Plan a Cross Country Drive

Once the choice has been made to drive cross country, a number of issues need to be considered. These include what kind of road trip you want to take, round trip by car vs. fly/drive option, renting a vehicle or taking your own, the route to take, where to stop, travel partners (age and health of travelers) and costs and ways of getting the most bang for the buck.

Steps

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Round trip or one way?

  1. Consider whether you're going to do a round trip or just a one way trip. In looking into this, consider that to rent a vehicle to go one way will often have a higher cost that the round trip rental, due to drop charges by the rental company. Factor in the flight costs for the return trip home against the additional fuel and living costs in going round trip. Although not necessarily a cost factor in itself, there is also the issue of time. Figure that such a trip will take about 6 days each way, depending on route, stops and driving style. Although obvious, consider that a round trip will take twice the time, give or take.

Renting or using your own vehicle

  1. Consider whether you'll use your own vehicle or hire one. You are looking at a trip in the ballpark of {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}}. Here are some questions to ask and think about:
    • What is the rental cost, limited vs. unlimited mileage on a rented or leased vehicle?
    • What is your personal vehicle condition? Consider tires, age and mileage, etc., creature comforts of the vehicle, sound system, storage capacity, comfort of driver and passenger seating.
    • You may also consider the pros and cons of renting a RV or camper.

Planning the trip

  1. Plan your route. Do you want to stick to interstate highways, lesser highways, local/back roads, or a combination? Decide on daily travel distance goals, if any. Also, how time do you want to spend on the road each day? The daily distance traveled may vary depending on where you are or your personal preference. At {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}}, you can reasonably cover {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} over 5 ½ to 8 hours of driving time. Also think about what can be skipped and what are must visits. After a time, visiting the largest ball of string / tourist trap, every Harley dealership or souvenir shop may get old and add time to the trip.
  2. Consider where you'll stay. Lodging is entirely based upon personal choice and price. For example, the campground thing may be a way to go from an economic standpoint. There is the wide range of hotel / motel options as well as the bed and breakfasts, hostels, family, friends.
    • Avoid the lower end chain motels. Although they are cheap you may find the quality of the night’s sleep lacking.
    • With some of the auction options open, you can usually find higher quality lodging at a reasonable cost.
    • Also consider that a very competitive rate can often be obtained at casino hotels. The advantage of these is that they also usually have low cost food options.
    Whatever the choice, it is generally wiser to have a destination and reservation in mind before you leave for the trip, or at least before you arrive at the destination. The no reservation, find something on the road option can be interesting and enjoyable but is not preferred by many.
  3. Consider whether you'll do this alone or with companions. If traveling alone, there is not much of an issue with travel mates. Yet, many find that much time alone to be unnerving. It also requires a level of attentiveness as to your situational surroundings. Should you opt for a travel mate(s), there are things that need to be addressed before leaving. In the development of the travel plan there should be agreement on the destination, stops and objectives of the trip. Keep in mind that there will be a 24/7 situation between the group and that things can sour. Part of that will be determined in what the relationship of the travelers is.

Eating on the trip

  1. Decide where you'll eat. Eating is always a big cultural and economical part of the trip and you need to determine what is best for your travel plan. If it is a leisurely trip with lots of stops and no rush or concerns about caloric intake, a nice sit down breakfast, lunch and dinner is okay, Consider opting for eating at local restaurants and avoiding chain restaurants that you can visit while at home. It is usually less costly, and filled with local character. If time, money or calories are a factor then consider eating while on the road. A supply of fruit, healthy snacks and consumables that are easily stored for breakfast and lunch with a sit down evening meal may be the way to go. Also consider the option of stocking up at the local grocery store. This can save considerable time, money and will afford an option for picnic like stops on the route.

Packing for the trip

  1. Take adequate clothing. Clothing packed is really a matter of when and where you are going. If taking a southern route in the middle of summer, think light clothing. A more northern route may require a little heavier clothing. Remember that higher altitudes will result in cooler temperatures, especially at night. The advantage to doing this type of trip is that you can err on the side of caution without lugging extra bags around airports or paying additional fees. Remember that a number of the places that you stay will have laundry facilities.

Maintaining the vehicle

  1. Factor in fuel and vehicle maintenance, depending of the vehicle and where you are at any given time. At the very least, consider fuel stops. If, for example, you are in an area where fuel is scarce, consider a stop when the tank get to half or two-thirds empty. This is less critical in well populated areas or on Interstates with rest stops. You may consider an oil change while on the trip.

Keeping busy on a long car trip

  1. Have things to do to keep you amused as you travel. The scenery is great until it starts getting repetitive all the while to the next stop. It's times like these that you'll want an arsenal of entertainment. Here are some ideas:
    • Music. Pack plenty, using a digital player or CDs; tapes for those with older cars.
    • Sing. Sing songs to yourself or with your companions.
    • Play games. Typical car games include "I spy", "ABCs" (# A-B-C's - see who can spell 50 words from license plates, billboards, restaurant names, etc.)
    • Audio books
    • Apps (for anything, both while traveling and while in accommodations).

Tips

The following items are not only recommended, but in many cases must haves:

  • Roadside service (AAA, AARP, etc.)
  • Written plans of the itinerary
  • GPS or atlas
  • Satellite radio or CDs
  • Notepads, and pens
  • Cellular phone (mobile phone)
  • Cooler
  • Water (for drinking and emergencies)
  • Can of oil
  • Flashlight (torch)
  • Toilet tissue
  • Pillow and blanket
  • First aid kit

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