Other things like packing light and not using roof storage (it affects the car’s aerodynamics and decreases fuel efficiency) can also help. If you’re renting, choose a car with efficiency in mind. If there are several of you going on the trip, consider taking whoever’s vehicle gets the best MPG. When it comes to your car, fuel efficiency is key. Some of the steps above-like having your car serviced, eating locally, and bringing your own snacks and reusable water bottles-are already helpful in traveling with the environment in mind, but there are a few other things you can do to look out for the earth. Or make up your own silly game that can become its own road trip tradition. Choose a category, like “animals” or “European cities,” then take turns naming something within that category-the first person to repeat an answer or not respond loses. Spot something starting with each letter of the alphabet. Try to find a license plate from every state. It’s also a great time to relive the road trip car games of your youth (there was, in fact, a time before iPads). Whatever you choose, make sure to download enough options offline so you can listen when cell service isn’t available. This is also a great chance to explore the music of wherever you’re traveling to, whether that’s tuning in to a local radio station or creating a state-by-state (or even town-by-town) playlist of artists in the area. (I’m going to save Park Predators until I get home from this next trip, though.) Poll your friends for their favorites. A few years ago, I used podcasts to learn all about bitcoin while driving from Portland to Vancouver, and another time queued up some Italian audio lessons while driving from Rome to Venice. Diving into a podcast or listening to an audiobook is the road trip equivalent of an airplane movie. While looking out the window longingly for hours upon hours is one way to pass the time, you’re likely going to want a bit of entertainment for the road. Cell service is sometimes sparse and you’ll be grateful for a backup when your map app won’t load. Traveling in the south? Consider cross-referencing the US Civil Rights Trail interactive map to explore historic memorials along the way.Īnd don’t forget to pack a paper map of your route. Keeping your drive times lower also allows for spontaneity -that way, you can visit things like the world’s largest ball of twine in Kansas or the world’s smallest church in New York. Sure, it’s possible to drive from Denver to Los Angeles in 16 hours, but do you want to? And, more importantly, should you? For my upcoming trip from Seattle to Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks, my girlfriend and I are opting to drive the nine hours straight to Glacier, then take our time getting home with drives under five hours per day. It’s important to be realistic about how much you and/or your travel partners can safely drive in a day. Use an app like Google Maps to find driving times, and zoom in to find cities along the way worth a stop or an overnight (especially to break up long drives). Time to get out that map and dream up your big adventure! Start by finding the main destinations you’re hoping to visit on a map, then linking them together to decide on the most rational route.
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