Planning a Road Trip—6 Steps!
Planning a road trip should be fun, not stressful! The key is balancing preparation with flexibility. You’ll want to know where you’re going, what to bring, and how to stay on budget—without overcomplicating it.
To help, I’ve broken it down into six crucial steps so you can hit the road with confidence.
Table of Contents
1. How To Get Around on Your Road Trip
You have two main options: car or campervan. While a car is typically cheaper and more fuel-efficient, a campervan doubles as your accommodation and offers unmatched convenience.
- Campervan rentals range from $60–$300+ per day, while car rentals are around $20–$70+.
- Hotels add extra costs, making campervanning a budget-friendly alternative.
- Campervans allow for spontaneity—no need to stick to hotel reservations.
- Regular cars offer more flexibility for city stays and camping with a tent.
- Check rental options: Outdoorsy for U.S. campervans, Expedia for cars, and Indie Campers for Europe.
2. Where To Stay—Planning a Road Trip
Finding safe and legal places to park or stay overnight is crucial:
- National/state parks offer designated camping spots.
- Walmart parking lots allow overnight stays (verify locations here).
- Truck stops and rest areas provide free overnight parking.
- International apps like WikiCamps and iOverlander help find camping spots worldwide.
3. Where Are You Going On Your Road Trip?
Decide on a general route and list must-see spots. Here’s my method:
- Use Google Maps and “Save” interesting locations.
- Look for hikes, waterfalls, and scenic drives.
- Plan a flexible itinerary to adapt to weather and road conditions.
- Use apps like AllTrails for hike details.
4. Budgeting for Your Road Trip
Sample budget from a 17-day trip from Vancouver to San Francisco:
- Gas: $430 (2,300 miles)
- Food/Drink: $330 (mostly home-cooked meals)
- Camping: Mostly free spots
For longer trips, budget $5,000+ for two people over 7 weeks.
Don’t forget travel insurance! Read why it’s important.
5. Reminders and Mistakes To Avoid
- Fill up on gas often.
- Carry some cash for small towns.
- Download music and maps for offline use.
- Don’t overpack or overplan.
- Plan meals simply—no gourmet dishes in a camper!
- Choose your road trip partner wisely!
6. What to Pack for Your Road Trip
Essentials:
Check out the full road trip packing list for more.
