Tips for a Long and Successful Road Trip

 

Photo by Sergey Tarasov on Unsplash

There's something special about a road trip. Unlike flying, the journey becomes part of the vacation. You discover places you never planned to visit, stop for unexpected photo opportunities, and create memories that would never happen if you were simply trying to get from Point A to Point B.

After many road trips over the years I've learned that a little planning goes a long way. You don't need to schedule every minute, but a few good habits can make the difference between an exhausting drive and an enjoyable adventure.

Here are some of the things that have worked well for us.

Have a Plan...But Don't Overplan

I like having an outline of where we'll be each night and the major things we want to see. Beyond that, I prefer to leave plenty of room for spontaneity.

Some of our favourite stops have been the ones we never planned. A scenic lookout, a roadside bakery, a walking trail we spotted on a sign, or a conversation with a local that sent us somewhere we hadn't heard of. Those unexpected moments often become the highlights of the trip.

Share the Driving

If you're travelling with someone who also drives, take turns behind the wheel. Even switching every couple of hours makes a big difference.

The driver gets a break, and everyone gets a chance to enjoy the scenery instead of focusing on the road the entire time.

Don't Try to Cover Too Much Ground

One of the biggest mistakes people make is trying to cram too much into one day.

Driving for eight or ten hours might get you farther down the road, but you'll miss many of the places that make road trips worthwhile. I'd much rather spend an extra hour exploring a fishing village or walking along a rugged coastline than simply watching it disappear through the windshield.

Sometimes slower really is better.

Pack Snacks

Roadside restaurants aren't always where, or when, you need them.

We always travel with a small cooler filled with drinks, fruit, cheese, crackers, and a few treats. It saves money, keeps everyone happy between meals, and is especially helpful when you're travelling through more remote areas.

Stay Flexible with Meals

Some of our best meals have been found completely by accident.

Instead of insisting on eating at a specific restaurant, be open to recommendations from locals or places that simply look inviting. You might discover a tiny café serving homemade soup or a family-run restaurant with the best seafood you've ever tasted.

Keep Entertainment Handy

Even beautiful scenery has stretches of highway between the highlights.

Create a playlist before you leave, download a few podcasts, or bring an audiobook everyone will enjoy. They're great for those longer driving days and often spark interesting conversations along the way.

Dress Comfortably

Road trips involve a lot of sitting, getting in and out of the vehicle, and changing weather conditions.

Comfortable clothing and shoes make the day much more enjoyable. I also like dressing in layers since temperatures can change dramatically, especially if you're travelling somewhere like Newfoundland where you can experience sunshine, fog, wind, and cool ocean breezes all in the same afternoon.

Take Plenty of Breaks

Don't wait until you're tired to stop.

Stretch your legs, grab a coffee, wander around a scenic viewpoint, or simply breathe in the fresh air for a few minutes. Those short breaks help you stay alert and give you another opportunity to enjoy wherever you happen to be.

Keep Your Camera Close

You never know when you'll round a corner and find an incredible view.

Whether you use a camera or your phone, keep it within easy reach. Some of my favourite travel photos weren't taken at famous landmarks. They were captured during unplanned stops along the side of the road.

Expect the Unexpected

Road construction, rain, flat tires, detours, and changing weather are all part of road travel.

Instead of letting them ruin the day, try to see them as part of the adventure. Some of the best travel stories begin with, "Well...that wasn't in the plan."

Enjoy the Journey

This may be the most important tip of all.

A road trip isn't just about reaching your destination. It's about everything that happens along the way - the conversations in the car, the roadside attractions, the scenic detours, the laughter, and even the occasional wrong turn.

Our Newfoundland trip reminded me that the journey can be every bit as memorable as the destination itself. We had a loose itinerary, plenty of flexibility, and a willingness to stop whenever something caught our eye. That approach led us to breathtaking viewpoints, charming communities, friendly conversations, and memories we'll be talking about for years.

So the next time you're planning a road trip, don't focus only on where you're going. Leave room to enjoy how you get there.

After all, the road itself is part of the adventure.

What about you?  What is your favourite tip for a successful road trip?