The Five Golden Rules of Cross Country Road Trip Planning

cross-country journey is like no one else to go! For most road trippers, it is the Holy Grail of travel. For you, it just might be the long desired vacation or to visit the family. No matter what your reason, you will need a few tips on how to prepare it very unique for a cross country road trip. These five Golden Rules of Cross Country Road Trip Planning will ensure that your trip is a success!

Golden Rule # 1

Realize that this country is enormous. Looking at the map can give the illusion that you can move on to a couple of weeks. There is no way you can do it, no matter what was said mapping point. Day after day spent entirely behind the wheel of hell would not wish on my worst enemy, and ti certainly do not want to suffer through njega.Tipično pleasant cross-country road trip can last one month to two months, depending on whether it is round trip or not.

Map of the - Whether it's your cross-country trip is a round trip (from home and back) or in one direction (or lease another car you can drop off and fly back ) to get the mapping web site that will estimate the number of hours will take you to drive to your destination (and back if applicable). There are tons out there, including Google Maps and MapQuest. Get real - If you think you can drive for 8 hours a day, you've got another thing coming. For fun (I hope this is not a method of self-torture) journey, you're going to want to spend more than four hours a day behind the wheel. This will allow plenty of rest and sightseeing along the way, and you'll need on vacation. How to make your trip more enjoyable, plan your day "off" from time to time driving during your vacation. Plan the day to be the destination where it will be enough to see and do to keep you entertained all day. Think about your destination - Wherever you go, it's probably somewhere very interested, or would not have been crossing the country, is not it? Plan at least a few days there to really absorb it before heading back home, whether you're flying back or driving back home.

Golden Rule # 2

Spend some time planning the sights you see along the way, as well as their time at their destination. Winging it with this can lead to some very boring breaks along the route. Most of the big things just are not visible from the highway. Great resources for planning stops / visit are:

trails in each state will pass. Travel Forum - especially those that deal with specific areas / countries and cities. sites that specialize in country / area you will be passing through or on the road firing rates (like mine).

Golden Rule # 3

One of the most common question I get is a book all the hotels / camps / other accommodation and plan each day, or just "wing it" and hope for the best. Answer: You can do it, but there are specific rules for each. For the planner, it is easy - plan! Booking in advance is usually cheaper to provide lodging and will guarantee that you will have a place to lay your head at the end of each day (winging it can be dangerous, but there are tricks to less ).

If you want to "wing it", you'll still have to do some planning. At the very least, book your accommodation in the area you will visit along the way are a popular destination. Trying to get a last minute reservation at nearby places like Yellowstone Park in the summer madness. It will not happen. Think about the time of the year and - New York City in December is a crazy time. Plan accordingly.

Otherwise, the "wing it" people can use their GPS and really fly by the seat of their pants, or they can protect themselves from trouble follows.

before you leave - Research on the road and the destination of May - or May not - be a place you'll want to stay. Make a list of 3-5 choices of accommodation for each and take down the address and phone number. Put it somewhere safe and accessible for your journey (I use a folder ).

on the road - Every morning, make a decision. Where do you want to go that day? Choose your destination and evening calls in the list of accommodation choices. Do not put this off until later in the day, if you want to guarantee a place for the night. What jobs exist in the morning will probably be withdrawn by the afternoon. Now you can follow your whims everyday and still have safety reservations every night.

Golden Rule # 4

You'll have to really baby your car before you cross-country trip - more than any other move. You're about to push it to its limits! Here is a list of things that were addressed by your mechanic before you hit the road:

Read the manual and all that because maintenance is taken care of now. Time belts, tune-up, the system flushes, etc. All are in this category. get the oil changed, unless it's literally just changed. Have your mechanic check the following: hoses, spark plugs, belts, air filter and all liquids. Also, if there is any problem / strange noise or smell that you're noticing with your car, deal with it. Tyres are of vital importance. If you are doing what they do, they will not be able to handle the heat as they roll on the road and probably will blow. Replace them now, if warranted. Get your tires rotated and the alignment checked

Be sure to pack an emergency roadside kit (jumper cables, flares, tire patch kit, jack, spare tire), make sure you renew or get the road service, membership, and pack extra water, blankets, flashlight with fresh batteries, and some emergency snacks.

Golden Rule # 5

: Packaging for cross-country trip is all about streamlining. Unlike other holidays, this is not one where you want to pack equipment for every plan that dan.Najbolji 5-7 pants / skirts / pants and 7-9 tops / shirts that coordinate (as well as shoes, underwear, socks.

stick with neutrals (khaki plum, white, gray, black, navy, blue jeans) for easier mixing and convenient. Add 3-4 sweaters and jackets (several layers if the weather will be cooler), which are also in neutral colors. Bring a mild detergent to wash your hands (or using the machine when the lodging offers) to make these garments last for several weeks as the journey continues. Do not worry about your companions grow bored with your wardrobe - most people do not care about their clothes as much as you

When it comes to other things, be sure to bring enough things that can not easily get in the way (counter for example). For everything else (drugstore shampoo, soap, shaving cream, etc.) only make what is easy to pack and get more if needed on the road. No need to bring all - will not in the wilderness

Conclusion

If you obey these five golden rules of cross country travel planning, you'll be well prepared to experience the extraordinary odyssey of travel across the USA!