Planning the Perfect American Road Trip: Routes, Budget and Packing Checklist
From Route 66 to the Blue Ridge Parkway, here's how to choose a route, budget for gas and lodging, prep your car and pack for an unforgettable road trip.
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There's nothing quite like an American road trip: open highways, roadside diners, national parks and small towns you'd never discover from an airplane window. With a little planning, it can be the trip of a lifetime.
Classic routes to consider
- Historic Route 66: the "Mother Road," established in 1926, ran about 2,400 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica. It was officially decommissioned in 1985, but long stretches are preserved with neon signs, vintage motels and quirky roadside attractions.
- Pacific Coast Highway (California State Route 1): dramatic ocean cliffs, Big Sur and seaside towns. Check for road closures, since landslides sometimes close sections.
- Blue Ridge Parkway: a 469-mile scenic drive through the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia and North Carolina, spectacular in fall.
- The Great River Road: follows the Mississippi River from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico.
- Utah's "Mighty 5": Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches and Canyonlands national parks.
Build a realistic itinerary
A common mistake is trying to cover too much ground. Many travelers find that 4 to 6 hours of driving per day leaves time to stop, explore and enjoy the journey. Build in a flexible day or two for unexpected discoveries and weather.
Budgeting
- Gas: estimate your total miles divided by your car's miles per gallon, multiplied by current local gas prices. Prices vary significantly by state.
- Lodging: usually the biggest expense. Mix hotels with campgrounds or cabins to save.
- Food: pack a cooler with snacks and lunches, and splurge on local specialties.
- Park fees: if you'll visit several national parks, an annual America the Beautiful pass may save money.
Prep your car
- Get an oil change and have the brakes, tires (including the spare), battery, fluids and wipers checked.
- Check tire pressure when the tires are cold.
- Make sure your registration and insurance are current, and know what roadside assistance your auto insurance or membership includes.
Packing checklist
- Driver's license, insurance card, registration and any park passes
- Phone chargers and a car mount, plus offline maps, since cell service disappears in remote areas
- Emergency kit: jumper cables, flashlight, first-aid kit, water, blanket and a tire inflator
- Cooler, reusable water bottles and snacks
- Layers of clothing for changing weather and elevations
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
Stay safe
Switch drivers every couple of hours if you can, avoid driving drowsy, and fill up before long empty stretches. In remote parts of the West, gas stations can be far apart. Want inspiration for stops? See our list of charming small towns worth a road trip.
