America is one of the best places to consider when it comes to road trips. With its rugged mountain journeys and scenic coastal drives, nothing beats the appeal of hitting the open road and soaking in everything it has to offer. Unfortunately, planning an epic road trip in America can be a stressful experience, especially for a foreigner.
Adequately planning your road trip is essential because it helps avoid unpleasant surprises and setbacks, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience. There are plenty of things involved in the planning phase, including timing, route mapping and other essentials. This article will delve deeper into how to plan a successful road trip in America.
Essential Tips for Planning a Road Trip in America
Choosing the Right Vehicle for Your Road Trip
The choice of car is an important decision when planning a road trip. You want to ensure you have a reliable Europcar that would set the stage for a memorable and fulfilling trip. With that in mind, there are a few factors to consider when choosing a car for your road trip in America. Here is a breakdown:
Size and Space
Your vehicle choice should be spacious enough to accommodate the passengers and luggage you will carry for the trip. For example, if you are traveling with your family, you might want to consider an SUV or minivan. Consider factors such as legroom, headroom and other amenities (cupholders and charging ports) to ensure a comfortable trip for everyone.
Terrain Capabilities
When choosing your vehicle, it is also important to consider what roads and terrains you will be driving on. Individuals planning to explore off-road locations should consider four-wheel vehicles like trucks, SUVs and Jeeps. However, for highway driving, you can get away with regular cars.
Fuel Efficiency
If you are working on a tight budget, fuel efficiency is an essential factor to keep in mind when choosing a vehicle for your road trip. Choose a smaller, lighter vehicle with lower fuel consumption if you are traveling alone or with one friend. You can also opt for an electric car to eliminate fuel costs.
Budget
Lastly, consider your budget. Some vehicles have a higher rental fee than others. However, these fees are often directly proportional to what the vehicle offers. Vehicles with off-road capabilities or additional amenities will likely demand a higher fee than regular options. So, strive to strike a perfect balance between your needs and budget to find the right car for your American road trip.
Best Time for a Road Trip in America
Besides choosing a vehicle, it is essential to get the right timing for your road trip. Choosing the right time can enhance the overall experience, making the trip enjoyable and less stressful. But what determines the right time for an American road trip?
One of the main factors on which to base your timing is the weather conditions. You cannot take a road trip when there are hazardous conditions, such as heavy rains, snow or ice, unless the main goal is to challenge yourself. Even so, ensure the challenges do not put you and your family at risk.
You should also consider seasonal attractions along your planned itinerary. For instance, if you intend to hike a mountain, it might be best to travel during spring or autumn. Similarly, road trips along coastal routes may offer the best sceneries during summer. Generally, choose a time when you can get the most out of the trip at minimal costs and with fewer potential setbacks.
Best Routes to Explore on Your Road Trip
America is an expansive country with plenty of roads suitable for road trips. Here are the top routes that promise an adventurous trip with their beautiful sceneries and unique stops:
- Route 66: Route 66 stretches from Chicago to Los Angeles, a distance of 3940 Kilometers. A road trip on this road takes you through Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, California and Arizona. Some popular attractions along the way include Route 66 Museum (Clinton, Oklahoma), Cadillac Ranch (Amarillo, Texas), Petrified Forest National Park (Arizona) and The Gateway Arch (St. Louis, Missouri).
- Great River Road: The Great River Road follows the course of the Mississippi River. It stretches from Minnesota to Louisiana, a total distance of 4800 kilometers. A road trip on this road takes you through various states, including Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Kentucky and Tennessee. The attraction sites include Itasca State Park (Minnesota), La Crosse (Wisconsin) and Pikes Peak State Park (Iowa).
- Pacific Coast Highway: Also known as California State Route 1, Pacific Coast Highway stretches 1050 kilometers from Orange County to Mendocino County, both in California. The main attraction sites on this road include Laguna Beach (Southern California), Santa Barbara (Central Coast) and Santa Cruz (Northern California).
- Blue Ridge Parkway: The Blue Ridge Parkway stretches from Virginia to North Carolina, a distance of 750 kilometers. It passes through the two states, enabling you to explore various attractions, including Shenandoah National Park (Virginia), Humpback Rocks (Virginia) and Linville Falls (North Carolina).
Final Thoughts
A road trip requires adequate planning to minimize the risk of setbacks and ensure an enjoyable overall experience. There are many items to consider when planning your road trip, including choosing the right time, mapping your route and selecting a suitable vehicle. Ensure you make these plans as early as possible to minimize last-minute decisions that could lead to inconveniences and higher costs.