If you know me, you know I share a lot of good information about traveling by plane. From how to pack for a week in a carry-on to travel tips for first-time flyers, I try to cover it all. But one thing you may not know about me? I love good, long road trips. Like, give me a full tank of gas, a perfectly curated playlist, and a few snacks, and I’m in heaven. There’s just something magical about kicking off the adventure before you even get to your destination.
That said, I totally get how planning a road trip can feel a little overwhelming. Long hours in the car, chasing comfort (or a stealth nap), and slowly losing it with no rest stop in sight, it can feel like a lot!
But here’s the deal: the secret to a smooth road trip? Planning ahead. And, so long as you have the right tips and tricks, road tripping really can be easy (and fun!).
This blog post is packed with my favorite road trip travel tips—everything from staying comfortable to prepping for any “just in case” moments. Whether it’s your first long-distance road trip or your tenth, keep this post handy to save your future self unnecessary stress.
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Photo credit: Canva Stock
11 Road Trip Travel Tips I Wish I Knew Sooner
Do a car check before you leave.
Pilots always do a full check before takeoff, and if you’re hitting the road, you should do the same with your car. Think of it like your personal pre-road trip flight check.
Before you head out, double-check all the things that you probably wouldn’t think about until you’re already on the road. Make sure all your lights and signals are working, your windshield wipes are in good shape, and there aren’t any dashboard warning lights flashing at you. Oh, and don’t forget to check your tire pressure!
Trust me, there’s nothing worse than being stranded on the side of the road with a flat. And in the middle of nowhere? No thank you! A quick once-over before you go can save you so much stress (and time) later.
Plan your route… loosely.
The best part about long-distance road trips? The freedom to take all the little side adventures your heart desires.
While you’re planning your route, you might stumble across some fun, off-the-beaten-path gems, like the Big Four Bridge in Kentucky! (If you’re ever headed down south, check out my post “What to See in Kentucky” for more.) You’ll find that this is the magic of road tripping— you can actually build those detours into your journey.
This is what I mean when I say the adventure starts before you even get there. Sometimes, those random side trips and quirky finds end up being just as memorable as the destination itself. Just be sure to keep a flexible route when you do your research and planning. This way, you can make time for the fun without totally throwing off your arrival.
Limit driving to 6-8 hours per day.
Driving might feel mindless sometimes, but it actually takes a ton of focus, especially on long stretches of road. That’s why I always recommend keeping your driving time to around 6-8 hours a day. Any more than that, and you’re just asking for burnout (and crankiness).
Even within that window, be sure to stop every 2-3 hours. Get out, stretch your legs, grab a snack, and give your eyes a break. It’ll help you stay alert, refreshed, and keep the road trip fun and exciting.
Download your road trip playlists and podcasts.
Music is non-negotiable on a long road trip. (Or podcasts, if that’s more your vibe!) But here’s my number one tip: download everything ahead of time.
There’s nothing worse than cruising through a no-signal zone only to realize your playlist won’t load. A silent car? Absolute buzzkill. So do yourself a favor and get your road trip jams (or true crime episodes) saved and ready to go before you hit the road.
Pack a variety of snacks.
Sure, you could rely on gas stations for snacks, but packing your own ahead of time? Way better.
I like to mix it up—some healthy stuff like fruit, nuts, and protein bars, plus a few guilty pleasures (hi, Doritos and trail mix). My favorite hack? A snackle box. Yep, like a tackle box but for snacks. It keeps everything organized, fun, and easily accessible. And if you’ve got an insulated cooler, even better! Cold drinks and fresh snacks at your fingertips. Total road tip win.
Account for bathroom breaks.
Let’s be real, bathroom breaks are definitely happening on a long road trip. It’s just part of the journey. So when you see a rest stop sign coming up? Take it. Seriously, it’s way better than rolling the dice with a sketchy gas station bathroom.
Plus, it’s the perfect excuse to stretch your legs, breathe some fresh air, and regroup. Just keep in mind even a “quick” break can set you back 10-20 minutes. But hey, comfort > clock.
Have one sit-down meal a day.
Sure, grabbing fast food is quick and easy, but if you’re on a long road trip, try to carve out time for at least one sit-down meal a day. Whether it’s a cute roadside diner or a trusty chain spot, getting out of the car and into a real seat (with actual silverware!) can make all the difference. It gives your body a break, your mind a refresh, and your road trip a little more excitement.
Create a “trash” plan.
One thing that can totally kill the road trip vibes? Trash piling up all over your car. Before you even pull out of the driveway, make sure you’ve got a trash plan. Whether it’s a mini car trash can or just a stash of plastic bags, give yourself a spot to collect wrappers, empty cups, and random snack bits. Then, once you reach a gas station or rest stop, you can dump it out and use it again! Your future self (and your passengers) will thank you.
Have some cash on hand.
Cash is always a good idea on a road trip. Whether you hit a surprise toll or a gas pump that won’t take your card, cash can save the day. It’s also extremely important if you need to tip a tow truck (let’s hope not!), but they don’t take Venmo. Regardless of the reason, carrying a small amount of cash can save you a ton of stress. And let’s be real—when you spot a roadside farm stand selling fresh peaches or tomatoes, you’re gonna wish you had some cash to grab a few.
Play some phone-free games.
It’s way too easy to get glued to your phone during a long drive. We’ve all been there, scrolling TikTok, playing games, or deep-diving into Instagram. (Shoutout to the lucky ones who don’t get carsick.) But if you’re road-tripping with friends or family, take some time to unplug. Seriously, phone-free moments can turn into the best part of the trip.
Try fun games like 20 Questions; you think of something, and everyone else gets 20 yes-or-no questions to guess what it is. Or The Movie Pitch Game—someone throws out three random words, and the next person has 60 seconds to pitch a movie plot using them. It’s chaotic and hilarious. but it’s prime road trip bonding!
Put together an easy-access bag with the essentials.
One of my top road trip tips? Pack a separate bag (like a duffle, backpack, or big tote) with all your must-haves easily accessible. Think wallet, phone charger, headphones, gum, a cozy sweatshirt, you know, the essentials.
Trust me, nothing is worse than needing something just to realize you packed it away in a suitcase. Keep the important stuff up front and within reach so you can stay comfy and cruising.
Photo credit: Canva Stock
What to Bring on a Road Trip
Car Emergency Kit
Always be ready for the unexpected with a car emergency kit in the trunk. Jumper cables, flares, a flashlight, a spare tire—all the small things you’d need in an emergency.
The last thing you want is to be stuck on the side of the road, waiting for roadside assistance. This is especially true if you’re in the middle of nowhere with no major city within miles. My motto is: Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it, right?
First-Aid Kit
While we’re on the topic of being prepared, don’t forget a first-aid kit. You never know when you’ll need a Band-Aid, some motion sickness meds, or a little pain reliever. Nothing ruins a road trip vibe faster than a headache or queasy stomach. A tiny kit = big peace of mind.
Snacks and Drinks
Snacks and drinks are a must for any good road trip. A stocked front seat means no hangry passengers and fewer stops along the way.
Think sandwiches, fruit, chips, cookies. Whatever your go-to road trip snack is, bring it. Also, don’t forget to pack plenty of water (or your favorite drink) to stay hydrated while you cruise. Future you will be grateful.
Pillow and Blanket
Alright, passenger princesses—it’s your time to shine. Grab your comfiest pillow and cozy blanket, and settle in while your partner handles the driving. And when it’s your turn behind the wheel? Hand over that warm blanket so they can nap in style while you take the reins for a bit. Road trip teamwork at its finest.
Phone Chargers
Whether you’re using your phone for GPS, snapping road trip pics, or just queuing up the next playlist—keeping it charged is a must. Make sure you’ve got a car charger handy (and maybe even a portable one too if you’re traveling with friends). No one wants a dead phone in the middle of nowhere.
Notebook and Pen
If you’re the journaling type or just someone who likes to jot things down, keeping a notebook and pen in the glove box is a road trip win. You can scribble notes, write down fun road signs, play car games, or just let the creativity flow when inspiration strikes somewhere between pit stops.
Paper Map
Okay, call me old school, but having a paper map in the car? That’s one of my non-negotiables for road trips (or any time driving, really) Like when you hit those no-service zones and your GPS suddenly stops working? A paper map of the area can save the day. Even if you just need to route back to the main highway, you’ll be grateful for that paper copy peace of mind.
Photo credit: Canva Stock
Plan the road trip of your life and hit the road prepared for anything!
And just like that, you’re officially road trip ready! With all these tips in your back pocket, you’re set to hit the highway with confidence. Don’t forget to have fun and stay open to adventure. Road trips are meant for detours. Spot a quirky roadside stop? Go for it. Feel like blasting your high school throwback playlist? Anyone who knows me knows I strictly listen to throwbacks, so crank it up!
Road trips are hands-down one of my favorite ways to travel, and I hope they become one of yours, too.
Need more inspo? Check out my posts “How to Plan a Road Trip” and “Planning a Trip to New York” for even more firsthand tips. And of course, come hang with me on Instagram @sierrainthecity for all the latest travel vibes!