A few simple tips to keep you and your copilot happy on your cross country road trip.
USE A PAPER MAP
Google Maps and Waze are great tools for when you’re trying to get from A to B in the city, but when it comes to making your cross-country dreams a reality, you need to go old-school. That means trusting a paper map. Digital maps only tell half the story, and you’ll miss out on all the exciting backroads and side streets that could lead to discovering something cool. Road tripping is all about exploration and seeing everything you can, so don’t deprive yourself. Spend the five bucks and get a paper map.
PRICELINE IS YOUR BEST FRIEND
Priceline, Hotels.com, Trivago, and all the hotel apps are going to help you out once you hit the road. Booking in advance isn’t necessary now that you can get a five-star hotel for the price of a three-star a few hours before check-in. These apps are made for road warriors, so take advantage of the comfort, luxury, and ease.
STICK TO THE SMALL ROADS
You aren’t going to find anything out of the ordinary by taking the freeway and stopping at some run-of-the-mill rest stop when you need to take a leak. Get off the main road and do some exploring. Getting lost is the point. America is chock-full of rustic mom-and-pop stores with the wildest trinkets, taxidermy, Americana, and vintage guns. Ask questions. You never know what you’ll find.
KEEP YOUR TRUNKS IN THE BACKSEAT
When driving across the country, you’ll be amazed at how many remarkable bodies of water we have in this great nation. Be sure to take a detour and dive in! Are you heading through Brattleboro, Vermont? Check out Indian Love Call. Find yourself in Texas? Be sure to map out Barton Springs in Austin. Want to blow your mind? Check out Hot Springs National Park in northern Arkansas. Sure, the hotel pool at the Loews Santa Monica has all the luxury one could want, but there’s nothing like jumping into fresh water in the middle of nowhere.
GET THE GASBUDDY APP
This app is one of the most helpful digital devices when you’re road tripping. It lets you know where the nearest, cheapest gas is so if you’re running low you’ll never have to fret.
PACK CAMPING GEAR
Even if you never plan on sleeping outdoors, we highly suggest you pack some rudimentary camping gear just in case. You never know what you’re going to come across, or if the mood to sleep under the stars will strike. Driving down the West Coast is heaven, and there are so many beachside places to stop for the night. Basics include a two-person tent, a roll-out mat, sleeping bags, pillows, a multipurpose knife, and a high-quality cooler for snacks and drinks.
MAKE SURE YOU HAVE AAA
This tip seems like a major “duh,” but you should never hit the road without making sure your membership is up-to-date. You never know when you’ll need a tow.
TASTE IT ALL
As you travel through each great state, be sure to taste the food of the land. Don’t go to New Mexico and have sushi. Get on your iPhone and find the best green chili the state has to offer. Eat lobster in Maine. Chow down on deep-dish pizza in Chicago. If you find yourself in Cincinnati, you have to try the Five-Way Chili. For those who are adventurous, get the Garbage Plate at Nick Tahou Hots in Rochester, New York. Map out your trip like it’s your very own episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, and go nuts.
KNOW HOW TO CHANGE A TIRE (AND HAVE THE TOOLS TO DO IT)
There’s not much more to say here. Just do it.
FIND A GOOD COPILOT
No trip is complete without the perfect copilot. This is the person who’s best at reading maps, locating killer hot spots, and picking the best songs. Playlists are going to set the mood and keep morale high on those long drives, so embrace the shuffle on Spotify and be prepared to get weird.
