How to Plan & Map a Road Trip
- 1). Figure out where you want to go and what type of adventure you'd like to have. Choose your itinerary and what level of comfort you'd like to have on your trip. Do you plan to pack a tent and hike through national forests or do you plan to stop at four-star bed and breakfasts and visit historic sites? Use a map, either store bought or online, to plot the best route to your final destination. Decide whether you want to stick to freeways to get somewhere quickly, or whether you'd prefer the sights and slower pace along back roads.
- 2). Adjust your route to allow you to visit some of the attractions you find of interest along the way -- perhaps the world's largest ball of twine will capture your fancy, or perhaps you'd like to take a stroll through a historic mansion. Plan ahead by reading travel books from the library or AAA to learn about the interesting landmarks, museums and notable places along your route. Leave a little leeway for impromptu exploration trips. Keep a GPS with you to help you get back on track if you get lost while exploring.
- 3). Plan your overnight stops in advance. You should plan your trip so that you never drive more than six hours. Map out roughly where you'd end up after six hours of driving and plan ahead for lodging, especially if you're traveling during peak tourism seasons such as the fall foliage months in New England. Search for good deals online before you go. You can usually find good travel websites that offer inns, hotels and cabins at discount rates.
- 4). Save some room for stopping at out-of-the-way and unique restaurants, delis and farm markets. Some of your best meals are often found at non-chain, family-owned places. When you stop to get gasoline, ask the attendant and other locals at the convenience store about the best places to eat. They always know. Heed their advice. While you're there, pick up some free coupon books for other good deals.
- 5). Snap lots of photos. You'll treasure the memories of your time on the road.