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  • Road Travel

How to Prepare for a Long Car Trip

Last Updated: June 14, 2022 Approved

This article was co-authored by Tom Eisenberg . Tom Eisenberg is the Owner and General Manager of West Coast Tires & Service in Los Angeles, California, a family-owned AAA-approved and certified auto shop. Tom has over 10 years of experience in the auto industry. Modern Tire Dealer Magazine voted his shop one of the Best 10 Operations in the Country. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 87% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 179,589 times.

One day your friend calls you up and asks if you want to take a trip with them. You say yes, pack excitedly, and then ask your friend how you're getting there. If they say you're going by car, you'd better be ready.

Getting Ready Ahead of the Trip

Step 1 Make lists a week or two before the trip.

  • Download what you need. Want the hottest new songs to listen to during the car ride? Download it. Want to get the new game that just came out? Download it. Want to watch the movie your friends say is awesome? Download it. Don't wait for the last minute to download new songs, apps, and movies.

Step 4 Talk to people going on the trip beforehand.

  • If you are one of several who drives, create a schedule to figure out who drives when and where.
  • Plan when you will take rest stops and when you will get food.

Step 5 Be sure you have booked your hotel two or three days before you reach your destination to ensure availability.

  • Pack comfortably.

Step 3 Pack an additional

  • Pack a pillow to sleep well.
  • You could go to your local library and check out books. Or get new books on your Kindle. Books are a good and easy way to pass time in the car. You could also get magazines or newspaper articles.
  • Talk to your family. Find out who wants to watch which movie at what time. It can become a big problem when you all want to watch a different movie or listen to different music.

Step 4 Prepare your snacks.

  • Pretzels, chips
  • Cheese sticks
  • Veggies such as celery bite-sized pieces, carrot sticks and cherry tomatoes
  • Fruit such as mandarins and apple slices.

Step 5 Pack some stomach soothers.

  • 6 Pack emergency supplies. In case there's a breakdown or accident, pack blankets, torches, a first aid kit including painkillers, drinking water and extra snacks.

On the Day of the Trip

Step 1 Wear something comfortable.

  • Don't fight over seating. Switch around and share the different places.
  • Be considerate of anyone who gets very sick in the back seat––let them sit in the front.
  • If the car is busy, try not to sit by someone who annoys you.

Step 4 Drive to your destination.

Expert Q&A

Tom Eisenberg

  • If you are traveling for a long time, bring a bottle of water to keep you hydrated. Thanks Helpful 14 Not Helpful 0
  • Healthy food is key, but that doesn't mean no sweets. Bring a few candies or a tupperware of cookies, or make a special stop for sweets. This stop gives you something to look forward to besides arriving at your destination Thanks Helpful 14 Not Helpful 1
  • If you are bringing movies, bring ones that everyone will like to watch. Thanks Helpful 9 Not Helpful 0

car trip

  • If you're prone to travel sickness, take a travel sickness tablet before leaving, and take the packet in your bag just in case. Even those who aren't sensitive to travel sickness can get queasy at times. Thanks Helpful 147 Not Helpful 19
  • Check your car a couple days before hand so you don't have to worry about it breaking down on your trip. Thanks Helpful 116 Not Helpful 17
  • Don't bring a bag of entertainment items that is too large; chances are, you won't use all the items in the overstuffed bag and it takes up valuable floor space, which will just make the car feel more stuffy and overcrowded. Thanks Helpful 14 Not Helpful 1
  • Don't wait until the last minute to get gas, as there might not be a gas station around. Get gas when you can only go 5-10 miles, so you have enough gas to go to a gas station. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1

You Might Also Like

car trip

  • ↑ https://lifehacker.com/how-to-survive-long-road-trips-without-going-crazy-1699784546
  • ↑ https://apassionandapassport.com/long-road-trip-checklist-tips-and-tricks/
  • ↑ https://lifehacker.com/how-to-plan-the-perfect-road-trip-1581847075

About This Article

Tom Eisenberg

The key to making a long car trip fun is preparing the right entertainment and necessities. Pack things like tablets, handheld game consoles, books, and travel pillows. Don't forget some water and snacks, like pretzels, potato chips, fruit, gum, and mints. You should also bring some emergency supplies, like blankets, flashlights, extra food, and a first aid kit, in case you break down and have to spend the night on the roadside. Wear comfy clothes for the road trip so you don’t get too stiff. Plan a few rest stops throughout the journey so you can stretch your legs and use the restroom. If there are a few of you who can drive, consider taking shifts so the driver doesn't get too bored or tired. For more tips, including how to keep the car tidy on a long trip, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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21 Incredible Road Trips in the U.S.

Whether you’re looking for sweeping views of the pacific ocean or a multiday adventure through national parks, these road trips provide plenty of opportunities to explore the united states..

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A highway leading toward mountains

Glacier National Park is one of many scenic places you can visit on an American road trip.

Photo by Zack Frank / Shutterstock

In a country as large as the United States, there’s no shortage of destinations and detours to explore by car. Whether your idea of the perfect American road trip entails an epic, cross-country journey or a shorter jaunt through a few of its most iconic national parks , your options are as large and varied as the country itself.

From scenic drives along wildflower-dotted coasts to routes that help you learn more about America’s history, the following U.S. road trips allow you to enjoy the detours as much as the final destination. No matter your mode of transportation—be it van, RV, motorcycle, or four-door sedan—these are 21 of the best road trips in the nation to consider.

Cross-country road trips in the U.S.

Put a New Twist on Route 66—Make It an American Whiskey Road Trip

Plan your next Route 66 trip around thirst-quenching stops.

Photo by Peek Creative Collective/Shutterstock

There are many ways to do a cross-country road trip in the USA, but these two itineraries will take you through some truly iconic American places.

1. Bangor, Maine, to Seattle, Washington: The Great Northern on U.S. Route 2

Covering both the U.S. and Canada, a cross-country trip along U.S. 2 is ideal for anyone who wants to experience the vast diversity and expansiveness of North America. This drive runs the entire top border of the U.S. and showcases otherworldly natural wonders like Acadia National Park in Maine, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Wisconsin, and Mackinac Island in Michigan. The route also passes through Canada, taking road-trippers through Ontario into Quebec—this route may focus on nature, but you won’t want to miss a stop in Montreal or Ottawa.

You’ll also get to explore Montana and Glacier National Park ( reservations required ) before passing the Columbia Plateau and ending in the Pacific Northwest’s largest city, Seattle. Don’t miss spending time in the Olympic Peninsula (home to Olympic National Park) for a peek at one of the most scenic places on the West Coast.

2. Chicago to Los Angeles: A Whiskey Road Trip on Route 66

It doesn’t get more American than a 2,000-mile drive along the entirety of Route 66. And to take your cross-country road trip to the next level, we recommend exploring another American pastime—whiskey.

Starting in Chicago and ending in L.A., you’ll stop by some of the leading craft distilleries in the United States, like Few Spirits in Chicago, Still 630 in St. Louis, and Red Fork Distillery in Tulsa. In between tastings, make time for detours to natural attractions, like the Grand Canyon, and quirky roadside attractions, like Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas. Just remember to drink responsibly—this is a road trip after all.

Plan your trip

The full itinerary: Put a New Twist on Route 66—Make It an American Whiskey Road Trip

Shorter road trips throughout the U.S.

Not all of us have the time to drive cross-country. Fortunately there are plenty of amazing, shorter road trip routes (ranging from three days to a week or longer): classic California itineraries , New England routes that shine especially well in the fall, scenic East Coast adventures, and a variety of Midwest journeys for folks farther from the coasts.

3. Dana Point to San Francisco: Driving California’s Pacific Coast Highway

The seemingly endless views of the Pacific Ocean along Highway 1 (also known as the Pacific Coast Highway) are what road trip dreams are made of, and exactly what makes this California road trip so popular. However, with so many stops along the 655-mile stretch, we pulled together a list of the ones well worth pulling over to view. Don’t miss the perfect surfing waves in Santa Cruz, seasonal cuisine in Malibu, an afternoon a the boardwalk in Santa Monica, or a night in Big Sur as you drive between Dana Point (just south of Los Angeles) and San Francisco.

  • The full itinerary: The Best Stops for a Road Trip on the Pacific Coast Highway
  • The AFAR Guide to San Francisco

4. Big Sur to Mono County: A Literary Road Trip Through Northern California

Yes, this itinerary requires you actually put down your book to drive, but seeing some of the pivotal places that shaped American authors will be so worth it. Follow in the footsteps of writers like Jack Kerouac, Maya Angelou, and Amy Tan on this road trip that takes you through literary landmarks in Northern California, such as Caffe Trieste, a meeting place for Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, Alan Watts, and other bohemian writers and thinkers. This 12-stop itinerary is perfect if you live in the San Francisco Bay Area because you’ll be able to stay relatively close to home.

The full itinerary: The California Road Trip All Book Lovers Should Take

5. Phoenix to the Grand Canyon: An Iconic Arizona Road Trip

This 240-mile Arizona road trip takes travelers along some of the state’s most iconic highlights, including its most famous one, the Grand Canyon. A great itinerary for first-time visitors and returning travelers alike, it offers plenty of opportunities for scenic drives, hiking, and biking—as well as tasty food along the way. Hike the 2,704-foot-tall Camelback Mountain in Scottsdale or take in the beautiful red rocks of Sedona on a hike to Cathedral Rock while exploring the Grand Canyon State.

  • The full itinerary: The Classic 5-Day Arizona Road Trip
  • Grand Canyon guide: The First-Timer’s Guide to the Grand Canyon
  • Where to eat in Phoenix: A Chef’s Guide to the Best Restaurants
  • Where to stay: The Best Hotels in Arizona ; The Best Airbnbs in Sedona

The Delicate Arch living up to its name in Utah's Arches National Park.

The Delicate Arch living up to its name in Utah’s Arches National Park.

Photo by tusharkoley / Shutterstock

6. Zion to Grand Canyon: A National Parks Road Trip in the Southwest

If you’re looking to visit as many national parks as possible in one road trip, this southwestern itinerary is for you. This journey through Utah and Arizona lets you hike Angel’s Landing in Zion, feel tiny under Delicate Arch in Arches National Park, explore Fairyland Loop Trail in Bryce Canyon, and, of course, raft down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. Most visitors to the Grand Canyon remain on the rim, but we recommend staying at least four days to venture within the canyon and take advantage of the trails and river rafting.

  • The full itinerary: The Ideal Road Trip Through U.S. National Parks
  • Utah’s 8 Best National Parks and Monuments
  • 10 Best National Parks and Monuments in Arizona
  • The First-Timer’s Guide to the Grand Canyon

7. San Juan Scenic Skyway Road Trip: An Adventure Through Southwestern Colorado

This Colorado trip takes you along the 232-mile loop of the San Juan Scenic Skyway, where you will see plenty of alpine forests, mining towns, and craggy peaks. And for anyone looking to enjoy refreshments after a long day of driving, this route features many opportunities to stop at some of the best breweries in Colorado , such as Ska Brewing Co. in Durango.

  • The full itinerary: The Ultimate Southwestern Colorado Road Trip

In small-town Buena Vista, the riverfront Surf Hotel offers front-row seats to Colorado-style adventure seekers.

In small-town Buena Vista, the riverfront Surf Hotel offers front-row seats to Colorado-style adventure seekers.

Courtesy of the Surf Hotel

8. Denver to Montrose: A 420-Mile Road Trip Through Colorado

Want to explore even more of the Centennial State? Head out on this weeklong road trip where you can fish for salmon in Colorado’s largest reservoir, visit numerous small towns, like Paonia and Crawford, with thriving art scenes along the Colorado Creative Corridor , and explore Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, one of the least visited national parks in the nation.

  • The full itinerary: Art Stars, High-Altitude Wines, and a Remote National Park: The Ultimate Colorado Road Trip
  • Where to stay: The Best Hotels in Colorado
  • The AFAR Guide to Denver

9. Portland to Astoria: An Oregon Coast Road Trip for Outdoor Lovers

If you love the outdoors, then this six-day road trip along the coast of Oregon is for you. After driving to Coos Bay from Portland, travelers will meander along Oregon’s dramatic, rocky coastline, discovering some quintessentially Pacific Northwest vistas along the way: evergreen forests, seaside dunes, and marine ecosystems. Between stops, there are ample opportunities to stretch your legs hiking, kayaking, or strolling around the region’s small towns—like the historic old town in Florence.

Of course, it wouldn’t be an Oregon road trip without a stop (or three) at a craft brewery, such as Fort George Brewery in Astoria, or cozy coffee shop, like Bread & Roses in Yachats.

  • The full itinerary: An Outdoor Lover’s Road Trip on the Oregon Coast
  • The AFAR Guide to Portland

The State Capitol Building in Nashville marks the end of this road (trip).

The State Capitol Building in Nashville marks the end of this road (trip).

Photo by photo.ua / Shutterstock

10. Seneca Falls, New York, to Nashville, Tennessee: Follow the Path of the Women’s Suffrage Movement

Starting in New York’s Finger Lakes region and ending at the State Capitol Building in Nashville, this road trip traces the route of the national women’s suffrage movement. Highlights include stops at the Susan B. Anthony Museum & House ; Union Square in New York City, which was the site of the first suffrage march; and the Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument in Washington, D.C.

  • The full itinerary: Celebrate Women’s Suffrage on an Epic, Self-Guided Road Trip
  • Where to stay: The Best Hotels in Nashville
  • The AFAR Guide to Nashville
  • The AFAR Guide to Washington, D.C.

11. Charlottesville to Asheville: A Scenic Road Trip Through Virginia and North Carolina

The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most scenic drives in the country. Beginning in the soft hilly meadows of the Appalachian Mountains from Shenandoah National Park down into the Blue Ridge Mountains, then into the Great Smoky Mountains, this five-day road trip is best done at a slower pace, which is perfect for admiring the dramatic outlooks and green plateaus. This eclectic itinerary features stops at an art museum, a dairy farm, and plenty of hiking trails.

  • The full itinerary: The Ultimate Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip
  • Where to stay: 12 Dreamy Blue Ridge Mountain Cabins You Can Rent on Airbnb and Vrbo

Dowa:kwe dance group from Zuni Pueblo in 2019

Dowa:kwe dance group from Zuni Pueblo in 2019

Courtesy of Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

12. Albuquerque to Las Cruces: Discover New Mexico on This Three-Day Road Trip

This route steers you away from New Mexican tourist hot spots like Taos and Santa Fe and instead takes you on a three-day adventure with places that teach you about Pueblo history. You’ll stop at Indian Pueblo Kitchen (formerly known as Pueblo Harvest), a restaurant inside the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center that features Indigenous cuisine ; pick up peppers at Three Brothers in Hatch; and slide down the dunes in White Sands National Park.

The full itinerary: This New Mexico Road Trip Is the Perfect Introduction to the Land of Enchantment

13. A Five-Day Scenic Road Trip Through Texas Hill Country

This Texas road trip starts and ends in San Antonio with stops in small towns like Bandera, Boerne, and Sabinal. Over five days, you’ll find opportunities to stroll in a Japanese tea garden in San Antonio, relax along the Sabinal and Frio Rivers by inner tube, and eat as many tacos as you want. Seriously: You could eat tacos for every meal on this road trip and not get tired of them.

The full itinerary: Tree Houses, Tubing, and Tacos: The Ultimate Texas Hill Country Road Trip

Mount McKinley looms large on a drive through Denali National Park.

Mount McKinley looms large on a drive through Denali National Park.

Photo by warnsweet / Shutterstock

14. A Weeklong Road Trip Through Alaska’s Most Majestic Sights

This weeklong drive in Alaska starts and ends in Anchorage. You travel along four scenic byways; explore Wrangell–St. Elias wilderness, the largest U.S. national park; catch sight of Denali, the tallest peak in North America; and enjoy the surprisingly stellar food scene of McCarthy, a one-road town with only a couple dozen residents.

  • The full itinerary: Glaciers, Mountain Peaks, and Organic Farms: The Ultimate Alaska Road Trip
  • Which Alaska National Parks Should You Visit?

15. Boise to Sun Valley: Explore Idaho’s Scenic Byways

Even a short road trip can be packed with adventure, good food, and scenery, which is exactly what this trip from Boise to Sun Valley along Idaho’s Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway offers. Although the drive only takes six hours, we recommend taking a few days to explore all the stops and detours along the way. One can’t-miss spot is the Kirkham Hot Springs , where you can stand under a waterfall that will splash you with 135-degree mineral water year-round.

  • The full itinerary: The Little-Known Idaho Road Trip You Need to Drive
  • Things to do: The Best Outdoorsy Things to Do in Idaho

16. Duluth to Grand Portage State Park: A Scenic Minnesota Sampler

Although there are many appealing road trips throughout the Midwest, this 143-mile, three-hour circuit, which starts and ends in Duluth, Minnesota, is worth keeping in mind. Meandering north on MN-61 with this itinerary, you will enjoy prime views of Lake Superior and towns like Grand Marais, as well as Grand Portage State Park, home to waterfalls, hiking trails, and opportunities to learn about the Ojibwe community who occupy the land today. Once back in Duluth, enjoy a beer at Canal Park Brewing Company before checking into the waterfront Canal Park Lodge nearby.

The AFAR Guide to Minnesota

Overhead view of curvy Kancamagus Highway through fall forest

Wind your way through colorful foliage in New Hampshire

Photo by Shutterstock

17. Kancamagus Highway: A Quintessential New England Drive

Yes, you can take a road trip in New England at any time of the year , but this region shows off its best colors in the fall, when locals and tourists alike head out into the country to view the changing colors of the trees. Join other admirers of fall foliage on this popular, 56-mile road trip along New Hampshire’s Kancamagus Highway, colloquially known as the “Kanc,” for picturesque ponds, hiking trails, and scenic overlooks.

Plan Your Fall Getaway With This Peak Foliage Prediction Map

18. Maine’s “Lobster Trail”: Travel Route 1 Along the Coast

Traveling Route 1, affectionately known as “the lobster trail,” along Maine’s storied, jagged coastline is an exercise in indulgence. Sample lobster dishes in all forms—buttered, steamed, on a roll, or even in a decadent mac-and-cheese.

The trip starts in the quaint small town of Ogunquit, with its rare (for the area) 3.5 miles of white-sand beach. Make your first lobster of the journey count, steamed with a side of drawn butter at Barnacle Billy’s in picturesque Perkins Cove harbor. Stop at Big Daddy’s for a cone on your way to the shipbuilding center—and summer home of George H. W. Bush—Kennebunkport. Stay at the recently redesigned 150-year-old classic White Barn Inn , and consider a sailing trip for an afternoon. With lobsters cooked in ocean water, the legendary lobster roll at the Clam Shack is a must.

8 Scenic East Coast Road Trips to Take This Year

Interior of Leah & Louise restaurant in Charlotte

Throughout North Carolina’s Piedmont region, innovative restaurants, shops, and restaurants like Leah & Louise in Charlotte, above, are creating a buzz.

Photo by Peter Taylor Photography

19. Raleigh to Charlotte: A 4-Day Trip Through North Carolina’s Reinvented Core

North Carolina’s Piedmont region extends from the coastal plain to the Blue Ridge Mountains , and includes farmland and rolling wooded hills, especially on the 1-40 stretch near Hillsborough. Starting in Raleigh, drive the short distances to Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and Charlotte to see how these cities are innovating through art, food, and a celebration of the past. Take your time—four days should do—to experience downtown arts districts, James Beard Award–winning restaurants, and civil rights museums that speak truths. Plan your trip A Road Trip Through North Carolina’s Reinvented Core

20. Scenic Highway 30A: A Sunday Drive Through South Walton, Florida

Florida is full of places to cruise with the top down, but it’s hard to beat a Sunday (or any day) drive along Scenic Highway 30A through northwest Florida, home to a postcard-perfect stretch of seaside towns known as South Walton.

The roughly 28-mile route through South Walton County kisses the coast for nearly all its length, taking you through gorgeous residential Gulf-front communities like Rosemary Beach, Grayton Beach, and Blue Mountain Beach. Roll down the windows and let the emerald-hued views in.

Pull over to explore, too—maybe to admire the New Urbanism architecture in Alys Beach or to swim in the clear waters at Grayton Beach State Park . (The beach here has been lauded among the best in the world.)

The full itinerary: The Florida Road Trip You’ve Been Missing

Two stand-up paddleboarders  on the water at sunset

Stand-up paddle boarding is just one way to enjoy a Florida Keys sunset.

Shutterstock

21. The Florida Keys: An Island-Hopping Getaway

For a sunny road trip itinerary in Florida, skip Miami and head farther south. Beginning in Key Largo and ending in Key West, the Florida Keys Scenic Highway is often overlooked for more well-known routes up north, but it is well worth going out of your way to experience.

As the name suggests, this route is very scenic, so plan to spend at least a few days exploring it and numerous stops along the way. Some highlights include driving across the impressive Overseas Highway, stopping to admire art in the town of Islamorada, and enjoying the historic sites, food, and (of course) beaches in the city of Key West.

The full itinerary: How to Road Trip in the Lesser-Known Florida Keys

Additional road trip planning resources

Picking the route for your road trip is only one part of your planning. From what snacks to pack to which podcasts to listen to, these additional resources will help you prepare for your next adventure:

  • Best road trip snacks
  • Road trip planning apps
  • Podcasts and audiobooks to download
  • What to pack for a road trip

This article originally appeared online in August 2020. It was most recently updated on April 19, 2023, to include current information. Additional reporting by Jessie Beck, Erika Owen, Ray Rogers, Terry Ward, and Sheryl Nance-Nash.

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The Best Travel Gadgets and Tech For Your Next Road Trip

The experts at Good Housekeeping have tested and reviewed some of the best travel electronics and tech gadgets on the market. Here are some of the picks that will make your next road trip more memorable.

best travel tech and gadgets

Our Top Picks

Garmin Dash Cam 57

Best Travel Dash Cam

Garmin dash cam 57.

CERA+ Portable Electric Coffee Maker

Best Travel Portable Coffee Maker

Cera+ portable electric coffee maker.

Verizon Jetpack Wi-Fi Hotspot

Best Travel Gadget Wi-Fi Hotspot

Verizon jetpack wi-fi hotspot.

GoPro HERO9

Best Travel Action Camera

Gopro hero9.

Escort MAX 360 MKII Radar and Laser Detector

Best Travel Gadget Radar Detector

Escort max 360 mkii radar and laser detector.

Anker 325 Power Bank

Best Travel Gadget for Portable Power

Anker 325 power bank.

Bose QuietComfort OverEar Headphones

Best Travel Headphones

Bose quietcomfort overear headphones.

Ember Travel Mug

Best Travel Mug

Ember travel mug.

Koolatron Thermoelectric Iceless Cooler and Warmer

Best Travel Gadget Cooler

Koolatron thermoelectric iceless cooler and warmer.

Apple AirTag

Best Travel Tracker

Apple airtag.

We all have our own ideas about what tech we need and which gadgets and devices we enjoy, so the Gear Team could have simply thrown together a list of some of our favorites. But Good Housekeeping has been testing and evaluating products for parents and homes for over a century, and its testing processes have become an industry standard. So we hit up our colleagues over at the Good Housekeeping Institute for some tips, just to make sure we weren't missing anything.

Relying on the expertise of the Gear Team and the testing acumen of Good Housekeeping, here are some of the Best Travel Gadgets and Tech for your next road-trip adventure. Note: Car & Driver has paraphrased Good Housekeeping 's findings to reflect our purposes here; we have omitted some of the Institute's non-automotive selections and included other products more suited for our audience.

Dash cams can be a fantastic tool for recovering damages, beating tickets, or recording incredible situations. The Garmin 57 mini dash cam takes the functionality up a notch with a Swiss Army knife–like list of features. It can record in 1440p and features incident detection, forward-collision and lane-departure warnings, and a cool option that lets you turn hours of driving into a time-lapse video. Best of all, it measures just about 1.0 by 2.0 inches.

Don't settle for whatever truck-stop cup of joe you come across while on the road. The CERA+ portable coffee maker will allow you to indulge your inner coffee snob wherever you are. It can perform cold or warm brews, and its rechargeable battery allows you to make several cups, no matter the type of coffee you choose.

Wi-Fi on your road trip can be a game changer. For those who lack the luxury of integrated Wi-Fi found on many newer cars, the Jetpack allows Verizon customers to connect up to 15 devices to their personal Wi-Fi network in more than 200 countries. During Good Housekeeping’s testing, the battery showed impressive all-day life. As a plus, it includes an extra USB port for charging other devices.

GoPro has been offering compact action cameras since 2004, and the HERO9 is perfect for road-tripping. It's durable and waterproof up to 33 feet, allowing you to take it with you just about anywhere. It shoots in 5K so you're guaranteed sharp, high-quality memories once your trip is over. GoPro also offers an array of accessories for attaching it to a helmet, your chest, your car—even a toddler.

Even if you don't consider yourself much of a speeder, having an additional layer of protection against hefty fines is a wise move. The Escort MAX 360 will keep you covered, just in case you lose track of your speed over hours of cruising. It's loaded with features, including dual antennas for increased range, 360-degree awareness, an easy-to-use app, and many more we don't have the space to list here.

Charging ports can be a point of contention in cars and trucks, particularly when a family is on the road for extended periods. This Anker portable battery will help nip back-seat fisticuffs in the bud. The 20,000 mAh Li-ion battery allows you to charge up to two devices at a time via dual USB-A ports, and it can be recharged through either its micro-USB or USB-C ports.

If you plan to spend many hours in a packed car, you will inevitably be met with conflict when everyone disagrees on what to fill your collective ears with. These noise-canceling cans from Bose provide a convenient solution, allowing your passengers to escape to their own audio reality for a bit. Testers found them very comfortable over extended periods and really appreciated being able to switch between Quiet and Aware modes to filter outside noise.

Caveat: No matter how tempting it may be to drown out the world around you, and despite settings that allow you to control ambient noise, we don't recommend over-ear cans like these while driving. Opt for a pair of AirPods or earbuds , if you must—but be advised, state laws vary on their use behind the wheel.

When you're on the road for hours on end, a warm beverage can be key in getting your body's motor started and keeping it going. This travel mug from Ember won't just keep your beverage warm, it will keep it exactly the temperature you prefer. The temperature can be controlled from an app on your phone, and its two-hour battery life can be extended by placing it on its charging coaster.

Staying hydrated and keeping your appetite at bay while on the road can be tough if gas-station jerky and drive-thru fare aren't your thing. Koolatron 's thermoelectric cooler and warmer plugs into your vehicle's 12-volt outlet and keeps the contents as cool as 40 degrees Fahrenheit and as warm as 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The 18-quart version can hold up to 23 standard soft-drink cans; the much larger 45-quart version is ideal for families.

Apple AirTag

Many are already familiar with the invaluable functionality that Apple 's tiny tracker provides. It can be used to track anything from your valuables to your luggage and even your car, right from your phone. It does require you to use Apple's digital ecosystem, but its overall functionality could just be enough to convert Android users. Its one-year battery lifespan makes it an easy set-and-forget tool.

Leatherman Wave Plus Multitool

Leatherman Wave Plus Multitool

If you don't already carry a good multitool, it's about time you do. The Wave Plus from Leatherman is a handy everyday tool for popping bottle tops, tightening screws, opening packaging, and a plethora of other odd jobs. Out on the road, it's great for small inconveniences and quick fixes, such as replacing burnt-out bulbs, tightening hose clamps, or whatever other mishaps may arise.

DJI Mini 3 Pro Drone Bundle

DJI Mini 3 Pro Drone Bundle

This DJI camera drone will elevate your ability to log your road-trip memories. When you're no longer limited to the ground, the photo and video opportunities you'll realize are pretty vast. The GH Institute testers loved that it can fold away into a compact carrying case and lauded its sharp picture quality. The included Fly More Kit opens up the potential to capture professional-quality aerial shots of your car ripping through the twisties. It includes spare batteries, chargers, parts, and more.

DJI Osmo Mobile 6 Gimbal Stabilizer

DJI Osmo Mobile 6 Gimbal Stabilizer

The DJI Osmo gimbal is a nice piece of kit to keep handy if you’re even remotely serious about capturing solid images of you and your flock while out on the road. Even if you're solo-tripping, it's an excellent way to capture photos or videos of your car in action. During testing, the gimbal held the phone stable and has a nice feature that allows it to rotate in a single sweeping motion. The magnetic clamp attaches easily to almost any phone.

JACO ElitePro Digital Tire Pressure Gauge

JACO ElitePro Digital Tire Pressure Gauge

Before and after long drives, it's important to keep tabs on your tires, as they are the only thing keeping you and your family on the road. Investing in a quality tire pressure gauge is key, especially if you drive an older car that doesn't come equipped with a tire-pressure monitoring system. JACO 's gauge is calibrated accurately to professional ANSI 2A standards and offers a full lifetime warranty.

Rolling Square Keychain Charger Cable

Rolling Square Keychain Charger Cable

Rolling Square's keychain charger is the perfect accessory to keep alongside your keys or in your glovebox. It offers multiple outputs and inputs including USB-C, USB-A, micro-USB, and even a lightning port for your iPhone. It complements the Anker portable battery above very nicely.

Reliefband Classic Wristband for Motion Sickness

Reliefband Classic Wristband for Motion Sickness

Lots of us are burdened with the unfortunate affliction known as carsickness. This can get pretty messy on long drives, particularly if you have little ones prone to nausea. The Reliefband is a drug-free remedy to general motion sickness. If it really works—and most users claim it does—it's definitely worth it.

BUBM Electronics Organizer

BUBM Electronics Organizer

Keep your wires and other small gear organized with this neat-looking organizer from BUBM . It comes in ten different colors, and the testers at Good Housekeeping loved the compact fold-flat shape and zipper enclosures.

roadtrip rules

How do I determine which items are essential to my trip?

A good rule, particularly with gadgets, is if you can't name around two-thirds of the buttons on your device, you probably won't use it (or at least to its fullest potential). Carry only what you might need and use.

I'm new to road-tripping. Will all these gadgets be daunting?

Some gadgets like a DJI drone can indeed have somewhat steep learning curves. We recommend trying out your gadgets at home to familiarize yourself with their features and controls. Apps are a requirement for some gadgets, so having those pre-loaded onto your phone can save time and hassle.

Can I buy stuff on the road?

Lots of gear can be a hassle to keep track of, so sometimes it is more efficient to forgo some of the less essential pieces and just pick them up as you need them. Rechargeable electronics are a great solution—they keep working and alleviate the need to carry around or purchase extra batteries.

Why Trust Good Housekeeping ?

The Good Housekeeping Institute has been testing products and providing expert reviews and advice on all types of travel gear in their labs, from luggage trackers and noise-canceling headphones to drones and mobile hotspots. The gadgets chosen for this list were evaluated by product testing analyst Selina Tedesco and updated by media and tech reviews analyst Olivia Lipski .

Why Trust Hearst Autos?

Hearst Autos combines the talent, resources, and expertise of three of the largest, most influential automotive publications in the world. We get our hands on each and every product we test. Most are purchased; some are supplied by manufacturers. If we're unable to test a product or category ourselves, we'll sometimes turn to noted experts such as the Good Housekeeping Institute .

Hearst Autos doesn't need to game SEO algorithms for traffic or promote lousy products to earn a buck. We're far more concerned with our legacy, our reputation, and the trust that our readers have in Autoweek , Car and Driver , and Road & Track to deliver honest opinions and expert evaluations. Read more about our product testing and evaluation process here .

Headshot of Justin Helton

The Assistant Commerce Editor for Hearst Autos, Justin Helton is an enthusiast with a passion for heavily depreciated autos and a penchant for philosophical debate. As a lifelong Manhattanite, he has mastered the ins and outs of classic car ownership in one of the least car-friendly cities in the world.

Headshot of Rachel Rothman

Rachel Rothman was the chief technologist and executive technical director of the Good Housekeeping Institute for over 15 years , overseeing testing methodology, implementation and reporting for all GH Labs. She also managed GH's research division and the analysis of applicants for the GH Seal and all other testing emblems. 

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Trippy

"Trippy is the best road trip planner"

Get advice from real travelers who have done the same trip:, recent questions.

  • 15 minutes ago someone asked : about Orvieto       " orvieto "
  • 35 minutes ago someone asked : about Stockholm and Berlin       " stockholm to berlin drive "
  • 1 hour ago someone asked : about Long Beach and Plano       " Long Beach, ca to Plano tx "
  • 2 hours ago someone asked : about Mackay and Gladstone       " mackay to gladstone "
  • 2 hours ago someone asked : about Baton Rouge and Fayetteville (Arkansas)       " Baton Rouge to fayetteville, ar "
  • 2 hours ago someone asked : about Spring City (Tennessee) and Wilmington       " How far is it from spring city Tennessee to Wilmington NC "
  • 2 hours ago someone asked : about Amboise and Nice       " amboise to nice "
  • 3 hours ago someone asked : about Yakima       " Yakima "
  • 3 hours ago someone asked : about Spokane and Stonehenge       " Spokane to stonehenge "
  • 3 hours ago someone asked : about Florida and Thailand       " miles florida to thailand "
  • 3 hours ago someone asked : about Waco       " how far is cibolo to waco "
  • 3 hours ago someone asked : about Durham (North Carolina)       " Durham NC "
  • 3 hours ago someone asked : about Napa       " Napa ca "
  • 3 hours ago someone asked : about San Luis Obispo       " San luis obispo "
  • Monday someone asked : about Celebration and Orlando       " Travel from Celebration, FL "
  • Monday someone asked : about Auburn (Washington) and Bloomfield (New Mexico)       " What kind of sightseeing from Bloomfield, NM to Auburn, WA "

Best Road Trip Cars in 2023

Get ready to hit the road for vacations and holidays in a car that's fuel efficient, reliable and comfortable. We found the best road trip cars for any adventure.

2024 Kia Carnival

Kia Motors America |

Looking for Adventure? Head Out on the Highway!

People have a lot of pent-up travel lust after years of pandemic restrictions and uncertainty. Air travel in particular has seen a huge rise this summer, with the busiest day in the industry's history occurring in June. Rather than fight those busy flights, hit the road in a new vehicle that can fit all your luggage and maybe even help you keep your cool.

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No single car is the perfect road trip vehicle for everyone, but great road trip cars have some features in common. We looked for vehicles that have good gas mileage for fewer stops at gas stations, enough USB ports to keep everyone's devices charged up and comfortable seats in all rows. Driver assistance features are important too, as they can help reduce fatigue during long days on the road.

When new information becomes available, we update our reviews, so the information in these slides might not match the reviews exactly.

Let's take a look at the best road trip cars so we can – finally – get out of town.

2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Exterior

Hyundai Motor America |

2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

$31,350 | usn overall score: 8.7/10.

The 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is among the best in its class. Its long list of features was refreshed for the new model year, and it was a finalist for our Best Hybrid SUV for the Money and Best Hybrid SUV for Families awards. The regular hybrid is the best for road tripping, with up to 38 mpg on the highway. The available plug-in hybrid shines brightest when you can take full advantage of its 33 miles of electric-only power around town.

Inside, there's tons of room for adults in both rows of seating and a huge cargo area. An 8-inch touch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay , wireless Android Auto , four USB ports and wireless device charging come standard.

More on the 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

  • See 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Photos  »
  • Find the best price on the 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid  »
  • Read the 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Full Review  »
  • See Hybrid SUV Rankings  »

2023 Volkswagen Atlas

Volkswagen of America, Inc. |

2023 Volkswagen Atlas

$34,460 | usn overall score: 8.0/10.

The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas has enough room to bring along everybody and all their gear. It's available with two or three rows of seating, and even the optional third row has enough room for shorter adults or squirmy kids. It has more cargo space behind the third row than most in its class. A 6.5-inch touch screen and smartphone compatibility come standard.

Despite being a 3-row SUV, the Atlas is easy to maneuver, even when you leave the highway for city streets. It can also tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly configured if you plan to bring a small camper or want to tow some toys for your vacation.

More on the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas

  • See 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Photos  »
  • Find the best price on the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas  »
  • Read the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Full Review  »
  • See Midsize SUV Rankings  »

2023 Lincoln Navigator

Ford Motor Company |

2023 Lincoln Navigator

$77,635 | usn overall score: 8.8/10.

Wherever your road trip takes you, the 2023 Lincoln Navigator will make sure you arrive in comfort and style. It's one of the best luxury large SUVs, with a well-built and high-quality interior. Standard features include a 13.2-inch touch screen, wireless smartphone connectivity, a Wi-Fi hotspot and five USB ports.

Every seat in all three rows is comfortable, and the available L model adds extra space to an already roomy cargo area. And though it is large, the Navigator turns in decent fuel economy estimates for its class, with up to 23 mpg on the highway. Standard safety features like lane-keep assist can help reduce driver fatigue too.

More on the 2023 Lincoln Navigator

  • See 2023 Lincoln Navigator Photos  »
  • Find the best price on the 2023 Lincoln Navigator  »
  • Read the 2023 Lincoln Navigator Full Review  »
  • See Luxury Large SUV Rankings  »

2023 Chevrolet Suburban

General Motors |

2023 Chevrolet Suburban

$57,200 | overall score: 8.2/10.

The 2023 Chevrolet Suburban is the classic family road trip SUV. It's huge, with more cargo space than almost any SUV out there. It can be configured to seat up to nine people (though it's a tight fit). With seven or eight seats, even the third row provides enough legroom for adults. The interior is sturdy enough for epic journeys, and it comes with an 8-inch touch screen, wireless smartphone connectivity and six USB ports.

Depending on how you configure it, the Suburban can tow up to 8,300 pounds, enough for the average camper. It also comes with driver-assistance features like lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist and automatic emergency braking.

More on the 2023 Chevrolet Suburban

  • See 2023 Chevrolet Suburban Photos  »
  • Find the best price on the 2023 Chevrolet Suburban  »
  • Read the 2023 Chevrolet Suburban Full Review  »
  • See Large SUV Rankings  »

2023 Genesis G90

2023 Genesis G90

$88,400 | usn overall score: 9.3/10.

The 2023 Genesis G90 was completely redesigned this year, and it added an optional mild-hybrid powertrain that improves acceleration when passing on the highway. The available air suspension makes long drives a dream, and the long list of standard safety features-including adaptive cruise control-eases the tedium of driving.

The Nappa leather interior wraps the road tripper in luxury, and both rows of seating are comfortable for adults. The trunk is large enough for several suitcases, and it opens automatically as you approach. The G90 also has one of the longest warranties in the business.

More on the 2023 Genesis G90

  • See 2023 Genesis G90 Photos  »
  • Find the best price on the 2023 Genesis G90  »
  • Read the 2023 Genesis G90 Full Review  »
  • See Luxury Large Car Rankings  »

2023 Toyota rav4 hybrid

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. |

2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

$30,725 | usn overall score: 8.2/10.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid takes everything that has made this compact SUV popular over the years, like a comfortable ride and plenty of standard high-tech features, and added a fuel-efficient and quick-accelerating hybrid powertrain. It can get up to 41 mpg on the highway, which helps cut road trip costs. It was also a finalist for our Best Hybrid SUV for the Money award.

The interior is solidly built, and both rows of seating are comfy. There's also great visibility for everyone, so games of "I Spy" may get competitive. An 8-inch touch screen, wireless smartphone compatibility and a Wi-Fi hotspot come standard. Adaptive cruise control and traffic-sign recognition (both standard) help you when driving in unfamiliar locations.

More on the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

  • See 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Photos  »
  • Find the best price on the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid  »
  • Read the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Full Review  »

2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. |

2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

$32,950 | usn overall score: 8.3/10.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid is a more fuel-efficient version of the popular compact SUV, with up to 43 mpg on the highway. It's been completely redesigned this year, with more standard tech features and an improved infotainment system. A 7-inch touch screen, smartphone connectivity, a Wi-Fi hotspot and four USB ports come standard.

The seats are comfy in both rows, with room for adults to stretch out even on road trips. The rear seats recline, so whoever is off driving duty can take a nap. Standard adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist help reduce the fatigue that can come with hours of driving.

More on the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

  • See 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid Photos  »
  • Find the best price on the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid  »
  • Read the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid Full Review  »

2023 Kia Carnival Exterior

2024 Kia Carnival

$33,200 | overall score: 8.5/10.

The 2024 Kia Carnival basically begs you to get the show on the road, and it comes standard with several advanced safety features, including driver-attention monitoring.

The interior is upholstered with easy-to-clean materials, and all three rows have enough room for adults, though the third row is short on headroom. It also has lots of cargo space, even with all three rows in use. An 8-inch touch screen, smartphone compatibility and seven USB ports come standard.

More on the 2024 Kia Carnival

  • See 2024 Kia Carnival Photos  »
  • Find the best price on the 2024 Kia Carnival  »
  • Read the 2024 Kia Carnival Full Review  »
  • See Minivan Rankings  »

2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

Stellantis |

2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

$50,795 | usn overall score: 8.6/10.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacific Hybrid is a plug-in hybrid, so when you reach your destination and charge up, you can drive about 32 miles on electric power alone. Under electric power, this Chrysler gets 82 MPG-equivalent, and gasoline-only driving returns up to 30 mpg on the highway. These are great numbers for a minivan.

There's also a ton of tech included, like a 10.1-inch touch screen, wireless smartphone connectivity and Amazon Alexa compatibility. All three rows of seating have lots of head- and legroom, and there's plenty of storage space. Standard safety features include adaptive cruise control and a surround-view parking camera system.

More on the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

  • See 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Photos  »
  • Find the best price on the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid  »
  • Read the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Full Review  »

2023 Ram 1500

2023 Ram 1500

$31,270 | usn overall score: 9.0/10.

If your road trip plan involves a camper or boat, you'll want to look into the 2023 Ram 1500 . When properly equipped, it can tow up to 12,750 pounds. As with most pickups, you can configure the 1500 in whatever way works for you.

There are a lot of options and body styles to choose from too, but they all have a spacious, high-quality interior. The availability of safety features and infotainment tech depends on the trim you choose and the options you select, so you can custom-build the road-tripping pickup of your dreams – or the one that fits your budget.

More on the 2023 Ram 1500

  • See 2023 Ram 1500 Photos  »
  • Find the best price on the 2023 Ram 1500  »
  • Read the 2023 Ram 1500 Full Review  »
  • See Full Size Pickup Truck Rankings  »

2023 Honda Civic Hatchback Exterior

2023 Honda Civic

$23,750 | usn overall score: 8.7/10.

Your road-trip car is probably also your go-to-work-every-day car. The 2023 Honda Civic ably handles both roles. It's one of the best compact cars in its class, and we named it the Best Compact Car for the Money as well as one of the Best Cars for Teens . All of its scores are high, especially when it comes to safety. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave it the Top Safety Pick+ designation.

It's not just safe, it's also thrifty, with up to 42 mpg on the highway. A 7-inch touch screen and smartphone connectivity come standard. It also comes with adaptive cruise control and traffic-sign recognition, which make driving in unfamiliar areas a bit easier.

More on the 2023 Honda Civic

  • See 2023 Honda Civic Photos  »
  • Find the best price on the 2023 Honda Civic  »
  • Read the 2023 Honda Civic Full Review  »
  • See Compact Car Rankings  »

2023 Ford Mustang GT

2023 Ford Mustang

$27,770 | usn overall score: 9.2/10.

Sometimes you want to live the American road trip dream in an impractical sports car. But guess what – the 2023 Ford Mustang is a rather practical sports car with one of the highest overall U.S. News scores. There are several available engines, but sticking with the base turbo-four means an estimated 32 mpg on the highway.

Living the American muscle car fantasy on the open road is best for two people, since the Mustang's rear seats are pretty small. Its standard infotainment system has a 4.2-inch display – not a touch screen – and a Wi-Fi hot spot. Standard safety tech includes automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. But maybe most importantly, for purposes of the dream, the Mustang is available as a convertible.

More on the 2023 Ford Mustang

  • See 2023 Ford Mustang Photos  »
  • Find the best price on the 2023 Ford Mustang  »
  • Read the 2023 Ford Mustang Full Review  »
  • See Sports Car Rankings  »

2023 Kia Carnival Interior

Road Trip Car Characteristics

Passenger space : People turn cranky when they aren't comfortable after hours on the road. There needs to be space for everyone to stretch out.

Cargo space : At the very minimum, you'll be bringing luggage along and maybe also camping gear or tubes for floating the river. Make sure there's space for your gear.

Fuel economy : Stopping for gas on a road trip can get expensive. Fuel efficiency, particularly from hybrid powertrains, can ease the pain of stopping at the pump.

Infotainment : An AM/FM radio is no longer sufficient for most people. An infotainment system that's easy to use while driving and can connect to smartphones is key.

Safety tech : Driving long distances causes fatigue, and fatigue causes accidents. Modern driver-assistance features can help you stay alert and in your lane.

Reliability : No one wants to be the car in the breakdown lane while on their road trip. A good predicted reliability score shows that a particular model has on average been a solid performer over time.

2023 Genesis G90

John M. Vincent | U.S. News & World Report

Road Trip Car FAQs

What is the best car for road trips.

The best car for road trips is the one that fits your budget and your needs, so there's no one vehicle that will work for everybody. That said, the 2023 Honda Civic is a strong pick. It provides comfort, features, safety and reliability, and all for one of the lowest price tags on this list.

What is the best SUV for road trips?

The 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid combines a long list of standard features with great fuel economy, and it has one of the most spacious interiors in its class.

What is the best luxury car for road trips?

The redesigned 2023 Genesis G90 will take you anywhere in comfort and style. Most of its best features are standard, including leather upholstery.

What is the most comfortable car for long trips?

On a list of very comfortable vehicles, the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid is probably the most comfortable, especially for back-seat passengers who can take advantage of those reclining seats. If comfort is your priority, take a look at our list of most comfortable cars for more options.

U.S. News Best Price Program Graphic

U.S. News and World Report |

More Shopping Tools From U.S. News & World Report

Plenty of families take road trips, so you might want to check out the winners of our 2023 Best Cars for Families awards too. Maybe you've been left stranded on an unfamiliar road by your former car and are looking for the most reliable cars available. If you know you need to bring along a lot of gear, see our roundup of compact SUVs with the most cargo space .

When you're ready to buy a new car, use our Best Price Program to pre-negotiate a great price with a local dealership. You can arrange for online buying and even vehicle delivery through the program.

U.S. News Best Cars Badge

U.S. News & World Report |

Best Cars for Road Trips

  • 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid - $31,350 | Overall Score: 8.7/10
  • 2023 Volkswagen Atlas - $34,460 | Overall Score: 8.0/10
  • 2023 Lincoln Navigator - $77,635| Overall Score: 8.8/10
  • 2023 Chevrolet Suburban - $57,200 | Overall Score: 8.2/10
  • 2023 Genesis G90 - $88,400 | Overall Score: 9.3/10
  • 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid - $31,225 | Overall Score: 8.2/10
  • 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid - $32,950 | Overall Score: 8.3/10
  • 2024 Kia Carnival - $33,200 | Overall Score: 8.5/10
  • 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid - $50,795 | Overall Score: 8.6/10
  • 2023 Ram 1500 - $31,270 | Overall Score: 9.0/10
  • 2023 Honda Civic - $23,750 | Overall Score: 8.7/10
  • 2023 Ford Mustang - $27,770 | Overall Score: 9.2/10

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Planning a Road Trip: The Complete Guide

car trip

For many travelers, nothing beats a good old-fashioned road trip—you’re treated to scenic views along your journey, you have the flexibility to stop wherever and whenever you please, you can set your own schedule, it’s usually less expensive than flying, and you can pack as many bags (and liquids!) as your heart desires. It’s no wonder 73 percent of Americans would rather road trip to their destination than fly, according to a survey conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Ford.

As with any mode of transportation, there’s no shortage of tricks and tips to help make your road trip experience more enjoyable, efficient, safe and cost-friendly. Whether you’re prepping for your first time or you’re a bona fide veteran, your next road trip is sure to benefit from our complete planning guide.

Planning Your Trip

You can learn a lot about a traveler based on his or her road trip style. Some road trippers are content throwing a last-minute backpack in the trunk and letting their mood dictate the route and final destination. Others pre-plan every last detail for weeks, mapping out each rest stop and which sights to visit along the way. Most fall somewhere in the middle, combining a rough plan with a little carefree flexibility. And that’s the beauty of road tripping: it literally puts you in the driver’s seat, allowing you to control almost any variable except traffic, road construction, weather, and speed limits.

The destination and time of year you’re going should be taken into account when deciding how much or little to plan ahead. “During holidays and peak summer travel seasons, travelers should plan out their trip in advance, including booking their hotels and scheduling their activities,” says Jeanette Casselano, AAA spokesperson. “If travelers are going to remote areas, they may even want to schedule their stops for gas and food.”

Additionally, if you’re heading to a city that’s hosting a special event (such as a festival, conference, or concert), it’s a wise move to pre-book your hotel room, rental or campsite—otherwise, you could end up sleeping in your vehicle upon arrival. For some road trippers, this is a right of passage; for others, a mistake they won’t soon repeat.

“Some attractions and parks have capacity limits, so plan those in advance if there is a must-do activity on your trip,” suggests Casselano. The same advice holds true for activities and national parks that require pre-purchased tickets or have a permit lottery system. 

Renting vs. Driving Your Own Vehicle

A couple weeks before your road trip, you’ll need to evaluate whether your vehicle is the most appropriate option for not only the road trip you’re planning, but the destination itself—and then determine if you need to rent a different vehicle before you hit the road. For instance, if you’re going camping or skiing, does it have enough cargo space for all your gear? If you’re heading to a mountainous region, will you need four-wheel drive or a higher ground clearance? If your car is leased, will this trip put you over your allotted mileage and result in extra charges from your dealership down the road? Is your vehicle older, unreliable, or in need of repairs? Are you headed to the beach, where a convertible would be more fun? There’s a lot to assess, so take your time and consider all vehicle specs accordingly.

And if you do decide to drive your own vehicle, make sure it’s up-to-date on maintenance in order to minimize the risk of a breakdown or accident. “Our cars have become so complex, it can be difficult to change out wiper blades or a headlamp yourself, let alone determine if your car is mechanically sound," says Fix.

Have a trusted mechanic check the tires and pressure, brakes, battery, engine, wiper blades, and top off engine oil and fluids as needed. Also, be sure to book your appointment far enough in advance of your road trip to allow adequate time for any repairs.

What to Bring

With luggage only limited by the amount of cargo space your vehicle has, it can be tempting to pack everything but the kitchen sink when embarking on a road trip. Resist the urge and instead focus on practicality.

For starters, AAA recommends keeping an emergency kit in your vehicle. Consider the below list of things to include (depending on location and season), and be sure to replenish any depleted items as needed:

  • Cell phone and car charger
  • First-aid kit
  • Drinking water and snacks for everyone in the car, including pets
  • Flashlight with extra fresh batteries
  • Rags, paper towels, or pre-moistened wipes
  • Basic set of tools, along with duct tape and car emergency warning devices (such as road flares or reflectors)
  • Ice scraper/snow brush/shovel
  • Jumper cables/jump pack
  • Traction aid, such as sand, salt, or non-clumping cat litter
  • Tarp, raincoat, and gloves
  • Paper map or printed directions (in case GPS or Wi-Fi aren’t working)
  • A car sun shade

“If you’re heading from a warm climate to a cold climate, make sure to bring a snow brush, ice scraper, and hand warmers,” suggests Lauren Fix , an ASE-certified technician, race car driver and award-winning author of three automotive books. “And if you’re going into the mountains, you will need snow chains. If you’re heading from cold climate into warm, make sure to have washer fluid, paper towels, and glass cleaner to clean the bugs off your windshield.”

Next, you’ll need to pack clothes, toiletries, medications, prescription glasses or contacts, electronic devices and their corresponding chargers (camera, laptop, tablet, fitness watch, wireless earbuds , etc.), and any other necessities. Depending on the weather and your itinerary, don’t forget coats, rain jackets, hiking boots, an umbrella, and sunglasses. Plus, you’ll need to pack the required equipment for any planned or impromptu activities, such as swimsuits, beach and pool gear, and tennis rackets or golf clubs.

“If you are traveling with small children, bring extra food, supplies, and changes of clothes, and plan stops more frequently and around their feeding and nap schedule,” advises Casselano. It’s also a good idea to pack board games, a deck of cards, books, toys, a tablet filled with movies, their favorite pillow or blanket, and stuffed animals to keep little ones busy during the drive.

Budget-Friendly Tips

While traveling by car tends to be inherently cost-conscious, there are at least 10 ways to save money on a road trip that you may be overlooking. The following habits will help make your wallet even happier.

Be flexible. “Road trips are most popular during the summer and during the winter holidays when school is out of session,” says Casselano. “These are also the times of the year when travel is more expensive.” When possible, choose to travel during shoulder season or during the week for better deals on hotels and attractions.

Bring your own snacks. Snacks and road tripping go hand-in-hand, but purchasing food and drinks at each rest stop adds up fast. Instead, plan ahead for your cravings, and load up on your favorites at a big box retailer before you hit the road. You can also pack a cooler to keep everything fresh.

Download helpful apps. Don’t be shy about leaning on technology to act as your co-pilot. Use them to find the lowest gas prices (GasBuddy, which also made our list of the eight best travel apps for a Great American road trip ), the least-expensive routes (TollGuru), the least traffic, and construction (Waze), and the nearest public restroom (Flush).

Shop around for rentals. If you decide renting a car is the way to go, follow these tips to save the most: Compare prices at various locations around the city (airport locations typically cost the most), consider discount brands, namedrop your memberships (such as AAA or Costco), and reserve the most economic car tier you and your travel companions will feel comfortable driving in (you may even luck out with an upgrade due to supply/demand on the day you pick it up).

Increase fuel efficiency. Aside from saving at the pump, you can also manage your fuel efficiency by avoiding roof-based luggage when possible (which makes the car less aerodynamic), driving at or below the speed limit, using cruise control on long stretches of open road, and keeping your tires properly inflated.

There’s a palpable sense of excitement when hopping in the car for a road trip that truly stands apart from other forms of transportation. The open road is positively brimming with possibilities, so feel free to choose the road less traveled. With each trip, you’ll gain a better sense of how to plan, what you’ll tweak next time, and, most importantly, where the next adventure will take you.

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41 road trip essentials: what you need on your next road trip.

Add these items to your road trip packing list to help you travel more comfortably.

Road Trip Essentials

Road trip

Getty Images

A road trip is a great way to see the country. Consider stocking up on these accessories before you go.

If you're planning a road trip, you're going to have a lot of work to do before you pack the car and head out of town. You'll need to map out a general itinerary, plan your overnight stops and create a list of must-see sights along the way. And don't forget about all the stuff you need to pack to ensure your family is safe, comfortable and entertained.

While you don't necessarily need a lot of things to make a road trip a success, U.S. News searched far and wide to find the best gadgets and gear that will make your time in the car the highlight of your trip. These are all items you'll want to consider adding to your road trip packing list.

As you pack your bags and get ready for an epic road trip, here are a few last-minute road trip essentials you might want to add to your arsenal, organized by category.

Personal care and hygiene

Entertainment, comfort and convenience.

The booster cables and discharged battery, cold winter day

Keeping a reliable flashlight stored in your car is a good rule of thumb for all drivers heading out on a road trip. In roadside emergencies, the Anker Rechargeable Bolder LC90 LED Flashlight can illuminate a distance of nearly 1,000 feet with a battery life of up to six hours. Its durable design makes it ideal for use in inclement weather, and its five settings include an SOS signal and a strobe light. Meanwhile, the Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp – which features a 400-lumen beam and red LED night vision – is ideal for when you find yourself changing a tire in the middle of the night. Both products earn rave reviews from consumers for their powerful light.

Portable power bank

Goal Zero's Sherpa 100AC power bank is a portable power bank you can use to recharge tablets, phones, cameras and laptops on the go. It features two USB ports, plus four cables are included and it's lightweight at just 2 pounds. Recent customers loved the power bank's versatility, but recommend charging it every two to three days for the best results.

Jumper cables

Jumper cables from AUTOGEN can easily fit in your trunk and could save the day if your battery dies and you're unable to start your car while out on the road. Many travelers also say you can't go wrong with these heavy-duty cables from Energizer. These 25-foot-long cables are perfect for any car type and come with a travel bag for easy storage – they're a must for any road trip packing list.

Portable tire inflator

A portable tire inflator can be a lifesaver if you find your tires have a slow leak during your trip. The AstroAl Air Compressor Tire Inflator is compact, so it won't take up much space among the other gear in your trunk, and it includes an LED flashlight with independent switch control. It is programmed to stop automatically once it hits the preset tire pressure and it comes with a 36-month warranty. Other travelers prefer the ViAir 88P - 00088 Portable Compressor Kit , noting it works well with a wide variety of vehicles. In addition to a 12-foot air hose and 9-foot power cord, the kit comes with alligator clamps that power your air compressor by attaching to your car's battery.

Jump starter

Picture this: You're having the time of your life on your road trip when your car battery dies in the middle of nowhere. Luckily, a high-quality jump starter is all you need to avoid this disastrous scenario. In addition to being water-resistant and compact, the NOCO Boost Plus GB40 comes with a built-in flashlight and a USB port for charging devices like smartphones and tablets. The Hulkman Alpha 85 2000A Jump Starter also comes highly recommended by travelers thanks to its easy-to-use design and powerful battery life (a single charge can hold up to 60 jump starts).

Waking up in the morning to an icy windshield isn't a pretty sight. Prestone AS244 Windshield De-Icer instantly melts ice upon contact, so you don't have to worry about waiting for your car to defrost when you're in a rush. As an added bonus, the can comes with a built-in scraper tool for easy ice removal. Recent customers have called this product a lifesaver during harsh winters.

Bringing a trusty multi-tool on your road trip is a simple way to make sure you're prepared no matter what situation you run into. Leatherman products impress consumers time and time again thanks to the company's high-quality and lightweight multi-tool designs. Customer-favorites include the Leatherman Bond and the Leatherman Wave+ , which offers 18 powerful tools like pliers and wire cutters.

Car charger

Frequent car travelers recommend always staying connected with the TECKNET USB Car Charger . Featuring four fast-charging ports, this adaptor can be used to charge smartphones, tablets and more. If you're hitting the road with the whole family in tow, or you simply want to charge more than one device at a time, travelers say this powerful charging adaptor is a must-buy. Pair it with an extra-long charging cable that can easily reach everyone in the back seat.

Dashboard phone mount

Keep your eyes on the road by installing a dashboard phone mount before your journey starts. The iOttie Easy One Touch 5 comes with a telescopic arm, a magnetic cord organizer and a strong-hold suction cup. Plus, its easy one-touch lock-and-release mechanism (a feature that is much appreciated among recent customers) makes taking your phone on and off the holder a breeze. If you don't like the rigidity of traditional dashboard phone mounts, consider choosing a phone mount with a flexible arm instead.

Document holder

Whenever you're hitting the open road, you want to prepare for the worst. In the event that you get into a car accident or are pulled over by the police, having easy access to your car's registration, insurance information and owner's manual is crucial. Recent travelers say that this Samsill car registration holder is great for keeping all your important documents organized.

Roadside emergency kit

To give yourself peace of mind while you're on the road, travelers recommend this STDY car roadside emergency kit from Amazon. Equipped with a tire pressure gauge, a utility knife, safety gloves, cable ties, a tow rope, tire repair tools, a raincoat and more, this compact kit has everything you need when life throws you an unexpected curve ball.

Group of mixed ethnic teens packing up a car ready to go on a road trip together. The camera is placed in the boot of the car. They are at holy island in the North East of England.

Extra-large body wipes

Extra-large body wipes from Busy Co make it easy to wash up when you can't take a shower. Cloths are suitable for dry, oily and combination skin types, and address a variety of skincare needs, including clarifying, toning, soothing and nourishing. Recent customers appreciated the large size of the wipes and said using them made them feel refreshed while traveling.

Lysol wipes

Disinfecting Lysol wipes are a must-have on your travel packing list. These cleaning wipes kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria, so you can feel protected while on the road.

Disposable toilet seat covers

Disposable toilet seat covers from Amazon will help you avoid germs and stay clean when you stop for restroom breaks at gas stations, port-a-potties and campgrounds.

First-aid kit

A comprehensive first-aid kit can't be overlooked when packing up the car for your next road trip. Recent customers say this 298-piece kit from Amazon will get you the most bang for your buck, with bandages, antibiotic ointment, gauze, Band-Aids, pain reliever and much more. Although this will arm you with the basics of what you may need in a medical emergency, it's always a good idea to personalize your kit according to your needs.

Nausea Relief

Long hours in the car might sound daunting to anyone prone to motion sickness. In those cases, having preventative nausea medicine like Dramamine can be a lifesaver. If you prefer a drug-free alternative, Sea-Bands are anti-nausea wristbands that use acupuncture as a natural remedy to reduce motion sickness. Travelers say these bands are highly effective at reducing nausea.

Hand sanitizer

From gas pumps to ATMs, you never know what germs you may encounter on a road trip. Protect yourself against viruses like the cold and flu by adding a travel-size hand sanitizer to your road trip packing list and keeping it in the car during your trip.

If you'll be spending long hours in the car, it's important to remember to wear sunscreen. Sun Bum's SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray is broad spectrum, moisturizing and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. And if you'll be heading for the ocean on your trip, make sure you pack a reef-safe sunscreen like this one from Reef Repair to protect marine life and coral reefs from harmful chemicals. Although some customers reported a white cast upon application (due to the zinc oxide), many reviewers thought the trade-off was worth it to maintain healthy ocean environments.

Toiletry bag

This chic Sonia Kashuk Weekender Makeup Bag features two zipper compartments, a center organizer and carrying handles that make it perfect for transport. Customers particularly love that the bag is compact without sacrificing storage space. For durable, leak-proof travel bottles, check out this Getaway Travel Kit from Ban.do . It comes with four pearlescent bottles, two jars, a spatula, a funnel and a zippered pouch for storage. Plus, it includes a fun set of sticker labels so you can organize your toiletries in style.

[Read:  The Top Travel Toiletry Bags .]

Young women singing and having fun on road trip with convertible car.

Sitting in the car for hours can be painfully boring at times, but there are plenty of ways you can enjoy your time while road tripping. With the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite , you have access to thousands of books at your fingertips. The device boasts up to 10 weeks of battery life, adjustable warm light and a glare-free display, which recent reviewers said made marathon reading sessions a breeze. Meanwhile, kids can enjoy the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids , which offers a special font for children with dyslexia and comes with a two-year warranty.

Carefully curated Spotify playlist

Whether you prefer jamming out to tunes or listening to thought-provoking podcasts, having a Spotify playlist ready to go before you get on the road is a must. Take some time before your trip to curate a playlist or two so you can keep your eyes on the road and your hands off your phone while road tripping.

Audible subscription

Long drives call for catching up on all those books you've been saying you were going to read this year. With an Audible subscription, you can make the most out of traffic jams by enjoying some words by your favorite authors.

Vehicle fully packed for a hiking and camping trip. Dog bowl included.  Fishing rod and rifle included.

Choose a reliable duffel bag like the Eagle Creek Migrate Duffel for your next road trip. This bag is water-resistant, strength-bearing and perfect for when you need your luggage to fit in a small space. It also comes with lockable zippers and can be worn as a backpack or carried as a tote, a top feature according to recent reviewers. And if you're planning on hiking during your trip, travelers say the Daylite Duffel 30 from Osprey can fit everything you need with room to spare. This bag can be worn comfortably all day long and comes with a mesh water bottle pocket and functional harness straps.

[Read: The Top Rolling Duffel Bags .]

This YETI Hopper Soft Sided Backpack Cooler makes it easy to bring drinks anywhere without worrying about leaks. The cooler, which comes with a dryhide shell and a magnetic closure, can hold up to 18 cans (or 26 pounds of ice), and comes highly recommended by travelers thanks to its durable design. It's ideal for road trippers who plan to get out and explore, and need to stay hydrated or keep food fresh.

Rooftop Cargo Carrier

Save some space inside your vehicle by opting for a car roof cargo carrier. With an anti-slip mat and reinforced adjustable straps, the waterproof FIVKLEMNZ 15 Cubic Car Roof Bag Cargo Carrier from Amazon is suitable for any car type. Recent customers say that they had no problem getting it to stay in place even on high-speed roads.

Car organizer

A car seatback organizer lets you arrange road trip essentials on the back of the driver's or passenger's side seat, where they're within reach of small hands. Many buyers said this seatback organizer from Amazon.com took some of the stress out of traveling with kids, thanks to its multipurpose storage compartments, including a place for a tablet and plenty of other spots to store key items for your trip. You can also maximize your space by stashing your essentials in a trunk organizer. This one from Drive Auto comes with multiple storage compartments, waterproof lining and tie-down straps to keep items in place while you're driving.

Car trash can

There's no doubt about it – road trips can generate a lot of trash. Keep your car clean on your next adventure with this Hotor car trash can from Amazon. Complete with an adjustable strap, mesh side panels for storage and a leak-proof interior lining, this useful accessory comes highly recommended by travelers who find themselves frequently on the road.

Reusable bags

Whether you're stopping for snacks at a gas station or running into the grocery store for those last-minute essentials, a reusable bag is an easy way to reduce your plastic consumption. Recent reviewers said these versatile and water-resistant reusable bags can even be used as laundry bags, garbage bags or beach bags in a pinch.

A young elementary-age girl takes a nap in the back seat of the car on a long road trip. She is snuggled up with a blanket and a stuffed animal giraffe. Her brother is in a booster seat next to her watching a game on a tablet.

Electric car blankets

Electric car blankets allow you to stay warm on the road no matter the temperature outside. This Stalwart electric car blanket takes up very little space, is surprisingly lightweight and plugs into any vehicle with a 96-inch-long cord. While some travelers noted that this blanket alone won't be enough to keep you warm in extremely cold weather, many say it was a welcome addition nonetheless.

SleepPhones soft headband headphones let you enjoy the open road while listening to music, audiobooks, meditation, white noise or talk radio. These headphones are expertly padded, which reviewers say makes them more comfortable for long-term wear than earbuds. You can buy the classic version or a wireless version at SleepPhones.com.

Travel pillow

Pick up an ergonomic travel pillow from Cabeau if you need extra neck and shoulder support when you ride in the passenger seat. The pillow features supportive memory foam, a front clasp to ensure it stays put and a removable cover that you can wash. Recent customers also loved that the pillow comes with straps that can be attached to any headrest, making sure you don't fall forward while catching some shut-eye. For kids, this Cloudz plush animal neck pillow comes in a variety of colorful animal options, such as a unicorn, a ladybug, a dinosaur and more.

[Read:  The Top Travel Neck Pillows .]

A battery-operated mini fan from SkyGenius can help you stay cool and comfortable. This fan comes with a rechargeable and replaceable battery, and is ideal for the car and for camping. For even more cooling capacity, opt for a fan with dual heads like the XOOL Electric Car Fan from Amazon. Both mini fans earn glowing reviews from travelers thanks to their powerful airflow capabilities.

Shield your eyes from the sun by picking up a good pair of sunglasses before your trip. Choose sunglasses that protect against the sun's UVA and UVB rays, and are polarized to block glare. Travelers love that these Ray-Ban Aviator Classic sunglasses come in a variety of tints and can even be customized to fit your needs. For a more budget-friendly option, check out these SUNGAIT Ultra Lightweight Rectangular Polarized Sunglasses from Amazon, which recent customers say are very comfortable and perfect for road tripping.

Window shade

The sun beating down on your car all day can heat it up quickly. To keep your car cool, travelers recommend the EcoNour Car Windshield Sun Shade , which protects your vehicle from UV rays and helps maintain your car's interior temperature at a comfortable level. Pair it with these car window shades to protect your backseat drivers from UVA and UVB rays while you're on the road. The shades come in two different sizes and transparency levels, and previous buyers say they are very easy to install.

Travel towel

A travel towel is one of the most versatile accessories you can bring on a road trip. Whether you are cleaning up a spill or want to go for an impromptu beach day, having a spare towel on hand is always a good idea. This odor-resistant and quick-drying 4Monster travel towel from Amazon comes in several sizes and includes a compact EVA box, which recent reviewers say makes it perfect for travel.

Reusable water bottles

Skip the plastic bottles and opt for a high-quality reusable water bottle on your next trip. This 40-ounce bottle from Hydro Flask keeps drinks hot for 12 hours and cold for a full day. It also comes with a lid with a built-in straw, which consumers say makes it convenient for driving. For kids, a durable water bottle like this 12-ounce YETI rambler fits the bill – its stainless steel bottle is dishwasher safe and shatter-resistant, a feature that parents love.

Smiling girl enjoy reading book while sitting in car safety seat.

Cubcoats are two-in-one stuffed animals that transform into hoodies. Your child's furry friend (think bunnies, sloths and puppies) doubles as a soft, zip-up sweatshirt, and you get to save some space in your suitcase.

Inflatable car booster seat

If you're flying to another destination to pick up a rental car for your road trip, consider bringing inflatable car booster seats along. This BubbleBum backless inflatable booster is suitable for kids 4 to 11, and comes with a seat belt positioning clip for optimal comfort and safety. Recent buyers said it was portable and extremely easy to use.

Kids travel journal

A kids travel journal makes it easy for your child to document their road trip and all the fun things they see and do. This one from Peter Pauper Press includes world maps, puzzles, fun facts and more, and many parents said it made their kids' time in the car fly by.

Activity books

A family road trip means long hours in the car, and bored children are every parent's worst nightmare. Activity books can keep your kids occupied for long periods of time while you catch up on some much-needed quiet time.

Backseat travel tray for kids

If your co-pilot is constantly turning around to pick up toys or pass out snacks, a backseat travel tray is in order. The LUSSO Gear Kids Travel Tray comes with a safety strap that can be secured to any car seat, and includes a dry erase board table, a cup holder, a storage compartment for toys and a no-drop tablet viewing stand. Reviewers loved the tray's whiteboard area and said it was a great way to keep kids entertained on long car rides.

Detail of hand filling the fuel tank of the passenger car

Shop in bulk

Check out Boxed.com for specially curated bulk items that are perfect for road trips and other types of travel. From sunscreen, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes to Fruit Roll-Ups and snack-size packs of Pringles, Boxed.com is a convenient site to order bulk hygiene and snack items in one place.

Bring spare cash

Debit cards, credit cards and mobile phone payments may be the way of the world nowadays, but you may still run into a few places on your journey that are cash-only (for example, some national and state park entrance fees must be paid in cash). Be on the safe side by keeping some spare cash on hand in case of emergencies.

Save on gas

It's no secret that sky-high gas prices can put a damper on your vacation. Save some money on fuel by using apps like GasBuddy , which will show you the cheapest gas prices in your area. Go the extra mile by signing up for a gas rewards credit card to get the most bang for your buck.

You might also be interested in:

  • The Top Travel Backpacks
  • The Top Sleeping Bags
  • The Top East Coast Road Trips
  • The Best Travel Insurance Companies
  • The Best Cheap Travel Insurance Companies

Tags: Travel , Vacations , cars , Road Trips , Travel Gear

World's Best Places To Visit

  • # 1 South Island, New Zealand
  • # 4 Bora Bora

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25 Practical Tips for Long Road Trips

  • By Jason Barnette
  • July 7, 2021

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my Affiliate Disclosure here .

car trip

You’re finally ready to embark on that epic road trip that will take you across the country from sea to shining sea. The gas tank is full, you’ve checked off every item on the packing list, and you’re ready to hit the road. But are you actually ready for a long road trip?

The longer a road trip, the more complicated it can get. I didn’t say would get, but it certainly can get complicated. Have you packed enough clothing for the entire trip, or will you need to do laundry along the way? Are you ready for chilly nights, rain, and unexpected adventures? Unfortunately, these are the kinds of questions many people don’t consider until the road trip is underway – and it’s too late to make many changes.

These 25 practical tips for long road trips will help you get prepared long before you leave home, save money along the way, and help you spend more time enjoying the road trip and less time dealing with those pesky complications.

car trip

Buy food at grocery stores instead of gas stations

Road trip snacks are almost as necessary as gasoline for the car – they even perform similar functions. But one of the worst things a person can do on a road trip is to buy the snacks spontaneously at random gas stations along the way.

Save money and time with those snacks at grocery stores or bulk purchase stores. Stock up on all the snacks, drinks, and coffee at a fraction of the price of buying it along the way. The more you save, the longer you can drive.

car trip

Get your car inspected

Before leaving home, get your car inspected. Most national chain auto repair shops offer free inspections because they want your business when they find something wrong with the car.

But it’s an excellent way to get all the fluids topped off, tires rotated and balanced, and the hundreds of moving parts of a car inspected before you leave. Spur of the moment auto repairs during a road trip can be prohibitively expensive – not to mention you might have to shack up at a roadside motel for a few days while the work is done.

car trip

Keep your car maintained

Did you know properly inflated tires can lead to better gas mileage? Under-inflated tires cause a drop of 0.2% miles per gallon for every 1 PSI of all tires. That may not seem like much, but it can add up on long road trips.

Consider a 5,000-mile road trip in a vehicle that gets 30 miles per gallon. This would require 167 gallons of gas to complete the trip. However, if all four tires are underinflated by an average of 4 PSI, that means the vehicle is only achieving 27.6 miles per gallon. This would require 182 gallons to complete the trip – an increase of 15 gallons.

Beyond tire pressure, be sure to maintain fluids for the radiator, brakes, and engine oil to prevent damage to the engine. Replaced burned out headlights and taillights immediately. Keep up with oil changes and tire rotations for trips longer than 5,000 miles.

20 Essential Travel Apps for Awesome Road Trips

Set a reasonable daily mileage goal

The point of a road trip is to enjoy the journey as much as the destination. Driving 500 miles per day on the interstate highways doesn’t make for a very enjoyable road trip adventure. Driving that far on two-lane roads is incredibly tedious and exhausting.

By the time you stop at a couple roadside attractions, go for a hike in a state park, sit down for lunch, and take a short detour, the number of miles you’ll be able to cover in a single day will be limited at best. But that’s the point of the road trip! Set a limited number of miles to drive each day, giving yourself plenty of time to enjoy everything you’ll discover along the way.

Avoid rush hour traffic and peak dinner times

Sitting in congested traffic and waiting for food are two of the biggest examples of losing time on a long road trip. In fact, those are the biggest time wasters for just about any kind of travel. But there is a simple way to avoid losing time: avoid rush hour and peak dinner times.

Eat breakfast after 9 a.m., get lunch around 2 p.m., and consider dinner either early at 4 p.m. or wait until 7 p.m. During those time frames, you’ll get seated faster, and food served quicker. Also, when driving around town or between destinations, avoid the rush hours of 7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.

As an added bonus, use a navigation app or dedicated GPS device in your car that includes traffic information – this information will help you spot potential traffic jams from congestion, construction, or accidents and usually includes optional detours. Using an app like OpenTable ( iOs | Android ) will allow you to make reservations at many restaurants – cutting down the time spent waiting for a table to open.

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car trip

A void Small Town Travel on Sundays and Mondays

Roll into almost any small town with a population of less than 20,000 on a Sunday or Monday, and you’re likely to find every restaurant, museum, and attraction closed. It’s not from the owners’ lack of business sense but rather because the owners often work in their businesses, and they want a couple of days off each week.

Sundays and Mondays tend to be the most common days these local businesses are closed. However, it may also include mid-weekdays like Tuesday and Wednesday. Instead of visiting the small towns, consider spending the night in state or national parks, driving scenic routes, or just taking a couple of days to relax.

Pack everything – including the kitchen sink

I own six rain jackets, four sets of trekking poles, and two pairs of Crocs Swiftwater shoes . It’s not because I want a particular color combination for each day of the week, but instead because I kept leaving the items behind, thinking I wouldn’t need them.

Pack everything you can possibly fit into your vehicle for a long road trip. Go beyond your tentative itinerary and think about things you enjoy doing that you might want to do along the way. Take those golf clubs or stunt kites, pack the fleece hoodie, and bring more than two pairs of shoes. Although it’s impossible to prepare for every eventuality, every little bit helps save money in the budget.

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Fill the gas tank on Monday

GasBuddy ( iOS | Android ) conducted a survey a few years ago to determine the best and worst times for gas prices. Interestingly, Mondays were the cheapest day of the week to get gas on average, with the best time coming around 10 a.m.

Also, interesting – though not surprising – was that the worst day to get gas was Friday or the day before a major holiday. During those days, gas prices tended to spike first thing in the morning.

18 Essential Items That Belong on Every Road Trip Packing List

Don’t rely on cellular service

One universal constant of any long road trip is the eventuality of running into a cellular dead zone. Rural areas in the Midwest, rugged terrain in the Rockies, and sporadically throughout the Southeastern United States are areas in between cellular towers that will leave your cellphone or tablet as useful as screen doors for submarines.

Be prepared to eventually lose cellular service during your long road trip. Download Google Maps ( iOS | Android ) for offline use, make sure all your apps are up to date, and download movies for entertainment. Doing as much of this as possible while connected to WIFI will prevent you from breaching a monthly data limit.

Plan to do laundry on the road

Depending on the length of the road trip, the activities you plan to enjoy along the way, and your fashion style, it just might not be possible to pack a new outfit for every single day. So rather than pack five suitcases stuffed with every stitch of clothing you own, consider doing laundry somewhere along the way.

As a rule of thumb, pack at least five of each type of clothing. Shorts, pants, tees, polos or blouses, underwear, and socks. On top of that, pack something for chilly nights and rain. This will give you about a week of clothing – but you’ll need to get used to wearing those shorts and that shirt more than once in between washing.

Buy a laundry bag and take it with you on the road trip. However, do not buy laundry detergent ahead of time. The heat and humidity will ruin most detergents and leave your car with an overwhelming smell. When you finally decide to do laundry, be sure to take enough quarters to complete your load, never leave your laundry unattended, and always use a laundromat during daylight hours.

Get organized

Organizing all your clothing, gear, food, and accessories is a crucial and often overlooked aspect of any long road trip. But, after two, three, or four weeks of restacking bags, hunting for that small item, and shifting cargo around every curve of the road, you’ll be on the edge of losing it.

Buy stuff sacks or use gallon-sized Ziplock bags to organize smaller items. Buy midsized duffel bags or plastic totes for organizing smaller bags. Stackable totes that can lock together are best for keeping the totes from sliding around in the vehicle. Label everything and always leave the most frequently used items on top.

car trip

Get plenty of sleep

The first few days of a long road trip, you’ll likely feel energized by the excitement and tempted to stay up 18 hours a day. I can typically keep that level of stamina going for about the first three weeks of constant travel – but eventually, everyone slows down.

Getting plenty of sleep is important to maintaining your mental and physical health, not to mention keeping morale high. Spending too much time traveling and not enough sleeping will eventually lead to exhaustion, depression, and moodiness.

On a long road trip, plan to take one or two days a week off from travel. Find a nice roadside motel, splurge on a super nice hotel with a free hot breakfast, or settle into a campground for two nights. Avoid the temptation to go out and explore the area – just focus on rest and relaxation.

Road Trip Along the Scenic Route from Gatlinburg to Asheville

car trip

Keep the car clean (inside and out)

The day before any road trip begins, I always find one of those really nice car washes with the conveyor belt that pulls the vehicle through a wash cycle. Then, after getting the exterior cleaned – included RainX and a tire shine – I visit the vacuum cleaners. There is no greater feeling than starting a long road trip with a squeaky-clean vehicle.

On long road trips, it will probably be necessary to do a little cleaning along the way. Car washes are easy enough. Instead of relying on their vacuum cleaners – or paying for them – consider buying the THISWORX Car Vacuum Cleaner . It uses 12v power with a removable collection bin and comes with a nice travel bag.

For an added touch, the Little Trees Vent Wrap Car Air Freshner’s “new car smell” will make your vehicle smell brand new after getting it clean.

Join a roadside rescue plan

Most auto insurance companies and cellular providers offer some sort of roadside assistance rescue plan. If you don’t have the option for either of those, consider buying a AAA membership to access their roadside rescue plan.

At the very least, roadside rescue plans will unlock a vehicle, tow your vehicle to safety, and provide gas in case you run out. Better plans will include longer towing distances and more gas. It’s the one thing you never think about until you need it – so this time, plan ahead.

Road Trip on the Scenic North Carolina Waterfall Byway

Keep up with monthly bills

Only about 40% of Americans use auto pay for monthly bills like utilities and credit card payments – I’m not one of them. One of the biggest mistakes with long road trips that last more than a month is forgetting to take care of those bills before you hit the road or somewhere during the trip.

It’s easy to pay those bills with the home computer with your login information saved, but could you pay those bills on the road with a cellphone or tablet? Be sure to take your login information with you and keep it in a safe location like a locked glovebox or portable security case. Add the due date for any bills to your travel itinerary – and remember that cellular service is not a guarantee everywhere.

Life Pro Trip: Many credit card companies and certain utilities allow you to choose a due date for your monthly bill. Aligning all these bills for the same due date makes it easier to keep up with – especially while you’re traveling.  

Leave room for souvenirs

I know I said “pack everything – including the kitchen sink” earlier, but don’t go overboard and fill the entire vehicle before you hit the road. More than likely, you will want to buy some souvenirs along the way.

Smaller souvenirs like clothing, décor, and Christmas ornaments – my favorite type of souvenir to buy – are easy enough to pack into a bag or tote in the vehicle. But if you buy more oversized items like artwork, glassware, or large gift items, ask the retailer if they can ship them to your home or a relative’s home for safekeeping. Often, the shipping is included, especially in areas of high tourism where they expect the buyers to be non-locals.

Insider Tip: An easy way to keep up with souvenirs on a long road trip is to mail them to a friend or relative. The Flat Rate boxes at the United States Postal Service come in several sizes and are indeed a single flat rate – ranging from about $5-$15 per box – no matter where you ship it in the continental U.S.

Bring your favorite ___________

Do you have a favorite coffee mug? Slippers? Or what about a television series you love to watch? Just because you’re going on a road trip doesn’t mean you can’t bring some of those with you.

Bringing your favorite items with you on a long road trip can help you feel more at home and relaxed. Instead of missing that perfect coffee mug or comfortable slippers, you’ll feel much better having them with you.

Have an itinerary but leave room for spontaneity

It’s always good to have a travel itinerary. It’s essential to know the business hours of museums, restaurants, and attractions, so you don’t arrive too late or on a day when they are typically closed. Building an itinerary can help you avoid those frustrations.

However, leave room for spontaneous detours that will inevitably come along during a long road trip. Be prepared for entire destinations to change as your route progresses. Take advice from locals and be willing to give something new a try!

Road Trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Fill all prescriptions and bring extra

For three years, I worked as a certified pharmacy technician at CVS/Pharmacy in Emerald Isle, North Carolina. During the hectic – sometimes chaotic – summer months, we would sometimes fill thousands of prescriptions in a single day. The most common type of prescription was for someone who had left the medication at home.

If you have any kind of regular medication, be sure to pack that for your trip. But for long road trips that last more than 30 days, you might run out while on the road. Make sure your prescription has refills on file with your pharmacy or take a new prescription with you – as long as it is not a controlled substance. If your insurance allows, consider getting two or three months’ worth filled at one time for your long road trip.

Watch out for 140-degree heat in the car

On sunny days during the summer months, vehicles’ internal temperatures can rise 30-40 degrees higher than the outside temperature. When I was a kid, I remember going for a walk to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse during a family vacation. When we returned, my mom opened the back of the car to make snacks – only to discover the Cheese Whiz had exploded all over the car!

The high internal temperatures of vehicles can ruin more than just pressurized cans of food. Contact lenses, prescriptions, electronics, and coolers are all susceptible to damage from temperatures over 100 degrees.

You can reduce those internal temperatures by using a windshield sunshade. Close the sunshade on the moonroof. You may even consider buying curtains for the side windows – it’s not as silly as you might think.

Set a daily and final budget

My first road trip adventure of 2021 was a spontaneous, itinerary-free adventure along the Gulf Coast from Gulf Shores, Alabama, across Florida to Vero Beach. After a week exploring that area of Florida, I was considering heading south to Key West for what would have been my first visit. But when I looked at my bank account, my heart hit the floor when I realized my travel budget was at an end.

I’ve never been good at creating or keeping to a travel budget, and that resulted in a road trip cut short. So the better method is to create a daily budget and stick to it. But also give yourself leeway for those rare opportunities to do something awesome and set a final budget for the entire trip.

The advantage of a long road trip is that if you’re on the road long enough, you might just get an extra paycheck while you’re traveling. So how many vacation days do you have saved up for your long road trip?

car trip

Only travel by day

Some people only travel at night to avoid any traffic congestion at all – and that’s a good idea. But driving on unfamiliar roads at night poses some safety issues – not to mention what would happen if your vehicle broke down at 3 a.m.

The safest and surest way is to only travel by day. It will be much easier to keep aware of the unfamiliar road ahead, and you’re certain to get roadside assistance faster during normal business hours.

The Ultimate Road Trip on the Skyline Drive Through Shenandoah National Park

Choose the best road trip route

My #1 Rule for Road Trips is no interstate highways. There is just no reason to take a road trip route onto the interstate – you’ll miss everything along the way.

But what is the best road trip route? National scenic byways are a good start – there are dozens across the country. But sometimes, the most scenic or exciting road trip route is just a simple country road connecting interesting destinations. The best way to find those is to ask the locals – they always know the best route.

Document the trip

After returning home from an epic long road trip, it might be difficult to remember precisely where you found that amazing cheeseburger or savory salted caramel ice cream cone or watched that stunning sunset. It can be downright frustrating when you realize you don’t have a single photo to share or any clue where to find the name of that restaurant.

But what exactly does it mean to document the trip? I am not advocating for ten thousand photos plus an additional five thousand selfies from your long road trip. Don’t become one of those people who jump out of the car on the Blue Ridge Parkway just long enough for a selfie and then leave just as quickly.

It starts with the photos. Capture an exterior photo of every restaurant, museum, and attraction you visit – and be sure to include the name of the business. Capture an interior photo and then one or two photos of every meal or activity.

Take a journal. Jot down notes of the places you visit. Feelings. Smells. Sights. Take note of the business name, details of the food you eat, and reaction to museums. Draw pictures and maps, create word maps, put any word to paper that comes to mind. It will all be wonderful to see all the photos and notes again when your long road trip is finished.

Keep in touch with regular updates

One of the most important safety measures you can take during a long road trip is to let someone know where you are and where you are going by the end of the day. Particularly in places where cellular reception could be spotty, it’s good to tell someone that by nightfall, you should be at a particular destination and able to call them again.

That way, if your vehicle breaks down while in a cellular dead zone with little traffic, at least someone knows the route you were driving to send rescue your direction.

Jason Barnette

5 Responses

Great tips. Do you have a good app that we can use to track how our car is doing. So like we put in the mileage and it does the calculations for us of how many miles to gallon and stuff like that?

The best app I know about is called Mile IQ. It’s meant for contractors who have to keep up with their mileage for bookkeeping, but it works for road trippers as well. Give that a look and let me know if it works~!

Wrote down some of the tips that I want to remember before the trip. Changed the idea of minimizing clothing to being sure to cover (see what I did there) all bases. Like having a warm hoodie even though I am planning a trip, late June, to the South. Having something & not needing it is so much more logical that getting something I already have but not bringing it. Thank you for your tips.

Thank you very much for taking the time to put these tips together! Very helpful!

Great tips, thank you! My son is traveling the month of May on a solo road trip for the first time so wanted to pass these tips on to him!

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Planning a Road Trip for the Total Solar Eclipse? Here’s Why You Should Drive Extra Carefully

Scientists found a 31 percent increase in fatal car crashes around the 2017 total solar eclipse, akin to spikes in traffic risk on busy holiday weekends

Sarah Kuta

Daily Correspondent

Traffic on highway

Millions of people are expected travel to see the total solar eclipse on April 8 . And with many of them driving—clogging the roads with extra vehicles—scientists are warning of a potential uptick in fatal car crashes.

Their prediction is rooted in data from the last total solar eclipse that was visible from North America, which took place on August 21, 2017 . On the day of that eclipse, along with the day before and the day after, scientists found a 31 percent increase in the number of fatal crashes per hour compared to non-eclipse periods, they report Monday in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine .

That’s one extra crash fatality every 95 minutes, for a total of 46 extra deaths linked to the 2017 eclipse. The increase is similar to what happens over busy holiday travel weekends, like Thanksgiving or the Fourth of July.

The surge in crashes likely has nothing to do with the conditions of the eclipse itself—drivers aren’t getting into accidents because of the sudden dimming of the sun.

Rather, the higher traffic risk is likely due to “increased traffic, travel on unfamiliar routes, speeding to arrive on time, driver distraction by a celestial event, drug or alcohol impairment from related celebrations or eclipse viewing from unsafe roadside locations,” says study co-author Donald Redelmeier , a physician and scientist at the University of Toronto and the Sunnybrook Research Institute, in a statement .

That theory is backed by the fact that the number of fatal crashes decreased during the hour when the eclipse was happening in 2017, reports Live Science ’s Nicoletta Lanese.

“One of the surprises that I didn’t anticipate was that the risks do not occur at the exact moment of totality,” Redelmeier tells CNN ’s Mira Cheng. “It’s not when everything is dark and black and chilly, but instead, they occur in the hours before and after.”

FHWA Administrator @BhattmobileT says, “Don’t have an eclipse in judgement.” A total solar #Eclipse will take place from Texas to Maine on April 8 that may have a widespread impact on the traveling public. Please plan ahead & look out for each other during this spectacular event. pic.twitter.com/ITUgB3Vxwq — Federal Highway Admn (@USDOTFHWA) March 20, 2024

An estimated 20 million Americans traveled to see the 2017 eclipse, which had a 62- to 71-mile-wide path of totality , or the swath of Earth from which the moon appears to fully block the sun. Researchers were curious to know how all that travel affected fatal car crashes, so they dug into data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System.

More specifically, they looked at the number of accidents that occurred the day before, the day of and the day after the 2017 total solar eclipse, from August 20-22. For comparison, they also pulled the same statistics for a three-day period the week before the eclipse, as well as a three-day period the week after: August 13-15 and August 27-29.

Using a U.S. Navy calculator, they also studied the latitude and longitude of each crash to see what time it occurred in relation to the local eclipse maximum, or the point at which the moon appeared to complete block the sun’s light.

They found that 10.3 fatal crashes occurred per hour during the three-day eclipse period, compared to 7.9 crashes per hour during the comparison periods.

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Drivers and passengers were most vulnerable after the eclipse, when the traffic risk rose to nearly 50 percent above average. The riskiest hour of the entire study period was between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. on the evening of the eclipse, reports the National Post ’s Sharon Kirkey.

“We’re especially concerned about the drive home,” Redelmeier tells Live Science .

The traffic risk was also higher in locations with clear skies, compared to those with overcast skies, the researchers found.

The study only looked at fatal crashes and did not consider other accidents with less severe outcomes. The scientists also could not distinguish between local drivers and tourists who were involved in accidents while traveling to see the rare celestial phenomenon.

This year, the path of totality is much wider than it was seven years ago. An estimated 31.6 million U.S. residents live within the path of totality for April’s eclipse, compared to 12 million in 2017. Still, the regions experiencing totality will receive a massive influx of tourists.

“Many first-time viewers will attend the 2024 eclipse because of what they heard from those who saw the eclipse in 2017,” wrote Jonathan Upchurch , a transportation engineering consultant and emeritus professor at Arizona State University, in the September-October 2018 issue of TR News, a publication of the Transportation Research Board. “The event also will have a high number of repeat participants.”

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Whatever happens on April 8, the researchers recommend all drivers use extra caution and practice safe driving techniques, such as following the posted speed limits, wearing seat belts, signaling turns and limiting distractions.

“We all share the road, so just because you’re not paying attention to the eclipse, you have to pay attention to every other driver that surrounds you,” Redelmeier tells the National Post .

Eclipse viewers should also take precautions when they are watching the skyward spectacle itself. The primary risk is eclipse blindness, or solar retinopathy , which is caused by staring directly at the sun without eye protection. Anyone who wants to look up at the sun as the moon passes in front of it should invest in a pair of eclipse glasses. Cameras also need special solar filters for viewing or photographing the eclipse.

Don’t look directly at the partially eclipsed sun without the proper protection, says Hin Cheung , an optometrist at Indiana University, in a statement . “Photochemical damage is cumulative,” he adds. “Staring at the sun for short periods at a time does not protect you; the damage from each viewing adds up. This may cause temporary or even permanent changes to your central vision.”

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Sarah Kuta

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Sarah Kuta is a writer and editor based in Longmont, Colorado. She covers history, science, travel, food and beverage, sustainability, economics and other topics.

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500 miles in a toy car: a guinness world record attempt from jacksonville to key west for a worthy cause, 2 women attempt the longest trip by toy car and their journey doubles as a fundraiser to save animals.

Carianne Luter , Digital Media & Engagement Manager

Ciara Earrey , Photojournalist

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – How far have you driven during a road trip? 100 miles, 500 miles? Imagine doing that drive in a toy car.

Two women, Cassie Aran and Lauren, are attempting a 500-mile drive down the coast of Florida to earn the Guinness World Record for Longest Distance by Toy Cars, and their journey began right here in Duval County.

Cassie and Lauren started their journey at Friendship Fountain in Jacksonville and will end at the Southernmost Point Buoy in Key West. With occasional assistance from Cassie’s boyfriend, Brandon Lucante, they expect the attempt to take two months.

Cassie and Lauren’s Story

Cassie and Lauren have been close friends since their kindergarten days in New Jersey, where they rode battery-powered toy cars in the neighborhood.

“This just kind of came as this wild idea because we had these cars as kids,” Lauren said. “We used to ride around with toy cars as kids and have always wanted a Guinness World Record attempt. So we’re like, this would be a fun way to kind of honor our childhood.”

The two have a great relationship and love pushing the boundaries to add excitement and spontaneity into their lives. They aim to inspire others to do the same throughout this process and to remind everyone not to take life so seriously.

“We just love to do crazy adventures and push the limits of what is possible and try to inspire other people in the process,” Lauren said.

The million-dollar question, or record-setting question — why?

Besides aiming for a Guinness World Record — which doesn’t currently exist, by the way — Cassie and Lauren said they’ve transformed the endeavor into a memorable road trip. Why go five miles to set a record with your best friend when you can go 500, right?

And did we mention their mission is also raising money to save animals?

Related Video: Play the on-air version with the live crew interview below

Cassie and Lauren encourage donations by giving shoutouts on social media to their top donors. With more than one million followers on social media platforms such as TikTok, YouTube and Instagram — the duo raised more than $600 during the first 24 hours of their journey.

Their fundraiser aims to reach $10,000, which they will donate to the Red Panda Network in Nepal, the Costa Rica Animal Rescue Center, the Save a Fox Rescue in Minnesota, the World Bird Sanctuary in Missouri and more.

Cassie also owns a clothing company called “The Ear Socks,” where 10% of all proceeds from sales of shirts, stickers and hoodies go toward the Best Friend’s Animal Society to help end all kill shelters by 2025.

You can learn more about their mission to save animals by visiting their website.

Preparation

The Guinness World Record folks are sticklers and getting into the record book isn’t easy.

Cassie and Lauren told News4JAX it took nearly a year for the Guinness team to approve their attempt for the “Longest Distance by Toy Car.”

When they finally gave the pair the “OK,” they also sent a laundry list of requirements the duo will have to track for the attempt to be counted (see below).

One of the first things Cassie, Lauren, and Brandon had to do before starting their journey was drive along their chosen routes to verify accessibility. One of the paths they have to use is through the Everglades.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cassie Aran (@cassie.aran)

Official Rules and Regulations

To receive the official title of “Longest Journey by Toy Car,” Guinness must be 100% certain the two didn’t cheat.

So Cassie and Lauren created a daily checklist to keep track of the dozens of things they must have in order at the end of their journey.

The rulebook: Guinness sent the two a giant rulebook of things they can and can’t do. Some rules include: the shell of the cars must remain the same during the entire journey. The batteries, tires and wires may be replaced, but they must be the same ones that came with the vehicle. They must carry specific things with them at all times. Cassie and Lauren must adhere to these specific guidelines, and more, outlined by Guinness World Records for the record they are attempting.

The logbook & witness book: The two must also use a logbook to track every stop they make, even if it’s to use the bathroom. They must record why they stopped in the logbook and include photos, receipts, and signatures (witness statements) of individuals who saw them there. They also must take a picture with every known Florida landmark along the route. These details provide comprehensive and verifiable evidence that supports the record attempt. Cassie and Lauren will also use their video recordings on social media as documentation of their day-to-day journey.

“The daily checklist is like our Bible,” Cassie said. “Like, if we miss one little thing, it’s over. We could lose the whole world record if we left one thing off that checklist.”

GPS tracker: Guinness World Records gave Cassie and Lauren a GPS tracker they must turn on every day before their journey to ensure the attempt is accurate and authentic and that they’re not cheating or manipulating data. The GPS tracks where they go, how fast they go, when they stop, etc.

The two must follow the Guinness guidelines, which include making safety a priority so they don’t hurt themselves or anyone else.

Break any of the rules and Cassie and Lauren will not be awarded the record.

“It’s a lot,” Lauren said. “It’s intensive and it’s all day. It’s a lot of work. It’s not like we’re just driving cars all day. It’s a lot of logging things and taking photos and getting signatures.”

(Note: The video below was filmed before Cassie and Lauren’s first failed attempt. The vehicles have since been changed)

Trials and tribulations

This isn’t Cassie and Lauren’s first attempt at the record. The toy cars they used on their first go-round hit the sidewalk and failed them only a few miles in.

“The first time that we attempted this, the batteries did not last as long as they did in testing for us, and it was like half as long,” Lauren said.

The two weren’t even out of Jacksonville before they had to start over, this time with new vehicles — Freddo Rocket toy cars. The two-seaters can handle rough terrain and can reach 11 mph (now you see why it’s going to take at least two months). The cars have headlights, emergency brakes and even play music. One major obstacle they face while driving these cars is they must steer clear of significant cracks and potholes due to the low clearance of their vehicle.

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When they tested the battery life on the Freddo Rocket cars, they lasted around 11 miles. Yes, that means they have to stop to change out their batteries every 11(ish) miles. They plan on charging the batteries overnight at hotels.

With the new cars, they were off again and so far, so good.

But of course, it’s Florida.

The weather and other factors will come into play for sure. How fast can an alligator go again?

Cassie and Lauren said that when it rains, they have to use car covers and umbrellas to protect the vehicles and essentially have to ride out the storm.

To stay updated on Cassie and Lauren’s journey, check out their YouTube , Instagram , Facebook , and TikTok channels, or visit their website . Learn more about The Ear Socks .

News4JAX is rooting for you, Cassie and Lauren, and we know you’ve got this! Keep on driving.

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Rock Hill daycare remembers 3-year-old twins, mother killed in car accident

“they were a bundle of joy. they was a trip they were like two little women.”.

ROCK HILL, S.C. (WBTV) - Schoolmates and staff at Right Choice Child Development Center in Rock Hill created a memorial in memory of three-year-old Mariah and Mackenzie Hughes.

The twins and their mother, 30-year-old mother Tionese Hughes, were killed in a car crash Friday evening after leaving the daycare.

The driver of the other car, 39-year-old Kristen Agard, also died in the accident.

Investigators said Agard crossed the center line of Saluda Road and crashed into the Hughes family car.

Sidnetrice Williams, the CEO of the daycare said the twins attended Right Choice Child Development Center in Rock Hill since they were nearly nine-months-old.

“They were a bundle of joy. They was a trip! (laughs) they were like two little women,” shared Williams.

On Sunday, family and friends created a memorial outside of the daycare, catching the eye of drivers and young students here at the center.

Staff at Right Choice Child Development Center shared that Monday was difficult returning explaining to the children what happened, but they’re determined to keep Mariah and Mackenzie’s names alive.

“Our staff got together and painted the rocks. We’ve had those rocks out here since we opened and never did anything with them, so we painted the rock their favorite colors, and we just plan to come out and love on each other,” said Nikki Grier, the executive director of Right Choice.

Inside of the daycare remains Macaroni art belonging to Mariah and Mackenzie, along with an empty cubby marked with a bow.

“We never thought that Friday would be the last time we saw those babies and their mom,” explained Williams.

Williams said the twins were always one of the first to arrive every day, and their mother played a big part in their development at the school.

“She was very involved in the program. She was very involved in their academic success. She was a hard-working mom. She had four kids,” Williams explained.

Heartbroken to know the girls and their mother will no longer walk through the front doors again, the daycare community will continue to remember the twins -- and hope safety improvements will be made to the road.

“In reference to the road they were killed on, it needs to be a change. It’s a two-way lane; it needs to be extended. We’re gonna dedicate March 22nd as ‘M & M Day’ because it was Mackenzie and Mariah. So we will always, always remember them,” Willams continued.

The York County Coroner’s Office said a toxicology and pathology report from the crash is pending.

WBTV is working to learn more about the woman who investigators say caused the crash.

The station did some digging and learned that 39-year-old Kristen Agard had faced multiple DUI charges before.

At this time, investigators say it’s too early to know if alcohol played a factor in last week’s crash.

Copyright 2024 WBTV. All rights reserved.

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How to escape if your car goes underwater

Exiting the car in the first minute it begins to sink improves your chance of survival.

It’s a nightmare scenario for drivers: Your car leaves the road and plunges into water, transforming your vehicle into a sinking trap.

The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge into the Patapsco River early Tuesday may have stoked fears that you could encounter a similar catastrophe in your own car. Officials with the Baltimore fire department said sonar has detected vehicles submerged in the water, but it was unclear whether anyone was inside.

A distress call from the freighter that crashed into the bridge and caused the collapse gave officials time to halt more vehicle traffic over the bridge, said Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D). As of midday Tuesday, two workers had been rescued from a crew that was repairing potholes on the Key Bridge; six workers were still missing.

In the right conditions, drivers who stay calm have a chance to escape an underwater car. In 2013, a 22-year-old woman from Calvert County, Md., survived after her car went off the side of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and fell 27 feet into the water.

One minute to get out

Thermal physiologist Gordon Giesbrecht, a retired University of Manitoba professor with an expertise in vehicle submersion and hypothermia, said passengers have one minute to rescue themselves from a sinking car. Once the vehicle becomes even partially submerged, the odds of survival are slim.

“A minute is kind of an average number,” Giesbrecht said. “So the windows will certainly work for 60 seconds, but if you know what you’re doing, you can open that window in 10 or 15 seconds.”

He said travelers should memorize the acronym SWOC:

  • Seat belts off.
  • Windows open.
  • Out immediately.
  • Children first.

“A lot of people think you should open the doors, which you shouldn’t,” Giesbrecht said. “The car is just going deeper and deeper, and once the water gets up against the window, then you won’t even be able to open the window. So you’ve got to get that window open as soon as you can.”

Giesbrecht said electric windows should still operate within a minute “because your ignition was on.”

When helping children, push the oldest out first so you can help the youngest passengers. Giesbrecht said it is easier to push than pull passengers out, so remain in the car until your dependents have safely evacuated.

Cars in deep water typically sink nose first, so you can buy a few more seconds by exiting out a back window. If there’s a release button in the front seat for a rear hatch, then you can escape through the back, but don’t waste time trying to locate it.

Once the car begins to sink nose down, the passengers will start to run out of air. Any air bubbles will escape out the back. In shallower water, a car might descend horizontally, so passengers could sustain themselves on a trapped air pocket, but Giesbrecht said this scenario is “very rare.”

Tools don’t work on laminated glass

According to Giesbrecht, smashing a car window is not feasible. Cars that have laminated windows instead of tempered glass are resistant to hard force; not one of the six tools tested in a AAA study were able to break through. A label on the bottom corner of a side window will identify tempered or laminated glass, but that helps only if you have it memorized.

Giesbrecht said that, when you have only a minute to save yourself, it’s not worth the time to search for an instrument.

“Very few people could ever break a window in the first place,” he said. “Once the physics of the water changes, you can’t break the window anyway, even if you had a hammer.”

Once you’re in the water, Giesbrecht said, you need to control your breath, assess your surroundings and climb onto or cling to the vehicle while it is afloat.

“You can hang on to the vehicle as long as you can,” he said, “or until you determine the closest or easiest place you can get to.”

Hypothermia is not an immediate problem, Giesbrecht said, because it takes an hour for someone to become cold enough for the heart to stop. However, drowning is a real concern, especially if you panic or go into shock after plunging into the water.

“The first thing that will happen when you’re in cold water is a cold shock response, which is gasping and hyperventilating or heavy breathing,” he said. The cold could incapacitate your muscles and nerves, and you could lose your ability to swim.

“We have the 1-10-1 principle,” Giesbrecht added. “You have one minute to get your breathing under control. Ten minutes of meaningful movement. And about an hour before you become unconscious due to hypothermia.”

Make yourself visible

Andy Blair, director of the National Outdoor Leadership School Teton Valley, offered several survival tips for after you have escaped the car and are in the water. He said to keep your shoes on. They can be helpful when swimming in open water and scrambling on rocks or other sharp terrain.

“If they’re really big, heavy boots, they might be more of an impediment,” he said, “but once you get to shore, you’re going to want to have some shoes on.”

Blair said wearing street clothes in cold water that is moving downstream and not having a flotation device is “probably one of your worst-case situations.” However, he recommends securing any loose garments that could snag in the water. He said more form-fitting clothes will reduce your surface area and your exposure to the water.

If swimming to shore is not an option because of the distance or your stamina level, grab a piece of buoyant debris or hoist yourself up on a larger object if you can. Also, hold up an eye-catching item that could attract the attention of a search-and-rescue crew or a bystander.

“For the average person in that situation, their best bet is to find something they can stay afloat with and make themselves as visible as possible,” he said.

Baltimore bridge collapse

A cargo ship crashed into Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, which collapsed overnight. Follow live updates and see photos from the scene .

How it happened: The container ship lost power moments before colliding with the bridge, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said. The Key Bridge was built in the 1970s and spans the Patapsco River. Rescue efforts are underway as authorities search for 6 people still missing. Read everything we know so far about the bridge collapse .

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The Very Best Booster Seats

Portrait of Liza Corsillo

In this article

  • Best overall
  • Best (less expensive) overall
  • Best high back
  • Best backless

Best booster seat for older kids

  • Best adjustable
  • Best lightweight
  • Best for travel

Switching from a car seat to a booster seat is a major transition that hinges not just on the age of your child but also their weight, height, and maturity level. Booster seats are made for children who have outgrown their harnessed car seat but aren’t tall enough to safely use a regular seat belt. Seat belts and cars are designed to fit adults four feet nine inches and taller, so instead of sitting across the bony hips of an adult, the lap belt of a seat belt ends up going across the belly of a 4-year-old, explains Eli Gurock, founder and CEO of the baby-gear and toy retailer Magic Beans . Booster seats literally give your child the boost they need to ensure proper seat-belt placement. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration , most kids should use either a high-back or a backless booster seat until they are between 8 and 12 years old.

The American Academy of Pediatrics echoes this recommendation, and 48 of 50 states have laws on the books requiring kids to use boosters until they reach a certain age, height, or combination of both. All booster seats also have a minimum weight requirement (typically 40 pounds) that your child must meet before they can safely make the switch from a harnessed car seat to a booster seat.

Finally, there is the question of whether your child is ready to use a booster seat from a behavior standpoint. Alisa Baer, pediatrician and co-founder of thecarseatlady.com , says parents and caregivers must consider their child’s ability to sit in a booster without slouching, leaning, or yanking on the seat belt.

As with car seats, every booster seat on the market in the U.S. has to pass strict Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards before it can be sold. So you can trust that all booster seats will provide a baseline level of protection. That means the best one for you and your family will likely come down to additional factors like the size of your car or your kid’s particular opinions about everything from color to how cushy the seat is under their butt. To help you get a head start, I talked to parents and experts about the booster seats they like best for a range of different situations.

What we’re looking for:

Height and weight requirements.

Most booster seats have a minimum weight requirement of around 40 pounds and a maximum weight limit of around 100 pounds. It’s crucial to respect these boundaries and not transition your child too soon or keep them in a seat once they have outgrown it. This is because all seats are tested to meet certain safety standards based on their specific size constraints.

Similarly, there are minimum and maximum requirements for height. These ensure a proper fit with a harness or the car’s seat belt. If your kid is on the tall side (or you just want the seat to last as long as possible), you’ll want to look for a booster seat with higher height limits or one that is adjustable or convertible. I listed the maximum weight and height limit of each seat below. For booster seats that can be used both with a harness and without, I listed the weight limits for each mode.

There are three main types of booster seat, and all of them serve the same purpose: to boost a child’s body and ensure proper seat-belt placement.

High-back booster: High-back boosters have more structure around the head and shoulders to position the shoulder belt, give your child a place to rest their head, and minimize forward head movement , side impact, and whiplash in the event of a crash.

Backless booster: Backless boosters are much lower profile and more portable. They usually have the same weight and height restrictions as harness-free high-back boosters and often work best for older kids who still need to use a booster but don’t want to be seen as babyish, or as a space-saving option to keep in your trunk for carpooling or when traveling. They are also generally less expensive and take up less space in the back seat of a car.

Convertible booster: To get the most use out of a booster seat you can buy one that starts out as a forward-facing car seat with a five-point harness that can be removed or stowed away once your child is ready to transition to the regular seat belt. In some cases, if you are buying a high-back booster seat for an older kid and won’t need to use the seat with a younger one, it’s easier to get the one without a harness. There are also some convertible seats that are designed to go from high-back to backless boosters as children get older and bigger. These convertible seats are often marketed as “grow with you” or “3-in-1,” “4-in-1,” or “all-in-one” convertible car seats and can be a good investment for families who would like to use the same car seat for many years and multiple children.

LATCH vs. seat-belt secured

The LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) is a standardized system that allows you to secure a car seat or booster seat to your vehicle via anchors located within the vehicle’s seats. LATCH-equipped booster seats connect directly to your car’s LATCH anchors, providing added stability and keeping a booster seat more secure, even if there isn’t a kid sitting it, so it doesn’t slide around when it’s not in use or become a projectile in the event of a crash.

LATCH-equipped booster seats come with either rigid or flexible LATCH connections. Rigid LATCH uses alligator-like clips that come directly out of the car seat or base without any straps or rotation. They provide a more secure connection. Flexible LATCH connectors are attached to a pull strap that can be tightened or loosened, either by hand or, depending on the seat, with some type of tightening mechanism. Both options are safe and meet FMVSS requirements, but rigid LATCH is easier to install and doesn’t require any manual tightening or adjusting, ensuring correct installation. Always check the LATCH weight maximums for both your vehicle and your booster seat, and ensure that the combined weight of your child and the seat falls within the published limits.

Booster seats without LATCH rely on the vehicle’s seat belt to hold the seat, and the child, in place. These types of booster seats are usually lighter and more portable. They are also less expensive and can be used in any car with a seat belt. This may be helpful for families with older cars that don’t have LATCH anchors.

Extra safety and specialty features

Every car seat and booster seat on the market in the U.S. must pass strict Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards before it can be sold. But those standards are contingent on you installing the seat in your car correctly and your child meeting the height and weight requirements for the seat. Outside of that, you might want to consider additional safety features, like side impact cushioning, and details that make a booster seat easier to use and more comfortable for your kid, like cupholders and extended footrests. I’ve highlighted the notable safety and convenience features of each of the car seats in our list.

Booster seats range from $40 to over $300 depending on the complexity of the seat and added features. I’ve sorted the seats on our list into one of four price categories listed as $, $$, $$$, and $$$$, respectively: under $100, under $200, under $300, and over $300.

Best booster seat overall

Britax Grow With You ClickTight Harness-2-Booster Car Seat

Max height and weight: Harness: 65 pounds, 49 inches; Booster: 120 pounds, 63 inches | Seat type: Convertible | LATCH type: Rigid or seat-belt installation depending on child’s weight | Extra safety and specialty features: Forward-facing harness-to-booster, ClickTight installation system, one-handed head and harness adjustment, 2 recline positions, 2 cupholders, 4 colors | Price: $$$$

This convertible booster from Britax can transition from a forward-facing car seat with a five-point harness to a high-back booster that uses the car’s seat belt. Strategist senior editor Winnie Yang has been using it for three years with her now 8-year-old daughter and bought it after using (and loving) a Britax car seat that also has the brand’s ClickTight installation system. ClickTight is a mechanical tightening system that allows you to get a very snug and secure install in your car without breaking a sweat.

Yang was looking for a booster seat that had a five-point harness option she could eventually stop using once her daughter was ready for the regular seat belt, since the harness provides more protection for smaller children in the event of a crash. She likes that the harness and headrest are easy to adjust one-handed and that the ClickTight makes it really easy to install. According to Yang, being able to remove the cover and throw it in the washing is a nice touch, and the ample cup and snack holders are a convenient feature even if they do end up mostly filled with rocks and other treasures.

Strategist senior editor Jen Trolio has also used this seat with her two kids, both in harness mode and booster mode, and along with Gurock recommends it as an easy and gradual way to transition from a bulkier harnessed car seat to a booster seat. Its combination of an easy install, streamlined design, welcome comfort and convenience features, and dual use as both a harnessed seat and a booster seat make it my pick for the best booster seat overall.

Best (less expensive) booster seat overall

Diono Radian 3R, 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat

Max height and weight: Harness: 65 pounds, 49 inches; Booster: 120 pounds, 57 inches | Seat type: Convertible | LATCH type: Flexible latch or seat-belt installation depending on child’s weight | Extra safety and specialty features: Slim enough to fit 3 across in many backseats, memory-foam cushioning, 2 cupholders, 11 colors | Price: $$$

For about $100 less, this convertible car seat from Diono also allows for use with a five-point-harness that can be removed once your child is ready to transition to the booster mode that uses the car’s seat belt. It is technically a 3-in-1 seat that can be used rear-facing from infancy, but New York deputy editor Alexis Swerdloff started using as when her son was 5 years old. She says he seems very comfortable in the seat even when sleeping and that the straps are easy to buckle and tighten. The headrest is adjustable, and the seat can be folded up so that the booster will fit in an airplane’s overhead compartment. The Diono is also one of the slimmest seats on the market and can fit three across the backseat in many cars. Because it can be used both rear-facing and front-facing, in addition to its being a high-back booster seat, it’s a fantastic value.

Best high-back booster seat

Clek Oobr High Back Booster Car Seat with Rigid Latch

Max height and weight: 100 pounds, 57 inches | Seat type: High-back convertible | LATCH type: Rigid | Extra safety and specialty features: Slim enough to fit 3 across many backseats, 12 degrees of recline, 1 cupholder, 11 colors | Price: $$$$

Tot Squad founder Jennifer Saxton , a certified CPST ( child-passenger-safety technician ), likes that this seat has a rigid latch system and that it reclines so your kid can take a nap comfortably. Clek is known for making very durable, well-thought-out products but also expensive ones. This is the most expensive seat on the list by about $90. What you get for the extra cost is a stylish, slim, and minimal-looking booster seat that can be converted from high-back booster to a backless booster as your child grows.

Best backless booster seat

Chicco GoFit Backless Booster Car Seat

Height and weight requirements: 100 pounds, 57 inches | Seat type: Backless | LATCH type: Seat-belt installation | Extra safety and specialty features: Lightweight, shoulder cincher, ClearTex material, cupholders | Price: $

This backless booster weighs just five pounds, and since it rests on the back seat of your car while your child is secured by the car’s seat belt, moving it between cars takes just a few seconds. Trolio likes it for carpools and travel and appreciates that it has a clip for cinching the seat belt at the child’s shoulder to help achieve the safest possible fit. Because it also has cupholders, cushioning, and Greenguard Gold–certified ClearTex fabric, it’s a good-value backless booster for everyday use with older kids.

Chicco KidFit ClearTex Plus 2-in-1 Belt-Positioning Booster Car Seat

Height and weight requirements: 110 pounds, 57 inches | Seat type: Convertible | LATCH type: Flexible LATCH with SuperCinch | Extra safety and specialty features: Quick release button, ClearTex fabric, 2 cupholders, 9 colors | Price: $$

This harness-free option can be used as a high-back or backless booster. It comes recommended by Trolio, who previously used three-in-one and all-in-one editions of the Graco Extend2Fit convertible car seat for her now 6- and 8-year-old daughters. Trolio ultimately replaced the Graco seats because they were still quite bulky in booster mode. Both of her daughters have used this KidFit, which is more streamlined in the back seat. It has a flexible LATCH system to secure it to your car’s anchors with Chicco’s SuperCinch feature to ensure a snug fit. (SuperCinch is similar to Britax’s popular ClickTight system.) If you’re hopping between cars, you’ll like that the seat has a quick-release button to unlatch it. Other features include cupholders and Chicco’s Greenguard Gold–certified ClearTex fabric. (For slightly younger kids who would still be safer in a harness, Trolio recommends the similar Chicco MyFit Harness Booster with ClearTex , which her 6-year-old used with a harness until she was ready to transition to a seat belt.)

Best adjustable booster seat

Peg Perego Viaggio Shuttle Plus 120 Booster Car Seat

Height and weight requirements: 120 pounds, 63 inches | Seat type: Convertible | LATCH type: Rigid | Extra safety and specialty features: Extended height limit, independently adjustable headrest and backrest, 1 cupholder, 3 colors | Price: $$$

For a booster seat to fit your child properly, it should guide the seat belt over their lap , across their chest, and between their shoulder and neck . This can be tricky for kids who are taller in their torso versus their legs. The Peg Perego Viaggio Shuttle Plus 120 is unique in that its headrest, backrest, and side wings can all be adjusted independently of one another, making it easier to get the right fit. When your child is ready for a backless booster seat, the upper portion of the seat can be removed from the base.

Best lightweight booster seat

Uppababy ALTA Booster Seat

Height and weight requirements: 100 pounds, 57 inches | Seat type: High-back | LATCH type: Rigid | Extra safety and specialty features: Extra seat-belt routing at the crotch, 1 cupholder, 4 colors | Price: $$

While most rigid LATCH booster seats are on the heavy side, the Uppababy ALTA booster seat weighs just 16.6 pounds, making it easier to move from car to car or car to house. It is the second-lightest booster seat on the list, bested only by the inflatable travel booster seat below. It’s also more ergonomic with an adjustable headrest that has seven different positions and extra seat-belt routing at the crotch, and not just at the shoulder, to further ensure correct seat-belt positioning. The included cupholder can be removed to save space.

Best booster seat for travel

Bubblebum Backless Inflatable Travel Booster

Height and weight requirements: 100 pounds, 57 inches | Seat type: Backless | LATCH type: Seat-belt installation | Extra safety and specialty features:  Inflatable, shoulder-cincher, 4 colors and patterns | Price: $

Trolio and Saxton, as well as Renee McCabe , injury-prevention and Safe Kids coordinator for Safe Kids Greater Augusta, and Jennifer LaBracio, gear editor at Babylist , all pointed us in the direction of this inflatable Bubblebum travel booster seat, which compresses into a stuff sack about the size of a two-liter soda bottle for easy portability. Trolio finds it especially helpful when she is going to have extra kids in her car on the way home from school or soccer practice. Like the Chicco GoFit backless booster, it also has a clip for cinching the seat belt at the child’s shoulder to help achieve the safest possible fit. Boosters are not approved to use on airplanes, but McCabe notes that the Bubblebum is ideal for hopping in cars or Ubers. While the seat requires a bit of extra belt threading at the lap, it offers peace of mind that you aren’t taking unnecessary risk, even for short trips.

Our experts:

• Alisa Baer , pediatrician and co-founder of thecarseatlady.com • Eli Gurock , founder and CEO of the baby-gear and toy retailer Magic Beans • Kecia Healy , CPST instructor and member of the New York State Child Passenger Safety Advisory Board • Jennifer LaBracio , gear editor at Babylist • Renee McCabe , injury-prevention and Safe Kids coordinator for Safe Kids Greater Augusta • Ashlee Neuman , deputy editor at the Bump • Jennifer Saxton , founder of Tot Squad and CPST • Alexis Swerdloff , New York deputy editor and parent • Jen Trolio , Strategist senior editor and parent • Winnie Yang , Strategist senior editor and parent

The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments , rolling luggage , pillows for side sleepers , natural anxiety remedies , and bath towels . We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

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How to travel around the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore: A look at the traffic impact and alternate routes

By Rohan Mattu

Updated on: March 26, 2024 / 10:36 PM EDT / CBS Baltimore

BALTIMORE -- The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore early Tuesday  led to a major traffic impact for the region and cut off a major artery into and out of the port city. 

A bridge column was hit by a large container ship around 1:30 a.m., sending bridge workers and vehicles into the Patapsco River. A water search for six missing workers turned to a recovery effort Tuesday night.

Drivers are told to prepare for extra commuting time until further notice.

Locator map showing the typical traffic routes of cargo vessels passing beneath the bridge and the trajectory Dali followed prior to the allision.

Alternate routes after Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse

Maryland transit authorities quickly put detours in place for those traveling through Dundalk or the Curtis Bay/Hawkins Point side of the bridge. The estimated 31,000 who travel the bridge every day will need to find a new route for the foreseeable future. 

The outer loop I-695 closure has shifted to exit 1/Quarantine Road (past the Curtis Creek Drawbridge) to allow for enhanced local traffic access. 

The inner loop of I-695 remains closed at MD 157 (Peninsula Expressway). Additionally, the ramp from MD 157 to the inner loop of I-695 will be closed. 

Alternate routes are I-95 (Fort McHenry Tunnel) or I-895 (Baltimore Harbor Tunnel) for north/south routes. 

Commercial vehicles carrying materials that are prohibited in the tunnel crossings, including recreation vehicles carrying propane, should plan on using I-695 (Baltimore Beltway) between Essex and Glen Burnie. This will add significant driving time.   

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Where is the Francis Scott Key Bridge? 

The Key Bridge crosses the Patapsco River, a key waterway that along with the Port of Baltimore serves as a hub for East Coast shipping. 

The bridge is the outermost of three toll crossings of Baltimore's Harbor and the final link in Interstate 695, known in the region as the Baltimore Beltway, which links Baltimore and Washington, D.C. 

The bridge was built after the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel reached capacity and experienced heavy congestion almost daily, according to the MDTA. 

Tractor-trailer inspections

Tractor-trailers that now have clearance to use the tunnels will need to be checked for hazardous materials, which are not permitted in tunnels, and that could further hold up traffic. 

The MDTA says vehicles carrying bottled propane gas over 10 pounds per container (maximum of 10 containers), bulk gasoline, explosives, significant amounts of radioactive materials, and other hazardous materials are prohibited from using the Fort McHenry Tunnel (I-95) or the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel (I-895).  

Any vehicles transporting hazardous materials should use the western section of I-695 around the tunnels, officials said. 

Rohan Mattu is a digital producer at CBS News Baltimore. Rohan graduated from Towson University in 2020 with a degree in journalism and previously wrote for WDVM-TV in Hagerstown. He maintains WJZ's website and social media, which includes breaking news in everything from politics to sports.

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    Roadtrippers helps you build your itinerary and discover the best places along your route. Whether you're looking for national parks, roadside attractions, hotels, or activities, you can find them on the map and get turn-by-turn directions.

  2. Road Trip Planner

    Trippy helps you plan your road trip with stops, restaurants, hotels, attractions and more. Customize your itinerary, save and share your trip with friends and family.

  3. Road Trip Route Planner, Map and Trip Guides

    The ultimate road trip planner to help you discover extraordinary places, book hotels, and share itineraries all from the map.

  4. Wanderlog: best free travel itinerary & road trip planner app for your

    Use Wanderlog to share your itinerary with tripmates, friends, and families and collaborate in real time, so everyone stays in the loop. Plan your road trip or vacation with the best itinerary and trip planner. Wanderlog travel planner allows you to create itineraries with friends, mark routes, and optimize maps — on web or mobile app.

  5. How to Prepare for a Long Car Trip: 15 Steps (with Pictures)

    Bring gum, peppermints and ginger on your trip. These foods can help ease queasiness on the trip and can help calm down the person eating or chewing them. 6. Pack emergency supplies. In case there's a breakdown or accident, pack blankets, torches, a first aid kit including painkillers, drinking water and extra snacks.

  6. 21 Best Road Trips in the U.S. to Take in 2023

    Explore the diverse and expansive landscapes of the United States by car. Whether you want a cross-country adventure, a coastal drive, or a literary tour, these road trips have something for everyone.

  7. 17 Must-Have Road Trip Essentials, By Experts

    GoPro HERO9. $249 at Amazon $214 at Walmart $249 at Amazon. Credit: Amazon. GoPro has been offering compact action cameras since 2004, and the HERO9 is perfect for road-tripping. It's durable and ...

  8. Best road trip planner

    17 hours ago someone asked about Brampton and Wasaga Beach. "Stops". Plan a better road trip using advice from experienced travelers on Trippy who can help you figure out the best route and places to stop along the way.

  9. Best Road Trip Cars in 2023

    Sometimes you want to live the American road trip dream in an impractical sports car. But guess what - the 2023 Ford Mustang is a rather practical sports car with one of the highest overall U.S. News scores. There are several available engines, but sticking with the base turbo-four means an estimated 32 mpg on the highway.

  10. Planning a Road Trip: The Complete Guide

    Learn how to plan a road trip with tips on car preparation, weather, apps, budget, routes, destinations, and more. Whether you're traveling solo, with kids, or with friends, this guide has you covered.

  11. Road Trip Packing List: 41 Road Trip Essentials

    Keeping a reliable flashlight stored in your car is a good rule of thumb for all drivers heading out on a road trip. In roadside emergencies, the Anker Rechargeable Bolder LC90 LED Flashlight can ...

  12. The American Road Trip Planner

    USA Trip Ideas. We're discovering the USA from the freedom of the open road, and you're in the driver's seat. There's no better way to experience extraordinary vistas, charming small towns, and hidden gems. Explore these curated trips across the USA, then customize your own trip using the USA Trip Planner.

  13. 15 BEST USA Road Trips of a Lifetime 2023 (Photos + Maps)

    If you're interested in this road I recommend checking out our article on the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. 14. Natchez Trace Parkway. Location: Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, USA. Distance: 444 miles (715 km) Suggested Time: 5 days. Minimum Time: 1 day. Best Time of Year: October - November.

  14. Multi-Stop Route Planning and Optimization Tools

    Plan and optimize your car trips with up to 26 stops using MapQuest's route planner. Enter addresses, upload a file, or use a map to find the shortest time or distance routes and save gas and time.

  15. 25 Practical Tips for Long Road Trips

    A healthy car is a happy car, and a happy car will travel for miles. No. 03 Keep your car maintained. Did you know properly inflated tires can lead to better gas mileage? Under-inflated tires cause a drop of 0.2% miles per gallon for every 1 PSI of all tires. That may not seem like much, but it can add up on long road trips. Consider a 5,000 ...

  16. Furkot

    Furkot attempts to plan a route for your trip in the most efficient way. If you don't want efficient, you can drag your stops around or even reverse your itinerary. Tell us how long you want to drive every day, and we will show you where to stop for the night Furkot suggests overnight stops along the route based on your schedule and preferences.

  17. TripTik Travel Planner

    Plan your next road trip with AAA TripTik Travel Planner, a comprehensive tool that helps you find the best routes, destinations, discounts and more. You can save and share your trips with the AAA Mobile app, access millions of points of interest, locate electric vehicle charging stations and get insurance quotes. Whether you want to explore national parks, scenic drives or local attractions ...

  18. Car Rentals: Find Cheap Car Rentals & Rental Car Deals

    Save money on rental cars by searching for car rental deals on KAYAK. KAYAK searches for rental car deals on hundreds of car rental sites to help you find the cheapest car rental. Whether you are looking for an airport car rental or just a cheap car rental near you, you can compare discount car rentals and find the best deals faster at KAYAK.

  19. Online route planner for car travelers

    Family Vacation Planning: Families planning summer vacations can use the distance calculator to plan their route, estimate fuel costs based on their car's fuel consumption, and calculate budget needs, ensuring a cost-effective and enjoyable journey.; Business Travel Optimization: Professionals can plot the most efficient routes for their business trips, incorporating distance calculations to ...

  20. Traveling by car in Russia

    Visit Russia and travel by car! It's cheap and easy.Do you want to know how we travel by car in Russia? I often hear questions: "How bad are roads in Russia?...

  21. Rental Car in Moscow : carrentals.com

    If you're looking for a day-trip destination, we've got some suggestions. Situated 45 miles away, Chekhov is worth getting in the car for. Among your first stops here ought to be Museum in Memory of 1941-1945, Lopasnya Zachatyevskoye Manor House and Museum and Chekhov Town Theater.

  22. Sokolniki Camping for Tents and Motorhomes in Moscow

    Sokolniki camping in Moscow. They offer spots for motorhomes for €10 (including 1 person, every additional person is €7) and spots to pitch a tent for €5 per tent per night (+ €3 for every extra person and + €4 for a car). There are also small guesthouses with shared showers / toilets (you have to share them with the rest of the ...

  23. Planning a Road Trip for the Total Solar Eclipse? Here's Why You Should

    Scientists found a 31 percent increase in fatal car crashes around the 2017 total solar eclipse, akin to spikes in traffic risk on busy holiday weekends

  24. Ryazan → Elektrostal

    Central PPK operates a train from Ryazan' 2 to Ippodrom once daily. Tickets cost RUB 310 - RUB 450 and the journey takes 2h 44m. Alternatively, Asian Express operates a bus from Ryazan Bus station to Moscow Kotelniki Bus Station once a week, and the journey takes 3h 40m. 8 (800) 775-00-00. central-ppk.ru.

  25. Privately owned vehicle (POV) mileage reimbursement rates

    GSA has adjusted all POV mileage reimbursement rates effective January 1, 2024. Modes of transportation. Effective/applicability date. Rate per mile. Airplane*. January 1, 2024. $1.76. If use of privately owned automobile is authorized or if no government-furnished automobile is available. January 1, 2024.

  26. 500 miles in a toy car: A Guinness World Record attempt from ...

    2 women attempt the longest trip by toy car and their journey doubles as a fundraiser to save animals . Carianne Luter, Digital Media & Engagement Manager. Ciara Earrey, Photojournalist.

  27. Rock Hill daycare remembers 3-year-old twins, mother killed in car accident

    The driver of the other car, 39-year-old Kristen Agard, also died in the accident. Investigators said Agard crossed the center line of Saluda Road and crashed into the Hughes family car. Sidnetrice Williams, the CEO of the daycare said the twins attended Right Choice Child Development Center in Rock Hill since they were nearly nine-months-old.

  28. How to escape if your car goes underwater

    Once you're in the water, Giesbrecht said, you need to take a minute to control your breath, assess your surroundings and climb onto or cling to the vehicle while it is afloat. "You can hang ...

  29. 8 Best Booster Seats 2024

    The Diono is also one of the slimmest seats on the market and can fit three across the backseat in many cars. Because it can be used both rear-facing and front-facing, in addition to its being a ...

  30. How to travel around the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore

    BALTIMORE -- The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore early Tuesday led to a major traffic impact for the region and cutting off a major artery into and out of the port city ...