19 Essential Tips for Road Trips in 2025

tips for long road trips

Last updated on February 10th, 2025 at 12:32 am

What if you had tips for road trips, to help you better explore the open road? Well, you will shortly.

There is certainly something magical about embarking on a long-distance road trip. It is a great way to explore new places across the United States and create unforgettable memories.

But before you hit the road on a long drive, preparing and planning to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey is essential. Whether you are heading out on your first road trip adventure or you a seasoned road tripper, planning ahead can make a big difference. So, buckle up, and let’s drive into this guide to essential tips for road trips!

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Tips for Road Trips: Preparation 

1. Prepare Your Car

Before you leave home on a long road trip, ensure your vehicle is in tip-top shape. Get a full tune-up and check tire pressure, oil, brakes, lights, wiper blades, and fluids.

It is also a great idea to have a full tank of gas before hitting the road. The last thing you want is to be stuck on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere if your car breaks down during your road tripping adventure!

if you are planning a road trip, have a little wiggle room for spontaneity. It is just something that will ensure you have fun

2. Pack an Emergency Kit

Always have a first aid kit, flashlight, jumper cables, spare tire, flat tire repair kit, tire pressure gauge, and other relevant tools.

Road Trip Tip: This car emergency and roadside safety kit is handy to have in your car.

Tips for Road Trips: Planning 

3. Budget for Expenses

Plan for the possibility of fluctuating gas prices. If you plan to rent a car, you can save money by choosing a vehicle with good fuel economy. Factor in the cost of filling up your gas tank when setting your budget.

4. Download Maps For Offline Use

 Don’t rely solely on a data connection, as some places, like rural areas, may not have service. Download maps or have a paper map handy, just in case.

5. Plan Your Route (But Stay Flexible)

Map out your entire trip and determine the best time to set off on your road trip. Avoid driving during rush hour traffic.

Use road trip apps like Google Maps, Road Trippers, or Waze to plot out your main route, but also consider the scenic route or back roads. Don’t hesitate to take detours to explore roadside attractions and hidden gems.

Road Trip Tip: Check out Roadtrippers to find amazing stops along your route. Use the code BTR5QTP to save money.

6. Curate a Playlist

Create a road trip playlist of your favorite songs or explore pre-made ones on platforms like Spotify or Apple Music.

7. Pack Light but Wisely

Think about essentials like medicines, pillows for comfort, and maybe a blanket for spontaneous picnics or chilly nights.

What to Pack for A Road Trip

Check out our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List Guide for tips on what to pack.

This guide shares quite a bit of  tips for what to pack for your long road trips including a first aid kit, snacks such as granola bars, water bottles, paper towels to keep your car clean, a first aid kit, hand sanitizer and more. Also shared is important information including a full gas tank, tune up before you head out, offline Google maps and other road trip apps a spare tire

8. Pack Refreshments

Pack healthy snacks and light bites. Don’t forget a cooler with water and other beverages.

9. Keep Cash Handy

Not all places accept credit cards, especially at remote gas stations or toll roads. 

10. Know the Local Laws

Familiarize yourself with traffic laws specific to the area you will be traveling through and to.  Speed limits, cell phone usage restrictions, and other driving laws vary by location.

11. Plan Ahead

In case of changes in plans or emergencies, always have a back up action plan. 

Tips for Road Trips : The  Drive

12. Dress Comfortably 

Dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes, especially when driving long distances.

13. Stay Informed

Keep tabs on the weather forecast, and have a contingency plan for any weather and road conditions changes. 

14. Stay Connected

The best way to keep your devices powered on the go is with portable or car chargers.

Road trip tip: This universal car charger can charge all your devices.

15.  Know Your Limits

Don’t push yourself to drive for too long. If you’re tired, pull over and get enough hours of sleep.

16. Take Frequent Breaks

After long hours on the road, it is essential for safety and comfort to make rest stops to stretch your legs, eat, bio breaks, etc. 

On trips, whether you are sitting in the back seat, or you are the drivers, it is important to take breaks to stretch your legs. This can be at a rest stop or other point in your trip

Tips for Road Trips: The Experience

17. Stay Entertained

Audio books, podcasts, and trivia games can keep you entertained and set the tone for a good time on long trips. Download podcast episodes in advance, in case you have a spotty connection. Encourage your passengers to download movies for the same reason.

Road Trip Tip: Stream and download thousands of podcasts and audio books with Audible.

18. Book Accommodations in Advance

Especially during peak seasons, securing a spot for overnight stays is a good idea.

Road trip tip: With Booking, you can reserve a hotel without paying in advance.

19. Enjoy the Journey

One last thing- Remember, it’s as much about the journey as the destination. So, soak in the sights, enjoy the moments, and create lifelong memories.

These  tips will come in handy for exploring a new destination. Whether you are leaving home to travel  long distance around the country or hitting the open road locally for family trips, or traveling for multiple days, these road trippers info will be useful

Final Thoughts About Tips for Road Trips

Setting off on a road trip is more than just a journey to the final destination; it’s an adventure waiting to unfold. By planning wisely, prioritizing safety, and truly soaking in the experience, you’ll make memories that will last a lifetime. 

Whether you’re road tripping down scenic byways in big cities, or discovering small towns, it’s the shared experiences and little moments that make it a great time. So, pack up, and hit the road with these road trip tips in mind. 

P.S. If you found this post helpful or want to save it for later, please pin it on Pinterest!

Leaving home to explore a new destination, whether it is on the open road in a small town or in the middle of nowhere or in a new  country, this guide will ensure is  is a fun experience

Happy Travels— A perfect road trip adventure awaits!

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About the Writer

Joy, one half of the dynamic Afrostylicity duo, is an adventurous travel curator who ventures beyond tourist trails to unearth hidden gems and cultural experiences. Through her lens, she transforms ordinary journeys into extraordinary discoveries, sharing authentic stories that inspire wanderlust and mindful exploration. When she's not jet-setting across continents or savoring artisanal coffee from local roasters, you'll find her expanding her collection of statement hats and losing herself in the pages of books from quaint bookshops.

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