road trip things to do in car

17 BOREDOM BUSTING THINGS TO DO ON A ROAD TRIP (FROM A FULL-TIME ROAD TRIPPER)

Looking for some fun things to do on a road trip to pass the time? Whether you’re traveling with friends, on a family road trip, or driving solo, we’ve compiled a list of things to do in the car to save you from the dreaded road trip question, “Are we there yet?”

After our own cross-country road trip adventure and our years of living as a full-time travel family , we have come up with an arsenal of things to do on long road trips. Everything we suggest is things we’ve done ourselves and truly find entertaining . So while the license plate game is a classic road trip game…does anyone actually have fun playing it?

Whether you’re looking for unique road trip activities or fun road trip games, you’re sure to find something that will help pass the time. Scroll through our list of the best things to do on long car rides and see what gets you excited.

WANT MORE ROAD TRIP CONTENT? CHECK OUT THESE POSTS:

How To Plan A Cross Country Road Trip How To Survive A Road Trip With A Toddler The Only Road Trip Packing List You’ll Ever Need How We Renovated Our 1979 Camper For $650 An Epic Itinerary For A Road Trip Through Utah’s Five National Parks 160 Road Trip Questions To Keep The Conversation Flowing The Ultimate Road Trip Food List

*This “Things To Do On A Road Trip” post may contain affiliate links, which means we might earn a small commission if you purchase from them. This is at no extra cost to you! We only recommend products and services we genuinely think are helpful.

17 AWESOME THINGS TO DO ON A ROAD TRIP

• CONVERSATION STARTER GAMES

Before you dive into the endless scroll on Instagram, how about getting to know your travel mates better? The open road is a great place to put down your phone and have an engaging conversation. Scroll through our list of fun, deep, and silly road trip questions to get the conversation rolling. Perhaps you’ll learn something you never knew before!

• DREAM UP A BUCKET LIST

We’ve been road-tripping together for over 15 years now, and one of our favorite things to do on a road trip is to dream up an adventure together. We pull out some pen and paper and write down our top ten places we want to go. On a car ride to Northern California, is where we first started to dream up our grand trip to Croatia . Some advice–dream big and don’t get caught up in the grounded reality of “how” it’s going to happen. Figure that part out later. For now, it’s about dreaming up all the places you would love to visit. You can use an old-fashioned notebook or have a special bucket list journal as we do. You can also check out our bucket list for families post if you need some inspiration.

• ROAD TRIP TRIVIA

I’m a trivia lover. Inside my head is a bunch of totally useless information that is only helpful for when I’m playing a game like trivial pursuit. The best way to pass an hour or two on a long car ride is to test out your own trivia knowledge. You can narrow the topic down to a specific topic like 2000’s trivia and travel trivia or you can go for a general trivia deck. If you don’t want to purchase a trivia deck, you can also check out our post with 41 road trip trivia questions about the USA, travel, and road trips.

• MUSIC GAMES

If you’re more of a music buff, play a fun music trivia game to test your music knowledge. Are you sure you can remember the name of that top 40 hit from the ’90s? Download a music trivia app and play it into your car speakers so everyone can play together.

• AUDIBLE BOOKS

If you’re looking for things to do on a car ride by yourself, then an Audible book is the reigning champion of car activities. Long car rides are a perfect place to learn about a new skill, read a murder mystery, or a frivolous comedy that quickly passes the time away. If you don’t have an audible membership, you can look at doing a free 30-day trial here . Don’t forget to download the books before leaving so you aren’t using data or relying on a good signal.

Also, if not everyone wants to listen to the Audible together, make sure to bring your headphones (if you’re the passenger), so you can listen to your heart’s content.

For more road trip essentials, check out our complete road trip packing list.

If you’re looking for road trip entertainment, a podcast can offer a more engaging experience since they tend to have interviews and a more traditional talk radio format. The range of topics is immense, from family-friendly storytelling to educational discussions to creepy murder plots, so do a quick search in a subject you might be interested in or look through a list of the most popular podcasts .

• LEARN A LANGUAGE

Now is the time you will FINALLY learn how to speak Cantonese. Live out your dream of fluently speaking a different language and mixing in with the locals by downloading a language-learning app and listening to it in your car. Top language learning apps are Rosetta Stone and Babbel .

• 20 QUESTIONS GAME

Twenty Questions is the quintessential car ride game to pull out when you’re brainstorming things to do on a road trip. If you haven’t played the game, the basic idea is that someone can ask 20 yes or no questions to help them guess what you’re thinking about. You’ll set a topic like “celebrities” and ask away. For example, “Is this person a singer?” or “Are they alive?” and so on until you can guess the person.

This game is so trivial, but gosh darn it, we love playing this game when we need things to do on a long road trip. I honestly think we’ve managed to pass an entire hour away going back and forth with the ABC game. The game goes like this: You set up a general category like “fruit” or “animals” and then go back and forth, listing fruit in ABC order. For instance, partner A says “apple,” and partner B says “banana,” and so on.

• CHECK OFF YOUR TO DO LIST

I might be revealing how much of a parent I am right now, but long drives in the car are where I can often get banal stuff done. Something about being strapped into a car with nowhere to run allows me to check things off my list, like planning out our meals for a month or plotting out a content calendar for our blog. If you’re a passenger, grab your calendar and check things off your to-do list you’ve meant to do but never manage to. Maybe that long car ride is when you finally clear out your inbox with 10,000 emails dating back to 2001.

• PRACTICE MINDFULNESS

On the flip side of trying to fill every moment in your life with something to do, you can go the opposite way and meditate, do breathwork, or practice mindfulness in the car. When I used to have a 45-minute commute from work, I would often put on my breathing app and listen to it the entire ride home so I could ground myself before going into the onslaught of mom life. Even if you’re not a parent, our minds chatter away all day, so having a dedicated time to ground and listen to a guided meditation or guided breathwork is a fantastic alternative to getting stressed by traffic and everything that life throws your way. You can choose to do it self-guided or download an app that guides you through the process. I used Headspace, but there are hundreds to choose from. Check out this article for some good recommendations.

Also, if you’re the driver, it’s best to stick to guided breathing rather than a meditation that suggests you close your eyes. Because, you know…road safety.

• HAVE A PINTEREST PICNIC

Road tripping can often mean gas station burritos or fast food burgers that leave you feeling sluggish and guilty. Change it up by having a Pinterest-worthy picnic complete with gourmet charcuterie, pinot noir, and a red checkered picnic blanket. You don’t have to have those specific things, but having a pre-packed picnic with nicer food is a fun change in energy when you’ve been spending a few hours on the road. Instead of packing a cooler or an oversized wooden picnic basket, use a picnic backpack like this that comes with silverware, wine glasses (for the passengers), plates, cutting board, blanket, napkins, and more. Check your Google Maps for a park that’s right off the highway, or try out a picnic table at a rest stop.

For food suggestions, check out our post on the best road trip foods .

• SCOUT FOR ROADSIDE ODDITIES

While getting from Point A to Point B, take a detour to see some oddball roadside attractions. Oh gosh, there are so many weird things to see in the US. We stopped by Cadillac Ranch, an outdoor art installation featuring 10 Cadillacs buried face down, when we were driving through Amarillo, Texas. Visitors are encouraged to grab a can of spray paint and leave their own artistic mark on the retro cars. You can see videos and pictures of it here on our Instagram. Fun, quirky, and totally worth the 30-minute stop! Finding peculiar roadside attractions feels like a must-do when looking for what to do on a road trip. You can use an app like RoadTrippers to discover what’s on your route.

How long has it been since you’ve played Mad Libs? I think it might be time to bring them out when you’re scheming up things to do on a road trip. There are various mad-lib games available to you, so search for the booklet that hits up your demographic whether you’re traveling with kids or going on a road trip with friends. Start here on your search for the most epic game of road trip mad libs.

• YOUR TOP 5 GAME

A great conversation starter game is to have everyone list their “top 5.” Someone comes up with a topic like the top 5 songs of all time or your five favorite meals of all time. If you are playing with kids, you might want to reduce the number to your top 3. You can write it down, but I find it’s more relaxed to talk about your answers as they come. Other fun topics are the five people who would be at your dinner party, your top five movies, your top five celebrity crushes, or your top five travel destinations.

• CROSSWORD PUZZLES + SUDOKU

For those moments when you’re looking for quiet things to do in a car, pull out a booklet of challenging brain puzzles. I’m always a fan of crossword puzzle booklets and sudoku booklets , but you might like a general brain teaser book with an assortment of puzzles and trivia.

• DOCUMENT THE JOURNEY

Document the road trip journey in a creative way. You can make a travel scrapbook where you collect mementos like postcards or kitschy roadside gifts, or you can take photos or videos of the trip. One fun idea is to ditch the iPhone or Go Pro and opt for an updated but old-fashioned Polaroid camera like this one . If you have kids, you can buy a kid-friendly camera like this one . Just be sure they realize that the camera doesn’t have an infinite supply of photos! The road trip is such a classic adventure that going old school with a Polaroid feels kind of perfect.

Here’s to hours of fun things to do on a road trip! If you have your own unique things to do on a road trip, let us know in the comments below.

We hope the journey is as fun as the destination.

Hi, we’re Christina and Brad, Idaho based writers and photographers who live to explore. We did a short stint of traveling full time with our two year old and discovered we're much happier as part time nomads. What does that mean? We travel a lot! And then we go home. We love helping fellow parents and everyday adventurers discover new places and experiences.

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Road Trip Activities for Adults: Fun Ideas for a Long Car Ride

This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I (The Winding Road Tripper) earn from qualifying purchases.  Read more . 

Ready to have some fun in the car on your road trip? 

Whether this is your first time on the road or you’re a seasoned road trip adventurer, those long stretches on the highway can get a little monotonous. 

So if you are looking for a list of fun things to do in the car on a road trip for adults, you’ve come to the right place.

This list will give you plenty of ideas on how to enjoy your time in the car and make some travel memories.

We’ve got fun games for couples, introspective activities for the solo road warrior, and adventurous ways to make surprising uses of the technology you already have. 

Who says that doing fun things in the car on a road trip is only for kids? 

Listen to Music

If you’re headed out on a long adventure, make an exciting road trip playlist for you and your travel companions. 

Here are a few tips for making an absolute banger of a playlist that will become a memory all on its own.

• Explore new genres and artists you normally wouldn’t listen to.
• Put on some of the tunes that were big in your high school days. Finding out which songs still hold up and which should have been retired is a daring journey in itself.
• Share DJ duty. Exploring music your travel companions love will give you a chance to get to know more about them. Who knows, you might find out that French pop songs from the 50s are your thing!

Play Carpool Karaoke

Want to live your very own James Cordon’s Carpool Karaoke like you’re on The Late Late Show? Carpool Karaoke lets everyone take center stage. 

Carpool Karaoke gets better the more people you have on the ride. If you got a full van full of friends, then you were traveling with the band.

You can even throw in one of these Bluetooth microphones to take your carpool karaoke experience to the next level. 

Listen to a Podcast

Podcasts are contemporary radio. You’ve got episodic fiction podcasts that keep you on the edge of your seat. And also informative shows that give you insight into the world you’re driving through. There’s a podcast out there for you, no matter what your tastes are. 

Here are a few exciting podcasts that you can take on the road with you.

• The Black Tapes — This serialized fiction podcast takes a thriller spin on the NPR formula. You’ll follow a journalist as she explores not only her past but a globe-spanning mystery that gets more intense with each episode.
• Working People — This is a down-to-earth show with an eye towards important social issues. Journalist Maximilian Alvarez interviews everyday people, from construction workers to college professors, about their jobs and what’s important to them in their lives.
• This Paranormal Life — Join two “professional” paranormal investigators as they explore everything from UFO sightings to mysterious disappearances in this irreverent comedy podcast.

For even more podcast recommendations for a boredom-free road trip check out: Best Podcasts to Listen to on a Road Trip

Get Artistic

Even if you’re no Rembrandt, a road trip is a surprisingly good place to start exploring your artistic side.

Here’s a game with a spooky title that everyone on your road trip can enjoy: Exquisite Corpse. Each player takes a turn either writing a section of a story or drawing a section of a picture before passing it off to the next player, who then adds their contribution. 

When it’s all said and done, you’ve got a unique piece of artwork made by everyone on the ride.

The Museum of Modern Art has a great primer on the history of the Exquisite corpse . 

You can also pull over on the shoulder of the road and try your hand painting a beautiful sunset or pull out your phone and get in touch with your photographic side.

No matter which way you go, your next road trip is a great way to explore your hidden love of the arts.

If none of these podcasts strike your fancy, open up your favorite podcast app and take this as an opportunity to start exploring new shows you wouldn’t normally listen to. 

Listen to an Audiobook

The open road is one of the best places to throw on an audiobook. 

A little secret about audiobooks and road trips is that they give you something interesting to listen to as well as give everybody in the car a little break from socializing.

Anthony Bourdain’s Kitchen Confidential is a great book for road trips. This book shares a chef’s behind-the-scenes view of restaurants. You’ll get to explore the unseen parts of the restaurant world while you explore the countryside. 

For more audiobooks that will keep you entertained throughout your long drive check out our list of the best audiobooks for road trips .

Play a Trivia Game

Trivia games never get old when you’re on the road.

There are countless trivia games out there. When picking a trivia game, a solid piece of advice is to find a game or subject where no one is the clear expert. 

These games are a fun way to test your knowledge and pick up new and exciting facts. They’re also a great way to start conversations.

There are some exciting trivia apps available on our smartphones that you can check out our list of the best road trip game apps .

Or if you want to test your road trip trivia knowledge, check out our 20 Intriguing Road Trip Trivia Questions .

Play the Question Game to Spark Conversations

If you’re looking to fill the silence, you can always try some fun and deep road trip questions.

Games like Table Topics present you with interesting questions designed to fire up a memorable conversation. Table Topics has a wide variety of additions, including one specifically for couples.

We also created an amazing list of road trip questions that both couples and friends can use.

Check it out here: Road Trip Questions: 149 Fun and Deep Conversation Starters

Play a Classic Road Trip Game

Now let’s talk about some classic road trip games.

These are timeless hits for a reason. When your phone is running low on batteries and you’re getting a little tired of The Epic Road Trip Playlist, you can always rely on these old throwbacks.

Games like 21 Questions and the License Plate Game are iconic staples of entertainment while on the road. They’re also a great way to relive the nostalgia of going on road trips as a kid.

Check out our list of 15 Ridiculously Fun Road Trip Games for more games to keep you entertained.

Find Fun Places to Stop on Your Road Trip

Part of the excitement of being on a road trip is giving yourself the freedom to stop whenever you want. While you’re out there on the road, your co-pilot can be looking for exciting places to stop.

Google Maps is a good place to start, but if you really want to see what’s out there, make sure to download the Roadtrippers app before you leave home. 

Roadtrippers will help you find everything from great mom-and-pop diners to historic destinations that you can swing by on your road trip.

The whole point of a road trip is to get out there and explore and make memories. Years down the road, that photograph of the two of you standing in front of The World’s Largest Candle in Indiana is going to be worth its weight in gold.

Turn Off the Radio

Turning off the radio may be the opposite of what you think of when you are looking for activities to keep you entertained on a road trip. 

Our lives have never been busier. And we don’t have many opportunities just to be. 

So if you find those long stretches starting to get a little monotonous, turn off the radio and sit with your thoughts. 

There’s something about the open road with the scenery rolling by that allows us to be honest with ourselves. Turning off the radio gives you the mental space to puzzle through those lingering thoughts.

While we love the quirky tourist traps and the adventures along the way, a road trip is also an opportunity to explore yourself and/or get to know your traveling companion.

Find More Road Trip Fun Here: 15 Ridiculously Fun Road Trip Games for Two People Road Trip Questions For Couples: 149 Fun and Deep Conversation Starters

Home » Roadside Attractions Blog » Road Trip Planning » What To Do on a Road Trip: 30 Ideas

What To Do on a Road Trip: 30 Ideas

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Planning on taking a long car trip but not totally sure what to do on a road trip? While there is no right or wrong answer, and everyone paves their own way, there are many common things to see, places to stop, and ways to pass the time when driving long distances.

Some people’s idea of a road trip is to get from point A to point B in the shortest amount of time possible. But if you really want to make the most of a road trip, you’re going to want to maximize what you do along the way. If you don’t, you might as well fly!

Need inspiration for what to do on a road trip? Here are 30 ideas to help you plan an epic journey!

1. Stop at Roadside Attractions

2. have a road trip scavenger hunt, 3. splurge at a gas station, 4. listen to a podcast, 5. stop at a scenic overlook, 6. watch a movie, 7. play road trip games, 8. hit the beach, 9. eat at a local restaurant or diner, 10. follow along on a map, 11. sing car-aoke, 12. explore a national park, 13. ask each other questions, 14. keep a journal, 15. learn a language, 16. find a campsite, 17. stop at a fast food drive through, 19. tell jokes, 20. have a snack, 21. listen to an audio book, 22. stop at a welcome center (and welcome sign), 23. stargaze, 24. stop for local treats, 25. listen to music, 26. take photos, 27. stop for coffee, 28. go to a hotel, 29. buy souvenirs, 30. share your trip on social media, pin this post on what to do on a road trip to save for your next adventure, what to do on a road trip.

Roadside attractions are usually wacky things, often big things, and almost always just a short detour from the highway. Find the best roadside attractions in every state to visit on your next road trip and plan to see a few (or many) along your road trip route!

Road trip scavenger hunts are a fun way to keep everyone in the car engaged! Just print off a list of  things to see on a road trip , have everyone keep a copy and keep their eyes peeled, and then award points for who sees the most and who sees what first. Ready to play? Check out the full rules and download a free road trip scavenger hunt printable.

I always love wandering the aisles of a gas station and picking out road trip snacks for the day. Am I in the mood for a Gatorade or a Coke? Peanut M&Ms or Red Vines? Doughnuts or pecan log rolls? How about all of it!

Podcasts are a fun choice for road trip entertainment . Whether you love movie trivia, politics, true crime, marketing, or pop culture, there’s a podcast for everyone. Load up your favorites to stream through your car radio or try something new!

If you’re thinking of fun things to do on a road trip, be sure to think of scenic overlooks. Scenic overlooks (also called scenic viewpoints, observation points, or lookouts) are elevated spaces along highways, parkways, or other roads that allow you to pull over to take in the views. They often look over mountains, valleys, trees, or bodies of water and the panoramic scene makes for a great photo opportunity. Take a break to stretch your legs, check out a few, and appreciate the land you’re driving through.

Passengers can keep entertained on a long car trip by playing a movie in the backseat. Use a portable DVD player that clips onto the front-seat’s headrest or an iPad and turn your car into a drive-in movie theater. Bring popcorn snacks for an extra backseat movie experience. Check out our list of the best road trip movies and list of the best road trip movies on Netflix to find a vacation-friendly film!

Road trip games are always a fun way to pass the time in the car! Games can keep everyone in the car engaged on long drives. Popular games you can play in the car include the License Plate Game , Road Sign Bingo , and I Spy . Buy a road trip activity book , download an app, or print games at home!

The Road Trip Journal & Activity Book

Enjoy fun games and challenges to pass the time on your next road trip and have a keepsake to look back on for years to come with this entertaining must-have for your next vacation. The Road Trip Journal & Activity Book features fun and engaging journal prompts. plus 100 activities and games to play in the car, at your hotel, or at stops along your route.

Beach days are a fun way to spend time on a road trip, whether you love to swim, surf, or sunbathe. Pull over for sand, sun, water, and views.

You have to eat while on the road! One of the best parts of taking a road trip is trying new restaurants and food. Stop by a local restaurant or diner at your destination or along your route for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Chances are you’re using a dedicated GPS or following directions on your phone to find your way. Why not go old school for a bit and plot your trip on a paper map. Turn off the GPS and let a passenger guide the way. (Don’t worry, you can always turn back on the Google directions if you get lost).

Host your own car-aoke on your next road trip (get it? Car + karaoke?). You can create a playlist of karaoke versions of your favorite sing-along songs from Spotify and have passengers look up lyrics on their phones or you can download a karaoke app on your phone. Make karaoke in your car even more fun with a Bluetooth karaoke microphone passengers can pass between themselves.

National parks are a road trip rite of passage and one of the best things to do on a roadtrip. Drive through the breathtaking scenery, take a hike, watch wildlife, visit history, enjoy the views, or even go spelunking. Plan your road trip around one or multiple National Parks and you won’t regret it.

With so much free time on the way to your destination, why not spend some time in the car getting to know your passengers by taking turns answering road trip questions . Whether you’re traveling with your partner, family, or friends, car ride questions are the perfect ice breakers and conversation starters.

Keeping a journal while on a road trip in the perfect way to memorialize your travels, archiving daily logs of what you saw, what you did, where you stayed, and how you felt. Buy a road trip journal that contain travel prompts to get you started alongside blank pages and write away!

Spend time in the car learning a new language. Pop a learn-a-language CD into your car’s CD player, download a language tutorial on Audible , or try a language podcast. Soon you and your passengers will go from road trip to viaje por la carretera or voyage en voiture.

Sure, you can stay in hotels, motels, or AirBNBs, but a fun experience on a road trip is to camp! Find a campsite, pull in, pitch a tent, toast some s’mores over an open fire, and camp under the stars.

Even if you love sit down restaurants and diners, sometimes a road trip meal is best eaten in the car. Pull through a fast food drive through for a cheeseburger, greasy fries, and a chocolate milkshake.

While not the ideal activity for the driver, a good nap is often in the cards for passengers. The lull of the road and long stretches without stops will make anyone sleepy. So bring some pillows and blankets at let the backseat passengers take a snooze on the way to the destination.

What did the stoplight say to the car? “Don’t look! I’m about to change!” If you’re looking for road trip entertainment , jokes are a fun way to pass the time. Challenge your children to a joke competition or get them a road-trip themed joke book to help them pass the time.

Road trip snacks are the best snacks. Whether you love chips, chocolate, or granola bars, keep some in the car to munch on in between stops.

Listening to audio books is a great activity to do in the car. Available across genres and at varying lengths, you can fill an entire car ride chapter by chapter. It’s entertaining and allows you to multitask by taking in that book you’ve been saying you want to read while you drive. Try Audible Plus for an all-you-can-listen-to membership with thousands of audiobooks to listen to in your car.

As you enter almost every state you will surely pass two things: a welcome center with restrooms, maps, and brochures, and a welcome sign offering a greeting. Stop at the sign for fun Instagram photos and the welcome center to get more information for your journey.

If you’re driving somewhere with lots of open air, be sure to pull over to admire the sky. Stargazing is a perfect road trip activity, especially for city-dwellers who are used to noise pollution.

Almost every state and city has a local specialty, whether it’s Wisconsin cheese, Maine blueberries, or boysenberry ice cream. Pull off the road to a specialty shop to taste something you’ve never tasted before.

Everyone loves cranking up the radio in the car, opening the windows, and singing along as they explore the open road. So turn on the radio, blast your favorite broadway musical showtunes, shuffle your favorite artist, or plan ahead with a playlist on Spotify, Apple music, or Amazon Music . Need inspiration? Check out our list of the Best Road Trip Songs to Blast in the Car .

For all the fun stuff to do on a road trip that you partake in, be sure to take plenty of photos to document your trip and everything you do on the way! Need help choosing a camera? Check out our recommendations for the best road trip camera .

A caffeine boost is often needed at the start of a long day of driving or somewhere along the way. Stop at a local coffee shop to try something new, a Starbucks, a McDonald’s drive-through, or a gas station for a much-needed pick-me-up.

After a long day of driving there is no better feeling than checking into a hotel and settling into a big comfy bed. Stop at a hotel, get a good night’s sleep, and take advantage of all the amenities like the TV, the shower, the pool, the hot tub.

Don’t forget to stock on mementos of your journey. Stop at a souvenir shop for kitschy keychains, mugs, and more. Or stop at a local shop for handicrafts and artwork. There is no limit on what you can bring home as a souvenir from a road trip.

Road trips are best shared, with both your travel companions and your friends and family back home. With plenty of time in the car and so many road trip things to experience, passengers have also have plenty of time to share their photos and videos on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook. Be sure to pick a personalized road trip hashtag , use the perfect road trip emoji , and tag me at @SillyAmerica and #SillyAmerica. Need more inspiration? Check out our lists of Road Trip Instagram Story Ideas and 200 Road Trip Captions for Instagram .

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Valerie Bromann

Founder & road trip expert.

Valerie Bromann is a a website manager, content creator, and writer from Chicago, Illinois (currently living in Dallas, Texas). As an avid road tripper who has visited hundreds of roadside attractions, Val always pull over for a world’s largest thing. Founder of Silly America and author of The Road Trip Journal & Activity Book , she visits, photographs, and writes about all the weird tourist destinations she visits and offers road trip planning advice and inspiration based on her own travels so you can hit the road for yourself.

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Last modified: December 5, 2023 Category: Road Trip Planning

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Everything You Need to Have and Record an Epic Road Trip!

By valerie bromann.

Enjoy fun games and challenges to pass the time on your next road trip and have a keepsake to look back on for years to come with this entertaining must-have for your next vacation.

The road trip you’ve been dreaming of starts here! Journal about your stops and get to know your fellow passengers with activities and exercises designed to pass the time and bring you closer together. Instead of “Are we there yet?” you’ll find yourself asking, “We’re there already?”. Complete with prompts you can turn to while driving between locations, this journal will one day be a memento of your life-changing trip.

Silly America

Silly America is a roadside attractions blog designed to help travelers find unique stops for their next road trip. The website is a tribute to the great American road trip, devoted to all that is odd in America: roadside attractions, tourist traps, peculiar destinations, bizarre events, road food, fun festivals, and more! It’s a travel website and trip planner for those seeking an offbeat road trip.

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Plan, Ready, Go®

Things to Do on a Road Trip to Pass the Time

Many people dread the thought of a long drive. The monotonous scenery, hours on end in the car, and cramped spaces can make for an unpleasant trip. But there are many fun things to do on a road trip while driving and in between destinations. 

Key takeaways

• Bring a variety of entertainment options like books, e-books, audiobooks, movies, shows, podcasts, and music to keep entertained during the drive.
• If you’re traveling with others take the opportunity to have some great conversation and play classic road trip games.
• Plan for stops at points of interest along the route to stretch your legs, change drivers, and make the trip more memorable.
• Pack essentials for comfort and safety, including a cooler for food and drinks, a device charger, a water bottle, sunglasses, and a first aid kit.
• Make sure you have a number to call for roadside assistance if you need it.

This post includes affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  See disclaimer.

Bring plenty of entertainment with you 

Like I was saying, you’ll want things with you in the car to keep you occupied while driving…or riding along. If you  bring plenty of road trip entertainment with you , you’ll never be without something to do to make your trip go by faster. 

And  make sure all your devices are fully charged  so they don’t die on you in the middle of reading or watching something you’re really enjoying. That would be the worst! 

Here are some things that work for me: 

Books are a road trip “must-have” 

I always make sure to have a couple of great reading options with me when I road trip. Obviously, regular books are for when I’m a passenger. This should probably go without saying, but just in case it doesn’t…DO NOT read while driving. 

Okay. Now let’s continue. 

I never know what kind of reading mood I’m going to be in, so I like to bring a couple of options if I have the space for them on my long car ride. 

For some great road trip book recommendations check out my post about the best books to read on a plane . I think the same principles apply to road trips. You’ll find some great picks for both fiction and nonfiction books. 

If you enjoy reading e-books you can download the  free Kindle app  onto your phone or tablet. With the Kindle app, you can take your full e-book library with you without packing any additional devices. Or try out Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited for free to find your next great road trip read. 

Audiobooks 

Audiobooks are perfect for road trips. With an audiobook, you can “read” even while you’re driving. If you’re unsure how you feel about audiobooks, you can try Amazon’s Audible for free just to see if you like it.

Media downloads 

But what if you don’t feel like reading or listening to an audiobook? There are plenty of other great media options to keep yourself occupied over the long miles of your next road trip. 

Download some options to your mobile device before you leave for your trip so that they’re ready and waiting for you no matter where you are. 

Here are a few of my favorite ideas: 

• Take a look at what  movies and shows  are available for download on  Netflix.  
• Download a few episodes of  your favorite podcasts  and any new ones you’ve been wanting to try. 
• If you have Amazon Music Unlimited , download some of your  favorite albums  or maybe some  new music  you’ve been meaning to listen to. 

Don’t have Amazon Music Unlimited?  You can try it out for free on Amazon.  But be careful. It’s addicting! 

Need help planning your road trip? Check out our list of essential travel planning resources .    

Enjoy some good conversation 

Sometimes things can get pretty boring on a long car ride. Especially if you are with people who don’t like to talk much or you don’t actually know very well. 

It’s nice to have things to break up the silence. Try having everyone in your car turn off all electronic devices and put them away (phones, iPads, etc .) for a short time.  

You could ask everyone to contribute something to talk about. If you’re stumped for things to talk about, try these  road trip questions that will spark some great conversations . 

Everyone could take turns asking and answering questions. You could even make kind of a game out of it, where the person who answers the question gets to choose the next question to ask and who has to answer it. 

Create your ultimate road trip playlist 

We touched on music earlier, but playing music while on the road is a great option. Music brings a lot of things to the table. It can help you stay awake while driving, give you something to sing along with, and give you energy. 

I love to use Spotify or Amazon Music Unlimited to create playlists of my favorite songs. 

Review the next phase of your itinerary 

Take some time during your long car ride to go over the plans for the next stop on your road trip. 

You could: 

• Make plans for where to eat at your destination (to avoid the dreaded “Where do you want to eat?” “I don’t know. Where do you want to eat?” scenario).
• Discuss sightseeing options at your next stop if you’re having trouble narrowing it down. And getting everyone’s input will help them feel involved in the trip planning. 

Play some classic car ride games 

Games are a great way to pass the time. Try some classic car ride games like… 

• The License Plate Game:  Look for license plates from all 50 states. Give bonus points for international license plates. 
• The Alphabet Game:  Look for all 26 letters of the alphabet in order using road signs, business signs, etc. BUT NOT license plates.
• Who Am I?:  Think of a famous person and everyone else has to try to guess who you are by asking you questions about who you’re thinking of. 
• The Movie Game:  The game starts with a person naming an actor or actress. The next person has to name a movie that actor or actress is in. Then the next person has to name another actor or actress in that movie and so on. Play continues until someone is stumped or gives an incorrect response. 

Enjoy some fun road trip trivia questions and answers.

Grab a nap 

When it’s not your turn to drive (obviously), take advantage of the time to rest up before your next turn at the wheel. If you need help sleeping in the car, you might try a sleep mask to block out light. 

Take in the scenery and enjoy some quiet 

Sometimes one of the most enjoyable things to do in the car on a road trip is to do nothing at all. Just relax, take in the view, and enjoy the quiet!   

Take a break from the road at mealtimes 

When we road trip we often pack a lunch for the first day (so that we can save some money), but then after that we plan to stop at meal times. 

It gives everyone a chance to get out of the car, especially the driver, a break from the cramped space. Of course, you can still stop at meal times even if you pack your food. You could even look for a scenic spot for a nice picnic and enjoy some fresh air. 

Find some points of interest along your route 

When road trip stops aren’t too far apart, it can be fun to find interesting things along the way where you could stop. Take the opportunity to get out of the car for a bit to stretch your legs, change drivers and see something cool or amusing. 

You could… 

• check out historical landmarks 
• Stop at roadside food stands 
• or simply just take a walk 

Fun and interesting stops will make your trip more memorable. One of my favorite road trip stops ever was Angel Oak outside Charleston in South Carolina. 

TIP: Keep track of all of your important travel details with a digital travel planner like this .

Tips for a long road trip 

Although it’s fun to try to come up with ways to keep entertained and pass the time, there are also other things you can do to make your long road trip as comfortable as possible. 

• Stay hydrated . Dehydration will make you feel more tired, which you definitely don’t want if you’re the driver. Drinking more water may have to stop more often, but walking about a bit regularly will help as well. 
• Pack plenty of snacks.  What’s a road trip without  road trip snacks ? 
• Wear comfortable clothing.  
• Run Google Maps  for directions even if you know your route. Google Maps will alert you to slowdowns, and accidents and provide detour routes for you on the fly to help get you to your destination with less hassle. 

First road trip? Check out my tips for planning your first road trip . Not sure if a road trip is for you? Explore Road trip pros and cons .

Road trip essentials 

Don’t forget these essentials when you’re packing for your next road trip. 

Cooler —Keep your lunch, snacks, and drinks cool with a cooler like this one you can buy on Amazon . 

Device charger car adapter —part of keeping safe on the road is making sure that your phone is fully charged in case of emergencies. A car charger adapter can keep two devices going ( buy on Amazon ) .

Water bottle —I love my Super Sparrow lightweight sports bottle ( buy on Amazon ). It holds enough water to keep you hydrated on your trip. 

Phone holder device —a hands-free device is great to have especially if you’re road tripping alone. You can buy it on Amazon .

Jumper Cable —Don’t let a dead battery keep you from your road trip. Keep jumper cables ( find them on Amazon ) with you at all times. Or purchase a jump starter box ( buy on Amazon ) and restart your battery safely by yourself. 

AAA membership —unfortunately cars break down sometimes, and it’s great to have something like AAA so you know you can get roadside assistance when you need it. 

Polarized sunglasses —squinting into the sun contributes to fatigue, so a pair of polarized sunglasses can help.  Check them out on Amazon .

First aid kit —for minor scrapes and such. You can make one yourself with basic things from home like band-aids and antiseptic. Or purchase a small kit designed for travel  like this one on Amazon . 

Spare plastic bags for trash —you don’t need to purchase anything. Leftover grocery shopping bags work great. 

Final thoughts on things to do on a long road trip  

No matter what your destination, your road trip is sure to be more enjoyable if you plan ahead. Bring plenty of entertainment with you and enough food so that you can eat on the go if you wish.  

Create an ultimate road trip playlist beforehand as well; nothing breaks up boredom faster than good music! Finally, don’t forget about conversation topics. Sometimes silence isn’t golden when driving long distances. 

With these simple tips, hopefully, you’ll feel refreshed and energized by your journey’s end instead of exhausted from all the time spent in the car. 

More road trip articles 

• Gluten-free road trip snacks  
• Road trip questions for fun conversation
• Important tips for your first road trip
• Road trip through the Southeastern United States

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Darcy Vierow is a busy professional and travel planning expert with years of experience maximizing travel with limited time and on a less-than-average salary. Her tips have been published by Forbes, MSN.com, Yahoo! News, Yahoo! Finance, Aol, Newsbreak and GOBankingRates. Read more about Darcy Vierow .

One Comment

You made a good point when you mentioned that it could be a good idea to wear a mask while you are trying to sleep on a car ride. A friend of mine is going to be going on a long bus charter in a couple of weeks. I would imagine that his trip is going to be during the day, so he might want to bring a mask so that the sun doesn’t shine in his eyes.

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Your ultimate checklist for an epic road trip

Travel Travel Inspiration Road Trips Epic Road Trip Tips

Road trips are one of the most fun ways to travel and explore a place. Think about it - wouldn’t you rather breathe in some fresh air and get lost in serene landscapes instead of waiting in long lines at the airport? Of course! Now, although road trips can be exciting, they can also get to you if you haven’t planned a few things out. We’ve put together a list of hacks and tips to make sure you have an epic road trip with fewer unpleasant surprises and many memorable ones!

27 Expert Tips For An Epic Road Trip

Below are the tips and hacks you're here for. Read on and thank us later!

#1 Budget the road trip (and stick to it)

Plan your budget beforehand so you can figure out how much you’ll need for the entire trip. Don’t underestimate your total budget because you don’t want to fall short of money. You’ll also want to account for unforeseen expenses, emergencies, and toll gates. Always carry enough cash just in case you can’t use your cards. If you’re traveling with other adults, decide on a budget together. Talk about how much you plan to spend each day and how much you need to set aside for different activities. It’s always good to plan these things out together and set expectations during the planning process.

#2 Alternate coffee with water to stay alert

Although coffee is widely accepted as the beverage that keeps you awake and alert, it’s not the best choice if you’re driving for long hours. the caffeine can make you very dehydrated and lethargic after a while, making things extremely uncomfortable, especially if you’re driving. caffeine acts as a stimulant but often works for a short duration. taking a few sips of plain water or snacking on water-infused fruits every now can really help you stay hydrated and alert for the whole journey., #3 get a thorough car health check-up before you hit the road.

The last thing you want on your road trip is to have your car break down. Head over to the closest garage or mechanic and have them check your car thoroughly. Check the tire pressure for any signs of a possible flat. Fill up the car with a full tank to skip the hassle of finding a station in the first few hours of your road trip. Always keep a spare tire or two in the car just in case you need it on the way, and of course, learn how to change a tire before you hit the road. You just might need it for those areas where road assistance is miles away.

#4 Let your bank know where you’re going

It’s a good idea to inform your bank about where you’re headed in case of any money-related emergency that can crop up on your holiday. Because you’ll be traveling to unfamiliar places, there’s always the chance of running into frauds, even if you’re extremely careful. Keeping your bank informed can ensure that all transactions made on your holiday are looked into and any action needed can be done almost immediately. Put yourself at ease and let your bank know your travel plans before you head out.

#5 Chart a rough itinerary

You don’t want to rely solely on spontaneity, and at the same time, you don’t want to plan every tiny aspect of the trip. What you can do is chart out a rough itinerary, including pit stops, places to visit once you reach, restaurants, and the like. Basically, a rough idea of all the things you want to cover on the trip. This gives you a lot to look forward to but also room for some flexibility. For instance, let’s say you had a long night and woke up too late for breakfast and sightseeing, that’s okay! If your plan is flexible, you can still make the most of the day and see what else you can do.

#6 Carry cash and stash them carefully

Carrying a sufficient amount of cash on your road trip is absolutely essential. You just might need cash for places that don’t accept card payments, especially if you’re traveling through a small town or village. Maybe you want to grab a quick bite at a little food stall or food truck, maybe you get a flat and have to call for road assistance. Either way, keep some cash with you just in case. But don’t keep all of it in one spot. Carefully distribute it across a few spots and make sure it’s safe and hidden.

#7 Fill up gas using a Credit Card that gives cashback

Many banks have exciting cashback offers when it comes to expenses like fuel. You’ll probably need a full tank or three for your whole trip so why not save some money and earn some points/cashback while you fuel up. Call or visit your bank before you fuel up to see if your credit card is eligible for a cashback. If not, check with your road trip buddies to see if any of them have cashback offers. This is super helpful, especially if your journey is going to be a long one and you need to fill fuel more than a couple of times.

#8 Fill up gas every chance you get

Even if you have more than a half tank of gas, it’s always better to fuel up every chance you get. You never know when you might find the next gas station and sometimes it could be several hours before you do. Sometimes it might even be shut. So, even if you do your homework and figure out where all the gas stations are on your way and back, it’s always better to be safe and fill gas whenever you find a station, especially if you’ve used up half or more of your tank.

#9 Opt for truck stops over rest areas

Because you’re traveling to unknown areas, your safest bet is to opt for truck stops instead of secluded pitstops. This is an especially useful tip if you’re traveling with women and children and want to be cautious. Truck stops aren’t just for truckers anymore. With adequate lighting, food, facilities, and a small crowd, it is definitely much safer than stopping at a remote area with no one around. Either way, be cautious about where you pull up and quickly scan the area to make sure it’s safe.

#10 Schedule exercise breaks every 2 to 4 hours

We all know how painful it is to sit in the same position for hours on end. You definitely want to avoid this especially while driving and stop for a quick stretch every 2-4 hours. Doing this will help keep the inevitable back pain and leg cramps at bay. Stop every few hours and stretch it out, especially if you feel your body starting to get stiff. Breathe in some fresh air, pop a few healthy snacks, and stay hydrated so your body is in good shape to get back on the road.

#11 Learn how to change a tire

No one really tells you the importance of knowing how to change a tire, but it is an extremely valuable skill to have. It’s easy to call someone to change your tire when you run a flat in a city, but what happens when you’re in the middle of nowhere? You may not find road assistance close by or they might be miles away and take hours to reach you. You’d rather take the time to learn how to change a tire yourself and save yourself time and money.. If you learn how to do it right, the whole ordeal takes just 10-15 minutes.

#12 Bring a portable charger for your devices

We’re all pretty reliant on GPS, especially when we’re traveling. Your phone is precious in more than one way and you can’t have it drain out before you reach your destination. When you’re on a road trip, you usually rely on your vehicle’s power to charge your device. On the off chance that your car breaks down and you can’t charge your phone for assistance, it's good to have a backup charger. So carry one or two portable chargers for emergencies!

#13 Carry an offline/physical map for when GPS ditches you

Let’s be honest, we’d be pretty lost without GPS, and you can’t have your GPS giving up on you on a road trip! Backups are essential. Although the age of physical maps might be long gone, you never know when it’ll come in handy. You should also download offline maps before you set out in case you lose network and can’t access your GPS. Having all of this sorted ahead of time will save you from being stranded.

#14 Preload your phone with playlists and podcasts

Road trips are always more fun when you have some fun tunes to hum along to. Remember that you’re probably going to be out of range for the radio to function, so put a few playlists together before you hit the road. You might also lose signal sometimes, so maybe download all the songs and podcasts just in case. That way you always have music and entertainment to keep you engaged through the long stretches. Although road trip games are fun, sometimes it’s nice to just sit back, relax, and listen to good music. Don’t forget to keep everyone’s taste in mind when you’re making these playlists.

#15 Get off the highway and take the road less traveled (sometimes)

Driving on the highway can get monotonous and boring. If you have a car that can handle a little bit of off-roading, why not take an alternate route or a short detour and go on a mini-adventure? You never know what you might find in the nooks of new towns, but we’re sure it’ll be worth finding out. That said, don’t take too much of a detour and lose your way completely! Make sure to check the maps before you hit the detour to see which roads will lead you back to the highway.

Ultimate Bucketlist Road Trips In The World

#16 book flexible attraction tickets in advance.

It’s important to have a loose itinerary in mind when you plan a road trip. Although planning and booking things in advance is helpful, you might change your mind once you’re actually there. Booking flexible attraction tickets gives you the option of canceling your tickets or rescheduling them without losing money. This is a great option if you and your buddies are more on the spontaneous side. Have some fun and be flexible with your plans.

Book last minute experiences on Headout , your one-stop digital marketplace for tours, activties and experiences across 100+ cities around the globe.

#17 Snap pictures of informative signs when you enter a city/town and keep them handy

Just like how you might take pictures of where your car is parked in a massive parking lot, you probably want to take pictures of important signs on your road trip. Keep these pictures in handy in case you get lost and need to retrace your path. It’s also a good idea to keep these pictures in case of any other emergency that pops up when you’re on the road in unfamiliar areas.

#18 Download a handy chunk of road trip friendly apps

Nowadays there are apps for pretty much everything. To find a toilet, to find the closest gas station, to chart your road trip itinerary and even to find the nearest parking. Before setting off on a road trip, make sure to download the few recommended road trip apps to help make your trip hassle-free!

#19 Stock up on emergency essentials (more than one of each)

Include emergency essentials on your road trip packing list. You always need to be prepared in case of accidents and emergencies, especially if you’re in for a long drive and help is far off. Some important things that need to be packed include a first-aid kit, road safety kit, car tools, spare tires and other car parts, a flashlight, blankets, and water.

#20 Travel insurance + Car insurance are an absolute must

There’s a reason why accidents are called that - because you never know when they can happen. Make sure you have car insurance and travel insurance and keep a copy or two of them in the car. You want to be prepared for anything when you’re on a road trip, especially when there are other people in the car with you. Insurance is a must when you’re heading out on a road trip..

#21 Know the road rules of the country

Get yourself familiar with the road rules of the place you’re going to visit. Sometimes each state has its own travel rules for the road. Do a bit of research and find tips for travelers from official travel and tourism websites. Whether it’s Europe, the United States, Australia, or Asia, you can find important information about road rules on their government or tourism sites. This little extra step can help reduce any tension when you’re driving and prepare you for the unexpected.

#22 Carry a foldable chair and portable picnic set

One of the most exciting parts of a road trip is finding beautiful spots along the way where you can enjoy the view, take some cool pictures, or better - have a picnic! Carry a few foldable chairs and a portable picnic set with you so you can have an impromptu picnic anywhere, anytime. Light food and beverages are perfect for a picnic, like sandwiches, juice boxes, chips, and whatever else you fancy. Having a small picnic in the middle of your road trip also gives you a chance to unwind and enjoy nature before getting back on the road.

#23 Sunscreens for the windows are a blessing during afternoons

When you crank the air conditioner up, it can slow down your car or burn up fuel much faster. but when you roll the windows down, it can get loud with harsh winds. plus, the car usually gets quite heated up during noon, making it uncomfortable for passengers inside. a bunch of hot, sweaty, irritable people stuck next to each other for a long time inside a car can make things very uncomfortable. invest in sunscreens for the car windows so that even if you’re driving when the sun is at its peak, you can still have a pleasant drive., #24 cover distances during daylight, the best time to start your road trip is at 4 or 5 am in the morning, just before the sun rises. this way you get to beat the morning traffic and be out of the city in time to catch some sensational views of the sunrise. plus, without regular commuters on the road, your journey becomes less hectic and more enjoyable without being stuck in those annoying traffic jams. after all, you don’t want to start off your road trip in a bad mood. leaving early also helps you cover the majority of your distance during daylight when it's the safest to drive., #25 don’t use cruise control at night, as relaxing as it is to put the car on cruise control, kick back, and enjoy the ride, you don’t want to do this after the sunsets. using cruise control at night can be dangerous because it’s harder to see things at night and your reflexes need to be on high alert. the nighttime is usually when truck drivers tend to become more drowsy and little animals tend to set out on adventures, often ending up on roads. so stay off cruise control at night and be ready for anything unexpected..

#26 Keep a close watch on the weather forecast and change plans accordingly

Weather can be so unpredictable sometimes. you most certainly should check the weather forecast while planning the trip to see what clothes to carry, what activities to plan, and so on. but, as accurate as weather forecasts are, there are times when the weather changes unpredictably. keep a close watch on the forecast every day of your trip, especially when you’re planning to cover long distances. have a rough backup plan in mind, in case mother nature decides to throw some weather hazards your way., #27 kit your car out and carry spare parts, even though vehicles are made of a gazillion different parts, sometimes even if one of those parts stops working, you’re going to have trouble. there are some essential parts to a car where it helps to have a spare, so you don’t end up having to ditch your car in the middle of nowhere. spare tires, car battery, water pump, jumper cables, and a timing belt. if you want to keep even more items handy, that’s perfectly alright, but you should at least have these few essentials just in case there’s a breakdown on your road trip..

Lakshmi Menon

Born to parents bit by the wander bug, Lakshmi calls her love for travel "hereditary and habitual". Perpetually ensconced with a book in her hand and a mug of coffee in the other, she has been to over 15 countries in her 23 years of existence and is currently saving miles and money for her solo trip to Iceland. Always hustling towards the least trodden path, she has encountered some wonderful people during her escapades and if you ever meet her, she won't stop gushing about them.

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25 Practical Tips for Long Road Trips

By Jason Barnette | Travel writer and photographer with 15+ years of road tripping experience

• Last Updated on May 25, 2024
• Published on July 7, 2021

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my Affiliate Disclosure here .

You’re finally ready to embark on that epic road trip that will take you across the country from sea to shining sea. The gas tank is full, you’ve checked off every item on the packing list, and you’re ready to hit the road. But are you actually ready for a long road trip?

The longer a road trip, the more complicated it can get. I didn’t say would get, but it certainly can get complicated. Have you packed enough clothing for the entire trip, or will you need to do laundry along the way? Are you ready for chilly nights, rain, and unexpected adventures? Unfortunately, these are the kinds of questions many people don’t consider until the road trip is underway – and it’s too late to make many changes.

These 25 practical tips for long road trips will help you get prepared long before you leave home, save money along the way, and help you spend more time enjoying the road trip and less time dealing with those pesky complications.

Buy food at grocery stores instead of gas stations

Road trip snacks are almost as necessary as gasoline for the car – they even perform similar functions. But one of the worst things a person can do on a road trip is to buy the snacks spontaneously at random gas stations along the way.

Save money and time with those snacks at grocery stores or bulk purchase stores. Stock up on all the snacks, drinks, and coffee at a fraction of the price of buying it along the way. The more you save, the longer you can drive.

Get your car inspected

Before leaving home, get your car inspected. Most national chain auto repair shops offer free inspections because they want your business when they find something wrong with the car.

But it’s an excellent way to get all the fluids topped off, tires rotated and balanced, and the hundreds of moving parts of a car inspected before you leave. Spur of the moment auto repairs during a road trip can be prohibitively expensive – not to mention you might have to shack up at a roadside motel for a few days while the work is done.

Keep your car maintained

Did you know properly inflated tires can lead to better gas mileage? Under-inflated tires cause a drop of 0.2% miles per gallon for every 1 PSI of all tires. That may not seem like much, but it can add up on long road trips.

Consider a 5,000-mile road trip in a vehicle that gets 30 miles per gallon. This would require 167 gallons of gas to complete the trip. However, if all four tires are underinflated by an average of 4 PSI, that means the vehicle is only achieving 27.6 miles per gallon. This would require 182 gallons to complete the trip – an increase of 15 gallons.

Beyond tire pressure, be sure to maintain fluids for the radiator, brakes, and engine oil to prevent damage to the engine. Replaced burned out headlights and taillights immediately. Keep up with oil changes and tire rotations for trips longer than 5,000 miles.

20 Essential Travel Apps for Awesome Road Trips

Set a reasonable daily mileage goal

The point of a road trip is to enjoy the journey as much as the destination. Driving 500 miles per day on the interstate highways doesn’t make for a very enjoyable road trip adventure. Driving that far on two-lane roads is incredibly tedious and exhausting.

By the time you stop at a couple roadside attractions, go for a hike in a state park, sit down for lunch, and take a short detour, the number of miles you’ll be able to cover in a single day will be limited at best. But that’s the point of the road trip! Set a limited number of miles to drive each day, giving yourself plenty of time to enjoy everything you’ll discover along the way.

Avoid rush hour traffic and peak dinner times

Sitting in congested traffic and waiting for food are two of the biggest examples of losing time on a long road trip. In fact, those are the biggest time wasters for just about any kind of travel. But there is a simple way to avoid losing time: avoid rush hour and peak dinner times.

Eat breakfast after 9 a.m., get lunch around 2 p.m., and consider dinner either early at 4 p.m. or wait until 7 p.m. During those time frames, you’ll get seated faster, and food served quicker. Also, when driving around town or between destinations, avoid the rush hours of 7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.

As an added bonus, use a navigation app or dedicated GPS device in your car that includes traffic information – this information will help you spot potential traffic jams from congestion, construction, or accidents and usually includes optional detours. Using an app like OpenTable ( iOs | Android ) will allow you to make reservations at many restaurants – cutting down the time spent waiting for a table to open.

Road Trip to the 8 Presidential Sites Throughout Northern Ohio

A void Small Town Travel on Sundays and Mondays

Roll into almost any small town with a population of less than 20,000 on a Sunday or Monday, and you’re likely to find every restaurant, museum, and attraction closed. It’s not from the owners’ lack of business sense but rather because the owners often work in their businesses, and they want a couple of days off each week.

Sundays and Mondays tend to be the most common days these local businesses are closed. However, it may also include mid-weekdays like Tuesday and Wednesday. Instead of visiting the small towns, consider spending the night in state or national parks, driving scenic routes, or just taking a couple of days to relax.

Pack everything – including the kitchen sink

I own six rain jackets, four sets of trekking poles, and two pairs of Crocs Swiftwater shoes . It’s not because I want a particular color combination for each day of the week, but instead because I kept leaving the items behind, thinking I wouldn’t need them.

Pack everything you can possibly fit into your vehicle for a long road trip. Go beyond your tentative itinerary and think about things you enjoy doing that you might want to do along the way. Take those golf clubs or stunt kites, pack the fleece hoodie, and bring more than two pairs of shoes. Although it’s impossible to prepare for every eventuality, every little bit helps save money in the budget.

Fill the gas tank on Monday

GasBuddy ( iOS | Android ) conducted a survey a few years ago to determine the best and worst times for gas prices. Interestingly, Mondays were the cheapest day of the week to get gas on average, with the best time coming around 10 a.m.

Also, interesting – though not surprising – was that the worst day to get gas was Friday or the day before a major holiday. During those days, gas prices tended to spike first thing in the morning.

18 Essential Items That Belong on Every Road Trip Packing List

Don’t rely on cellular service

One universal constant of any long road trip is the eventuality of running into a cellular dead zone. Rural areas in the Midwest, rugged terrain in the Rockies, and sporadically throughout the Southeastern United States are areas in between cellular towers that will leave your cellphone or tablet as useful as screen doors for submarines.

Be prepared to eventually lose cellular service during your long road trip. Download Google Maps ( iOS | Android ) for offline use, make sure all your apps are up to date, and download movies for entertainment. Doing as much of this as possible while connected to WIFI will prevent you from breaching a monthly data limit.

Plan to do laundry on the road

Depending on the length of the road trip, the activities you plan to enjoy along the way, and your fashion style, it just might not be possible to pack a new outfit for every single day. So rather than pack five suitcases stuffed with every stitch of clothing you own, consider doing laundry somewhere along the way.

As a rule of thumb, pack at least five of each type of clothing. Shorts, pants, tees, polos or blouses, underwear, and socks. On top of that, pack something for chilly nights and rain. This will give you about a week of clothing – but you’ll need to get used to wearing those shorts and that shirt more than once in between washing.

Buy a laundry bag and take it with you on the road trip. However, do not buy laundry detergent ahead of time. The heat and humidity will ruin most detergents and leave your car with an overwhelming smell. When you finally decide to do laundry, be sure to take enough quarters to complete your load, never leave your laundry unattended, and always use a laundromat during daylight hours.

Get organized

Organizing all your clothing, gear, food, and accessories is a crucial and often overlooked aspect of any long road trip. But, after two, three, or four weeks of restacking bags, hunting for that small item, and shifting cargo around every curve of the road, you’ll be on the edge of losing it.

Buy stuff sacks or use gallon-sized Ziplock bags to organize smaller items. Buy midsized duffel bags or plastic totes for organizing smaller bags. Stackable totes that can lock together are best for keeping the totes from sliding around in the vehicle. Label everything and always leave the most frequently used items on top.

Get plenty of sleep

The first few days of a long road trip, you’ll likely feel energized by the excitement and tempted to stay up 18 hours a day. I can typically keep that level of stamina going for about the first three weeks of constant travel – but eventually, everyone slows down.

Getting plenty of sleep is important to maintaining your mental and physical health, not to mention keeping morale high. Spending too much time traveling and not enough sleeping will eventually lead to exhaustion, depression, and moodiness.

On a long road trip, plan to take one or two days a week off from travel. Find a nice roadside motel, splurge on a super nice hotel with a free hot breakfast, or settle into a campground for two nights. Avoid the temptation to go out and explore the area – just focus on rest and relaxation.

Road Trip Along the Scenic Route from Gatlinburg to Asheville

Keep the car clean (inside and out)

The day before any road trip begins, I always find one of those really nice car washes with the conveyor belt that pulls the vehicle through a wash cycle. Then, after getting the exterior cleaned – included RainX and a tire shine – I visit the vacuum cleaners. There is no greater feeling than starting a long road trip with a squeaky-clean vehicle.

On long road trips, it will probably be necessary to do a little cleaning along the way. Car washes are easy enough. Instead of relying on their vacuum cleaners – or paying for them – consider buying the THISWORX Car Vacuum Cleaner . It uses 12v power with a removable collection bin and comes with a nice travel bag.

For an added touch, the Little Trees Vent Wrap Car Air Freshner’s “new car smell” will make your vehicle smell brand new after getting it clean.

Join a roadside rescue plan

Most auto insurance companies and cellular providers offer some sort of roadside assistance rescue plan. If you don’t have the option for either of those, consider buying a AAA membership to access their roadside rescue plan.

At the very least, roadside rescue plans will unlock a vehicle, tow your vehicle to safety, and provide gas in case you run out. Better plans will include longer towing distances and more gas. It’s the one thing you never think about until you need it – so this time, plan ahead.

Road Trip on the Scenic North Carolina Waterfall Byway

Keep up with monthly bills

Only about 40% of Americans use auto pay for monthly bills like utilities and credit card payments – I’m not one of them. One of the biggest mistakes with long road trips that last more than a month is forgetting to take care of those bills before you hit the road or somewhere during the trip.

It’s easy to pay those bills with the home computer with your login information saved, but could you pay those bills on the road with a cellphone or tablet? Be sure to take your login information with you and keep it in a safe location like a locked glovebox or portable security case. Add the due date for any bills to your travel itinerary – and remember that cellular service is not a guarantee everywhere.

Life Pro Trip: Many credit card companies and certain utilities allow you to choose a due date for your monthly bill. Aligning all these bills for the same due date makes it easier to keep up with – especially while you’re traveling.  

Leave room for souvenirs

I know I said “pack everything – including the kitchen sink” earlier, but don’t go overboard and fill the entire vehicle before you hit the road. More than likely, you will want to buy some souvenirs along the way.

Smaller souvenirs like clothing, décor, and Christmas ornaments – my favorite type of souvenir to buy – are easy enough to pack into a bag or tote in the vehicle. But if you buy more oversized items like artwork, glassware, or large gift items, ask the retailer if they can ship them to your home or a relative’s home for safekeeping. Often, the shipping is included, especially in areas of high tourism where they expect the buyers to be non-locals.

Insider Tip: An easy way to keep up with souvenirs on a long road trip is to mail them to a friend or relative. The Flat Rate boxes at the United States Postal Service come in several sizes and are indeed a single flat rate – ranging from about $5-$15 per box – no matter where you ship it in the continental U.S.

Bring your favorite ___________

Do you have a favorite coffee mug? Slippers? Or what about a television series you love to watch? Just because you’re going on a road trip doesn’t mean you can’t bring some of those with you.

Bringing your favorite items with you on a long road trip can help you feel more at home and relaxed. Instead of missing that perfect coffee mug or comfortable slippers, you’ll feel much better having them with you.

Have an itinerary but leave room for spontaneity

It’s always good to have a travel itinerary. It’s essential to know the business hours of museums, restaurants, and attractions, so you don’t arrive too late or on a day when they are typically closed. Building an itinerary can help you avoid those frustrations.

However, leave room for spontaneous detours that will inevitably come along during a long road trip. Be prepared for entire destinations to change as your route progresses. Take advice from locals and be willing to give something new a try!

Road Trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Fill all prescriptions and bring extra

For three years, I worked as a certified pharmacy technician at CVS/Pharmacy in Emerald Isle, North Carolina. During the hectic – sometimes chaotic – summer months, we would sometimes fill thousands of prescriptions in a single day. The most common type of prescription was for someone who had left the medication at home.

If you have any kind of regular medication, be sure to pack that for your trip. But for long road trips that last more than 30 days, you might run out while on the road. Make sure your prescription has refills on file with your pharmacy or take a new prescription with you – as long as it is not a controlled substance. If your insurance allows, consider getting two or three months’ worth filled at one time for your long road trip.

Watch out for 140-degree heat in the car

On sunny days during the summer months, vehicles’ internal temperatures can rise 30-40 degrees higher than the outside temperature. When I was a kid, I remember going for a walk to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse during a family vacation. When we returned, my mom opened the back of the car to make snacks – only to discover the Cheese Whiz had exploded all over the car!

The high internal temperatures of vehicles can ruin more than just pressurized cans of food. Contact lenses, prescriptions, electronics, and coolers are all susceptible to damage from temperatures over 100 degrees.

You can reduce those internal temperatures by using a windshield sunshade. Close the sunshade on the moonroof. You may even consider buying curtains for the side windows – it’s not as silly as you might think.

Set a daily and final budget

My first road trip adventure of 2021 was a spontaneous, itinerary-free adventure along the Gulf Coast from Gulf Shores, Alabama, across Florida to Vero Beach. After a week exploring that area of Florida, I was considering heading south to Key West for what would have been my first visit. But when I looked at my bank account, my heart hit the floor when I realized my travel budget was at an end.

I’ve never been good at creating or keeping to a travel budget, and that resulted in a road trip cut short. So the better method is to create a daily budget and stick to it. But also give yourself leeway for those rare opportunities to do something awesome and set a final budget for the entire trip.

The advantage of a long road trip is that if you’re on the road long enough, you might just get an extra paycheck while you’re traveling. So how many vacation days do you have saved up for your long road trip?

Only travel by day

Some people only travel at night to avoid any traffic congestion at all – and that’s a good idea. But driving on unfamiliar roads at night poses some safety issues – not to mention what would happen if your vehicle broke down at 3 a.m.

The safest and surest way is to only travel by day. It will be much easier to keep aware of the unfamiliar road ahead, and you’re certain to get roadside assistance faster during normal business hours.

The Ultimate Road Trip on the Skyline Drive Through Shenandoah National Park

Choose the best road trip route

My #1 Rule for Road Trips is no interstate highways. There is just no reason to take a road trip route onto the interstate – you’ll miss everything along the way.

But what is the best road trip route? National scenic byways are a good start – there are dozens across the country. But sometimes, the most scenic or exciting road trip route is just a simple country road connecting interesting destinations. The best way to find those is to ask the locals – they always know the best route.

Document the trip

After returning home from an epic long road trip, it might be difficult to remember precisely where you found that amazing cheeseburger or savory salted caramel ice cream cone or watched that stunning sunset. It can be downright frustrating when you realize you don’t have a single photo to share or any clue where to find the name of that restaurant.

But what exactly does it mean to document the trip? I am not advocating for ten thousand photos plus an additional five thousand selfies from your long road trip. Don’t become one of those people who jump out of the car on the Blue Ridge Parkway just long enough for a selfie and then leave just as quickly.

It starts with the photos. Capture an exterior photo of every restaurant, museum, and attraction you visit – and be sure to include the name of the business. Capture an interior photo and then one or two photos of every meal or activity.

Take a journal. Jot down notes of the places you visit. Feelings. Smells. Sights. Take note of the business name, details of the food you eat, and reaction to museums. Draw pictures and maps, create word maps, put any word to paper that comes to mind. It will all be wonderful to see all the photos and notes again when your long road trip is finished.

Keep in touch with regular updates

One of the most important safety measures you can take during a long road trip is to let someone know where you are and where you are going by the end of the day. Particularly in places where cellular reception could be spotty, it’s good to tell someone that by nightfall, you should be at a particular destination and able to call them again.

That way, if your vehicle breaks down while in a cellular dead zone with little traffic, at least someone knows the route you were driving to send rescue your direction.

5 Responses

Great tips. Do you have a good app that we can use to track how our car is doing. So like we put in the mileage and it does the calculations for us of how many miles to gallon and stuff like that?

The best app I know about is called Mile IQ. It’s meant for contractors who have to keep up with their mileage for bookkeeping, but it works for road trippers as well. Give that a look and let me know if it works~!

Wrote down some of the tips that I want to remember before the trip. Changed the idea of minimizing clothing to being sure to cover (see what I did there) all bases. Like having a warm hoodie even though I am planning a trip, late June, to the South. Having something & not needing it is so much more logical that getting something I already have but not bringing it. Thank you for your tips.

Thank you very much for taking the time to put these tips together! Very helpful!

Great tips, thank you! My son is traveling the month of May on a solo road trip for the first time so wanted to pass these tips on to him!

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Travel Tips and News

Things to do on road trips

Whether you’re planning a multi-day road trip or something shorter, it’s important that you and your passengers are not bored. There are plenty of games and activities you can do to keep from going stir-crazy in the car. Of course, which things you choose to do for entertainment on a road trip will depend on whether you have kids along or not, but our suggestions have something for everyone.

1. Listen to podcasts

• 2. Play the “20 questions” game

3. Meditate

• 4. Play a travel game
• 5. Listen to an audiobook
• 6. Play the state license plate game
• 7. Learn a language

8. Learn about different cultures

9. stop for a rest, 10. keep a travel journal, 11. look for fun attractions, 12. take videos and photos.

• 13. Post about your trip on social media
• 14. Crack your favorite jokes
• 15. Eat at local establishments

16. Go camping

• 17. Get some exercise

18. Go stargazing

19. try car camping, 20. make a scavenger hunt.

There’s no better way to catch up on episodes of your favorite podcast than on a road trip. Download podcasts that will keep you entertained before you start your journey, so you don’t have to use your cell phone data. If you have other passengers, you can also have fun taking turns listening to podcasts that the other people like.

2. Play the “20 Questions” Game

When traveling with your friends or family, you may decide to play this classic “Yes” or “No” question game to spice up your journey. Come up with some topics and questions before the road trip starts and keep everyone, young and old,

Meditation requires a peaceful place with less distraction. Long-distance road trips are the perfect opportunity to meditate (on breaks, not while driving!). While meditating, you can think about all the great things you can see or do on your trip.

4. Play a Travel Game

Games keep your mind occupied on long road trips. They can also help with stress and boredom while on the road. You can play games like puzzles, brain teasers, pass the pigs and chess. Travel games especially make road trips full of fun and enjoyment for kids.

5. Listen to an Audiobook

Suppose you have been struggling to read a certain novel or book while at home; a road trip will make it easier for you to complete the novel. Since reading a long book may be time-consuming, you can download the book and listen to it rather than read it.

6. Play the State License Plate Game

Long road trips make your mind relaxed and might take you back to your childhood. This is the perfect game for both adults and children. While playing the state license plate game, you need to create a list of as many states as you like, then when someone spots a plate from a new state it will be crossed off their list. The first one to cross off all the states on their list will be the winner.

7. Learn a Language

Find a language learning program and use your time on the road to start learning a new language. If your road trip is long enough you may make good progress and engage your brain while you’re in the car!

The best opportunity to meet different people worldwide is by taking a road trip. Road trips allow you to associate with different people in different parts of the country. If your road trip takes you into other countries or even regions much different than your own, it’s an opportunity to learn about other cultures and eat different foods.

It’s a good idea to stop every 3 hours or so to stretch your legs. If you’re driving you might consider stopping at a rest area and taking a nap so you’re refreshed. If you’re a passenger, bring along a travel pillow so you can comfortably get some rest.

Everyone wants to remember what happened a road trip. When recording your journey in a journal or diary, you will be able to remember what happened during the trip and share the memories with others.

To take breaks from driving and stay entertained, look for attractions along your road trip route. This can be museums that interest you, amusement parks, or even kitschy things like the “world’s biggest ball of twine”.

This is an essential thing to do while on a road trip. Videos and photos keep your memories intact and you can remember the road trip for years to come.

13. Post on Social Media

You do not want to be glued to your phone all day. However, there’s no disputing that making posts for social media can be a fun way to pass the time on road trips. Consider starting a new Instagram account for your travels.

14. Crack Your Favorite Jokes

To lighten the mood, take turns telling jokes. They’re the ideal cure for elevating people’s spirits and restoring everyone’s smile. You could spice things up and have a competition to see who can tell the worst joke.

15. Eat at Local Establishments

Eating at local restaurants has two primary benefits. First, you can try local cuisine that you haven’t tried before. Second, you can have conversations with people at local restaurants and maybe get some tips about things to do in the area.

When you’re on a long road trip, camping is also a great option if you’re traveling during warmer months. Be sure to pack a tent, sleeping bags and other essentials, and book a camping site beforehand if possible. Also bring a grill along so you can make s’mores after a long day on the road.

17. Get Some Exercise

If you have time, stop in a town or park along the way and get some exercise. Whether you want to go for a walk, a run or a hike, these are all easy to do in most locations.

If you’re driving at night outside of urban areas, take the opportunity to do some stargazing. Find a place with as little light pollution as possible and see how many constellations you can spot.

If you’re short on time and funds, sleeping in your vehicle can be a good option. Be sure you are parked somewhere where you won’t be in trouble for parking overnight (there are websites to find such places). Be sure to bring along sleeping bags, pillows and anything else you might need to sleep comfortably in your car.

Everyone, young and old, loves a scavenger hunt. Make a list of things to see or find during the road trip, and see who finds the most by the end of the journey.

Do check our guide to road trips in the US to help you plan and prepare for your road trip.

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Preparing for the Weather

8 Helpful Apps for a Road Trip

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Taking a Road Trip With Kids

Planning a Solo Road Trip

How to Plan a Camping Road Trip

Planning a Stargazing Road Trip

10 Helpful Budget Tips

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Budget for a 3-Day Road Trip

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Getting Your Car Ready

8 Things You Need to Do to Get Your Car Road-Trip Ready

Time off work? Check. Accommodations booked? Check. Itinerary planned? Check. Bags packed? Check. Auto maintenance complete? Uh oh.

If you can’t remember the last time your vehicle had a date with a mechanic, then you aren’t quite ready to embark on that epic road trip you’ve been dreaming about.

"Long road trips can test your vehicle's strength and not every part in a vehicle gives you fair warning," says Lauren Fix, an ASE-certified technician, race car driver, and award-winning author of three automotive books. "When going on a road trip, it's important to have your vehicle's brakes, tires, and fluids checked, along with any moving or rubber parts that can fail and leave you stranded on the side of the road."

The following items should be checked at least every six months (or sooner, depending on the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule)—spring and fall, before the weather changes—and also before heading out of town:

No, it's not just a ploy to get you into a repair shop—oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle. "If your vehicle is due for an oil change or close, have that service completed before you hit the road, especially if your vehicle is not normally driven at highway speeds," says Kevin Fawthorp, a master certified technician with Community Tire Pros and Auto Repair in Arizona and part of the Network of Neighborhood Auto Repair Professionals (NARPRO). "Today's engines and oils are better than ever; however, timely oil changes are very important."

Once inside your vehicle, tires often become an “out-of-sight, out-of-mind” automobile component. But their condition is essential to your vehicle’s safety, fuel efficiency, performance, and traction. Fix says to check the pressure of all tires, including your spare once a month—either by using a digital tire pressure gauge and comparing the results to the information on the decal inside your driver’s side door or by popping into a shop that will take care of this service free of charge. Next, take a look at the tread depth to see if your tires are damaged or worn unevenly. “When tires are worn unevenly or damaged, don’t wait to replace them,” says Fix. Finally, make sure you’re having your tires rotated per the owner’s manual recommendations, which often takes place during an oil change.

Often, brakes will give the driver some warning signs of upcoming issues. “Most disc brake pads have a squeal sensor mounted on the pad and when you are nearing the end of useful pad life will start to squeal to let the driver know before other parts—such as rotors or calipers—become damaged, causing a relatively inexpensive repair to become quite expensive,” says Fawthorp. “You cannot mistake this squeal.” Also, pay attention to other warnings, such as a sudden “spongy” pedal, pulling one direction or the other when brakes are applied, or a brake pedal that either shakes or moves up and down slightly while you are braking.

Windshield Washer Fluid and Wiper Blades

This one’s usually easy enough to do yourself: Refill the fluid in the windshield washer reservoir and replace wiper blades that are torn, cracked, or don’t properly clean your windshield. “Eighty percent of driving decisions are based on vision, so clear, unobstructed sight is critical,” says Fix, who suggests replacing your traditional blades with “beam” blades, which are curved to hug the windshield better.

Battery life spans differ depending on your climate and driving habits—for instance, the average lasts from three to five years. Still, Fawthorp says a battery in the Arizona heat has an average life span of only 30 months. When starting your car, he suggests listening for sounds indicating the battery may be losing some of its power, takes longer to start, or has a slight hesitancy on the first start of the day. Most service shops have equipment that can test your battery for condition, which should prevent you from experiencing a battery failure on the road.

Interior and Exterior Light Bulbs

With the help of a family member or neighbor, complete an exterior lighting check. “Don’t chance getting a warning or repair order from the police, or having someone rear-end you because your brake lights or turn signals weren’t working,” says Fawthorp. Some bulbs are easy to replace yourself, while others may require the assistance of a pro. Also, take a moment to double-check all interior lights to ensure you’ll have lighting inside your vehicle when you need it.

Cabin Air Filter

This little filter is responsible for trapping contaminants from the outside air and ensuring your air conditioner airflow will not be challenged on the road—but not if it’s old and dirty. Signs include a musty smell when turning on your air conditioning, poor airflow, and air not blowing as cold as usual. Ask about the condition of your cabin air filter during your next oil change.

Inspect for Leaks, Smells and Noises

“If you see a leak under your car, this is the sign of a problem,” says Fix. “Take a picture of the leak to show the repair shop, as it will help them diagnose the issue. Use your senses. What does it smell like? What does it look like? Do you hear any unusual sounds? This information will help, as well.”

Fawthrop recommends bringing your vehicle in two weeks before your trip—if extensive repairs are necessary, this will not only ensure there’s plenty of time to complete them, but it will also allow you a few extra days afterward to drive around your neighborhood just to make sure everything is working well.

“Your automobile is a very complex piece of machinery, with a lot of things that must work together to get you where you want to go on time and safely,” says Fawthrop. “Have a professional put his or her eyes on the vehicle before you jump on the highway and find yourself stranded in unfamiliar territory while trying to find help and a quality repair professional.”

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This post may contain affiliate links.

Long stretches of open highway, a sense of total freedom, good tunes, an epic adventure at your fingertips… the road trip is a classic travel experience for good reason! In this post, you’ll find all the essential items for your road trip packing list to help you plan your trip.

Written in partnership with Toyota

Michael and I have been taking road trips together for nearly a decade—from weekend jaunts to a year-long exploration of North America—so we’ve had thousands of miles to dial in our road trip essentials. 

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If you’re feeling the itch to hit the road, this post is for you! We’re sharing our complete road trip packing list with everything you need for a comfortable, fun, and safe road trip. A little planning and preparation go a long way so that once you start cruising down the highway, all you have to do is let the adventure unfold.

Before you go…

Bring your vehicle to a mechanic for a pre-trip inspection .

If your vehicle has given you, shall we say, “cause for concern” in the past, then it might be worth bringing it to a mechanic for a pre-trip check before embarking on an extended road trip. 

We often bring our vehicles in to our local Les Schwab Tire Center before a big trip to have them check the state of our brake pads. This is offered as a free service and most mechanics will offer something similar. 

Quick Home Maintenance Check: 

• How do the treads on the tires look? 
• Are your tires at the proper pressure? 
• When will you need another oil change?
• Is the windshield wiper fluid topped off?

Clean your car

The cheapest and easiest way to improve the quality of your road trip is to start with a clean car. We’re not kidding, it makes a huge difference! 

Remove all the extra clutter, random receipts, old coffee cups, etc. Vacuum out the interior, Armor-All the plastic surfaces, and clean your windows with vinegar.

It’s easier to try to stay clean and organized if your car starts out that way.

Vehicle essentials

These are the basic items you should keep in your car (regardless of whether or not you’re road-tripping!) 

• License, registration, and insurance cards: Keep these together in an easily accessible place.
• Spare tire + tools: In addition to the tire, you’ll need a jack and a lug wrench. These are usually stored underneath the spare, but it wouldn’t hurt to double-check that they’re still there. Take five minutes to brush up on how to change a spare tire , too! 
• Jumper cables: Forgot to turn off your lights before heading out to explore, and returned to a dead battery? Jumper cables to the rescue! If you’re going to be traveling on lesser-used roads, you might want to consider a jump start battery booster so you don’t have to wait for a friendly traveler to stop to help you.
• Tire pressure gauge: Many cars will have internal pressure monitoring systems, but having a manual tire pressure gauge is still nice so you can quickly and accurately check each tire. 
• 12v tire pump: If you discover a slow leak in a tire, a 12v tire pump can fill the tire back up until you can resolve the problem. 
• Tire patch kit: You can pick up a tire patch kit at any auto store or gas station. If you get a puncture in the middle of your tread (not near the sidewall) you can usually plug the hole yourself using a patch kit. 
• Flashlight or headlamp: If you have car issues after dark, a flashlight or headlamp will help you see what you’re doing as you troubleshoot.
• Windshield sunshade: A sunshade makes a huge difference in keeping the interior of your car cooler while it’s parked.
• AAA membership: Hopefully you won’t have to use it, but the peace of mind that a AAA membership is absolutely invaluable. Unlock your car, jump your battery, or arrange a tow. As people whose campervan stopped running while parked on a desolate forest service road in Wyoming, we really can’t imagine road tripping without it.
• Fix’d device: This is an optional device that can be really helpful in diagnosing potential issues. This plugs into your car’s OBD-II port , and if the check engine light goes on, it will run and diagnose the code for you so you know what you’re dealing with (or know if you have to get to a mechanic pronto ).

In the glove box

• Napkins: Invaluable for soaking up spills, wiping sticky hands, and any number of minor cleaning tasks.
• Extra TP (store in a ziplock bag): Just in case the one bathroom in a 50 mile radius is out of stock!
• Hand sanitizer
• Tissues: A small pack of tissues are nice to have in case allergies kick up or you start having deep conversations with your travel partner.
• Quarters: Spare change will come in handy if you encounter toll roads or bridges, old school parking meters, or need to run a load of laundry at a laundromat.

Organization

One of the keys to a comfortable road trip is to keep your vehicle and gear organized and tidy. You don’t want to have wrappers piling up in your drink holders, or have to dig through all your stuff every time you need to find something. You don’t need everything on this list—just pick and choose what will work best for you and the type of things on your road trip packing list.

• Trash bag/bin: A small trash bag or bin in an accessible location will really help in managing wrappers, fruit peels, receipts, etc. We like to use an empty protein powder container because the lid helps prevent spills and smells.
• Over the seat organizer: A small organizer that clips to the back of the front seats is a great way to keep things like maps, headlamps, snacks, kids’ car games, and charging cables organized. If you have kids, this larger organizer has an iPad sleeve.
• Packing cubes: We love packing cubes to keep our clothes organized. Tops go in one cube, shorts or pants in one, socks and underwear in another, and one for miscellaneous items like swimwear and other accessories. We each have our own color to make things easier to find.
• Duffel bag: Large soft-sided duffel bags like the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel or REI Road Tripper Duffel are perfect for storing your packing cubes and bulky items like jackets. These tend to be more space-efficient in your trunk than suitcases since they don’t have a rigid shape.
• Storage bins/action packers: Action packers are great for storing camping equipment, extra snacks, shoes, and other gear.
• Roof cargo box: Very optional, but we are big fans of storing as much of our gear in a roof cargo box as possible, especially items we won’t use daily. This helps free up room for backseat passengers and helps open up space in the car, making it feel a little less like driving a mobile storage unit.
• Day pack: Whether you plan on hiking or are sticking to urban adventures, a comfortable day pack is essential for carrying extra snacks, water bottles, layers, maps or guide books, etc.
• Laundry bag: Having a separate laundry bag means your clean clothes stay fresh in your duffel, and when you’re ready to do laundry, all you have to do is haul the bag in—no more sorting through all your clothes trying to figure out what is clean and what isn’t.
• Reusable grocery bag: Stash a few of these in your glove box or over-the-seat organizer for stops at the grocery store during your trip.

Navigation and electronics

We’ve lumped these categories into one since so much navigation is done electronically. However, cell service isn’t guaranteed in many rural areas of the US, so paper and offline navigation are still a road trip essential.

• Road atlas or paper maps: In case you find yourself turned around in an area without service, you should always be prepared with paper maps. We like the Benchmark Maps Road Atlases and have one for the states we frequently road trip through. Alternatively, you can pick up paper maps for free at AAA locations if you’re a member!
• Offline maps: Maps.me is an awesome offline map that is perfect for creating routes and turn-by-turn driving directions on the fly, even if you’re completely out of service. Download the area maps ahead of time and you’ll be able to access everything—including gas stations, public restrooms, hospitals, points of interest, etc. Before your trip, you can bookmark all your stops or things you’re interested in and create “Lists” so you can pull them up on the road.
• Hands-free phone mount: One of the best car accessories we have ever purchased is a hands-free phone mount . No more interpretive re-telling of the directions from the passenger to the driver. Just plug in the directions, mount the phone in your field of view, and you’re golden. 
• USB Cords: We like to have dedicated USB cords that we leave in our vehicle. This way, we’re not shuttling them in and out and potentially forgetting to bring them.
• Small inverter: A 12v to 120v inverter can plug directly into a cigarette lighter and charge AC items like laptops and camera battery chargers. We’ve used this one for over six years of road trips!
• GasBuddy : We use this app to find gas stations—it has user-aggregated price data, too, so we can save money by price comparing nearby stations.
• Maps.me : As mentioned above, this is our favorite offline map app for driving directions.
• Alltrails : Our favorite app for finding hiking trails. Sort by length, elevation gain, and difficulty.
• The Dyrt : A great app for finding campgrounds (complete with photos, reviews, and amenities). The PRO version allows you to access everything offline, has public land map layers, and includes a great trip planner tool.
• Seek by iNaturalist : Identify plants, animals, and birds, and tracks by using your camera or uploading a photo—the app will identify it for you!
• Merlin Bird ID : Enter bird features like size, color, and environment to generate a list of potential birds—includes sound recordings and photos for easier identification.
• The Outbound : A great app for finding all kinds of outdoor adventures.
• Nativelands : Identify the native tribes that traditionally lived in the area you’re traveling in.
• Sky Guide : Dynamic constellation, planet, and star identification.
• PlugShare : If you’re driving a plug-in hybrid like the Toyota Prius Prime , or an all-electric vehicle, this app will be invaluable in locating charge stations along your route. 

Entertainment

Let’s face it: long stretches of driving can get monotonous, no matter how dynamic the scenery is. This is where some in-car entertainment becomes important. 

Download everything to your phone ahead of time. It’s not a matter of if you’ll lose service, it’s when…   And it is never at a convenient time. Once everything is downloaded, you’ll be able to access it any time.

We loved the CarPlay integration that the Toyota Prius Prime came with—it made it so easy to navigate between our music and podcasts while on the road!

• Audiobooks: Use Libby to download audiobooks from your public library for free, or use Everand which gives you an unlimited reading subscription for less than $10 a month ( try it for 2 months free! )
• Spotify playlists: There are thousands of playlists to choose from, but we think the best place to start is with the “Soundtrack My Ride” feature which will build a custom playlist for you.
• Podcasts: We love bite-sized podcast episodes because they give us lots of new topics to talk about, in addition to (usually) learning something new. Here are some great road trip podcast recommendations from Conde Nast Traveler and AFAR .

Comfort essentials for road trips

This is a list of little items we consider to be road trip essentials simply because they make the trip a little more comfortable and enjoyable.

• Snacks and drinks cooler: Keep a small cooler or insulated lunch tote within reach filled with any perishable road trip snacks and cold drinks.
• Coffee mug or tumbler: Make an extra cup of coffee in the morning and save it in an insulated coffee mug or tumbler . This will not only save money, but we bet you can make a much tastier cup of coffee than what you’ll find at a gas station!
• Water bottle: A reusable water bottle is absolutely essential for road trips! It’s so important to stay hydrated when traveling, and if you have water easily within reach, you’re more likely to sip throughout the day. Cycling through bottled water generates so much waste (of resources and your money), so pack along a durable, reusable bottle to fill up.
• Reusable utensils + straw: While we’re talking about reusables, we’d like to suggest throwing in a set of reusable utensils and drinking straws so you can ditch the plastic stuff when you grab takeout or stop at a food truck.
• Blankets/pillows: Catnaps in the passenger seat are so much more comfortable and restful if you have a pillow and a blanket. These are also nice to have to lay out on the grass at a rest stop for some shut-eye.
• Quick-dry towel/Turkish towel: Quick dry towels are a summer road trip necessity! Personally, we love jumping in lakes and rivers and a quick-dry towel is a way better option than regular bath towels. They are less likely to get mildewy and they’ll dry out before your next stop! A Turkish towel is similarly a great item and can double as a picnic blanket, sarong, or shawl.
• Sunglasses: Squinting into the sun as you drive is a recipe for fatigue, headaches, and it’s just plain bad for your eyes. A good pair of sunglasses with UV protection is a must-have for road trips. We love Sunski sunglasses , which come with a great warranty.
• First aid kit: Backroad Ramblers has a great post on putting together your own road trip first aid kit .

Toiletries and personal items

These are the self-care items that are on our road trip checklist to keep us feeling good throughout the trip.

• Sunscreen: While car side windows block UVB rays, they still allow UVA rays through —the ones that cause deep skin damage (but not sunburns), so it’s important to wear full-spectrum sunscreen, particularly on the side of your body next to the window. 
• Lip balm: Prevent chapped lips by using lip balm, preferably one that has some SPF to it.
• Bug spray: You may not need it in the car, but bug spray is nice to have if you’ll be outdoors hiking or hanging out. This is a good travel-sized spray , and they have a DEET-free version as well. 
• Prescription medications and OTC Med Kit: In addition to any prescription medications, put together a small over-the-counter med kit that includes painkillers for headaches and achy joints, Benadryl or Allegra for allergies, Imodium in case your lunch doesn’t sit well, etc.
• Car/Motion Sickness remedies: Either OTC or a non-medication option like ginger chews or those pressure point bands.
• Body wash/soap
• Wet wipes: These will come in handy in case you need a quick “bath” on the road (see the below section on showering during a road trip for more ideas).
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss
• Wrinkle release spray: Your clothes are going to sit folded up in your luggage for days at a time, so having a travel-size wrinkle release spray can be super helpful on a road trip.
• Tide stain pen: Stains happen, and since you won’t be able to immediately throw your clothes into the wash, having a Tide stain remover pen can help prevent the stains from really setting in.
• Scrubba: Alright, this is totally optional, but this portable wash bag could be useful particularly if you’re traveling with kids and you want to be able to wash out stains and dirt from clothes without spending your time at the laundromat.

What to wear on a road trip

The clothing section of your road trip packing list is going to be pretty personalized based on where you’re going, the time of year and expected weather, and your personal style.

The key to packing clothing for a road trip is to balance comfort and versatility based on your planned activities, while keeping in mind the kind of weather you are likely to encounter. 

Try to choose clothes that will serve multiple purposes, for instance, a warm jacket you can wear in the evening at your campsite but will still look good enough to walk around town on a brisk day. A good tip for pants is to choose ones that are good for hiking but that you’d also grab dinner in. prAna has a lot of good options for versatile pants .

Consider packing clothing that have helpful features while traveling such as antimicrobial or quick-drying fabrics, or UPF clothing that offer built-in sun protection.

Basic road trip packing list

• Short sleeve tops or tanks: one per day in the summer, or fewer in cooler temperatures
• Long sleeve tops: one or two in the summer, or more in cooler temperatures
• Pants, leggings, and shorts
• Activewear for hikes and outdoor exploring
• Warm jacket or sweater: extras if it’s going to be particularly cold
• Rain jacket
• Windbreaker or lightweight jacket
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Hiking shoes , if necessary
• Hat (sun hat/warm beanie)
• Activity-specific items (rashguard, water shoes, etc)

Camping basics

If you’ll be camping, there are a few additional things you’ll need to put on your road trip checklist. These are the bare essentials from our weekend camping checklist —we leave some of the “extras” behind knowing that we’re going to pack up and move frequently.

• Sleeping mats
• Sleeping bags
• Camp chairs
• Folding camp table (optional)
• Camp stove and fuel
• Packable camp cookware set
• Spatula / spoon
• Knife and cutting board
• Plates, bowls, and utensils
• Camp coffee maker
• Collapsible dishwashing bucket (optional, depending on campsite selection)
• Sponge and campsuds
• Microfiber towel
• Bin to store kitchen items in

Essential road trip planning tips

Route planning.

One of the allures of road-tripping is the freedom that comes with the open road. As soon as you get behind the wheel, you feel like everywhere is within your reach and you’re in a real-life “choose your own adventure” story. And while that feeling of freedom is real, it truly is a good idea to spend some time planning out an itinerary (however loose or detailed) before you leave.

At a minimum, it means that your co-pilot will have to spend less time researching what to do and where to go on the fly, and at best, it means you won’t have that post-trip regret of finding out you drove past the best waterfall in the state and you didn’t even know it.

We like to take a “planned spontaneity” philosophy when it comes to planning a road trip. After deciding on how long our road trip will be and choosing a general area for the trip, we start looking into the attractions and activities that we’d be interested in and start saving them to our Map.me bookmarks. Then, we can pull up the map that has all the points on it and see what our basic driving route might be, eliminating any real outlier stops.

From there, we’ll spend a little more time thinking about how long we want to drive per day and the time needed to explore different locations. This is how we determine where we plan to sleep each night, and book campsites or hotels/Airbnbs. 

Once we have a more solid route planned, we might add coffee shops or restaurants we want to check out or do a little more research into different points of interest.

That’s usually it. We end up with a rough timeline so we don’t get behind and a lot of ideas to choose from when we’re on the road, depending on how we’re feeling that day.

We like to budget extra time instead of planning down to the minute because the beauty of road trips is that even when you have a plan, you’re likely to stumble on fun, spur-of-the-moment stops, and you’ll want to have time to stop for those spontaneous adventures.

Make a budget

To an extent, a road trip can cost as much or as little as you have a budget for. If you make most of your own meals, get savvy at finding free camping , and choose free or inexpensive activities, you can really keep the costs of a road trip down. Or, you can book nights at Airbnbs, eat at local restaurants, and splurge on activities if it’s in your budget! We personally do a blend of both on most of our trips.

While you’re planning your trip, keep a total budget in mind, and then allocate it into different categories based on your priorities. Eating great food might be more important than where you lay your head at night, or perhaps you want to be able to book a fun adventure tour and are happy cooking at your campsite most nights.

Where to sleep

On your road trip, you have several options for overnight accommodation. You can camp, stay at Airbnbs, hotels, or hostels, or stay with friends or family if they are along your route and willing to host you.

During busy travel periods or in popular destinations, you’ll probably want to book everything ahead of time. It sounds free and romantic to go where the wind blows and decide where you want to stay on the fly, but we’ve found that it adds unnecessary stress to our trips.

Campgrounds, in particular, are important to book in advance because they have limited space, and in many cases, if they’re full when you get there, there may not be many other camping options nearby.

What to eat

Nothing ruins a road trip quite like a hangry passenger—or worse yet, a hangry driver! Failure to make plans for what and where you’re going to eat means you’re already halfway to Crankytown, so be sure to plan ahead and pack ALL THE SNACKS.

You can opt to eat out for all your meals and not have to worry about cooking at all, in which case, you may want to spend some time looking up interesting restaurants or food trucks along your route so you already have some to choose from when you roll into towns. If you’re camping or staying at Airbnbs or hostels with kitchens, you can make your own meals or pack to-go lunches.

Pack a small cooler or insulated tote with things like fresh veggies and hummus, cheese, sandwich supplies, and cold drinks like sparkling water, iced coffee, or kombucha so they are easy to access during the day.

Stash non-perishable road trip snacks like peanut butter-filled pretzels, nuts and trail mix , dried fruit, jerky , granola bars, and other snacks in your center console or in a bag so there’s always something ready when you start to feel hungry.

If you’re planning on making some of your own meals, it’s a good idea to keep things pretty simple so you can spend more time exploring and less time cooking. Here are some of our favorite road trip meals:

• Overnight oats with a bit of maple syrup and chopped fruit and nuts
• Made-ahead breakfast burritos warmed up on the camp stove
• Granola, milk, and fresh fruit
• Yogurt with berries and granola
• “Charcuterie spread” of sliced cheese and salami, crackers or bread, olive packets , dried fruit, and nuts
• Sliced apple, almond butter, and honey sandwiches
• Avocado, tomato, and hummus sandwiches (perfect with some everything bagel seasoning!)
• Chicken or chickpea salad—make it at home and store it in your cooler. Serve in wraps, sandwiches, or on crackers.
• Chickpea curry with rice or naan—all can be made ahead of time and reheated at the campsite
• Quick stir fry with noodles
• BBQ chicken quesadillas —you could cook and chop the chicken ahead of time for an even faster meal
• Tacos with store-bought salsa and avocado
• Pasta with fresh veggies and chickpeas or chicken sausage
• Here are a bunch more easy camping recipes and one pot meals

How to shower on a road trip

If you’re going to stay in hotels or at Airbnbs every night, you get to skip this section. But if you’re camping during your road trip, here are a few ideas (from most “civilized” to most “dirtbag”) of how to stay clean during your trip:

• Campgrounds you stay at: Check the amenities ahead of time, but many state and national park campgrounds will have shower facilities. Some will be included with your site fee, while others will require you to use quarters or buy shower tokens, so make sure you have some change on hand.
• Gyms/rec centers: If you have a gym membership to a chain with lots of locations, check to see if there are any along your route. The Planet Fitness Black Card Membership is famous among road-trippers because it’s $20 per month and gives you (and a guest) access to all their locations (and there are a TON of them). If you don’t already have a gym membership, many towns have city rec centers or Y’s where you can buy a day pass and take a shower.
• Sun shower: A sunshower is basically a portable water bag with a hose or spout that you can rinse off with. Leave it in the sun for a bit (or add hot water), and it’s an easy, cheap way to enjoy a warm rinse. We have used the Nemo Helio , which has a foot pump to pressurize the water (great if you want to do more than just have a quick rinse).
• Jump in a lake: But don’t use soap in it! If you’re spending time near lakes or rivers, a swim with a good ole hand scrub is one way to stay feeling clean. Just please don’t use soap in or near any water source. Even biodegradable soaps can pollute waterways since they need microorganisms to break down properly. If you want to use biodegradable soap , lather up and rinse off at least 200 feet away from the water’s edge
• Wet wipes: When all else fails, wipe down with a couple of wet wipes to get the day’s sweat and grime off you before bed.

What are the best road trips in the USA?

Road trips are a quintessential US travel experience and there are SO many amazing routes to explore. Here are some of the best road trip itineraries on our website as well as others that we’ve done or are on our bucket list!

• 7 Wonders of Oregon Road Trip | Fresh Off The Grid
• Wild Wonderful West Virginia Road Trip | Fresh Off The Grid
• Gem Of The West Idaho Road Trip | Fresh Off The Grid
• Ultimate Teton & Yellowstone National Parks Road Trip | Bearfoot Theory
• Olympic National Park Road Trip | Bearfoot Theory
• 10-Day Utah National Parks Road Trip | Bearfoot Theory
• The Best California Road Trips | She Dreams of Alpine
• Northern California Road Trip Itinerary | The Mandagies
• 10-Day American Southwest Road Trips | The Mandagies
• 7-Day Glacier National Park Road Trip | The Mandagies
• Blue Ridge Mountains Road Trip | AFAR

Made possible by Toyota

We recently had the opportunity to take a Toyota Prius Prime on an epic Oregon road trip . We loved that it’s a plug-in hybrid, so we could charge at any number of charge stations along the way, but since it still has a fuel-efficient gas engine, we never had to worry about range. And, its large cargo space meant that we had plenty of room to pack all of our road trip essentials! Learn more about the Toyota Prius Prime here .

Megan & Michael are the creators of Fresh Off The Grid, a blog dedicated to helping you fuel your adventures by sharing camp cooking recipes, backpacking meals, and outdoor travel guides. Their recipes and outdoor cooking expertise have been featured in Backpacker Magazine, Outside, REI Co-Op Journal, Food & Wine, and New York Times Cooking.

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One Comment

Outstanding information. Thank you for the great tips!

12 Essential Idaho Road Trip Experiences

This is a sponsored post..

With such wide diversity in landscapes and outdoor recreation opportunities, Idaho is one of the most underrated states in the West. From the high desert plains to jagged mountain peaks to pristine rivers and streams, no matter what part of the state you find yourself in, we guarantee there’s someplace beautiful to explore nearby.

One of the best ways to get the full Idaho experience is to road trip through the state. With so many gorgeous scenic byways and charming rural towns to stop in along the way, the journey can be as much of a draw as the destinations themselves.

We compiled a road trip itinerary that features some of the best outdoor recreation activities the state has to offer. Whether you’re into kayaking, rafting, horseback riding, biking, hiking, or fly fishing, we’ve got something for you.

Located along the dramatic cliffs of the Snake River Canyon, the city of Twin Falls has a high desert climate but tons of outdoor water recreation.

What to Do: Snake River Canyon Rim Trail

Walk, run, or bike along the spectacularly scenic Snake River Canyon Rim Trail. The rim trail can be picked up from the northern terminus of Washington Street, next to the Visitor Center, or in Shoshone Park. Venture out to the famed Evil Knievel jump site, watch BASE jumpers leap from Perrine Bridge, or grab a drink at Elevation 486 and watch the sun set over the canyon.

Perrine-Coulee Falls  – This waterfall drops nearly 200 feet down into the Snake River Canyon, creating a continuous ribbon of water as it falls. Unlike most waterfalls, Perrine-Coulee Falls actually increases in strength during the summer because water used for irrigation spills over into the Coulee River. If you don’t mind getting a little wet, there’s even trail that leads behind the falls.

Where to Stay: Blue Lakes Inn – While the outside looks like an unassuming roadside motel, on the inside the rooms have all had a classy modern makeover. Don’t pass up this hidden gem. (Note: the complimentary breakfast here is legit!)

Where to Eat: The Buffalo Cafe – Light on amenities, heavy on character, this old fashioned hole-in-the-wall diner is where the town’s old guard gathers for breakfast.

KB’s – With five locations throughout Idaho, KB is quickly becoming the premiere burrito stop in the whole state (Recommendation: get the Jordan’s Burrito – It’s loaded with slow cooked pork, black beans, and yams!)

Slice Pizza – Delicious brick oven pizza right in downtown Twin Falls. Grab an order to go or hang out on their front patio.

From Twin Falls to Boise, take Interstate 84 heading west.

As one of the fastest growing urban centers in America, Boise is quickly becoming the new darling city of the West. With a charming downtown, new restaurants and breweries, and an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities nearby, it’s easy to see why people are flocking to Boise. What to Do:

Boise Greenbelt  – Running through the heart of the city, the Greenbelt is a 25-mile pathway that runs along the Boise River. This tree-lined river corridor is both a recreation destination and means of access for pedestrians and cyclists. Take a sunset stroll, rent a bike from one of the many Green Bike stations , or grab an inner tube and float down the Boise River during the warm summer months.

Payette Brewing Tour – Feeling thirsty while pedaling down the Greenbelt? Stop by the Payette Brewery and take a brewery tour. With a brand new building, plenty of outdoor space, and tons of amazing craft brews on tap, Payette Brewing is a great place to spend the afternoon.

Old Idaho Penitentiary – While today Boise is a very modern city, you can still connect with its western roots at the Old Idaho Penitentiary. Operated as a prison from 1872 to 1973, this historical site is open to the public. While a sobering place to visit, it offers a glimpse into what life behind bars looked like in the old American West.

Raft the Payette River with Cascade Raft & Kayak – While the city of Boise is a great place to visit on its own, its access to outdoor recreation opportunities is what truly makes it incredible. Case in point: only 45 minutes outside of town and you have access to world class whitewater. Sign up with Cascade Raft & Kayak and get an introduction to the class III & IV rapids on the South Fork of the Payette River or check out the all-ages option for the whole family. This is a must do experience!

Where to Stay: Hotel 43 – Sitting on the 43rd parallel in the 43rd state, Hotel 43 is a uniquely styled boutique hotel right in the heart of downtown Boise. (Note: Coffee drinkers rejoice. Each room comes with a Keurig coffee maker!)Where to Eat: Bacon – This breakfast and lunch bistro joint takes its bacon seriously. In addition to the standard menu, there is also a separate bacon menu with five different kinds of bacon. Bacon also makes an incredible bacon Bloody Mary.

High Note – Exceptional breakfast and lunch menu with a slight dive bar feel, the High Note is a favorite locals hangout in the middle of downtown Boise.

Bittercreek Alehouse – Casual, mindful, and often pretty busy, the Bittercreek Alehouse serves a wide range of draft microbrews alongside locally sourced pub fare. (If you like fries, cheese, and gravy, then definitely check out their poutine!)

From Boise to Stanley, take Highway 21 going north.

At the foot of the Sawtooth Mountains, the tiny town of Stanley (population 63) is one of the last remaining holdouts of the Idaho frontier. Scenically located, pristinely untouched, this town feels a little like stepping into the past. With access to nearly any type of outdoor recreation you can possibly imagine, Stanley serves as a gateway to an entire world of Idaho adventures.

What to Do: Hike in the Sawtooths Mountains – While this stunning mountain range rivals the Sierra Nevadas and the Canadian Rockies in beauty, they are very lacking in one department: crowds. Their relatively remote location makes them a haven for those looking for a more intimate connection with the natural environment. There over 700 miles of trails, 300 high mountain lakes, and 40 peaks that rise above 10,000 feet. Out here, there’s plenty of wilderness to explore.

Horseback riding with Redfish Lake Corrals –   If you want to experience the Sawtooths like the early settlers, then you’ve got to ride out on horseback. Redfish Lake Corrals can take you on an early morning tour where you can watch the sunrise illuminate the jagged mountain cliffs, or lead you on a day ride out to one of the many gorgeous alpine lakes. It’s an experience that won’t easily be forgotten. (If possible, ask for Kagan to be your guide! An Idaho native, he’s full of fun facts and interesting history about the area.)

Land of Yankee Fork State Park – Take a glimpse into Idaho’s rich mining history with a visit to Land of the Yankee Fork State Park. Explore the old mining boom towns of Custer, Bayhorse, and Bonanza or take a guided tour of one of best preserved floating gold dredges in the world. (Not all visitor center movies are worth it, but the one at Yankee Fork definitely is.)

Where to Stay: Sunny Gulch Campground – While there is traditional lodging to be found in Stanley, there is also an abundant amount of camping. Sunny Gulch is located to the south of town, but offers spectacular views of the Sawtooths at dawn. (Try to get campsite #5 and you’ll be rewarded with a fantastic view of sunrise on the Sawtooths with your morning coffee.)

Where to Eat: Stanley Baking Company & Cafe – A charming breakfast and lunch spot with legendary baked goods and a friendly atmosphere. Order coffee and baked goods to go or sit down on the front porch and enjoy a full country breakfast. (Recommendation: their sourdough pancakes!)

From Stanley to Salmon, take State Highway 75 north to US 93 and continue north.

Nestled in the Bitterroot Mountains of central Idaho, Salmon is a small rural community with some serious small town vibes. Located along the Salmon River – otherwise known as “The River of No Return” – this town balloons in size during the annual steelhead run.

What to Do: Fly Fishing the Salmon River

Idaho has some of the best fly fishing in the entire country and has serious anglers planning their vacations to Salmon during peak times of the year. Whether you’re a seasoned fisherman or just looking to get into the sport, stop by The Flybox – the only full service fly fishing shop in the area. (Note: Try to speak with the owner Steve. He’s a very humble, down to earth guy and an absolute wealth of knowledge.)

Goldbug Hot Springs   – Widely considered to be one of the most “epic” hot springs in the entire country, Goldbug has a combination of attributes that make it a truly incredible experience. Its remote location and steep two miles hike tends to deter some but its terraced pools offer both seclusion and stunning views while the water is crystal clear. The bottom is stony gravel and there’s a hot water waterfall. It pretty much doesn’t get any better than that.

Where to stay: Stagecoach Inn – A classic roadside motel right in downtown Salmon. Enjoy views of the Salmon River that runs directly behind the property or take a short walk into town.

Where to Eat: Rise and Shine Espresso – Small funky coffee shop with an eclectic breakfast & lunch menu. Eat in or stop by their drive-thru window for an order to go.

Oddfellows Bakery – A must stop destination for anyone visiting Salmon. Great coffee, nice atmosphere, and out of this world bread!

Junkyard Bistro – A funky small town bistro and bar with a surprising amount of vegetarian and gluten free options.

All photos, including feature image, are credited to Fresh Off the Grid.

Fresh Off the Grid is an outdoor travel blog and camp cooking resource written by Michael van Vliet & Megan McDuffie, where they share stories of their adventures and the food that fuels them.

Published on September 22, 2016

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Super-rad musician, scholar, photographer, and traveler. The Mountain West and larger PNW = home, but can be found wherever there's adventure.

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While extended road trips over weekends are always an adventure, sometimes a long excursion simply isn’t possible. Instead, a quick day trip or outing with the family is your destiny. So instead of obsessively planning, forget about those other complicated vacations and hit the road to enjoy these quick, easy, and inexpensive day trips from nearly every major city. Or, mini-vacays, if you will. If you’ve ever Googled “road trips near me in Idaho”, today’s your lucky day!

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Do you want to make your day trip last even longer? Take this historic road trip or check out this unique backcountry drive . Have any ideas for more ultimate road trips in Idaho? Tell us about them in the comments!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Road trips in idaho near me.

What are some of the best road trips in Idaho I can take?  

You know, Idaho gets a lot of flak. People refer to it as a “flyover” state, which implies that it’s boring -- and that notion couldn’t be further from the truth. There’s plenty to do – especially if you’re a lover of the open road like we are. Basically, if you can dream it, you can probably drive it. You can spend time traveling the Magruder Corridor, which is a beautiful, scenic drive you’ll never forget. You can drive the famous “road to nowhere” or make a whole thing out of visiting the most haunted places in the state. We also suggest making a whole trip out of Idaho’s spectacular waterfalls. If you’d like more inspiration for the best road trips in Idaho,  take a peek at this list .   

Where are the must-visit places in Idaho?   

There are several places that come to mind as definitive, iconic “must-do” activities. For instance, it’s imperative that you visit the incredible Shoshone Falls as soon as you can (if you haven’t already). Explore a dormant volcano at Craters of the Moon National Monument, where you’ll have an out-of-this-world fun experience. You won’t believe the surreal beauty on display at Sawtooth National Recreation Area, and Twin Falls is a wonderful place to come to on a hot summer day. Lake Coeur d'Alene, in northern Idaho, is also a must-see – and don’t forget to bring a camera! These locations are all ridiculously photogenic, and we’re sure you’ll fall in love with them as quickly as we did.   

Where can I find unique attractions in Idaho?  

Believe it or not, Idaho is a state with plenty of unique and otherwise oddball attractions to check out in your spare time. You can explore any number of the interesting (and a bit eerie) ghost towns all over the state, like Custer ghost town, near Stanley, and Burke ghost town, near Wallace. It wouldn’t be Idaho without a museum dedicated entirely to the potato, and Blackfoot, Idaho, has that taken care of. You can also sleep in a giant potato in Boise. In Arco, Idaho, you’ll find the world’s first-ever nuclear power plant. And did you know the center of the universe is a manhole in Wallace? Well, at least they think so...

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10 Things To Do In Pioneer Valley: Complete Guide To This Scenic, Small Massachusetts Town

W hen most people think about Massachusetts, their minds naturally gravitate towards Boston, the bustling state capital . But away from the big city, approximately two hours to the west lies an overlooked New England gem. Pioneer Valley is a small yet scenic region ranked among the most underrated destinations in the US by CNN Travel. It is a testament to the natural beauty, vibrant arts scene, rich history, and delightful adventures that define it.

A nature lover’s dream come true, the valley straddles three counties, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire, surrounded by rolling hills, lush forests, and meandering rivers offering unique outdoor excursions. Pioneer Valley hosts a lively student population from a five-college consortium, including the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Smith College. Its eclectic mix of theaters, galleries, and music venues guarantees a bustling arts and culture scene, offering some of the best things to do in Massachusetts .

However, that is only the tip of the iceberg, and first-timers will have a remarkable experience uncovering the diverse attractions in this West Mass destination.

Related: 10 Free Things To Do This Fall In Massachusetts

Things To Do In Pioneer Valley

Whether an outdoor enthusiast, cultural connoisseur, history buff, or foodie, Pioneer Valley is the gift that keeps on giving, offering something to excite all types of travelers. Here are the top things to do in these must-visit small Massachusetts towns .

Visit The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall Of Fame

The popular game of basketball was invented in 1891 by James Naismith, a Canadian physical education coach. He wanted to create a fast team sport while working at the International YMCA Training School in Springfield and ended up nailing two wooden baskets on opposite walls; thus, the beautiful game was born.

At the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, fans can learn exciting history about the game and celebrate some big-name players and coaches who have earned it global acclaim.

Visitors also inspect various interactive exhibits, a game gallery, and shoot hoops at the Center Court.

• Admission : Adults $29, Seniors $25, Youth $20, Student $25
• Hours : 10 am – 4 pm, daily

Coin collectors looking to add to their haul can pick up unique e-coins in the lobby.

Stop By The Amazing World Of Dr. Seuss Museum

Tourists can reminisce about their childhood at the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum, Springfield. This remarkable museum pays homage to the life’s work of Theodore Geisel (Dr. Seuss), a Springfield native and renowned children’s book author. It hosts a collection of interactive exhibits that allow guests to learn about some of his iconic characters, including Cat in the Hat, Horton, and Dr. Seuss.

They can also admire the galleries on the upper floors displaying original artworks and several letters Theodor Geisel wrote to his nephew. Kids will love the storytelling and rhyming games staff hold on the first floor.

• Admission : Adults $25, Seniors & College Students $16.50, Youth $13, Children Under 3: Free
• Hours : Tue to Sat (10 am – 5 pm), Sun (11 am – 5 pm)

The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum is part of the Springfield Museums , and the ticket grants visitors access to four other museums in downtown Springfield and the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden.

Step Back In Time At The Historic Deerfield Village

History buffs can travel back to the medieval ages by strolling through the main street of Historic Deerfield Village. Stuck in time, this fossil of a village comprises about a dozen house museums dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, allowing tourists a rare glimpse into hundreds of years of history.

The houses are well-preserved and retain the ancient furniture used by their original inhabitants. Elsewhere, a museum hosting several artifacts and active workshops exposes travelers to old-fashioned woodworking, cooking, and farming techniques.

• Admission : Adults $18, Youth $5
• Hours : Wed to Sun, 9:30 am – 4:30 pm

Don’t forget to walk along the 330-year-old street at Historic Deerfield Village and visit the Old Burying Ground , the final resting place of some of the original settlers.

Related: 10 Historic Homes In Boston You Need To See

Read A Book At The Eric Carle Museum Of Picture Book Art

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art celebrates the life and work of Eric Carle, cofounder of the venue and author of the popular picture book The Very Hungry Caterpillar . It hosts three galleries with rotating exhibits dedicated to book illustrations from all over the world and a permanent exhibition that visitors can inspect and admire.

The most extensive gallery celebrates Carle’s prints, whereas the other two showcase works by other famous kids’ books illustrators like Louis Darling, illustrator of several of Beverly Cleary’s early books. There’s also a gift shop at the museum with cute merchandise and children’s books visitors can buy.

• Admission : Free
• Hours : Wen to Fri (10 am 4 pm), Sat (10 am – 5 pm), Sun (12 – 5 pm)

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is perfect for inspiring older kids and teens who have shown an interest in illustration.

Explore The Outdoors At Skinner State Park

Home to multiple hiking trails and incredible vistas of the Connecticut River Valley, the Skinner State Park offers outdoor lovers an excellent opportunity to break a sweat while exploring the lush open spaces in Pioneer Valley.

Its proximity to the Holyoke Range enables explorers to discover Horse Caves and ledges along the New England Scenic Trail, where fighters would hide during the 1897 Shays’ Rebellion.

A hike to the top of Mt. Holyoke, which rises to 942 feet, rewards adventurers with sweeping views of the Connecticut River and its green river valley. Hikers can access the 1.5-mile path to the summit around the year, but vehicles can only drive on it between May and October.

Remember to pop into the Summit House at the mountain's peak, a former 1861 hotel turned visitor center. It has old photos of the venue during its heydays from the early 1900s.

Get An Adrenaline Boost At Six Flags New England

Thrill seekers yearning for an adrenaline injection will find the perfect remedy at Six Flags New England, which sits adjacent to the scenic Connecticut River. With a history dating back to the 1800s, it is the oldest theme park in the franchise and the largest amusement park in New England, comprising over 60 fun rides with 13 roller coasters and a water park.

The Skyscreamer was the world’s tallest swing ride when it debuted in 2014 and promises a blood-cuddling experience even for the most hard-core adrenaline junkies. The same is true for Goliath, the venue’s super coaster, which reaches speeds of 65 mph with a 90-degree climb to 200 feet in the air.

• Admission : Start at $42, depending on the package
• Hours : Sat & Su, 11 am – 7 pm

Kids will relish meeting popular cartoon characters at the Looney Tunes Talent Show, where Duffy Duck, Bugs Bunny, and others square off in an American Idol-style competition.

Get Cultured At The Smith College Museum Of Art

Culture connoisseurs visiting Pioneer Valley will feel at home scoping out the over-27,000-piece collection at this magnificent facility. The Smith College Museum of Art displays gorgeous paintings, focusing more on 19th and 20th centuries North American and European artists, such as Picasso, Winslow Homer, Degas, and James Abbott McNeill.

Established in the 1870s, this leading academic institution inspires budding creatives with an artistic environment and special programs to instill artistic knowledge.

• Hours : Tue to Sun, 11 am – 4 pm

Check Out The Springfield Armory National Historic Site

War historians and weaponry enthusiasts can stop at this fascinating National Historic Site in Springfield, which preserves the greatest federal armory in the country. The arsenal was constructed during the American Revolution following an order by George Washington and houses multiple old-day weapons.

Today, visitors can inspect one of the largest firearm collections in the world, featuring Colts, Remingtons, and Lugers. Some of these weapons were made as early as the 15th century, offering a vivid snapshot into the evolution of guns.

• Hours : Wed to Sun, 9:30 am – 4 pm

For a deeper dive into the history of the exhibits, book a group tour with a knowledgeable guide tailored to visitor interests.

Related: Guide To New England's Most Important Revolutionary War Sites

Catch A Live Show At The Academy Of Music Theater

Established in 1891, the Academy of Music Theater is a historic 1000-capacity music venue in Northampton that rose to prominence as a go-to stop for leading performers throughout the 20th century. It has hosted big names like magician Harry Houdini, movie star Mae West, and the iconic French actress Sarah Bernhardt.

The venue continues to entertain locals and visitors by staging exciting live theater productions, dance shows, films, and music performances by local and international artists. It is also home to companies like the Pioneer Valley Symphony Orchestra, Pioneer Valley Ballet, Signature Sounds, and Valley Light Opera.

• Admission : Depends on the show
• Hours : Mon (9 am – 5 pm), Tue - Fri (3 pm – 6 pm).

Visit the Academy’s official website for scheduled performances, time, and ticket prices.

Discover Prehistoric Fossils At Dinosaur Footprints

A long time ago, during the Mesozoic period (about 190 million years), when the Pioneer Valley was still a subtropical swamp, bipedal dinosaurs roamed the area, and the cluster of giant footprints along the west bank of the Connecticut River offer evidence of this bygone era.

Although elements have eroded the sandstone holding the tracks through the years, a keen eye can pick out more than 100 prints representing three distinct dinosaur species. The site is a short walk off Route 5 in Holyoke and is a remarkable sight to explore.

Take extra caution when examining the tracks near the river; the rocks can be very slippery, especially when wet, and the river is pretty swift.

Best Time To Visit Pioneer Valley

Massachusetts is among the best New England states to visit in the fall , and the Pioneer Valley region delights tourists with its fantastic flurry of fall colors. Opportunities to step out and explore the town abound, with some kayaking and rafting along the river as others walk or drive along the Mohawk Trail to admire the kaleidoscopic foliage.

Spring is also a great time in Pioneer Valley as the weather shakes off the frigid winter chill. The 50s degrees Fahrenheit temperatures are a welcome reprieve for tourists and present an opportunity to leave their winter cocoons. However, the season is still wet, and the rain tends to interrupt outdoor expeditions.

Summer allows expeditioners to remain outside for all the adventures available in the Pioneer Valley. From touring the different museums and hiking its scenic trails to attending multiple festivals, this busy time in the region guaranteed to impress all types of travelers.

Winter is the worst time for visitors to the Pioneer Valley, as the freezing temperatures will confine them inside most of the time. However, those who can brave the cold can enjoy fun winter activities like cross-country skiing at Mount Holyoke Golf Course and shopping at the Amherst Winter Market.

Related: This Small Massachusetts Town Might Be The Cutest Winter Spot Yet

How To Get Around Pioneer Valley

Travelers in the Pioneer Valley region have multiple options to get around while exploring its diverse attractions. Depending on their preferences, here are the different modes of transportation to choose from:

The Pioneer Valley Transit Authority operates a fleet of buses ferrying passengers to various destinations throughout Springfield, Amherst, Northampton, and the surrounding areas. Each route is identifiable by an electronic sign displayed on the front, rear, and side of the bus.

• Fares : $1.50 for adults, $0.75 for seniors, $15 for a 7-day pass

Peter Pan Bus Lines is an alternative public transit system with a broad network of long and short-distance routes from its hub at Springfield Union Station. These have stations in Greenfield, Deerfield, Springfield, Amherst, Northampton, etc.

The Pioneer Valley Region is served by a handful of train services, including Amtrak, which has Springfield, Amherst, and Pittsfield stations, and the Valley Flyer passenger rail service, which connects with Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor service.

Tourists can also access various car rental agencies, including Enterprise and Avis, across the major towns in the region for a customized itinerary when moving around the Pioneer Valley. This will also be useful for explorers looking to embark on a multi-day road trip to explore Massachusetts .

Where To Stay In Pioneer Valley

Pioneer Valley covers about half a dozen small towns that are among the best places to visit in New England , each with a unique personality and exciting points of interest to offer visitors a fresh experience wherever they choose to stay. This means there are enough lodging options to cater to different preferences and budget needs.

Here are the best places to stay in the Pioneer Valley.

Springfield

Springfield is the cultural and economic capital of West Mass and home to a treasure trove of New England historical gems . Highlights include the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame and the Springfield Armory National Historic Site. It also hosts three universities with a vibrant young population and diverse entertainment options. Top hotels here include:

Marriott Springfield Downtown

• Address : 2 Boland Way, Springfield, MA 01115
• Rates per night: Start at $213
• Amenities : Indoor pool, Fitness center, Restaurant, Bar/Lounge, Room service, Free Wi-Fi, Tea/coffee maker, Coffee machine, Wi-Fi available in all areas, Flat-screen TV

Naomi's Inn Bed & Breakfast

• Address : 20 Springfield Street, Springfield, MA 01107
• Rates per night: Start at $141
• Amenities : Pool, Free Wi-Fi, Private bathroom, Complimentary breakfast, Coffee machine, Terrace/Patio, Balcony, Air-conditioned, Flat-screen TV

Amherst is a renowned college town housing revered academic institutions like the University of Massachusetts, Hampshire College, and Amherst College. It offers an eclectic mix of educational and cultural opportunities, among its highlights being the Emily Dickinson Museum. Top-rated hotels include:

Courtyard by Marriott Hadley Amherst

• Address : 423 Russell Street, Hadley, MA 01035
• Rates per night: Start at $215
• Amenities : Indoor pool, Fitness center, Restaurant, Bar/Lounge, Free Wi-Fi, Coffee machine, Coffee shop, Free parking, Business center, Flat-screen TV

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Amherst Hadley

• Address : 401 Russell Street, Amherst, MA 01035
• Rates per night: Start at $127
• Amenities : Fitness center, Free Wi-Fi, Tea/coffee maker, Coffee machine, Business center, Wi-Fi available in all areas, Cable or satellite TV, Free toiletries, Meeting/Banquet facilities

This quaint little town near the Connecticut River, with a rich tourism heritage, is one of the most charming places to live in New England . It is home to the Yankee Candle Company and the Historic Deerfield Village, which harbors interesting historical gems. Lodging options here include:

Red Roof Inn Plus+ South Deerfield - Amherst

• Address : 9 Greenfield Road, South Deerfield, MA 01373
• Rates per night: Start at $133
• Amenities : Indoor pool, Free Wi-Fi, Tea/coffee maker, Free parking, Wi-Fi available in all areas, Flat-screen TV, Cable or satellite TV, Free toiletries, Pets allowed on request. Charges may apply, Laundry facilities

Deerfield Inn

• Address : 81 Old Main Street, Deerfield, MA 01342
• Rates per night: $
• Amenities : Free Wi-Fi, Air-conditioned, Laundry facilities, Room service, Babysitting or child care, Gift shop, Bicycle rental, Elevator, Hiking, Storage available

Where To Eat In Pioneer Valley

Newcomers in the Pioneer Valley can look forward to a delectable dining experience, with restaurants serving a magical mix of flavors. The fertile river valley ensures a constant supply of fresh farm-to-table ingredients to prepare everything from classic New England dishes to international cuisines.

The region also boasts a lively craft brewery scene and vibrant nightlife, featuring multiple bars and pubs to entertain the youthful student population. Here are the best joints to eat in Pioneer Valley.

Breakfast :

• Address : 282 Main St, Greenfield, MA 01301-3201
• Hours : Tue to Sat, 7 am – 2 pm

Lunch & dinner:

Paul & Elizabeth’s

• Address : 150 Main St, Northampton, MA 01060-3598
• Hours : Mon to Sat, 12 – 7 pm

Ginger Garden

• Address : 351 Northampton Rd, Amherst, MA 01002-2547
• Hours : Sun to Thur (11 am – 10 pm), Fri & Sat (11 am – 11 pm)

The Dirty Truth

• Address : 29 Main St, Northampton, MA 01060-3182
• Hours : Tue (4 pm – 9 pm), Wed to Sat (12 pm – 9 pm)

Related: Boston, Massachusetts: Planning The Perfect Weekend

How To Spend The Perfect Day in Pioneer Valley

Start the day by exploring the Springfield Museums downtown for an immersive historical tour. Head to the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum to learn about the iconic children’s book writer, then the Dr. Seuss Memorial Sculpture Garden to examine iconic life-sized characters from his various books.

Later, stop by the George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum and admire the gorgeous artwork before exploring the region’s entrepreneurial spirit at the Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History. Finally, wrap up the Springfield Museum tour at the Springfield Science Museum.

Grab a quick lunch in one of the cafes in the area and proceed to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame to find out the modest beginnings of the beautiful game or honor its legends.

Take a trip to Northampton to check out the historic downtown of one of the oldest towns in New England. Afterward, hit the hiking trails at Skinner State Park and soak in the scenes atop Mt. Holyoke, then follow this up with a trip to Dinosaur Footprints to hunt for prehistoric fossils.

After the strenuous expedition, relax by watching a delightful live performance at the Academy of Music Theater until darkness sets in, and it’s time for a wholesome dinner at Paul & Elizabeth’s Diner. Lastly, cap off the day with cocktails at The Dirty Truth.