What's the best way to ensure a great road trip?

Question

Have you taken great road trips? What did you do that made them so memorable?

Answer 1

An excellent co-pilot. Who can fix your snack, and is totally in tune, with the Tunes. (Music is a biggie)
..A decent map, and a steadfast belief in "No expectations"
Because the moment ya start scripting the road trip, down to the mili-mile, it takes away all the magic.

The most memorable moments i've experienced while logging literally 3 million miles in our lower 48 States, have been, at off the wall, unplanned locations.

The tiny Church bazaar in Nowhere Montana. The story from that wonderful Nun in a Royal blue habit, in the Middle of Amish Territory.
Going from Denver to Vegas at Christmas time. It was 60 degree's in the Rockies, and snowing in Death Valley.
You cant plan for this kind of stuff.

Now, if i can just take that trip from Seattle thru the Al-Can, before i die, THAT will be road trip, heaven. =)

Answer 2

I'm a big-time traveler. Both domestically and abroad. I think the most important factors in ANY type of traveling is A) Packing light and B) Being well organized.

I've taken 3 week road trips before. Since you naturally spend most of your time on a road trip in your car, you want to make sure the area IN the car is organized and you have a place to store cool food and drinks, ie. cigarette lighter powered cooler.

I highly recommend getting a rooftop luggage carrier. It keeps the interior of the car free of luggage, and allows room for things like the cooler and other driving necessities.

Have a game plan for every day that's flexible not rigid. You may find a neat attraction that you want to spend a whole day at, or you may go to an attraction you have zero interest in and want to leave right away. Let you itineray be a rough draft and be flexible to change.

Also plan some "wildcard" days where you can spend an extra day if you want. If you don't end up using them . . . just go home earlier so you can decompress for a few days at home after the trip.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

I have become quite the fan of Yahoo Answers, and get a bit of a kick when I come across a question that I can give an informed answer, (it's my grandma side).
This question is quite nostalgic for me, as it was an article similar to this that was my first published. I won't give you the whole article but there are a few points that I think you might appreciate.

First is PLANNING- have some idea of where you want to go, and an idea of accommodation. If you are not keen on the idea of an RV get a map of motels you want to stay in and book them, vacancies are few and far between this time of year.
Make a list of things you want to see and do, so you are not stuck for entertainment ideas.
Give your travel plans and a rough time guide to someone at home, so if anything happens the people you love will have some idea of where you are.
Don't drive drunk or fatigued
Always take enough for food and gas.
LET YOU HAIR DOWN AND ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAY AND LOVED ONES.
Happy Holidays Everyone
XXX

Answer 4

Hi Mike,

I have taken plenty of road trips. Most in my own state, and three others across country. I think its such a fun and adventurous way to travel!

The way my husband and I make our trips so memorable is to expect the unexpected, don't sweat the small stuff, and we don't put a time or schedule on anything.

We always have our digital camera and video camera with us to quickly capture moments. We also make sure to find a souvenir, or something memorable from each place we visit. I love to look at an item in my home and be reminded of our trips!

Now I want to plan a road trip! :)

Take care.

Answer 5

I have taken a few really cool road trips. One time I remember just me and the kids were travelling around the country. I was supposed to meet up with the rest of my family in Niagara Falls. But, I was in the far western corner of Virginia at the time. The same time, in fact, as Hurricane Isabelle came blowing through.

The next morning I went to take the Shenandoah trail up, but it was blocked from all the downed trees. No one was out, and it was really raining and stuff. I didn't know what to do and was a little frantic. The kids were all loud, bored and frustrated.

So I'm sitting in the car in front of a road block when a ranger came up to the car. I was lost, and clearly shouldn't have been here.

He knocks on my window, "Ma'am?" As I roll it down he probably saw the crazed look in my eye, and the sound of the kids yelling and stuff must have almost knocked him over.

"Is everything okay?" he asks.
"Oh, yes. Fine. Everything is fine." I reply, trying to keep my composure.
"Where're you headed to, Ma'am?" he asks, concerned.
"Uh, I'm trying to get to Niagara Falls! Is this the right way?" I ask.

LOL!
He thought I was absolutely out of my mind! (I was like eleven hours away from NF!)

"Ma'am....why don't you follow me..." he says as he's walking away shaking his head! LOL
I followed him back to the highway.

SO, I think the best thing you can have for a great roadtrip is a MAP! (or GPS) LOL!

Answer 6

Yes, I have taken a few road trips with my family and also my husband's family. I think the best way to have fun is to expect anything! Realize that there may be arguments along the way but in the end, we're all in it to have fun. Pack extra food, and drinks and if you run out, stop on the side for a bit to grab a bite to eat. Perhaps everyone can take turns driving so everyone gets their fair share of responsibilities. If you're renting a car, split the rental fee amongst everyone. And if you're taking your own car, then split the cost of gas.

Most importantly, have fun!

Answer 7

More important than what route is the amount of gear you will need to take. I see the pic of your bike...Make sure you have a LARGE windshield and the biggest bags u can find. Also, dont forget a full body rainsuit. Most likely you will need it. How many miles in a day have you ridden before? Is your body up to 400 miles a day physically? bring plenty of beef jerky. 4oz package slips nice between the shield and the guages...Just a few thoughts based on life experience...Good Luck and enjoy! My thoughts if time is not a factor...Avoid the interstate like the plague... Go see America. buy an atlas and make the entire trip via state highways!

Answer 8

For a great trip, planning is the most important thing, but being flexible is the second. Your plans might not go .......as planned.

Schedule enough stops, and enough time. Don't try to pack two weeks worth of things into one week. Include some variety, staying at motel, in cabin, maybe campground. Stop early enough to enjoy the pool and other amenities.

If traveling with teens, take videos and TV, plus portable video games, and laptop. Choose stops that have wireless access.

Answer 9

I think there are four easy steps to having a very enjoyable and trouble free road trip. First, have your vehicle checked out by a competent professional to be sure that it is in good running order. This step includes being sure all the fluid levels are up to recommended levels. Be sure your tires, belts and hoses are in good condition, and always start out with a full tank of gas. Second, do all the necessary homework on your trip and be sure that you have adequate directions to and from your primary destinations, where to find good restaurants and motel/hotel facilities along the way, locate road side rest stops, and gas stations at reasonable intervals throughout your trip. Third, be sure to carry sufficient cash and credit cards to pay necessary expenses. Lastly, make yourself aware of points of interest such as local sights, natural wonders and major side trips that you expect to encounter on your road adventure. Get a good night's sleep before you depart and always provide lots of rest stops, food and bathroom breaks to make your road trip a truly memorable and fun experience for everyone in your party.

Answer 10

Somewhat 10 years back I traveled on a road trip with three of my closest friends. Thats the first thing, make sure you big a good bunch of friends with you (but not to many, don't want it to be TOO crounded.)

Also make sure you got some cash. At one point We were really low on cash and were in some serious trouble...luckily things were sorted!

It was memorable because...we had fun. Traveled together, stopped of at a few great places. Good times...