How to plan a road trip: 10 tips for the perfect getaway

Knowing how to plan a road trip is key to making your journey enjoyable and straightforward. Whether you're considering a short scenic drive, dreaming of exploring the vineyards of Northern Italy or planning a long journey across the US, a little road trip planning can make a big difference.

Road rules, vehicle requirements and documents vary by destination. Check official local guidance before setting off.

Here are a few ways to help you prepare for your next road trip.

1. Make a plan (but keep it flexible)

First, you should consider the basics of your road trip: the kind of journey – a coastal drive, mountain route or city break – how much time you have, who's going and your budget. 

Answering these questions helps define the scope, whether it’s exploring local regions or venturing further afield. Having a general theme or destination gives you somewhere to start. 

2. Map your route

It’s a good idea to look at maps and decide between the fastest routes (major motorways) or more scenic secondary roads. Try to identify key places you want to visit and sketch a suitable path connecting them. You’ll also need to consider potential traffic, seasonal weather, border crossings and road conditions, which can vary significantly.

3. Consider using apps

Technology can be an asset when taking a road trip. Navigational apps can help you with estimating driving times, checking traffic and finding services offering fuel or food. You can save routes, pin locations and download maps for offline use.

4. Find points of interest

It’s worthwhile researching interesting stops along your route like parks, landmarks, unique attractions, viewpoints, local eateries or towns. Another option is to use travel guides, articles, tourism websites or apps. Adding stops turns the drive into more of an experience – list all the possible stops and try to realistically integrate as many of them as you can into your schedule.

5. Allow time to explore

Avoid trying to cram too much into your road trip. You will feel less rushed by reviewing your route, planning stops and being realistic about what you can comfortably do each day. Exploring fewer places well is often more rewarding than trying to see as many as possible. Factoring in buffer time for delays or spontaneous stops is also a good idea.

6. Set daily driving limits

Before you set off, it’s good to decide on a comfortable daily driving limit. Rather than relying on a fixed number of driving hours, consider the road type, traffic, weather, time of day, whether you’re sharing the driving and how rested you feel.

Knowing how much you can drive helps you figure out where to stop each night and plan where to stay. And if you’re driving on the opposite side of the road from the one you’re used to, you'll need to give yourself extra time to adjust and focus.

7. Find accommodation along the way

On most road trips, you'll need places to stop and rest. Depending on your travel style and the trip, you might look to book ahead or be spontaneous and find places during the trip. Booking in advance is a good call during peak seasons, holidays or if you have specific needs like accessibility or pet-friendly properties.

Finding places as you go means you can change plans easily, but you might find fewer options or have to pay more, especially in busy or remote locations.

Choosing accommodation types that suit your budget and preferences for each stop makes the trip more comfortable. Common choices range from budget-friendly motels and hotels to unique guesthouses, B&Bs and self-catering apartments or holiday homes.

8. Make it fun

Enjoying the drive is important, too. Think about choosing some music, podcasts or audiobooks. If you've got company, chatting or playing some simple car games like ‘20 Questions’ make the journey more enjoyable. Don't forget things such as travel pillows or blankets for extra comfort.

9. Stay safe on the road

Staying safe on the road should be the priority. Look up local traffic laws and speed limits for your destinations, as well as local driving customs, before you go. You’ll also want to make sure you have the necessary documents with you, such as your driving licence, vehicle documents and insurance details, where required.

If you’re driving abroad, the documents you need can depend on your destination and the vehicle you’re using.

Other ways to stay safe include monitoring the weather and road conditions, avoiding driving if you're tired and taking regular breaks. When you do stop, pay attention to your surroundings, lock up the vehicle and keep valuables out of sight. It’s also helpful to have local emergency numbers just in case you need them.

10. Enjoy the trip

Once all the planning is done, it’s important to actually enjoy the trip itself. This can mean enjoying the journey, staying flexible when plans change, taking pictures, trying local food or activities and appreciating the trip you’ve planned.

Whether you're using your own car or renting one for the adventure, it’s important to make sure your vehicle is ready for the road.

If it’s your own car, you’ll want to check the essentials:

• Tyre pressure: check the pressure, including the spare, and the tread depth
• Fluid levels: check the oil and coolant
• Brakes: listen for unusual noises and check how the brakes feel
• Battery: look for corrosion and consider having an older battery tested
• Lights: make sure all exterior lights are working
• Wipers: check that the wipers work and top up the screenwash

A mechanic’s inspection may also be useful before a long trip, especially if the vehicle is due a service or you have concerns about its condition.

If you're renting a vehicle, the main check happens when you pick up the car. It’s recommended to take a few minutes before driving away to:

• Inspect for damage: look around the car, inside and out, and note any existing scratches, dents or upholstery tears on the rental agreement.
• Complete basic checks: check the tyre condition, make sure the lights and wipers work, and learn how to operate essentials such as the headlights, indicators and hazard lights.
• Get to know the car: familiarise yourself with the controls, check the fuel type and note the fuel level. Check the fuel policy to confirm whether the tank is full as agreed.
• Paperwork verification: check that the rental agreement details are correct and that you have the necessary insurance and contact info for breakdowns provides peace of mind.

Bring the essentials

Here are some important things to pack (other than clothes):

• Documents: your driving licence, International Driving Permit if you need one, passport or visa, vehicle registration and insurance details.
• Copies: it’s useful to have copies of important documents, stored securely and separately from the originals.
• For the car: the manual, a spare tyre and the tools to change it, jump leads or a battery booster pack and a few basic tools if appropriate.
• Safety and comfort items: a first-aid kit, torch, phone charger or power bank, warning triangle, high-visibility vests and paper maps as a backup if your devices run out of power.
• Communication: a basic phrasebook or translation app if you think you’ll need one.

Plan breaks and stops

Taking a break every couple of hours during your driving day can help, even if it’s only a short stop. These stops are good for stretching your legs, using the toilet, switching drivers or simply resting. Stopping regularly can help you stay alert on the road, but do not continue driving if you feel sleepy. Find a safe place to stop and rest.

Pack snacks and drinks

Pack reusable water bottles, a cool box for chilled items such as drinks or sandwiches and easy non-perishable snacks such as bars, nuts and dried fruit. Napkins and a rubbish bag are also useful items to have.

Download offline maps and entertainment

You might not always have a phone signal or internet connection on the road. Downloading maps for offline use before you go is a good idea. You can also do the same for entertainment like music, podcasts or audiobooks. That way, you'll still have what you need even if there's no service.

Let someone know your itinerary

To help everyone feel reassured, it’s useful to share your basic travel plans with someone you trust. Give them an idea of your route and planned stops, along with information about your car or hire car, if applicable. Checking in regularly is reassuring for everyone. So, if there's a problem, they’ll know where you were headed and can help out.

Budget your trip

It’s a good idea to estimate a rough budget for your trip before you hit the road.

• Estimating costs: consider fuel, accommodation, food, tolls or road charges, border fees or visas, activities, parking and insurance.
• Unexpected costs: set aside an amount for expenses such as repairs or changes to your plans.
• Cash or cards: carry a mix of payment methods, including some local currency if travelling abroad, can be useful.

How long should a road trip be?

There is no perfect length. It depends on how much time you have, your budget, where you're going and how fast you like to travel. A weekend trip of two to four days can work well for exploring somewhere close by.

A trip of seven to ten days lets you go further or see things in more detail. Two weeks to a month can work well for multi-country trips or really exploring a big region at a slower pace. If you're new to road trips, maybe try a shorter one first to see whether this type of travel suits you.

How do I start planning a trip?

1. Duration: decide where you want to go, when, how long to travel, who you’re travelling with and your budget.

2. Plan a route: draw a rough path on a map linking your main destinations.

3. Pace: estimate your daily driving time and where you might stay overnight.

4. Research: find information about places to stay, things to do and any requirements such as visas. It can help you shape the road-trip itinerary.

How do I prepare for an extra-long road trip?

1. Divide the drive: divide the journey into realistic daily driving distances.
2. Book accommodation ahead: reserve places to stay in advance can give you a confirmed place to rest each night.
3. Check the car thoroughly: a full check is vital if it’s your own car; inspecting a rental very carefully at pickup is important too for an extended journey.
4. Prepare your documents: have all your licences, passports, visas, IDP, insurance and rental paperwork ready.
5. Plan for regular breaks: aim to stop every couple of hours.
6. Pack what you need: essentials, snacks, water, offline maps, entertainment, etc.
7. Think about safety: share your detailed itinerary, checking conditions regularly, avoiding driving when tired and sharing the driving if possible.