Tips for Taking a Road Trip in America

Posted on Friday, April 8th, 2011 at 4:31 pm

Americans are in love with cars and unless you live in one of the few major cities, you understand that it is hard to live without one. Because the United States is so big, there are vast distances between places and you will find that the public transportation is not as extensive as other countries. Having a car gives you access to really experience the many different facets of American culture. Taking a road trip can be a fun and economical way to see the country, especially if you share the trip with a few friends.

Each place in the US has its own unique culture and scenery. Take a road trip and you will see that America is really not all the same everywhere like the movies and news media might make it out to be. From the New England small-town charm and the history of early American settlement by the Europeans, you can compare the internal culture by traveling south for the famous southern hospitality and comfort food. If you are continuing to explore, drive further south to the beaches in Florida and Little Havana in Miami. Go west to Texas where everything is bigger, up to the bread basket with its vast farm land. See the famous Yellowstone National Park or go further west and hit the more progressive San Francisco.

As with taking any trips, you should do some planning beforehand to make sure that the trip goes smoothly. Here are some tips to help you plan a fun and successful road trip in America:

–          Consider how much time you have and where you want to go: This will help with the next step of planning the road trip and also with budgeting.

–          Get together with your travel buddies to plan the trip: The planning process is half the fun, and it is a great bonding experience. Planning it together also ensures that everyone has a say in where to go and what to do so no one feels left out. After all, you will be spending a lot of time with them on the road trip, and an unhappy companion will lead to an unhappy trip!

–          Create a budget: By mapping out where you plan to travel, you can calculate how much you will have to pay for fuel; there are several fuel cost calculator online to help you budget. It is also important to think about where you will sleep; remember that the US doesn’t have many hostels, most stay in a hotel or motel and if you feel adventurous you can also try camping! Check out our recent blog on other alternative places to stay while traveling.

–          Bring entertainment: Even with your favorite CD, listening to the same few songs over and over again may lead to boredom. Be sure to remember classics that everyone can enjoy!

–          Try going off the interstate: US interstates are a great way to travel from one place to another, but with it comes all of the chain fast food restaurants. If you want something more unique, try going on local roads once in a while.

–          Consider a GPS: While getting lost can be fun and often lead you to interesting places, not knowing how to get back to where you need to be when you need to be there can be stressful. Many smart phones today may have GPS, but if you are in a location where there is no cell phone signal, your phone may not work either. Don’t make yourself completely dependent on technology, bring an old fashion paper map.

–          Bring food and drink: Stopping too many times to buy food will only takes time from your other activities so pack wise to maximize your time.

–          Have fun!: Sure you should plan ahead, but you don’t have to plan the trip down to the minute. If you see something interesting on the road feel free to stop and take a look.

–          Stay rested and don’t drink and drive! Remember that most states it is illegal to have an open container of alcohol in the car with you – that is even if you are not drinking it.

If you are a foreign national in the US, make sure that you have travel medical insurance coverage that would cover you nationwide in case you get sick or injured on your road trip. Don’t forget that you will also need to have a valid driver license in the US, and be sure to have auto insurance coverage for your rental car as well.

Do you have any other tips for taking a road trip in America you would like to share? Please leave a comment for us.

Posted by ahoontrakul

Originally from Thailand, Apinant grew up in the United States and has extensive international experience traveling throughout Asia, Australia, North America and Europe. He has lived, studied and worked abroad in China, England, Taiwan and Thailand. Apinant is a graduate of the University of Florida with a Masters in International Business and a Bachelors of Science in Business Management.