What should I do to plan a cross country road trip?

Answer 1

First, determine the mileage, then estimate how much money you will need for gas. And if your car needs an oil change or some repair, get it done before hand. I've had a few family road trips go badly because of car trouble.

Try to plan out how far you will drive each day, and find affordable motels, or if you're going real cheap, campgrounds for each night. You can do this ahead of time, or just find one when you're sick of driving. In a big enough town, there's usually a fairly affordable motel.

Are you going with friends? Or young kids? If friends, bring music to blast to make the hours go faster. If there's kids along, bring A LOT of stuff to entertain them. Me and my brother used to drive my parents crazy on long car trips.

Either bring your own food that is easy to eat in the car, or plan on bringing enough money to cover meals on the road.

Also, depending on how long you are at your destination, be sure to have enough money to cover lodging, food, activities, and any extra costs that might come up.

Answer 2

first, save money...
second, it may be better if you get a rental car instead of relying on your own car, especially if it's an old vehicle..

camp your way across and stay at some of the most beautiful places in the country... only pay for hotels when you need to shower (like every 4 days or so)....

research the places you want to go and then plan the route.. the best part about road trips is that you can see some of our nation's treasure: the outdoors!

also, don't be on a schedule!!!
take your time and do what you want to do..
stop and do what looks interesting and fun...