How To Finally Take The Summer Road Trip Of Your Dreams

Road trips are the ultimate way to take in breathtaking landscapes, explore cities you’ve always wanted to visit, and stumble across hole-in-the-wall hotspots that will fuel your best memories and the stories you tell for the rest of your life. While there’s room for spontaneity on road trips, you’ll be best off with at least a rough game plan before starting your adventure. Your road trip may end up being memorable, but to make it epic in the best — and safest — ways, your great American adventure needs a little planning.

If you’re finally ready and able to take the road trip of your dreams this summer, here are some tips to get the most out of your trip.

Get Your Car Travel Ready

Your car is going to be your most valuable asset while you travel, as is your car insurance. Before hitting the road, make sure you have your car serviced. Tell the mechanic you’re taking a road trip so that they can give it a detailed inspection; ask that they check your vehicle’s fluids, filters, and tire pressure. A new set of windshield wipers is a good idea too. And while your car may be in tip-top shape, accidents, and unexpected problems can happen. The good news is, with State Farm, it’s like you have a good neighbor with you at all times. With over 100 years of experience and industry leadership, State Farm shows up for their customers whenever, and wherever, they need them. They can help you with mechanical repair, towing, tire replacement, and getting you back into your car after you (or your travel companion) have locked the keys in the car.

Map it Out

The amount of time you have to be on the road will help you determine where you will want to go. Do you have one particular destination in mind or do you want to hit several attractions while on the road? Either way, you’ll need to have an idea of your route so that you’ll know where you’ll be sleeping each night. Use a travel planning app to map and check availability on hotels, campsites, or hostels so you aren’t left paying more than you can afford or forced to drive longer than is safe. Driving more than 8-10 hours a day is exhausting, especially when you’re exploring the world’s largest roadside ball of yarn.

Make a Budget

The bulk of your money will likely be spent on gas. Once you have an idea on where you want to go, you can figure out how much you’ll need for gas based on the miles you’re going to travel. From there you can decide on how much you can spend on food, lodging, and entry fees to museums, entertainment venues, or national parks. And don’t forget to have cash or credit saved for tolls, ferry rides, and parking. If you’re looking to keep costs down, bring camping gear and a bin of non-perishable food. A small camp stove and boxes of macaroni and cheese can save you loads of time and cash, as will peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and granola bars. Of course, it’s 100% worth the money to try the world’s best pickle sandwich, but for the most part, plan on spending your money on sites and experiences rather than three meals a day while on the road.

Pack an Emergency Kit

Make sure you have room in your car for a few emergency items. You can either buy a pre-assembled kit or put together a bag with a blanket, flashlight, jumper cables, and a small first-aid kit. A jug of water and a portable phone charger may come in handy too. Include State Farm as part of your safety setup too — it’ll be a comfort to know you have a good neighbor who will show up whenever and wherever you need them. And while your road trip is about independence and freedom from everyday life, it’s always a good idea to let a friend or parent know where you are just in case something goes sideways.

Take the Detour

Yes, yes, budgets and plans are important, but so is spontaneity. Don’t be afraid to go a little out of your way to check out off-beat destinations announced on billboards or recommendations from locals. Sometimes the best places to explore can’t be found on a map. Embrace these unexpected diversions and take plenty of pictures. The unplanned moments often turn out to be the ones you’ll talk about for the rest of your life.

Road trips really are the best way to make memories and to see the beautiful country we live in. Make a plan, take the trip, and soak it all in. Happy trails!