Taking a Cross Country Road Trip: Advice to Keep in Mind
As the weather gets warmer, many people begin to dream about taking a cross-country road trip. The allure of traveling on your own schedule and seeing the sights that you want to see can be very strong for many individuals. If you are considering planning a trip, or even if you have one in the works, it is important to remember that solid planning is the key to having a good time out on the road. The following tips will help ensure that your trip is everything that you want it to be.
The first thing that you need to think about is your method of transportation. Are you renting an RV so that you have a place to sleep with you at all times? Are you taking your own car and planning to either camp out or to visit a variety of hotel rooms along your route? There is no right or wrong way to take your trip, but each of these options has a different price tag attached. Therefore, it is important to run the numbers ahead of time so that you know what you are getting into. If money is an issue, seek out alternative sources of lodging like a college dormitory or even a monastery. There are also websites where you can contact and stay with people all over the country for free, agreeing in return that you will someday allow them to stay with you too. Remember, however, that this last option can be dangerous since you do not know the people you will be with.
Packing is also an important part of planning for any road trip. Remember that the weather where you are from may be very different than what the weather will be hundreds of miles away. Therefore, make sure you have clothes of varying levels of warmth. In addition, don’t forget about rainy weather; a poncho or rain jacket is a good thing to pack so that you are protected while sightseeing. Finally, purchase plenty of snacks and water for your car, and bring along both sunscreen and medical supplies in case you are injured.
As you getting the planning process under way, remember that part of the fun of the road trip is that you aren’t on any particular schedule. Don’t stress about getting anywhere at a certain time; if you happen to pass an interesting landmark, stop and see it. Your trip will be a disappointment to you if you are simply trying to get from one place to the next the entire time.
One of the most memorable trips you will ever take is on the road, driving across the country to see the sights. Regardless of whether you are traveling with friends, family members or just yourself, you will have the opportunity to see and do things that you may have always dreamed of taking part in. Take what you have learned from this article and use it to enhance your trip.