Everyone agrees, road trips are fabulous. Whatever country you explore, “Thelma and Louise” or Jack Kerouac will constantly come to mind, even if you stop in
You will remember your road trip for the rest of your life. It’s a unique experience to get up in the morning wondering where you’re going to go, what you’re going to visit, where you’re going to choose to stop to sleep and eat, etc.
It’s up to you to choose where and when to go, depending on your budget. Here are 17 tips that apply to all road trips, regardless of the country. They are, in a way, the bible for organizing a perfect road trip!
1. The benefit of Google Maps
A good start. Enter your departure and destination locations, this will give you an idea of how long it will take to complete the route. Adjust it, try different options, add or remove locations depending on the time available and your desires, of course. Trace the main route, without it being fixed. Give yourself the opportunity to modify it, according to your desires and what you will discover along the way.
2. Choose the right car?
The type of car depends on your destination, the type of trip and the number of people accompanying you. Will you need a 4×4, an SUV or a convertible? Book in advance, opt for unlimited mileage (unless you are absolutely sure of the number of kilometers you will travel!) and take out the necessary insurance.
If you are going on a long trip, more than two months for example, it may be worth buying a used vehicle that you will sell at the end of the trip. Just make sure you check it carefully before you make the sale, it wouldn’t mean breaking down in the middle of nowhere!
3. (Good) music
Who says road trip, says music, certainly! And you’ll have plenty of time to listen to them, so remember to download some playlists to your smartphone before you leave (and don’t forget your USB cable). You can also put on the radio, a way to discover local tastes and songs that you may not be able to listen to later.
To get in the mood, discover momondo’s “roadtrip” playlist (if your browser doesn’t allow you to access it, follow this directly
4. Roadtrippers
It’s a mine of information that compiles all the best road trips, with points of interest and accommodation, all over the planet. A must-have when it comes to organizing a road trip!
5. Think outside the box
Taking the highway is quicker, but you miss many points of interest. If possible and if you have time, take the roads less traveled. You’ll see more, meet locals, and venture to places never seen before. Same, don’t hesitate to take detours! Have you seen that sign for a ghost town or amazing tourist site? Follow him! Spontaneity should guide your road trip.
6. Eat and sleep local
Try local food as much as possible, even if you don’t always know what you’re eating. After all, you may never get the chance to taste it again. The same goes for accommodation: rather than sleeping in this well-known chain hotel, why not let yourself be tempted by this small B&B or this slightly kitsch motel on the side of the road?
The “Near me for tonight” tool can help you find this type of accommodation, by selecting those that are available around your location (on
7. Pack a cooler
Who knows when you’ll find somewhere to eat? Bring a cooler, there are even some that you can plug into the car. Put drinks and snacks in there for those times when you want to snack (or those times when you are lost…).