I've got a road trip planned. It'll be about 2800 mi, 4500 km. I think I'm prepared but sure I'm overlooking things. I'd love to hear your tips and recommendations; your holy grails!
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Excellent idea. I have AAA and it’s saved me a number of times over the years, from jumping dead batteries to helping with flat tires, to a 100 mile tow after my transmission failed…
Yeah AAA is fantastic. It absolutely has paid for itself many times over. I just re-enrolled for the trip but I'll keep it after as well. I've just been putting it off for a long time. And don't forget the discounts that come with the membership!
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On one hand, I agree, what makes road trips memorable is being bored and the conversations that inspires.
On the other hand, having a bored teen in the car for that long probably won't provide excellent conversation. If they are too bored for too long, could turn into a nightmare. So I see the logic behind keeping them entertained.
otoh, this shouldn't take more than a single handheld gaming device and a book or something. OP, imo, is going way overboard.
I get the sentiment. It's to keep the kiddo busy, but we're all avid gamers and being forced to take a trip we don't really want to. So I'm trying to keep it palatable for everyone
We're going to have a few very long days not including any extra stops we make and a lot of the landscape is frankly boring
Yeah, probably going over the top and as we actually start packing we'll realize how ridiculous it is and pare it back. I'm a chronic over packer because I make sure every scenario is covered and then not end up needing half
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Man, take a break from electronics and take in the trip. Make sure you bring enough liquids.
Yes thank you for the liquids tip. Definitely will bring a lot, and then a lot more. AAA is great if you have signal but fuck getting stranded without water. We don't really do soda anyways so we'll be avoiding sugary drinks and sticking with actual hydration
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I'm seconding the other person - lay off the tech!
What's the point of doing a massive road trip if you're all going to be glued to a screen of some sort?
Take some books as they work without any reception, have you read any books about road trips? The most obvious one would be On The Road by Jack Kerouac.
How are you mechanically? Can you change a tyre? If not have you got breakdown cover?
I drive from UK - Spain twice a year. I tend to drive for 4 hours each day. I know I could do that trip loads faster but I prefer to do it and relax.
Tunes for when driving and then either read a book or watch something on the downtime
Yeah we'll bring some physical books but I've got a kobo I use regularly and the kiddo has a kindle. But yes physical books have a unique presence about them and I can definitely tie memories to physical books, like where I was reading a certain scene. Not so much with an ereader
Yeah I can change a tire but thinking about it all I have is a donut. I've been wanting to get a true spare tire; now might be the time to invest in that
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Good tip on the oil! Thank you, I'm adding it to my list! Probably some extra washer fluid; I know some stretches of that drive are very buggy
Sure thing and yes having extra washer fluid is a great idea too. A few other good things to keep in the vehicle is a good first aid kit, a phone bank charger and a survival kit of some sorts, including blanket,nonperishable food, flashlight and simple tool kit.
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2 adults and 1 younger teen
We're going on a two week road trip that'll be fairly leisurely. Stopping by some parks and sights as we go and a few nights at our ultimate destination
I had my car recently serviced. It all checks out
I have a steam deck on the way! Any recommendations here for travel accessories? Or just in general?
We've all got devices and chargers and their respective blocks. I'm looking at a power inverter for the hungrier devices
I was debating bringing the oculus to give whomever a bit of isolation if they need; is there anything specific I'd need to do to use it where there's no internet? I haven't used it enough to be very familiar with most of its abilitiesWe adults have ps5s. Most likely won't bring one. I've seen portable monitors that people use with a local device; does anyone have experience using one for remote play for the ps5?
And making sure we've got entertainment downloaded to our devices; obviously books and offline/non electronic entertainment will be brought, as well
I'm really looking forward to this and want to make it the best experience for all involved! I look forward to hearing your tips
Edit to add: the point of the road trip is to bury my grandfather. And I'm petrified of flying in the current state of the US
Since we HAVE to make this trip we're trying to make the most of it by stopping by some state/national parks and other landmarks/pois during which we'll be present. But there's going to be LONG stretches of literally nothing exciting. Like corn fields. Many hours of corn fields. Most days are 6 - 10 hours in the car
Butt pillows; even if the seats are comfy, just to shake things up, keeps you from being stiff afterwards
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I don't know where you are going, but if it involves large stretches of desert, such as the American Southwest, bring hot tea, not coffee, for yourself to stay hydrated and cold water for your car. The temperature shock can cause a heart attack for people not used to drinking cold water in 100°+ heat.
Oooh yes!!
I've been wary of that since I was a kid. I don't remember the title but I read a book where there was a kid helping his family in the fields and got extremely hot and tired. Someone brought out some cold water and before anyone could stop the boy he drank deeply and passed out. Reading that has stuck around for a few decades lol
But thank you! We'll bring beverages that are hydrating. The trip will take us through a variety of environments. The drier climates are some of the most beautiful but daunting journeys
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Thank you. Yes, the point is to go bury my grandfather. I didn't want to include that but fuck me for trying to get advice for a long trip. I did not think I'd be torn apart for "not being one with nature" for 50 hours
But sincerely, thank you for actually thinking for yourself
️Edit: ok, torn apart is a bit of a stretch but I wish that wasn't what people focused on
No no, you were basically chewed out.
And it grinds my gears if someone doesnt amswer the actual question and instead interprets it as something else and/or projects themselve on your position.This is the age old problem you usually see on other pages like Stackoverflow.
Example:
OP: How can I do this thing?
Answer 1: This is stupid. Do this totally other thing. This will achieve what you want.Answer 2: Marks post as duplicate and insults OP for using a Microsoft product
Optimal answer:
You could do it this and this way.
But this amd that way is more optimal and achieves your goal faster. -
Power bars and or protein bars - stock a case. Bring water containers and fill them at rest stops at fountains for free. Do not buy anything from the machines at rest stops. Every time you stop for a bathroom break adds 30 minutes or more to your destination time. Caffeine pills instead of coffee stops if you're on a budget. Go to roadside America ( dot com ) to see if you will pass worthy places like the world's biggest pencil.
Those rest breaks absolutely add up no matter how quick you try to make them. Fortunately our major stops are in places large enough to have a store to top up snacks and water. There's two adults so we're swapping driving duties to lessen the load
Lol I have had a horrible experience with caffeine pills so I've sworn those off. I'll stop and stretch to reinvigorate myself. I learned myself a lesson after consuming too many nodoz and having a self inflicted panic attack
Lastly that site is really cool, thank you for the suggestion! We've got a lot of major stops planned but also some leeway for those impromptu side-of-the-road stops
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2 adults and 1 younger teen
We're going on a two week road trip that'll be fairly leisurely. Stopping by some parks and sights as we go and a few nights at our ultimate destination
I had my car recently serviced. It all checks out
I have a steam deck on the way! Any recommendations here for travel accessories? Or just in general?
We've all got devices and chargers and their respective blocks. I'm looking at a power inverter for the hungrier devices
I was debating bringing the oculus to give whomever a bit of isolation if they need; is there anything specific I'd need to do to use it where there's no internet? I haven't used it enough to be very familiar with most of its abilitiesWe adults have ps5s. Most likely won't bring one. I've seen portable monitors that people use with a local device; does anyone have experience using one for remote play for the ps5?
And making sure we've got entertainment downloaded to our devices; obviously books and offline/non electronic entertainment will be brought, as well
I'm really looking forward to this and want to make it the best experience for all involved! I look forward to hearing your tips
Edit to add: the point of the road trip is to bury my grandfather. And I'm petrified of flying in the current state of the US
Since we HAVE to make this trip we're trying to make the most of it by stopping by some state/national parks and other landmarks/pois during which we'll be present. But there's going to be LONG stretches of literally nothing exciting. Like corn fields. Many hours of corn fields. Most days are 6 - 10 hours in the car
I'm gonna categorize things, as that's how I would want to see my info while planning. These are just in order of how they came to me and not of importance.
Comfort
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Pillows: Sure, hotels and motels have pillows for you, but you have to be there to use them. I recommend everyone bring at least one pillow. If you have room or a demand, bring more than one. Being able to nap or just get a bit more comfortable in the car goes a long way.
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At Least One Pair of Lightweight Footwear: Comfort is important while on a trip. You want to be able to have something to wear while you're just moving in and out of the car, hotel/motel, or even walking around most indoor attractions. Breathability and lack of weight can help keep people from dropping down into "grumpy pants territory," while on your trip.
Safety
- Emergency Kit: It is crucial that you have one of these in your car. You want to be prepared for the worst of things and hope you don't have to use it. Nearly all of them have these stample items in them:
- Emergency Water: The American Red Cross says that you should pack 1 gallon of water per person, per day.
- Emergency Food: Non-perishable and easy to prepare items. Since it's just a road trip, you can keep the freeze dried food packs at home. But think about how much of the non-perishable foods you would need for each person to survive for three days if you got caught in a storm or disaster.
- Durable Flashlight: A good flashlight should last you over a decade of use. A lot of people (and myself included,) recommend a highly recommended headlamp. Think durable camping headlamp or flashlight when searching.
- Extra Batteries: Batteries are needed for a lot of things, such as your headlamp or flashlight. Just be mindful to cycle them out of your Emergency Kit every few years as they use their charge over time.
- First Aid Kit: An absolute have. The American Red Cross sells a variety of First Aid Kits on their website store. Of course, you could make your own or get it from elsewhere, but the list of content in the kit is something to go off of while choosing/making yours.
- SPF 30-50 Sunscreen: It's never a bad idea to have a bottle of SPF 30-50 sunscreen in your car and/or in a travel bag. Even if it's cold out or winter time, the sun's UVs are still out. And that's what you want to block long exposure to. Turns out, SPF 15 blocks 93% of UVB rays, SPF 30, 97% and SPF 50 blocks 98%.
- Tools and Items:
- Multi-Purpose Tool: Better to have one and not use it, than it is to need it and not have one.
- Emergency Blanket(s) (aka Space Blanket
This is a great thing to have in your car or with you while camping as it's low-weight, low-bulk, and heat-reflective. "Their design reduces the heat loss in a person's body, which would otherwise occur quickly due to thermal radiation, water evaporation, or convection." - Water Purifier: It didn't seem like it, but if you ever go backpacking more than a few hours away from civilization, I recommend getting a water purifier stick. Do your research. There are plenty of low quality ones out there.
- Tire Repair Kit: Most cars have one, but if you don't, get one suitable for your car. It's best if you have learned how to fix a tire on your car before you're out there. I wise tip I learned from online, was to keep a large section of cardboard folded and put it in your car. You can use it as a mat to keep your tools and body heat from being lost and your clothing from getting dirty. An alternative to this would be to have AAA or something similar, where you could call them to come out and fix it for you.
- Plastic bag(s): It's wise to have a few of them while on a trip as you can use them for loose trash, organizers, dirty clothing/shoes, etc.
Trip Planning
- Map it Out:
- Trip Planner: There are plenty of websites that can greatly help you plan your trip by mapping it out, giving suggestions of places and things to do, and often general info about the area. I'd recommend checking out several and see if they help you out any.
- Gas Price Finder There are several websites or apps that offer updates to gas prices by location. Some even offer a trip planner to assist in this. And while it's not gonna have you saving enough to go see your favorite band/artist in the fancy seats, it will at least help you not spend so much during your trip.
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I can't help but think that a toddler wrote this comment. As if to say, 'If you don't have snacks, then why go on the trip. And if you don't have a good selection of snacks, I'm not going.' xD
But in all seriousness, having healthy snacks like a few bananas, trail mix, plain or low salted nuts, and some deli meat sandwiches, all stored in a cool with 3-5 ice packs, is very wise.
... The entire post is asking for recommendations for planning a long trip, I'm not sure why you would immediately project all the extra baggage onto such a simple statement.
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2 adults and 1 younger teen
We're going on a two week road trip that'll be fairly leisurely. Stopping by some parks and sights as we go and a few nights at our ultimate destination
I had my car recently serviced. It all checks out
I have a steam deck on the way! Any recommendations here for travel accessories? Or just in general?
We've all got devices and chargers and their respective blocks. I'm looking at a power inverter for the hungrier devices
I was debating bringing the oculus to give whomever a bit of isolation if they need; is there anything specific I'd need to do to use it where there's no internet? I haven't used it enough to be very familiar with most of its abilitiesWe adults have ps5s. Most likely won't bring one. I've seen portable monitors that people use with a local device; does anyone have experience using one for remote play for the ps5?
And making sure we've got entertainment downloaded to our devices; obviously books and offline/non electronic entertainment will be brought, as well
I'm really looking forward to this and want to make it the best experience for all involved! I look forward to hearing your tips
Edit to add: the point of the road trip is to bury my grandfather. And I'm petrified of flying in the current state of the US
Since we HAVE to make this trip we're trying to make the most of it by stopping by some state/national parks and other landmarks/pois during which we'll be present. But there's going to be LONG stretches of literally nothing exciting. Like corn fields. Many hours of corn fields. Most days are 6 - 10 hours in the car
wrote last edited by [email protected]As others have noted, you have a single "the car is good" note, and the rest is all about entertainment & comfort. That's cool, but it tells me you're not very handy. I see lots of folks recommending tools, but I think you'd be better served by a AAA membership or similar. If your car does break down, what's your plan? Also, don't 100% count on having cell coverage.
Second note - I drive home to check on my elderly parents every month. It's a 6 hours drive that I used to do in a straight shot. Now I take a break every 2 hours & get out & walk around a bit. Yes, the drive now takes an extra hour, but it is so fucking worth it. I strongly encourage planned breaks.
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2 adults and 1 younger teen
We're going on a two week road trip that'll be fairly leisurely. Stopping by some parks and sights as we go and a few nights at our ultimate destination
I had my car recently serviced. It all checks out
I have a steam deck on the way! Any recommendations here for travel accessories? Or just in general?
We've all got devices and chargers and their respective blocks. I'm looking at a power inverter for the hungrier devices
I was debating bringing the oculus to give whomever a bit of isolation if they need; is there anything specific I'd need to do to use it where there's no internet? I haven't used it enough to be very familiar with most of its abilitiesWe adults have ps5s. Most likely won't bring one. I've seen portable monitors that people use with a local device; does anyone have experience using one for remote play for the ps5?
And making sure we've got entertainment downloaded to our devices; obviously books and offline/non electronic entertainment will be brought, as well
I'm really looking forward to this and want to make it the best experience for all involved! I look forward to hearing your tips
Edit to add: the point of the road trip is to bury my grandfather. And I'm petrified of flying in the current state of the US
Since we HAVE to make this trip we're trying to make the most of it by stopping by some state/national parks and other landmarks/pois during which we'll be present. But there's going to be LONG stretches of literally nothing exciting. Like corn fields. Many hours of corn fields. Most days are 6 - 10 hours in the car
wrote last edited by [email protected]You have a smartphone, right?
- Go get the TILE app, the one for finding tile-branded locator chits. Don't buy anything just get the app.
- Don't register anything. Just load it. If you have an apple phone, cry and re-auth it to use your gps and get ready to re-allow it weekly because apple hates competition
- On the tile app will be an icon for your phone, like "Dave's Samsung". Go into its properties and share that with someone you trust who also gets the app.
- Now they can see where your phone last pinged, which may help if you don't turn up at a prearranged checkpoint.
It doesn't care about phone types, map app types, social networks or shoe size. It just works.
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Butt pillows; even if the seats are comfy, just to shake things up, keeps you from being stiff afterwards
Oh yeah thank you! I love pillows and I didn't think of bringing some extra for traveling
That makes me think of riding in my grandparents car that had beaded car seat covers. They said it helped circulation when sitting for long periods
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2 adults and 1 younger teen
We're going on a two week road trip that'll be fairly leisurely. Stopping by some parks and sights as we go and a few nights at our ultimate destination
I had my car recently serviced. It all checks out
I have a steam deck on the way! Any recommendations here for travel accessories? Or just in general?
We've all got devices and chargers and their respective blocks. I'm looking at a power inverter for the hungrier devices
I was debating bringing the oculus to give whomever a bit of isolation if they need; is there anything specific I'd need to do to use it where there's no internet? I haven't used it enough to be very familiar with most of its abilitiesWe adults have ps5s. Most likely won't bring one. I've seen portable monitors that people use with a local device; does anyone have experience using one for remote play for the ps5?
And making sure we've got entertainment downloaded to our devices; obviously books and offline/non electronic entertainment will be brought, as well
I'm really looking forward to this and want to make it the best experience for all involved! I look forward to hearing your tips
Edit to add: the point of the road trip is to bury my grandfather. And I'm petrified of flying in the current state of the US
Since we HAVE to make this trip we're trying to make the most of it by stopping by some state/national parks and other landmarks/pois during which we'll be present. But there's going to be LONG stretches of literally nothing exciting. Like corn fields. Many hours of corn fields. Most days are 6 - 10 hours in the car
I second things like spare tire, pillows, less focus on electronics (boredom is a gift not many are given today), take time for spontaneous detours and breaks, drink water and limit intake of sugar and quick energy.
Try to involve the whole family in the planning.
Maybe there's something the kid wants to take a look at, or that might be helpful for a school project/class or to talk about in show+tell (ancient burial site, gigant cheese, takeoff/landing strip for hobby airplanes, arcade, space museum).
Make sure to move around and stretch at breaks and in the car, perhaps everyone can take turn to lead a "movement minute" where one person does a series of movements or stretches and everyone else follows (make this fun and silly, stretching doesn't have to be boring! do things with name like frog-jumps and helicopter arms and/or make the instructions silly like "keep your hands on the ground and make your butt touch the ground then make your butt touch the sky"). If everyone get to take their turn to lead they might have fun with it instead of complain. If your kid is prone to embarrassment, find a bit of shelter to do the stretches in, behind a bush or other structure not visible right off the road.
Have a 5-15 min dj session every hour where one person get to play a prepared playlist, and another person gets their turn the next hour (or take it in a row if your family also has trouble waiting for their turn). If you really want to structure it you can suggest different themes for the playlist, like "songs that represents the roadtrip", "songs you wish grandpa/great-grandpa could have heard", "songs that make you feel something", "songs from when you were little", "songs your friends like".
A short RPG could be fun for the family as the driver can also be involved, there are systems that only require a set of six-sided dice, and DM-less games where everyone plays (I think "bunny we bought a house" could be suitable for a 13-year old, and they could get to control the pen and paper to draw the dungeon as you play it).
Go to bed early and give eachother some space once you leave the car for the night. Don't demand a lot of socialising (unless everyone want to) at dinner or afterwards. Let everyone decompress on their own. ...unless of course everyone has had their headphones in and been on their devices with their friends all drive - then its probably time for some family time.
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Since tech seems to be what people are focusing on and not actual advice, the point of the trip is to bury my grandfather. I am fearful to fly in the US currently. We have to make this trip so we're making it as enjoyable as possible. I didn't feel like including that in the post because I didn't feel it was actually relevant
People are trying to give advice! You may be surprised if you let your brain get bored and watch the scenery. Take in the environment and people around you. May be good for the grieving process. You only live once! The games will be there when you are back in half a month. My advice is like the others, focus on healthy snacks and hydration. Hanger can easily sour moods in a long journey! Good luck out there
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People are trying to give advice! You may be surprised if you let your brain get bored and watch the scenery. Take in the environment and people around you. May be good for the grieving process. You only live once! The games will be there when you are back in half a month. My advice is like the others, focus on healthy snacks and hydration. Hanger can easily sour moods in a long journey! Good luck out there
Yes I did get a lot of good advice! I'm still working through it all really because some things were things I wouldn't have thought of myself. I do appreciate the time people took for helpful comments
We've got plenty of stops to make and all of them are going to be new to the other parties. The kiddo likes the screens but is also equally satisfied staring out the window. I know they'll both have their minds blown at the sights we'll be experiencing
And +1 in wholesome snacks and hydrating beverages
