How do I start planning a road trip? (not planing the route, planning other things)?

Question

I and my two friends are planning on taking a road trip from Louisiana to Los Angeles when we graduate High School. We won't be going for a couple of years yet, but we'd like to get some plans down soon, that way we have something to look forward to and something to present to our parents when we ask permission to go.

We've kinda got our route figured out, we know what we want to see, but we don't know what else there is to be done in terms of planning (though we're sure there's lots more).

Are there any books about road trips and how to plan them? Online checklists? Anything?

We're also open to any money-saving suggestions (or any kind of suggestions, really) any one has to offer, we know it's going to be pricey...

Answer 1

I can speak of long roadtrips from experience. My latest being a move back from Tucson, AZ to Toronto, ON (similarly on the way down), having finished with a job down there.

Use resources like Mapquest to suggest a route, though you can modify it as needed. For my move, I only used interstate highways. Good maps such as Randy-McNally also show rest stops as well, which you'll want to take advantage of. I also avoid driving through major metropolises, instead, using bypass routes to avoid heavy traffic.

Make sure your vehicle is serviced and running well, as you want to travel efficiently (and hopefully your vehicle is fuel efficient). Plan for no more than 8 hrs a day of travel. Before moving on each day, do some basic checks on your vehicle (tire pressure, oil level, etc.).

Whether you plan to have extended stopovers along the way or just resting for the night and moving on in the morning, consider doing this: when you cross over state lines, drop in at the information centers (which will not be too far from the boundary) and browse through the brochures there. They will always have coupon books available for that state (some are nationwide) for hotel discounts. Also, large roadside billboards advertise hotel rates as well (only seen this in the US). My advise is to avoid locally owned hotels and stick to well-known names (Super 8, etc.) if you are on a budget and stay in a major town as opposed to a roadside inn in the middle of nowhere. You'll also want to be within easy reach of service stations and restaurants.

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

Have I got a deal for you!! Trust me on this! Join the auto club that's AAA the American Automobile Association. They will provide all maps and info for free once you are a member. Its not expensive. Also... If you present your AAA card at most hotels and restaurants the give you discounts that really add up. They can help you with insurance and most important they can keep you out of the DMV in most states. I really thing that this is the best money that you can spend if your are a driver and it will certainly save you more money than the cost of the membership. They will help with hotels, activities, route plans and all kinds of other things that you just haven't thought of. Give it a try!! They also provide trip planners with suggestions and lists so you don't forget anything important.

Answer 3

Well, start by collecting money.
Then figure out how you are going to get back if you drive. Train?
Then get in tune about the things you all want to see and do so you are not fighting over big choices. One of the really serious choices is how much camping (cheaper) you are going to do vs. how much hotels/motels vs. staying with friends or relatives (cheapest).
Texas puts out a free book - available at entry points like Shreveport - that lists details of hundreds of towns. Mobil and others publish books which you can sample at the library that give more emphasis on housing and eating.
Depending on what you like the trip can be Houston, San Antonio, El Paso, Tucson, etc., driving major highways with excursions when you want. Or it can be Toledo Bend, El Camino Real, missions, Big Bend, Carlesbad. It can be low plains with a few mountains or lots of mountains.
If you decide on camping, then you need to practice over the next few years to make a kit that you can get in and out quickly. If you drive, no matter how you spend the nights, you can buy food and specific clothing needs so keep things to a minimum.

Answer 4

First, thanks is going on your husband for serving our nation in uniform! So, subsequent summer season, you and the youngsters will transfer to the west coast and can arrive at his subsequent obligation station earlier than your hubby's send comes house? Can you get into housing with out him being with you? i might feel it might be less difficult to fly than to force. If you do fly, ship the whole thing forward, in order that you most effective want diapers, bottles, and a few further garments for the youngsters whilst at the airplane. If making a decision to force, you are going to want no less than a further grownup with you. You would possibly desire to recollect riding at night time in order that the youngsters will sleep. Be ready to make many stops. The adults and the youngsters will want breaks from riding and driving within the automobile. Take most effective three units of apparel for every grownup, plus pajamas, rain jacket and a washing go well with. Take five units of apparel for every little one. Do laundry on the lodge at night time. Most locations have washers and driers. You might hand wash, and grasp matters on hangers. If they don't seem to be dry, take them with you and grasp them while you arrive on the subsequent lodge. Diapers? Take perhaps four days valued at, and buy extra alongside the best way. Bottles? Bring ample for nevertheless many the infants will use in an afternoon. Get bottled water, and powdered formulation. Wash the bottles at night time for the next day to come. Bring your possess dish cleaning soap with you. Take a break day while you suppose you wish to have it. Do plan your direction. Do take a cellphone mobilephone! The send's ombudsman will have extra know-how, referrals, and assets on your commute. I desire you the entire first-class.