Start with Google Maps to rough out your route and get a realistic sense of drive times. Drop all your potential stops as pins, connect them loosely, and resist the urge to fill every hour. I also love using it to scout what is along the way, whether that is a random state park, a quirky roadside stop, or a small town worth pulling over for. The more you explore the map before you leave, the more little gems you will find along the route.

Always check road conditions, especially if you are traveling through mountain passes or during winter months. Use state Department of Transportation websites or apps like Waze to check for closures, construction, or weather related delays. This simple step can save you hours of detours and stress.

If your route crosses time zones, factor that into your arrival times and meal planning. It is easy to lose track and arrive somewhere an hour later than expected or miss a restaurant closing time.

If there is a scenic route and you are driving in the morning, and it is not much of a difference in driving time, why not make the scenic drive? The most memorable parts of a road trip often happen on the roads less traveled. A few extra minutes can lead to stunning views, hidden gems, and photo opportunities you would have otherwise missed.

With trip planning and especially road trips, I love Wanderlog because I can add all the stops including rest stops, bathroom breaks, and gas stations. It is a powerful tool and I use it all the time. You can read more about it in my Trip Planning 101 post.

If you are more of a traditional spreadsheet planner, I have a file you can use. Make a copy in Google Sheets. This will save your own editable version to your Google Drive so you can customize it for your trip. You can also download it to desktop.

You will be tired when you arrive at your first and last stops, trust me on this one. Having those two nights locked in removes an enormous amount of stress before you even leave the driveway. Everything in between, stay flexible and book 1 to 2 days ahead as you go. I use Expedia, VRBO, Hotels.com, and Trip.com to book accommodations. For camping, use The Dyrt app to find campgrounds and hidden overnight spots along the way.

Take care to service and get all the necessary checks done. If your car is due for service, schedule it weeks or days before the trip, especially if it will be a long drive.

Before you leave, locate your spare tire and make sure it is properly inflated. If you have never changed a tire before, practice in your driveway. It is much easier to learn at home than on the side of a highway.

Make sure your car insurance includes roadside assistance. If it does not, consider adding it or signing up for AAA. Knowing help is just a phone call away provides incredible peace of mind on long trips.

It feels a lot better when you clean your car before a road trip, trust me. It helps you pack better and with more organization. By cleaning, you also remove any unnecessary items that you are probably storing in your car that you do not need.

I like to have extra phone chargers, Lysol wipes, Wet Ones wipes, hand sanitizer, facial wipes, paper towels, hair ties and hair clips, and sunglasses. Organize these in your car’s center console or glove compartment. A good car mount is also essential if you need one for your phone.

If you will be driving through states with tolls, consider getting a toll reader (like E-ZPass) and adding it to your windshield before the trip. Preload money on it to avoid fumbling for cash at toll booths. If you do not have a toll reader, make sure to keep cash on hand for tolls along your route.

Even with a toll reader, it is smart to have some cash in your car for tolls, parking meters, or roadside stops that do not accept cards.

I mean everybody does, but just to make sure: have your registration and car insurance on hand in case of emergencies or in the event you get pulled over. Keep them accessible and up to date.

Google Maps is honestly underrated for discovering stops you never would have thought to search for. Zoom into the areas along your route and just start clicking around. You will find overlooks, swimming holes, small town gems, and parks that do not show up on any travel blog. Social media is another great source for road trip and travel content because these people have done the trips already. For hikers, I like to use AllTrails to discover new trails.

National Parks are incredible, but they are also crowded and expensive. Some of my favorite stops have been state parks that most tourists drive right past. They are cheaper, way less crowded, and just as beautiful.

An unrestrained dog is a safety risk for both of you. We use a crash tested harness that connects to the seatbelt, plus a car seat cover that keeps the car clean and gives Tira a defined, comfortable space and allows him to stick his head out the window.

Dogs need to stretch and sniff just like we do. I plan stops every 2 to 3 hours and use BringFido to find dog friendly parks, restaurants, and hotels along the route. It has never let us down.

Bring a copy of your dog’s vaccination records and any medications they take, especially if you are crossing state lines or visiting dog parks. Some campgrounds and boarding facilities require proof of vaccinations.

Not only do we need to have snacks, but our pups also need some treats every now and then. Bring their favorites to reward good behavior and make the trip more enjoyable for them.

A familiar scent can help your dog feel more comfortable in new places. Pack their favorite blanket or toy to create a sense of home wherever you stop.

Before you leave, look up emergency vet clinics along your route and save their contact information. Hopefully, you will never need it, but it is good to know where to go if something happens.

Not all pet friendly hotels are actually welcoming, and pet fees add up fast. I filter by dog friendly stays on booking apps, and you can use BringFido as well to read the reviews carefully. Camping is honestly the easiest and most affordable option since most campgrounds allow leashed dogs.

When heading out on long haul drives, wearing comfortable clothing and shoes makes a significant difference. If you wear contact lenses, consider switching to glasses, particularly for night driving, as they tend to be less straining on the eyes over long periods.

Bring nuts, fruit, protein bars, and other healthy snacks to avoid energy crashes from junk food. Staying fueled with good food makes a huge difference on long drives.

Sitting for hours can make you stiff and sore. Use rest stops to do simple stretches, touch your toes, roll your shoulders, walk around for a few minutes. Your body will thank you.

If headlights bother you at night, consider wearing blue light glasses while driving. They can reduce glare and eye strain, making night drives much more comfortable.

The soundtrack matters more than people think. Build a playlist before you leave and download 2 to 3 podcasts for the stretches where you lose signal. True crime, travel stories, audiobooks, whatever keeps you engaged and awake. Some of my best drives have been powered entirely by a really good playlist.

One of my favorite ways to stay alert on a long drive, especially at night, is having an engaging conversation with your passenger. Jam and I love talking about past trips and laughing over all the funny moments and memories we have shared along the way. It keeps us both engaged and makes the miles fly by.

Depending on how many people are on the road trip, it is a great idea to switch every now and then so the other person can take a bit of a rest. This makes long drives much more manageable.

Early morning and late afternoon light is extraordinary on a road trip. The landscapes look like paintings, and the road is almost always less crowded.

On long highway drives, take advantage of cruise control for a smoother, more comfortable ride. Just remember to stay alert and drive safely.

Eating out every single meal is expensive and can add up fast. Stock a cooler with groceries before you leave and prep lunches and simple dinners on the road. Save restaurant meals for a town you are genuinely excited about or for food you must try. It makes those moments feel really special.

Eating a meal before hitting the road means fewer impulse stops at expensive rest area food courts, saving you extra money for something more worthwhile like a souvenir.

Whenever Jam and I drive from Colorado Springs to Denver, about an hour and a half, I always whip us up some coffee or matcha lattes beforehand. It saves money and means one less stop along the way.

Download apps like GasBuddy to find the cheapest gas stations along your route. Prices can vary significantly, especially near highways versus in small towns.

Cell service is a privilege, not a guarantee. Download offline maps for your entire route in Google Maps before heading into any remote area. This has saved me on mountain passes, in the desert, and on back roads.

Bring both a car charger and a portable battery pack. A dead phone in an emergency is a nightmare you do not want to experience.

Learn how to check your oil, change a tire, and jump a battery before you leave. These skills can save you hours of waiting for roadside assistance in remote areas.

Make sure your phone is set to receive emergency weather alerts. Severe weather can come up quickly, especially in mountain or desert regions.

Whether it is AAA or your insurance provider’s roadside assistance, save the number in your phone before you leave. You do not want to be searching for it when you are stranded.

Share your rough itinerary with a friend or family member before you leave. Planned stops, where you are sleeping, when to expect you. Check in when you reach each new destination. It takes five minutes and could matter enormously in an emergency.

Being on the road, you should be conscious and always think of safety first for both yourself and the passengers. If you have to make an overnight stop to rest, then please do so. Even just a bit of a nap helps. Fatigue is one of the leading causes of accidents on long drives.

Always keep an eye on your gas levels and plan stops accordingly, especially in remote areas. On one of our trips, Jam and I were driving out of New Orleans when we realized the tank was dangerously low. With nothing but open road ahead, I started to panic, but luckily, a gas station appeared within 15 minutes. That experience taught me to always check the gas levels.