If you’ve always wanted to explore the US, packing up your family and jumping in your car to experience the road trip of a lifetime may sound like an exciting idea. However, before you set off, there are a few points to consider when planning a road trip in the US. Not only is the US notable in size, but it’s so varied that you’ll need to predetermine what you wish to achieve and see on your trip. Here’s how to plan a road trip within the States.
Set A Budget
Before you start planning your road trip, setting a budget is vital. This will ensure you have enough money to spend whatever you’re doing or wherever you’re staying. If you are staying in motels or hotels, booking in advance may help you save money. If you are planning on visiting tourist attractions, you can usually pre-book tickets online to try to get the best price (and quicker admission). You also need to factor gas prices into your budget, which may vary state to state, depending on where you are in the US.
What to Drive
Arranging and planning what vehicle you’re going to travel in is essential. If you are using your own car, it’s worthwhile making sure it can undertake a long journey and to take care of any repair work that may need doing. If you are traveling to the US from overseas or your own car won’t make the journey, hiring a vehicle is a great option. From family estate cars to fun campervans, the choice is limitless, depending on your budget and needs. If you decide to hire a car or van, you can find great deals on comparison sites to ensure you’re getting the best for your money that you can. You also need to be aware of additional fees you may need to pay, including taxes and insurance, once you hire your vehicle.
Plan Your Route
Plan your road trip in advance. The US is a vast country, and it may not be possible to fit in all the destinations you wish to visit. Driving from the east coast to the west coast will take approximately 7 days to complete, if you drive for over 8 hours a day, which may not be ideal.
If you follow the iconic route 66, also known as the Main Street of America, it will take you through Los Angeles, Albuquerque, Tulsa and Chicago, to name a few. Route 66 is regarded as the ultimate road trip road and is usually something to consider when mapping your route.
Notable Stopping Points
The US has an abundance of attractions to stop and visit on your trip. From heritage sites and historic events to events and festivals foodies will love, it’s useful to know where and what you want to explore.
Depending on what time of year you chose to undertake your road trip, mapping your road trip around notable events may be ideal for you. For instance, in Palm Springs there’s always something happening. If you fancy a spot of celebrity hunting, Palm Springs Internal Film Festival takes places in January. Check out www.mrhudsonexplores.com for travel advice and guides on this immediate area and other States.
The Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most spectacular and dramatic landscapes throughout the world and is located in Arizona. Route 66, mentioned above, will take you from New Mexico to Arizona’s Grand Canyon.
If you want to see the iconic White House, plan a route on the east coast to take you to Washington DC and soak up the culture in America’s capital.
