There’s so much to see right here in the United States!
With all the breathtaking natural landscapes, must-see historical sites, and more than 3.7 million square miles of American beauty to explore and discover, it’s no wonder so many people are packing up their cars and heading out on a cross-country adventure.
Where to Start
Are you wanting to go coast to coast? Are you trying to hit all 48 continental states? Do you want to visit every national park? Deciding where to stop is one of the hardest parts of planning a cross-country road trip and unfortunately, you can’t cover it all. Along with your personal preferences, it’s necessary you define your budget and the time you want to spend out on the road as it will dictate how you plan your trip. Establishing objectives and parameters will help narrow down what’s most important to you so you can make the most out of your itinerary. You want every minute and mile driven behind that steering wheel to be worth it!
Routing
Now that you have your key stops and know where you want to go, mapping the perfect route is the next essential part of your road trip. While computing the optimal way to go cross-country may seem daunting, thanks to recent technology it’s actually quite easy. No more paper maps, PHEW! You can use an online routing system such as Google Maps® to lay out an easily changeable visual representation of your course and establish the shortest distance between each landmark. Planning your route is essentially the most important step to pulling it all together!
Prep, Prep, Prep
There are some very important practical matters you want to have covered if you want to execute the ultimate U.S. road trip. For starters, before your trip make sure to have your car inspected by a certified mechanic so you know it can handle all those miles you’re about to put on it. Also, make sure it’s suitable for where you want to go. A convertible may be great for driving along the coast but will it make it up all those rocky mountain roads? Having the right vehicle will make or break your trip. Literally. This one is also probably a no-brainer but important to note. Make sure you have the proper documentation before heading out on your travels. You won’t be going anywhere without a license and up-to-date insurance policy.
Side note: For an adventure as epic as a cross-country road trip, it’s a good idea to keep a roadside and first-aid emergency kit in your car. The unexpected can happen at any time, anywhere and you want to be prepared.
Have fun! The open road is calling! If you’re dropping into the great state of Missouri, here are some must-see cities to visit.
