Breaking your routine is good for the soul. Monotony can be soul-sucking, even when you love the life you’ve created. Mixing things up with a road trip is like a palate cleanser. It refreshes your perspective, spikes your creativity, and puts you in a state of wonder. You don’t have to adhere to set flight or train times. You aren’t packed in tightly with strangers who have their own agendas. A sense of freedom awakens within you when you’re traveling by car, knowing you can take a detour if you so desire, adhering to no one’s schedule but the one you’ve set for yourself.
If you’ve ever just sat in your car after arriving home from work on a particularly difficult day, you know there’s a sense of peace that comes with being locked inside your horseless carriage. Pair that with a scenic route and you experience a taste of paradise. Add a friend and you’ve got yourself a little party on wheels. But before you get ahead of yourself and peel out of your driveway, there are some questions you should ask. Some are fun, some are safety-related, and some are so practical, they’re much too easy to overlook.
To put this list together of the best questions to answer before going on a road trip, 247 Tempo reviewed several travel sites and some opinion-based sites like Reddit, where fellow road trippers share some fun (and some horror) stories along with several suggestions for ensuring the kind of trip you remember (for all the right reasons). (If you need some suggestions, here are 38 places in the U.S. that every American should visit.)
How long will the trip last?
It’s nice to leave on a whim and explore the open road without a care in the world but if you have a home base, there are certain responsibilities you need to take care of so you can let loose on your trip. Making sure you have someone water your plants or feed your fish is part of the planning stage for a road trip. Not only that but knowing the duration of your trip gives you a blueprint to work with. You can plan how far you’re going, where you’ll be staying, what activities you can explore, and what essentials you need to pack (do you need two pairs of undies or 10?).
How far are you going?
USA detailed map with states and cities
A road trip can be as short as four hours within your same state but it can also be a cross-country trek that lasts for days on end. Knowing how far you’re going helps you determine how much time it takes to arrive and how much you can expect to spend on fuel. Whether you have an intended destination or you just plan to drive X number of miles per day, giving yourself some structure helps you plan better when you’re on the road.
Who’s going with you?
Rear View Of Couple On Road Trip Driving Classic Convertible Car Towards Sunset
If you’re planning a solo trip, that’s one thing. You only have to consider yourself on the drive. However, the buddy system is helpful, not just because you get company but if they’re old enough to drive, you also get a break from being behind the wheel. When you invite others, you must account for their needs and preferences as well. This early communication with potential road trip buddies makes for an enjoyable journey. There’s nothing fun about being far from home and trapped in a car home with someone you just had a (preventable) argument with.
How are you splitting driving responsibilities?
If you go with the buddy system, ask about valid driver’s licenses. Are you going to be expected to drive the whole way through or will you be able to switch off as needed? Some people avoid driving at night or during adverse weather. Make sure you communicate any conditions for driving upfront so everyone can agree on who takes the wheel at the given intervals.
What are the safest roads to take?
When you’re unfamiliar with an area and you find yourself on a sketchy road, you better hope it’s daylight. Even then, anything can happen. By selecting safe roads upfront, you protect yourself and any passengers from unnecessary and dangerous conditions. Plus, by establishing a safe route early on, you can also check out attractions on your path that you may be interested in exploring.
Will there be tolls or other fees to consider?
A road trip requires a budget. When you have a certain amount set aside, unexpected fees can derail you (and even cut your trip short). After you select a safe route, you can take a look at any toll roads to calculate them into your budget. You must also consider what areas you’ll be visiting, as some hotels and downtown environments don’t offer free parking. Visits to these areas may incur additional costs and some locations are more expensive than others.
Where will you be sleeping?
Sleeping in cars is nothing new. It’s become a trend even. But unless you’re in a vehicle equipped with beds, it can get uncomfortable. That begs the question, where will you be laying your head to rest? There are a range of options besides your car, including motels, hotels, Airbnb, and Vrbo, for example. Plus, if you plan your route to pass through friends’ and family’s cities, you may be able to save by crashing with them for a night or two.
Who controls the music?
While some people are fine with whatever is playing in the background, others have specific tunes they want to hear when they’re on the road. If you’re taking turns with driving responsibilities, you and your road trip buddies may agree that the driver controls the music (or podcast, audiobook, etc.). This is another conversation to have upfront because while it’s fair to switch off, it may not be entirely fair if the choices are too extreme. Set up your playlists beforehand and be sure you approve of one another’s selections.
What are your exercise needs?
Driving can be fun but it’s a sedentary activity. Consider how you want to incorporate exercise into your trip. Maybe you have a gym membership and you want to plan your trip around those locations. Hotels typically have fitness rooms you can take advantage of as well. You can always keep it simple and go for long walks or hikes wherever you land each day to stretch your legs and get those steps in.
Will you be working while away from home?
Not all jobs allow for remote work but if yours does, you might consider logging a few hours each day to minimize paid time off (PTO) hours used or just to help your workload from avalanching while you’re away. If you do choose to work while away, make sure you can access Wi-Fi on your trip so you don’t miss anything. While some people like to carve away at their workload while on a trip, others prefer to leave it out of sight and out of mind. That works too.
Do you want to be spontaneous or calculated?
There are two types of people in the world: those who love spontaneity and those who grip to plans like their lives depend on them. Make sure that whomever you invite along is on board with whatever the vibe is. While there is some planning required to keep you safe, you can certainly go where the wind takes you and enjoy a trip full of surprises. But if you prefer to have well-laid-out plans, make sure the people you take with you can appreciate a well-thought-out itinerary.
Are there any dietary restrictions to account for?
Food options on the road get limited. Sometimes, a bag of chips or roasted nuts from a gas station quells hunger and sometimes you get queasy thinking of yet another fast food joint. Consider any dietary restrictions before heading out on your trip. Pack safe foods and take plenty of water so you can stay satiated and hydrated in areas where you don’t have many options. Then, when you’re in a major city, you can find places that sell the kinds of yummies you most enjoy.
Is your car cleared for a long trip?
Even if it’s a short trip, make sure you cover the basics. There should be enough air in your tires (including your spare), you should be on top of your oil changes, and you should have a full tank of gas before heading out. If you are planning a longer trip and have an older vehicle, have your trusted mechanic take a look-see and confirm your wheels won’t leave you stranded on a desolate road somewhere. That or rent a car for your trip (just double-check the rental includes unlimited miles).
What are your plans in case of an emergency?
Aside from a roadside assistance service, you should also carry a first aid kit and ensure you know if there are any allergies or medical conditions to consider with your road trip buddies. If someone doesn’t disclose an allergy to bees, for example, it’s hard to know how to help them should a sting occur (ask them if they have an EpiPen and learn how to use it if this is the case). Additionally, you should know one another’s emergency contacts. While you should go into your road trip enthusiastically and looking forward to making new memories, it’s good to have an emergency plan in place to keep yourself and your road trip buddies safe should you need to execute it.
Where are the nearest emergency services?
This is a question to ask yourself at each stop. Take note of the nearest emergency services each time you park in a location to rest. Scout the area and identify where the police and fire departments are as well as the nearest hospital. You can shave valuable seconds (even minutes) off your response time in an emergency situation when you’ve already assessed the lay of the land.
Will you be sharing your location with anyone?
Technology can be your friend when you’re away from home. By sharing your location with someone you trust, you have a lifeline should things go awry. It’s another safety precaution that also provides your loved one at home with some peace of mind. Your friend or family member can track your trip and help you out with anything you might need, whether that means scouting for accommodations, helping you find the nearest gas station, or just finding restaurants you might enjoy to send over highly-rated recommendations.
What kinds of experiences are you interested in?
Three girls enjoying new city together
A road trip during which you want to visit every museum possible is going to be much different than one wherein the focus is on nature excursions. Decide what kind of trip you’d like to experience so you know what kinds of clothes and shoes you’re going to require. When you’re going with road trip buddies, this is a great way to incorporate all your bucket list items to make the trip more enriching for everyone. If you’re going for a more spontaneous trip, pack a couple of outfit options so you’re never without the right clothes when you decide on a new activity or outing each day.
Who is responsible for road trip costs?
This one’s easy when you’re solo but when you’re planning a trip with others, have this conversation upfront. You never fully know another’s financial situation so setting expectations upfront prevents misunderstandings and uncomfortable situations later. Consider all the costs associated with your trip, including fuel, food, accommodations, and extras. Then, agree with one another what you’re willing to split and what your overall budgets are. If one friend can’t quite splurge but two others can, try and meet in the middle so everyone can have a good time.
How will you navigate?
GPS makes life a thousand times easier, especially when you’re venturing into environments you’re unfamiliar with. But the problem with relying on GPS is that sometimes you lose your cell signal and suddenly you’re out in the open without a compass. When you’re on a road trip, pack an old-school map. But don’t just toss it into your bag. Look at it first. Learn to read and understand it. Ideally, you won’t need it but in case you do, you should be able to pull it out, figure out where you are and where you’re going, and get moving. You want to avoid being a sitting duck.
What will you do in case of bad weather?
A road that you’ve navigated all your life changes when the weather gets bad. Even though you’ve memorized each curve, stop sign, and landmark, you know to slow down and keep your eyes peeled when it’s pouring. Visibility gets low and you have to be ultra-cautious. Now imagine that but on an unfamiliar road. Is there a cliffside approaching? How far does the road go? Are there any unexpected turns? In some cases, you have no choice but to bite the bullet and get through bad weather until you can stop somewhere safe. But if you can help it, check the weather, plan ahead, and secure a safe spot to wait out any storms you might encounter.
Do you have anything that might be illegal away from home?
Let’s say you’re starting your trip in California, Oregon, Colorado, or Virginia. You’re used to recreational items like marijuana being a part of the norm. But once you cross state lines, you’re dealing with different laws. The same is true for any weapons. You may be able to conceal carry in one state but once you venture into another, you’re under that state’s jurisdiction. “Just passing through” isn’t an excuse with the law. Double-check pockets, glove compartments, and luggage before accidentally heading out with items that could land you in trouble. (Here’s a look at every state’s gun laws.)