top of page
Writer's pictureChaz Desousa

Road Trip Essentials

Updated: Jul 26, 2022


two people road trip sunroof


Road tripping is so much fun when done the correct way. I remember when I used to get "butterflies" in my stomach before every trip. We have been on a bunch of trips and mastered the art with two big pups in the back seat. Here are bunch of things to think about when planning your next road trip. Remember that every road trip is different. The terrain the weather. Who you are traveling with. Whatever the case is try to measure what your needs will be and get set up for success. If your hiking make sure you know when your start finish, where the trails are and what necessities you will need for the day. If you are driving through a traffic prone city like washington arrange that you drive when there are no events going on. (our Washington sweet spot was Saturday at 10:00 AM.)


01


Map out your trip using google maps. Make sure that you spread driving out and avoid driving at night or through a city during traffic hour. Here is an example of a well thought out itinerary : East Coast road trip why is it well thought out. We stop in cities we love, there is not too much consecutive driving. Dont forget to budget so you do not have any unwanted surprises. What's your insurance situation, are you covered?

02 Rent a car

Dont let your rust bucket cause you headaches with a broken radiator belt or ten million other things thaty can go. Rent a car with unlimited miles and depriciate someone else asset. Costco is a good option for renting a car. They always have your back if something goes wrong. If your rental is too expensive try breaking the trip in segments and skip days that you are in cities.

03 Save on gas

  • Rent a fuel efficient car for the road trip

  • Use cruise control

  • Check tire pressure

  • Optimal fuel efficiency at 90 KPH or 55 MPH

  • Open the windows and turn the ac off at low speeds

  • Dont travel with extra weight, every once counts towards gas consumptionChange oil every 5000 KM

  • Use gas buddy to find the best prices on gas


04 1 - 3 rule

Drive one day and spend 2 nights and 3 days in a city. this makes your trip more enjoyable and helps with making you feel like its groundhog's day.

06 Safety

  • Minimize night driving

  • Set road trip rules for passengers. (give kids duties like "the Navigator")

  • Ya'll know it but I am goin to say it anyways, wear a seat belt.

  • Don't speed, your just wasting gas and hurting the environment.


travel gear


Road trip essential packing list


  • Wallet with a couple buck so you dont get stuck if cards aren't working. (Costed us $50 in tolls to get from Fort Lauderdale Florida to Montreal Canada.)

  • Phones

  • Phone chargers

  • Comfy clothing for the drive

  • Cash for tolls

  • License and registration an Identification

  • Car insurance policy

  • An extra set of car keys

  • Spare tire and jack

  • Emergency toolkit

  • Flashlight

  • Travel pillows and throws

  • Car garbage bin or a reusable garbage bag

  • Fluids and an empty gas can if road tripping in remote places

  • Sanitary spray and/or wipes

  • Car chain and snow kit if road tripping in the winter

  • Snacks (homemade healthy kind that will keep are best)

  • Sunglasses

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Insulated cofee mug

  • Podcast and music play list

  • Masks

  • First aid kit with poncho and flashlight



For the dog lovers

  • Backseat hammock

  • Water and bowl

  • Account for potty breaks



map



Things to do in the United States

The United States of America is such a large and expansive country, with a seemingly never-ending list of places to visit and explore. Experience rugged outdoor adventures, spectacular parks and a glittering nightlife in the West. Be wowed by the desert beauty of the Southwest. Discovery USA in the small, friendly towns of the Midwest. Take in the memorizing landscape , delicious cuisine and legendary hospitality of the Southeast. Or visit the Northeast, the cultural melting pot of USA with some the the most exciting cities and landmarks.































Things to do in Canada Canada is a wonderful place to visit and has something to offer everyone. From vibrant Cosmopolitan cities, to vast mountain sides, picturesque Maritime's or the rich French History. Canada is a clean, safe, multicultural and affordable destination. There is good reason why Canada is repeatedly voted one of the world's most livable countries.

















Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page