Preparation
The beauty of a road trip is the journey—it isn’t just about reaching your chosen destination. With that being said, it’s important to remember that the journey is often long, and proper preparation is key. First things first: “Don’t be too ambitious. Think in terms of hours driven, not miles,” notes John Spence, the president of Scott Dunn. “Allow two to three nights in each area of interest, so you can explore and get out the car. Less is more.” And don’t forget to consider seasonality and busy periods. “If you’re traveling during a busy season or holiday, it’s a good idea to plan out your route and book things, like accommodations and activities, in advance,” says Sanna Boman, the editor-in-chief at Roadpass Digital, which comprises Roadtrippers, Campendium, and Togo RV. “If you’re visiting a national park, research pandemic-related restrictions, timed entry tickets, and lotteries for specific hikes. If you’re planning to camp, you may need to book campgrounds several months ahead of time in popular areas.”
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Beyond knowing where you’re headed and coordinating the trip ahead of time (a planning package, like Roadtrippers’ service, can help with that), it’s important to curate a few safety-minded essentials, from extra water to headlamps, for the ride. Here, our experts share their road trip recommendations, which will help you plan a fun, secure trip ahead.
