If you’re among the 90 percent of Americans who prefer traveling by car than by plane for, this post is for you.
Road trips make one of the best experiences as long as you have enough budget and playlists to last until you return home.
Driving is definitely the best way to enjoy and explore the sights of this beautiful country. From the vast landscapes to the iconic spots you see on U.S. postcards, road trips let you savor every bit of your travel journey.
However, to make your dream interstate car driving a reality, you have to be prepared for the expenses. You will need roughly about $2,500 to drive across the country. Yes, it’s a significant amount and unless you have enough cash or savings, taking short-term installment loans is the best way to fund your trip.
Tips for Traveling across the U.S. via Car
Once you’ve set a budget, there are a few more things to do before embarking on your journey. Here are some very important tips when driving across the country:
Choose a route
There are three major routes if you wish to drive across the country and see some of the most beautiful sights and destinations. These are the Northern Route, Middle America Route, and the Southern Route. Driving across the U.S. takes 2,500 to 3,000 miles. If you’re spending eight hours on the road per day, the shortest route should take four days while the longest, six. Choosing the best route will depend upon your budget, time and itinerary (which will be discussed in detail next).
Plan your itinerary
To save time and gas, and maximize your road trip, one of the first things to do is to map out your itinerary. The U.S. is home to some of the best destinations in the world, from natural parks like the Grand Canyon and Yosemite to the stunning coastlines of Hawaii and amazing landscapes of Colorado. Some of the most popular routes for interstate driving are the Black Hills of South Dakota, Downeast Maine, Pacific Coast Highway (California), Olympic Peninsula (Washington), and the Route 66.
Give your car the love it deserves
Your car is your primary tool to tour around the country. It’s going to travel over 3,000 miles so it’s just fitting to give it some really nice tuning up and polishing. A week or two before your road trip, have your car checked by a professional for any problem. If you have an old car, see if it requires some overhaul. More importantly, keep your car fueled with plenty of gas. You never know when and where you’ll hit the next gasoline station!
Take advantage of the Welcome Centers.
Each state has a welcome center where you can always ask for assistance, especially information about the best routes to take for specific destinations. What’s more, welcome centers usually give free gifts for visitors.
Travel like a local
Aside from gas, a big portion of your interstate road trip budget goes to your food and accommodation. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to save on the cost. One is to find cheaper alternatives to pricey hotels. Your options include Airbnb and hostels. When it comes to dining, skip the high-end restaurants and explore the restaurants which local people swear by to get a taste of authentic dishes at a more affordable price.
Visit National Parks
While city tours are super fun, nothing beats the wonderful feeling when you hop out of your car to take a walk or hike into the great outdoors. Around all national parks are inexpensive campsites where you can chill under the night sky and save more money on the accommodation. The national parks in the U.S. really highlight the rich and diverse landscapes and natural wonders of the country.
Check out the museums too
Another way to enjoy your road trip across the country is to visit museums and art galleries. If you’re traveling with your kids, don’t miss the zoos as well. Road trips are an excellent way to learn about the country’s history and culture. Also, don’t forget to check out local events. There are always tons of free activities and events across the United States.
