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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I would agree with others here that you are going overboard on the electronics. Bring a handheld device for the kid. Adults will get the most out of the trip watching the landscape go by and talking. Instead, I recommend thinking of some good audiobooks or podcasts to listen to. Then you have something shared to do when the conversation lulls, and can talk about it as another conversation.
Lots of people pack junk food snacks for road trips, like chips and soda. My experience is that even when I consumed these foods regularly, their availability on road trips would typically cause me to carb crash and feel nauseous for hours. Instead, drink water, and get a cooler. Pack the cooler with food to make a real lunch, like sandwiches or something. Put the cooler in the trunk so you arent tempted by it. When it is lunch time, pull over at a rest stop/ gas station/ park/ whatever and sit down outside for lunch together. Don't snack in between meals.
When stopping for gas/ bathroom/ meals, take the opportinity to move around and exercise a little. Walk around, stretch, maybe do a quick jog or a few push ups. Really helps with fatigue and stiffness.
If you will be driving along some of the really long, straight roads in the American Southwest, watch out for highway hypnosis. This is where driving is just so repetitive and boring that you will rapidly fall asleep at the wheel.
As others have mentioned, have some basic tools for doing minor repairs. Tire pump, patch kit, and check to make sure you have a spare and it is inflated!!. Needlenose pliers for pulling nails out of tires and swapping fuses. An adjustable wrench in case you need to tighten your battery terminal. And, imo, gorrilla tape and bailing wire to fix body panels or plastic skid plates that start flapping in the breeze. If it is possible you will drive on dirt roads (especially in the southwest), I recommend packing an entrenching tool so you can dig yourself out of sand if you make a mistake and get in over your head. Tow straps are also good to have - if you get stuck in some sand or mud, flag down one of those big, lifted 4x4s and watch the owner light up with glee as they actually get to use their truck for its intended purpose for the first time in years.
Get a paper atlas, and pick up paper maps for any parks you'll be checking out. If you will be getting off the major highways for a while, download the area on your maps app ahead of time.
Paper Atlas is a great mention. If you lose signal your maps app may quit. Happened to me. A gps only device like a Garmin (still sold today and can be gotten at places like Loves) won't need an Internet connection.
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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
One small note about the car "checking out" and five separate bullet points about technology and entertainment... Bring food, drinks, something to keep everything cold, comfortable clothes. And please leave the VR headset out of the family bonding experience
to think I used to get chastised for wearing an earbud during road trips. -
Man, take a break from electronics and take in the trip. Make sure you bring enough liquids.
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
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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
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
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There's literally no point in taking the trip if you're just going to play video games the whole time.
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
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Do you even know the goal of the trip?
Maybe only the destination is of importancewrote last edited by [email protected]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
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Then there's no point in the trip.
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
And I know I already replied to you , but I wanted it to really sink in
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Find what kind of oil your car requires and get a quart of it to keep just in case. Also replace your windshield wipers and top up the windshield washer fluid. Check your tire pressure and make sure that the spare tire is in good condition. Basic car care goes a long way.
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
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Take your car to your trusted mechanic, explain you're doing a road trip and ask them to look for anything that might be an issue.
I do this before ever road trip and it has saved me a few times. The last thing you want is for problems to spring up during the trip.
Yes I just did this last week. Amusingly I had something that I asked "hypothetically, if I'm driving to state in the near future, would you recommend I take care of that now?"
Yes, I got my serpentine belt replaced and an oil change. My brakes are still in good shape. But they also did check everything out and I have another appointment next week to make sure the transmission is ok and get the AC looked at (diagnosticians were booked out until then)
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Get AAA. It's super cheap and can save your bacon if your car breaks down.
Yes!! I just got enrolled again. I should have it for everyday as well but I've been putting it off. Plus discounts!
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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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