How to plan the ultimate road trip
A road trip doesn’t have to rival Jack Kerouac to be a memorable and worthwhile adventure. Wind in your hair, snacks at arm’s reach and an open road is a recipe for a good time. Road trips come in all shapes and sizes—from day-trip excursions to weeks-long getaways—and allow you to explore new-to-you sights, national parks and small-town hotspots alike. Here’s how to make the most of your time on the road, the next time the adventure bug bites.
We partnered with REI Co-op on a co-created collection that makes it easier than ever to make yourself at home, outside. To celebrate, we invited REI to share their pro tips for making the most of your time outdoors this summer.
Text by Sarah Grothjan from REI Co-op
1. Prep your wheels
Whether your trip is impromptu or planned, don’t hit the road without preparing your car for the haul. Get an oil change and top off vehicle fluids, check your tire pressure and tread and make sure your “check engine” lights are off. Also, make sure you have a spare tire or donut hand, and that you have the tools (and know-how) to change a flat, should you need to.
2. Loop someone in
Hitting the road solo? Be sure to tell someone where you’re going, when you’ll be back and where you plan to stop along the way. Share your itinerary if you have one and discuss a check-in cadence and who to call in an emergency. Choose someone you can trust to check in with you, especially when you inevitably forget to let them know you made it to your destination.
3. Plan your route
Your trip may be as specific as a Grand Canyon voyage mapped-out stop by stop or as broad as “meander down the coast for a few days.” Just make sure your plan is flexible enough to allow for impromptu detours or unanticipated turns of events.
4. Set your expectations
Tailor the trip to your interests and travel style. If you want to boost your creativity, take frequent breaks to journal, sketch or watercolor. If you’re craving a digital disconnect, prep a playlist and choose a route with scenic byways. Need a change of routine? Build flexibility into your itinerary, making room for spontaneous stops and adventure along the way.
5. Pack a snack stash
This is a road-trip must. Keep healthy(ish) snacks within easy reach to fuel your journey and tide you over during long stretches of open road. Some of our faves: avocado with sea salt, dried seaweed, jerky and fresh and dried fruit.
6. Line up your entertainment
From music to podcasts and audiobooks, it’s easy to queue up hours’ worth of entertainment for at-the-ready streaming. Pre-download your content to avoid a dry spell in spotty service areas. Plus, the more your playlist is prepped in advance, the less you’ll be tempted to fiddle with your phone while driving.
7. Enjoy the little things
Remember: it’s about the journey, not the destination. From belting out your favorite songs to stopping for roadside picnics when the prime locale strikes, the little moments are what make a road trip so special.
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