By Emma Grace Brown, guest contributor

Whether you plan to travel the world or across the United States, travel planning is key. And when you work with a travel planner, you’re guaranteed expert knowledge through a custom-planned trip. Connect with travel expert Trey Tracy to plan the vacation of your dreams today!

The best way to see any country is to travel by car. If you’re a young traveler or new to traveling in general, long-distance road trips across the United States are a wonderful start to your adventures. If such a trip piques your interest, travel advisor Trey Tracy offers the following tips on how to prepare, where to stop along the way, and what to do once you get to your destination.

Preparing for Your Travels

Besides having a reliable car, there are certain road trip essentials you should make sure to obtain before you depart — and a reliable phone is one of them. There are amazing apps to assist in emergencies and GPS apps that will help you find the best route, alert you to high-traffic areas, and show you rest stops, food, gas stations, coffee, and places to sleep. It’s like having a personal travel assistant wherever you go!

Before purchasing a new phone, check to see if your provider offers mobile phone deals. You may be able to swap out your old phone for a new discounted model.

Packing

Packing should be well-thought-out but not stressful. You’re driving through the US, so if you forgot something, you’ll likely pass countless stores along the way. Don’t overwhelm your car with clothes, but pack enough that you won’t have to do laundry. Some travelers choose to drive back, but others who rent a car and are pressed for time may choose a flight home. If that’s the case, you’ll want to limit what you have to carry on your return.

Also, plan for emergencies. Make sure you have the following:

• Water
• First-aid kit
• Medicine
• Snacks
• Phone chargers
• Flashlight
• Blanket
• Sanitizer
• Trash bags

Plan Your Trip

A true cross-country trip should go from one coast to the other, regardless of what side you start from. The best part of the trip will not be the final destination, but the experiences and sights along the way. If you start from the East Coast, choose a Northern or Southern route to get to the opposite coast. Some popular spots along the way include:

• Big cities like Chicago (northern route), Saint Louis (central route), Nashville (southern route), and New Orleans (southern route)
• The Blue Ridge Parkway through the Smoky Mountains (southern and central routes)
• Mount Rushmore in the Dakotas (northern route)
• Route 66 from Chicago to Los Angeles with stops like the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas
• The Alamo (southern route)

If you’re on a tight schedule, work with a travel advisor to help plan your day-by-day itinerary. If you have flexibility, take time to explore and make unplanned stops. Driving can be exhausting, so plan to stay at least a couple of days in one place midway through your trip.

Enjoy Your Destination

There is something freeing about arriving at your final spot. Starting on the East Coast and ending on the West Coast offers incredible coastal scenery from Washington to California. Northern routes include lush Oregon forests and Northern California wine country, while the Southern California coastline is pure paradise. Driving Highway 1 is a highlight you won’t want to miss.

Road trips are a fantastic way to travel and capture unforgettable memories. With the right planning, you don’t have to break the bank to experience national treasures. Get equipped with the right gear, plan your trip, enjoy the journey, and soak in every moment at your destination.

Ready to plan your next road trip? Contact Trey Tracy for assistance.

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