a hotel hopper? Or is RVing your jam? 

How can you ensure that you hit all the best stops on your road trip? Where can you find campgrounds or BNBs?

There are other questions too… Who is going with you? Do you need pet-friendly accommodations? What about the best restaurants along your way? 

Depending on your feelings about trip planning, these questions can be fun or scary. Even if you love trip planning, you probably still struggle with FOMO — the fear of missing out on a can’t-miss stop. 

AI trip planners take the guesswork out of travel planning and save you tons of time. This post will help you discover the best AI trip planner for your next trip. 

What’s the Best AI Trip Planner? 

Spoiler alert: Roadtrippers just launched our very own trip planner called Autopilot™ . It combines the power of AI with 38 million real-life human trips. It’s like crowdsourcing your vacation with the extra help of a super-smart computer brain. 

No other AI trip planner has our human element. Here are other features we built in that make Autopilot™ stand out:

– We get geography. The inconvenient truth of many AI trip planners today is that they’ll send you backtracking. True, they might find some of the best stops, but the routes they offer can be less than direct. That’s why the best AI trip planners map out sensible routes with spectacular stops. 

– We build trust with easy ways to verify. Roadtrippers is a community of real people who have been building real trips for over a decade. We’ve helped plan over 38 million itineraries and these users have left reviews all along the way. 

That means you can view real-life reviews of the stops that our Autopilot™ AI trip planner maps out to ensure that humans agree. 

– Travel is art, not science. That’s why Autopilot gets to know your unique travel style. We’ll ask some simple but essential questions, and then, we’ll combine your answers with human experience and supercomputing skill to build your Autopilot™ itinerary. Other AI trip planners seek out generic trip recommendations based only on internet searches. The resulting for-the-masses recommendations won’t be tailored to you. We at Roadtrippers know that travel is personal. That’s why our Autopilot™ AI trip planner uses itineraries from real life trips taken by real life people to create your personalized trip. 

Try Autopilot™

How Do AI Trip Planners Work?

AI trip planners typically work by swiftly surfing the web to create a vacation to match a request you submit. The best AI trip planners will ask you a series of questions to understand where you want to go and how you want to get there. Most only allow you to request something like “Plan a road trip from New York to Chicago.” The challenge with that simplistic AI trip planning approach is that it doesn’t account for essential travel factors like budget, vehicle type, people traveling, and more. 

With the more basic AI trip planners, your trip itinerary is usually based on raw data that the AI tool can find online rather than the human experience or responses that you provide.

Most AI trip planners out there today are also desktop-only. This means you won’t have an AI trip-planning app on your smartphone when you’re on the road. 

That’s why Autopilot™, our AI trip planner, works by asking you a few simple questions to understand your travel style. 

It then combines your answers with real human experiences (38 million human experiences to be exact) to build your ideal trip in less than 2 minutes. 

Autopilot™ lives in the Roadtrippers app, so you’ll have easy access to your vacation itinerary right on your smartphone.

Questions That Your AI Trip Planner Should Ask You

An AI trip planner is only as good as its understanding of your travel style. If it’s not asking you questions like the following, you won’t wind up with a personalized itinerary: 

• What kind of vehicle are you traveling in? If you’re driving a 45-foot Class A RV and your AI trip planner assumes you’re in a smart car, you will have issues.
• Budget? The best AI trip planners are wizards at building the trips to get you the most bang for your vacation buck.
• When do you plan to travel? Without this information, you might get recommendations for events you’d love to go to that aren’t happening when you visit or for seasonal venues that aren’t open.
• Who is going? Pets? Kids? Solo? Couple? This has a big impact on the itinerary. A solid AI planner will ask you about it.
• Where do you want to eat and stay? These sorts of things can make or break a vacation. Make sure your AI planner knows your preferences.

The Best AI Trip Planners Let You Adjust Your Itinerary 

Even with 38 million real-life trips driving your AI-powered itinerary, you may want to make adjustments after Autopilot™ creates it.

No problem. The Autopilot™ AI trip planner is interactive, so you can modify any part of your trip after creating your itinerary. 

Restaurant stops not quite your style? Simply poke around near the stop it found for you and pick out a grub spot more to your flavor. 

RV campgrounds not to your liking? Same deal. You can expand the search and add the spot where you’d like to camp to your Autopilot™ itinerary. 

Need more pet-friendly stops? The Roadtrippers app has the DL on that. Dig into the areas around your Autopilot™ itinerary, and you’ll find plenty more places for Fido to roam. 

Introducing Autopilot: Powered by AI and 38 Million Trips

We haven’t been bashful so far about the fact that we think we just launched the best AI trip planner on the market today. That’s because our AI trip planner, Autopilot™, is powered by the Roadtrippers community. We’ve made a name for ourselves by offering up quirky travel takes, real-life experiences, and human journeys over the road.

All this content gives an especially unique angle on the places that’ll show up in your itinerary. Take our Extraordinary Places Page as an example. These are remarkable stories from journeys that real people have experienced and shared. 

Autopilot asks you a few simple yet essential questions to plan your ideal trip in just a few clicks. The whole process happens in less than two minutes, and you’ll benefit from the human experience of 38 million trips combined with super-computational skills.

Try Autopilot™ 

Smooth Trip Planning is Here to Stay

Why reinvent the wheel when you can draw on human experiences to help plan your trip? AI trip planners like Autopilot™ take the guesswork out of travel planning so you can spend more time enjoying and less time stressing. 

Even if you love the trip planning part, AI travel planners can help you ensure you don’t miss any must-see stops. Try Autopilot™

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Roadtrippers

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Officials explains why tornado sirens didn’t sound throughout Shawnee County Tuesday morning

Affected area in tornado warning was in southeastern and eastern portions of shawnee county.

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - A real-time decision was made not to sound tornado sirens before dawn Tuesday morning across the entirety of Shawnee County, officials said.

That’s because officials said the area affected by the tornado warning was relegated to a small sliver of extreme southeastern and eastern Shawnee County where sirens weren’t present.

Shawnee County Emergency Management Director Dusty Nichols issued a statement Tuesday morning regarding the decision:

“If we had a siren in the warned area or if we were in the path of a larger storm system, we would have sounded them,” Nichols said. “In one instance, the rotation in the storm was not in Shawnee County.”

In addition, Nichols said a radar-indicated tornado warning was issued for only the southeast corner and east edge of Shawnee County. No sirens were present in that area of Shawnee County.

Emergency Planner, Jake Henry follows stating, “In this particular situation, the storm was cutting across the far SE portion of the county. There’s not siren in that area that would’ve notified anyone out there. Quite frankly, the places that there are sirens are places where there are expected to be large gatherings.”

“This is the exact reason we advise to have a weather radio, apps or other ways to get the warning,” Nichols said.

Shawnee County Emergency Management officials “had to make decisions quickly based on all the information at hand” to keep people safe; to let people know they may be in the path of a storm or not in the path; and to “act logically and with intention.”

“Not all weather emergencies get a blanket reaction,” Nichols said Tuesday morning. “We do have guiding policies, of course.

“However, these situations are fluid and we remain flexible to meet the need.”

Nichols said being on the National Weather Service online chat “with our media partners and basically the meteorological community, we have a ton of info to work with.”

He added that “it would have not been prudent to unnecessarily warn people that were literally behind the storm” on Tuesday morning.

Nichols said Shawnee County Emergency Management officials “review our actions after each storm to find better ways to be effective and not overreactive or over-warn. Our overall policy is to make good, sound, logical, decisions based on all the information” that is available “that will warn the people in imminent danger.”

Shawnee County Emergency Management’s policies were addressed after the first tornado warning of the 2024 spring season was issued the night of March 13.

In that case, Nichols said, the “general rule” is to activate tornado sirens across all of Shawnee County with “a single button” for approximately three minutes after a warning is first issued, regardless of the storm’s location.

After the first round of sirens has ended across all of Shawnee County, additional activations are made based on specific areas determined to be at the highest risk for the storms.

However, Nichols said, there are exceptions, which would include cases in which a tornado warning that started in another county only skirted a portion of Shawnee County, as was the case on Tuesday morning.

In those rare cases, he said, sirens might be activated only for specific areas affected by the storms.

Copyright 2024 WIBW. All rights reserved.

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If you’ve got an EV, Google Maps is about to become much more valuable

New updates address one of americans’ top concerns about owning an electric car: finding a place to charge.

Google has announced new features in its Maps app designed to help electric car drivers find a charge.

The updates include a tool to help drivers find nearby chargers with real-time information about availability and charging speed, the ability to find charging stops on longer road trips and more detailed instructions about how to find chargers within parking lots and garages.

Google expects to start rolling out these features “in the coming months,” according to a blog post. Some will come first to people who drive a car that comes with “Google Built-in,” the company’s driver-assistance software. Google updated its other route-finding app, Waze, with information on EV chargers last month.

The update addresses one of Americans’ top concerns about owning an electric vehicle: finding a place to charge. Range anxiety remains a significant barrier for EV sales — especially for drivers who don’t own a house . Among people who don’t drive an EV, roughly half say they think finding a place to charge would be “extremely” or “very” difficult, according to a 2023 Washington Post-University of Maryland poll .

EVs make up roughly 7 percent of new U.S. car sales, which some experts believe is a tipping point at which electric cars will quickly become popular and take over the market. But lately, the EV market appears to be cooling off . Sales slowed in the first quarter of this year.

In addition to building more charging stations, companies can make driving an EV easier by building apps that help drivers find chargers, said Stephanie Valdez Streaty, director of Industry Insights at Cox Automotive. “That could be really helpful with mitigating some of those concerns about charging anxiety,” she said.

Find available EV charging stations

For electric-car drivers who need a last-minute charge, Google is developing a feature that can find nearby chargers with updated information about how many ports are available and their charging speed. The company says this feature will eventually be available to all drivers but will be available first for drivers with Google Built-in.

Plan a road trip with EV charging stops

The Maps update will allow EV owners with Google Built-in to plan where they can power up when taking long trips with multiple stops, such as a cross-country road trip. The feature will access information about your car’s battery life to suggest the best places to charge up.

The company also announced a search feature that allows travelers to look for hotels with electric car chargers.

Locate hard-to-find EV charging stations

Some EV chargers are tucked in hard-to-find corners of parking garages. The Maps update will crowdsource information from Google reviewers to generate more detailed instructions about how to get to a charger. According to the company’s blog post, the instructions might read something like, “Enter the underground parking lot and follow the signs toward the exit. Just before exiting, turn right.”

Officers respond to armed robbery involving BRINKS truck at NE CLT QuikTrip

The robbery happened at the convenience stop along north tryon street near old concord road..

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - Officers responded to an armed robbery involving a BRINKS truck at a northeast Charlotte QuikTrip on Monday, according to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police.

The robbery happened during the afternoon at the convenience stop along North Tryon Street near Old Concord Road.

According to a police report, a 65-year-old man was robbed at gunpoint by two people. An unknown amount of cash in several bags and a firearm were taken from him.

No injuries were reported.

Copyright 2024 WBTV. All rights reserved.

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