Tips & Ideas To Plan Out a Family Road Trip

Planning a vacation does not have to cost you moon and stars. Instead of travelling to far off lands and spending a lot of money, you can simply take control of your car to create a memory of the lifetime.

Many people do not feel road trips to be a cool thing, but it is the best way to connect with your people as well as with many others on the way. Road trips help you to create your own journey and catch a breath to look at things your way.

However, it is a fact that if you fail to plan properly you will end up spending a lot on the road trip, which you considered to a cheaper one in the first place. So, go through all the possibilities and plan a budget before you go off the trip.

Plan a route

Planning a route is much important. It will help you know the distance you will be travelling. Eventually, you will be able to know the miles and days you are going to cover on the trip. So once it’s done, you will be able to budget your lodging, food and gas. You will also get an idea about the things you need to pack for the trip.

Our friends at Absolutely Lucy are road trip pros and offer some great tips on planning the ultimate road trip. Some favorite U.S. road trip spots on the west coast include Yosemite & Yellowstone National Parks, San Francisco, The Pacific Coast Highway, Las Vegas & the Grand Canyon and more.

On the other hand, if you are looking for some ideas on planning an international road trip, we are sure that you will find these tips for planning a three week road trip itinerary for Europe very helpful. Sometimes having a blueprint to start with can really get the ideas flowing. Of course you can travel the U.S. by car, train, bus, or airplane - it just depends on how you want to plan.

There are number of websites and apps which will help you to spot ATMs, gas stations, restaurants, hotels and much more on your route. Maps with directions as well as gas stations with best prices can also be spotted. Even though you have these sites and apps at your service you will have to customize your route to match your needs.

For example, if you have kids on the trip then you will eventually end up making more stops on the way. Again, if you have issues with driving at night, you will have to find a place to stay by the night falls. Make time for some stretching, eating and entertainment while you are on the trip.

Plan a budget

Once the days of travelling has been planned out then the next thing you need to do is to budget your lodging, gas, sightseeing, food as well as maintenance cost of the vehicle.

First of all, you have to decide how much you can spend on the trip and accordingly prioritize the spending. Once you have got the idea like how much you need to spend on the gas then you can easily spread out the cost for other necessities. Again, keep a track of your spending to know how much you are left out with your budget.

Some of the things that you must consider before you set off on your ride are: Get your car checked by a mechanic to solve any underlying issues.

 You must also take a car insurance before you go on the trip.

 Spare wheels, as well as tool kit, should be there to tackle any uninvited problems.

 Keep a credit card with cash back facilities to use at the gas stations.

 Look for the cheapest gas price on your route to avoid unnecessary spending.

 Carry snacks like nuts, granola bars, etc. for those hungry tummies.

 Carry portable grill to prepare some fresh food on the way and thus save some money.

 Download the money saving apps for a number of hotels like Hotels.com. Making use of discount sites like these will help you save money on your booking.

 Make sure to book a hotel with flexible cancellation policy for any unplanned cancellations.

Pack it right. When we hear the word vacation we are tempted to pack much. This ends up with more luggage in the car. As you are going to spend most of the time in the car it would be advisable to pack something that is comfortable to wear. Apart from clothes, make sure to pack additional things like mobile phones and chargers, GPS tracker, dishes, can opener, plates, camping essentials, etc.

First aid kit, emergency kit, medications, important documents, etc. should be there with you when you set out on the trip. Again, the most important thing you need to carry on your trip is cash as cards may not be acceptable at all spots.

Road trips are all about fun and excitement. So take your time to enjoy the places while you are on the go rather than driving simply from place to place. Take small breaks in between to stretch your legs and stop driving if you feel sleepy or tired. Safety is important rather than covering some more distance. Keep a track of your surrounding and be cautious when you are on the road. Have a safe and smooth journey just within your budget.