planning a road trip with stops

• Scenic Drives
• Road Trip Planner

Road Trip Planning Made Easy

Create custom day trips, weekend getaways, and cross country adventures worldwide

Powerful features for planning your epic road trips (and the shorter adventures in between)

Unlimited stops.

Add unlimited stops and sub-stops. Combine your own stops with our pre-planned routes and recommended places of interest.

Smart Scheduling

By the minute, hour, or overnight, set preferences for each stop. Export your trip to your own Calendar.

Set Vehicle Type

Car, RV, camper trailer, truck, motorcycle, pulling a boat? Get a realistic estimate of driving time. Adjust travel speed by percentages for each unique situation.

Divide Trips Into Days

Divide your trips into manageable driving days based on your custom settings by time or distance. And of course you can customize each day differently.

Route Preferences

Configure route preferences such as avoiding highways or tolls for each day or any segment of your trip.

Use Any Device

Plan trips from your desktop computer, iPad, Android tablet, and mobile phone with the same easy-to-use interface. No app to download or software to install.

Automated To Do List guides you through the road trip planning process.

Manage Your Budget

Track expenditures before you go and along the way. See a summary of expenses for entrance fees, activities, restaurants, and lodging, etc.

Gas Calculator

See the estimated fuel cost for your vehicle type.

EV Charging

Find EV charging stations along your route. Get reminders to recharge. Use Charging Ranges to display icons on the map where your vehicle will require recharging.

Export Options

We support Google Earth (KML), Garmin Communicator, BaseCamp and MapSource (GPX), Co-Pilot Live (TRP), Microsoft Streets and Trips, TomTom itineraries (ITN), TomTom Places of Interest (OV2), Comma Separated Files (CSV), and Tab Separated Files (TSV).

Directions on paper come in handy. Print your road trip with turn-by-turn maps and full directions, divided into your day-by-day itinerary.

Is This Really Free?

Yes! It is free to use our Scenic Drive Itineraries and Road Trip Planner. Please consider purchasing your National Park or National Forest passes on myscenicdrives.com.

Why Do I Need An Account?

A free account is only required for the Road Trip Planner, enabling you to create, edit, and save your trips. Your account is secure. We never share your information.

Do I Need to Download An App or Install Software?

No app or software is needed. myscenicdrives.com works in any browser. Simply go to myscenicdrives.com

More Resources

Documentation, myscenicdrives.com, how it works.

Road Trip Planner with Stops: Tools & Tips for a Perfect Road Trip

July 15, 2020

Travel Tips

Looking for a  road trip planner with stops and the best tips to plan the perfect road trip? We’ve put together this step-by-step guide, loaded with tools, that'll tell you everything you need to know when planning a road trip.

The open road is calling your name! But before you jump in the car and hit the road, you’ll need to do a little planning and preparation first.

The first step is the fun one: selecting the route . To do so, decide what's most important to you: distance, destination, or budget. Once you know this, you can begin researching and building out the rest of your plans.

Make sure your route is broken down into doable driving segments both to and from your final destination. Your plan should also include a list of attractions you want to see along the way.

Tip: Ahead of your road trip , research attractions' hours and visitor guidelines. Reservations may be required.

Once you know where you’re going, you’ll need to decide where to stay.

If your road trip is all about the great outdoors and you plan on camping, visit recreation.gov to find and book campsites on your route.

Prefer more modern accommodations? Priceline , Hotels.com , Hotwire , Expedia , or any one of your preferred hotel booking sites can help you book a hotel at each check point along your route.

Or, check out Airbnb for a more unique lodging selection.

You’ve heard it, you’ve probably said it, and we all know it’s true: “there’s an app for everything.” And as a matter of fact, there’s quite a few to aid in your road trip success. Here are the ones we suggest downloading before you go:

TripIt : Yeah, so this might be a shameless plug, but we can really help! You’ve already selected and booked your lodging and attractions, so let us automagically create an itinerary for you. That way you can find all your plans in one place and you won’t have to dig through all your email to find times, locations, and confirmation numbers. TripIt will also help you find restaurants (for takeaway meals), cafés, and stores near your pit stops with our Nearby Places feature. Our Navigator feature can act as GPS to help you navigate between stops. We also recommend leveraging Neighborhood Safety Scores (which include COVID-19 data) to assess the risk of a place you're thinking of visiting along your route.

GasBuddy : You’ll have to frequent the gas stations on your road trip , which makes this app essential. Gasbuddy provides a crowd-sourced list of gas prices to help you find the best deal near you.  

OpenTable : With OpenTable, you can decide on a restaurant around you based off of reviews and photos. Dining al fresco? You can book a table right in the app. From there, you can forward your reservations to plans@. 

Spotify : Every road trip needs good jams and lots of them! Although the free version of this service is awesome, it’ll definitely be worth your money to upgrade to premium for your road trip. For just $9.99 a month you have access to any song at anytime… even when you're offline.  

AAA : Although we suggest you check out your car before leaving, you never know what can happen out there on the road. With this app, you can contact roadside assistance and help them locate you. You can also discover AAA discount locations, Diamond-rated hotels, restaurants, and attractions.  

Wi-Fi Finder : Whether you need to post to Facebook, FaceTime mom, or email your team, Wi-Fi Finder will help you stay connected by locating both free and paid Wi-Fi spots.

Documentation

On your road trip you’re going to see some breathtaking sights and make some incredible memories, so documentation will be key.

If you’re into the visuals, snapping pics on your phone is a must. Step up your editing game with VSCO Cam ; this will help your pictures come to life and look at least half as beautiful as in real life. Then your photo will be ready to share on Instagram . Also, don’t forget to tag your pictures with #TripItPic to share your travels and have a chance to be featured on our page .

For your videos, you can use Magisto to automatically create and edit amazing videos, complete with music and effects.

Evernote is yet another great documentation tool. Write down everything you love and learn along the way, and add photos to create the ultimate travel journal.

Any other road trip tips? Tweet us @TripIt ! Happy travels!

• 9 Tips for a Sustainable Road Trip
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About the Author

Stay one step ahead from planning to landing with the world's highest rated travel organizing app. Unlike other travel apps, TripIt can organize your travel plans no matter where you book. Simply forward your confirmation emails to [email protected] and in a matter of seconds, TripIt will create a master itinerary for every trip.

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The Mindful Traveller

Eco Travel Blog & Photography

How to Plan an Epic (Eco-Friendly) Road Trip

4 November 2022 · In: Sustainable Travel , Travel

Looking for tips and advice on how to plan an epic road trip with multiple stops? Here is a complete guide to creating the perfect eco-friendly experience on the road, including how to budget your trip, find accommodations and map your itinerary to ensure you see the best of your destination. It contains everything you need to live unforgettable eco-adventures across the globe.

I love road trips – it is my favourite way of travelling as it allows me to move around freely and stop wherever I want – and I enjoy this idea of freedom.

I also find that road trips allow me to deepen my knowledge of my destination and its culture, as I can get off the beaten tracks and discover remote locations and authentic places where I can connect with the locals.

So if like me, you love road trips (or are a first-timer) – you have come to the right place!

Since I know that planning a road trip is challenging, especially when exploring sustainably, I created this article to help you.

This ultimate “how to plan a road trip” guide is ideal for better organising yourself, making the most of your time away and enjoying your holiday stress-free! It is perfect for planning solo, family or friends’ road trip adventures.

Plus, do not forget to check out the sustainable tips at the end. Enjoy 🙂

Disclosure : Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning that at no additional cost to you, we will receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase. For more information, read our full affiliate disclosure  here .

• 4- The travel buddy 
• 6- Group or private guide 
• 4- Keep notes & record
• 4- Activities & attractions

2- Packing eco-tips

4- forgetting the busy seasons, overview: plan a road trip with multiple stops.

• Brainstorm your road trip
• Choose your transportation
• Research your route
• Budget your trip
• Create your itinerary
• Make bookings
• Get ready & pack

Your guide to planning an epic road trip

Part i – brainstorm your road trip.

Before you start designing your road trip itinerary, taking the time to brainstorm your ideas is essential. It will allow you to write down all your thoughts and options and see what works best for your schedule and budget.

1- The destination

Brainstorming your road trip starts with  where you want to go . 

Think about your destination and the adventures you want to experience: is it a road trip through the USA, around Iceland or in Vietnam? 

The possibilities are endless, so choose which country you want to discover and which parts of this country are the ones you want to focus on and see. Research as much as possible using Google, travel blogs, magazines, books, social media, recommendations from friends, etc.

Personal experience: Pinterest and travel blogs are my favourite ways to find inspiration for road trip ideas. 

Here are some of my favourite road trips:

• South Tunisia Road Trip: Perfect 7-Day Itinerary
• 9 Perfect Days in Iceland: Ring Road Itinerary
• North Vietnam Travel Guide: 2-Week Itinerary
• London to Edinburgh Drive: 20+ Best Stops

South of France Road Trip: 1-Week Itinerary

2- the timescale.

Once you have chosen your destination and know where you want to go for a road trip, decide  how long you have , in other words, your timescale.

Would you like to road trip for a month, two weeks or a weekend? 

Again, anything is possible, but be flexible and realistic as it will depend on how many things you want to see and your budget – we will get to that in a bit. 

If you only have fixed dates, no worries: you can fit and adapt your road trip according to these dates.

3- The season

Now, decide  which time of the year  you will road trip.

If you know which dates you are travelling on, then choosing the season will not matter. 

But if you have decided on your timescale, you will have the opportunity to select the season in which you want to road trip. 

The season matters a lot, as each period of the year will bring out something different from your destination and impact your budget, accessibility and activity level. For example, consider bank holidays and festivals: these events will increase prices and attract more tourists. 

Of course, the seasons will also influence the weather – and it is necessary to do your research. For example, if you are travelling to Iceland, this is important as the weather in winter can be harsh and driving on icy roads is not easy – but possible with good preparation. 

4- The travel buddy 

Finally, last but not least,  with who are you travelling : are you travelling alone, with your family or a friend (or friends)? 

You will have to adapt and tailor your itinerary to your travel companion, as touring with a friend is not the same as touring with a child – they will have different needs for the activities they want to do. 

For the purpose of this brainstorming, it is good to know what your travel companion likes and dislikes and what they expect from this road trip. It would also be great to know their budget so you can adjust. 

Shop the printable road trip planner

Create your dream adventure & live an unforgettable green experience on the road.

Part II – Choose your road trip transport

Now that you know where you are going, for how long, in what season and with whom, you can finally start planning your road trip.

The first step is to decide which transport you will use. 

Reminders – choose your mode of transport based on your destination and the season and what is the most convenient way for you to get around.

The method of transport you choose to reach your destination will play a crucial role in the overall footprint of your holiday. Therefore, try to select the greenest form of transportation possible, such as public transport, bike or electric car. 

In addition, whatever you choose, use  EcoPassenger  to calculate the environmental effect of your journey. It will allow you to become aware of your impact and offset your carbon footprint when you return home. 

1- Your own car

If you plan your road trip not far from your home, you will have the opportunity to travel in your own car. It could be a great idea as it will reduce your (car rental) expenses and give you peace of mind as you already know your vehicle. 

Travelling by car has many benefits: you can move at your own pace, make as many spontaneous stops as you want, store as much as you want in the boot and decide on your schedule.

• Advantages: simplicity, money saver, flexibility
• Disadvantages: not eco-friendly, can breakdown

2- Caravan & motorhome

One of the road trippers’ favourite ways of travelling! 

Caravans and motorhomes are perfect for discovering a place at your own pace, providing you with comfort and stability throughout your road trip and allowing you to save money. It is an ideal way to travel as a solo adventurer or for families with children. 

For your road trip, you can venture out with your own caravan or motorhome or easily rent one at your destination. 

• Advantages: practical, comfortable, money saver
• Disadvantages: hard to manoeuver, not for every destination

3- Car rental

If you prefer to travel by car but can not bring your own, renting one is your next option, and you can do that at any airport or city – even in remote places. Car rental is great and convenient for a road trip but will add more expense to your budget (price per day + insurance). 

If you need to rent a car for your self-drive trip, I recommend using  rentalcar.com . From affordable to luxury, they make it easy to compare and offer a great selection of rental agents and different pick-up and drop-off options.

Eco-tips: choose the smallest vehicle possible, travel with friends or select an electric car.

• Advantages: accessibility, timer saver
• Disadvantages: more expensive, strict terms

4- Bike & motorbike

Yes, accomplishing a road trip by bike is possible and an incredible way to discover your destination! It will allow you to experience the place from another perspective and travel slowly. Plus, our planet will thank you! 

I know travelling by bike can be physical and not for everybody, but why not consider this option for a weekend getaway? 

Otherwise, road-tripping with a motorbike is another option. It will not be as physical and can be incredibly practicable in some destinations, such as Asia. However, remember that travelling that way is still more tiring than travelling by car.

• Advantages: slow travel, freedom, thrill
• Disadvantages: physical, tiring, less storage

5- Public transport

I know travelling by public transport is not technically road-tripping, but it can be a great way to move around whilst reducing impact. 

Yes, planning a road trip by bus and train is possible! It requires a bit of organisation – but what better way to save money and lower your carbon footprint? Plus, as for motorbikes, some destinations are easier to discover that way. 

For example, during my road trip through northern Vietnam , my friend and I only travelled by bus – and it was great! We rented a motorbike from time to time to discover the surroundings where we were staying, but we only moved around by bus as I could not imagine driving a car.

• Advantages: reduce carbon footprint, save money
• Disadvantages: more organisation needed, strict schedule

6- Group or private guide 

Finally, another way to road trip is by using a group or private guide. It is not my favourite, but it can be exceptionally convenient! You will not have to plan much – you can sit back and relax as someone takes you around and shows you the best spots. As a result, it will save you time and energy. 

On the other hand, if you travel with a group, you will lose a bit of freedom as you will not be able to stop where you want or do what you want each day. But you will meet new people and make friends along the way. 

• Advantages: convenience, time and energy saver
• Disadvantages: less freedom and flexibility

Part III – Research & plan your road trip route

The next step in planning your perfect road trip is to explore your possible stops and map your route. In that order, you will need to narrow it down and get a bit more specific.

Firstly,  write a list of all the places you want to stop and things you want to see and do  (on your computer, phone or paper). Put down everything that seems interesting or exciting to you. And again, take inspiration from Google, travel blogs, social media, magazines, books and more.

For now, do not look at what is possible or not: research and write it down. It can be places, restaurants, landmarks, activities or attractions – anything you want.

Then  plan where you might want to stay each night . Find the best locations and choose the type of accommodation best suited for you: camping, hotel, Airbnb, guesthouse, etc.

To go further in your research,  use Google maps . You can use filters to look for a specific activity or location and save it to your list. 

From there, I like to look at my notes and  gather what is nearby and possible to do in one day  (using colour codes) – or what makes the most sense to do together. 

Use Google Maps again and circle or rewrite each activity, attraction and place according to their location.

For example, if you are planning a road trip around Iceland, it would make sense to combine the three attractions of the Golden Circle or Skaftafell with Jökulsárlón. On the other hand, do not plan the Golden Circle with Húsavík on the same day.

Now, you have a better overview of your activities and things to do – and what might be possible! 

Part IV – Budget your road trip

One of the most challenging parts of planning a road trip is budgeting. 

Budgeting a road trip is not easy as it can be tricky to know how much you will spend – and how much to save. 

On the other hand, building a budget will help you better prepare, make a savings plan and record your expenses to stay within your goal. It is the ideal way to organise yourself and make the most of your time away whilst enjoying your holiday stress-free.

Here are a few ideas to help you: 

First, decide on an overall budget . How much would you like to spend on this road trip, or how much have you saved?

Once you have decided on a (rough) number, write down your main categories , such as transportation, accommodation, food & drink and activities, and break down your budget . (Add more categories, if needed, such as miscellaneous, eating out, etc)

Then break down each category even more .

For transportation, for example, write down the estimated cost of car rental, petrol, tolls and insurance. 

Yes, it is an estimate! 

It is hard to know beforehand how much things will cost, so write down the estimation and keep track of everything whilst travelling. How to do that? Just record your expenses on your phone, computer or paper.

Tip: to calculate the petrol, you can use online websites or do the math yourself: miles / miles per tank x cost per tank = fuel cost. (it will give you an estimate and not a precise amount!)

Another tip would be to set a daily budget for each category , so you can estimate what to spend each day and monitor with your expense tracker once on the road.

Part V – Create your road trip itinerary

Now that you have chosen your destination, decided on your transportation, done your research, planned the best things to do and created a budget, it is time to complete your itinerary!

1- Perfect your route 

With your research (part III) and your budget (part IV), perfect your stops and start drawing your route. 

In part III (Research and Plan), I advised you to group attractions and activities by location so you can do them in one day. From there, narrow down even more – and this step will depend on you! It will depend on what you can afford, what time you have and how much you want to see in one day (your energy and activity level). 

Highlight the activities, attractions or places you absolutely want to do and see, and fit the rest around them – if distance or time allows. 

For example, if you plan a trip around Iceland, select the main things you want to do, such as the Blue Lagoon, Golden Circle and Jökulsárlón. Then, look at other possible attractions around those places. 

In this stage, you will have to make sacrifices. You can not do everything in one day or on one road trip. You need to decide on your priorities and remember that you can return any other time.

2- Use Google Maps

To perfect your route, even more, head to Google Maps and create your itinerary . It will help you know how long you will need to travel between each stop, and you can map your entire road trip that way. 

You can also go to “My Maps” to personalise and save each of your itineraries.

Or, if you prefer, you can also print a map of the country you are visiting and draw your itinerary on it by hand. It is what I did on my first trip to Iceland. I used colour codes for each day – it was fun to do. 

3- Select your accommodation

Google Maps will also allow you to research where to sleep each night -but choose what works best for you! Either stay in the same area as your activities for the day (which I did in Vietnam ) or sleep somewhere halfway to the next day’s attractions (which I did in Iceland ).

Compare accommodations according to what you prefer (hotel, camping, guesthouse) and your budget . Use websites such as Booking.com , and if possible, select a place with flexible cancellation. 

4- Keep notes & record

In addition, keep notes on your computer or paper. For each day, write down the estimated budget, major stops (with time and distance between each) and where you plan to stay for the night. 

Part VI – Make bookings for your road trip 

The serious part is here: book your perfect adventure.

The booking order is up to you, but I would recommend: flight ⇢ transport ⇢ accommodation ⇢ activities.

If you start your road trip from your home, then great, you will not have to book any flight. 

But if your destination is further away, you might need to book a flight, and for that, I recommend using  Skyscanner  – my favourite platform to compare, find the best deals and book tickets (the only one I have used for the past seven years). 

How to get to your destination without harming our planet? 

That is a question I have asked myself a lot, considering how much I travel by plane. Whilst doing some research, I discovered (without surprise) that transportation pollution is a significant issue caused by tourism. Air pollution has steadily increased with the number of tourists travelling by planes each year, severely affecting local air quality and contributing to climate change. 

If you use a plane, take direct flights as much as possible to reduce your carbon footprint, as landing and take-off have the worst effect. You can also choose greener flights with  Skyscanner . It has an option that only displays flights with lower CO2 emissions. 

And if you can, prioritise reaching your destination by public transport, train or carpool . 

2- Transport

Now that you know when you will arrive and depart from your destination, it will be easier to book your mode of transportation, whether it is a rental car, motorbike or caravan. 

I recommend using  rentalcar.com . From affordable to luxury, they make it easy to compare and have a great selection of rental agents and different pick-up and drop-off options.

Eco-tips: choose the smallest vehicle possible, travel with friends or select an electric/hybrid car.

3- Accommodation

The following booking step is accommodation and where you will stay each night. I suggest using  Booking.com  and  Airbnb  to search, compare and reserve, and if possible, select a place with flexible cancellation – in case of emergency or if things do not go as planned. 

Also, try to stay with locals as much as possible. It will allow you to connect with people and learn more about the culture of your destination.

Prioritise eco-friendly accommodation . It is not always easy to determine whether a hotel has eco-conscious practices, but as guidance, read the hotel description, look for green certification or statement committing to sustainability, or search for places locally owned. You can also use  Bookdifferent  or  Ecobnb  to help you decide. And if possible, go camping!

4- Activities & attractions

Now that your road trip is taking shape, you can consider booking the activities and attractions you want to do on your itinerary. Reserve through their website and ask questions if you need. Also, pay attention to the opening and closing times. 

When travelling, being mindful of the activity you choose and the travel agent you select is very important for helping reduce impact. A sustainable tour operator offers travel products or services complying with high social and environmental standards. They focus on creating benefits for local communities, protecting the environment using conservation projects, and prioritising animal welfare. 

It is essential that you do your research before booking an activity or tour. Only get involved in activities that benefit the environment, locals and wildlife . Also, try using local guides and look for authentic experiences to ensure your money goes into the local economy. Most importantly, never participate in activities that do not seem right (like involving wildlife)! 

For more ecotourism activity ideas, check out this article:  Best Ecotourism Activities Around the World .

Part VII – Packing for your road trip

Woop Woop! You are now ready to go. After choosing your destination and booking your trip, what you pack is the next step in preparing for your road trip.

1- Essential road trip packing list

Each suitcase will look different to everyone, depending on where you are going and for how long, but here are some road trip essentials: 

• Phone and tablet (to listen to music or watch movies)
• Camera (to capture your incredible adventure)
• All chargers (indispensable)
• Passport, driving licence, and any necessary visas
• Credit card and cash (you will want to bring souvenirs)
• A map or GPS (so you do not get lost)
• Travel books and guides (to discover the best of your destination)
• Road trip snacks (a crucial item)
• A reusable water bottle (stay hydrated on the go)
• Notebook or travel diary (to record your thoughts)
• Glasses and sunglasses (to better see where you drive)
• Travel games (for fun)

IMPORTANT – do not let any significant belongings in your car! Take them with you as they can get stolen. 

Love reading on the road? Check out this article: 15 Travel Books to Inspire Your Next Eco-Adventure .

The best way to avoid waste and plastic when travelling is to arrive prepared. That is why considering what you bring with you is so important. Here are some clothing and gear ideas for your road trip:

• Sustainable backpack : It is hard to road trip without a good backpack . It is essential for any type of adventure, no matter the duration and level, and it will last forever if you choose the right one. Check out  Osprey  and  Lowe Alpine .
• Ethical clothing : What you wear will depend on the season and weather, but try selecting sustainable and eco-friendly clothing that respects the environment. Check out  Rab  and  North Face .
• Reusable food containers : Reusable containers are essential for packing your meals or snacks and reducing waste. Get a reusable meal kit, collapsible containers and bamboo cutleries to say goodbye to unwanted trash. Check out  Bambaw  and  Light My Fire .
• Filtered water bottle : Stay hydrated on the go with a water bottle that contains a purifier filter. It will provide healthy and clean water anywhere you hike whilst avoiding waste and single-use plastic. Check out  Grayl  and  Epic Water Filters .
• Portable solar charger : Having gear charged on your road trip is essential to capture your beautiful adventure and come home with unforgettable memories. However, it can sometimes be trouble when you are on the road. Check out  Goal Zero  and  Anker .

More ideas:

• Eco-friendly tote bags (reduce single-use plastic)
• Travel towels (reduce water usage)
• Reusable straws (reduce single-use plastic)
• Biodegradable shampoos (reduce toxic chemicals)
• Zero-waste sunscreens  (reduce single-use plastic & toxic chemicals)
• Solid toiletries (reduce water usage) 

Check out  this page  for more inspiration on eco-friendly products & gear.

Shop the editable travel packing list

Mistakes to avoid when planning a road trip

We all make mistakes, and that is how we learn! Here are some of the ones I have made along the way and my advice for avoiding them:

1- Over-planning and adding too much

One of the easiest mistakes to make when planning a road trip is adding too many things and not giving yourself enough time to do them all. 

Remember that road-tripping takes time and energy. Do not over-plan or you will quickly feel overwhelmed by the things to do and see. It starts with preparation, so give yourself free space when mapping your road trip.

2- Ignoring traffic and breaks

We easily forget this one! I know it’s hard to predict how busy the road will be during your trip, but try considering traffic jams and pauses. Do not think you can travel an 8-hour journey all in one go – break down your route and organise stopovers! 

Again, a road trip is tiring and driving that long can be exhausting – so be prepared, do not be hard on yourself and take your time. 

3- Thinking everything will go as planned

It could be! But that might not be the case – so keep an open mind and leave room for the unexpected. Anything can happen on a road trip: car breakdown, illness or injury, change of itinerary, accommodation cancellation and more. Be ready and open to adapting your plans, and be ok with missing things if necessary! 

Plus, the beauty of road-tripping is to wander and go off the beaten tracks, so leave space for exploration and adventure! 

Each country has its own busy period depending on the season and cultural events such as bank holidays, festivals and more. Therefore, do your research beforehand, as this will impact your road trip through prices and crowds. 

In addition, research the weather at your destination as much as possible. The weather can be extreme in some countries, so you do not want to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.  

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How to reduce your eco-impact on the road

Are you looking forward to your amazing road trip? I understand! Road trips are a fantastic way of travelling as they allow us to move freely and discover so many incredible places at our own pace. However, they can also have negative environmental impacts. That is why considering our carbon footprint and adopting  eco-responsible habits  is essential.

Here are some sustainable tips on making your road trip more eco-friendly and having a positive impact on the places you visit. 

PREPARE YOUR ROUTE

I know getting lost on a road trip can feel fun and exciting. But when trying to minimise your footprint, it is best to plan your route to avoid unnecessary travel. In addition, the shorter the distance you travel, the less fuel you will use and the less harmful emissions you will produce. Tip: Get offline maps to stay on track even if you lose signal. 

PLAN YOUR MEALS

Another great way to reduce your impact on the road is to plan your meals. Throughout your journey, try to find local restaurants or eco-friendly facilities. You can try the local cuisine or wander through local markets and buy fresh produce. 

MAKE YOUR TRIP PLASTIC-FREE

As you might know, plastic packaging is a significant environmental issue and causes concerns for wildlife and the preservation of natural landscapes. Therefore, avoid plastic as much as possible and bring reusable items instead. Choose  eco-friendly alternatives , like reusable tote bags, cutlery, plates, etc. Tip: you can also buy  filtered water bottles  to refill your water anywhere. 

CHECK YOUR CAR

Make sure your vehicle is in the best possible condition for the road: check the engine, oil level and tire pressure before your trip. In addition, use the available features in your car, like cruise control, to help you maintain your speed and reduce excess emissions. And even better, drive an electric vehicle if possible! (Or a bike for the most courageous).

LEAVE NO TRACE

Aim to leave a place better than you found it. For example, dispose of your litter appropriately and pick up any trash you encounter. Be respectful of the land and do not drive over protected areas. And finally, stay on the marked trails when hiking, as going off can be dangerous for flora and fauna. 

RESPECT WILDLIFE

Be mindful of your surroundings and adopt a responsible attitude towards wildlife, on land and in the sea. Do not come close to, feed or touch animals and corals. Remember that you are only a guest in their home.

Want more inspiration?

• Sustainable Travel Guide: What, Why & How
• 10 Best Zero-Waste & Reef-Safe Sunscreens
• Sustainable Beach Guide: 10 Easy Eco-Tips

Download your  FREE sustainable travel checklist  ↓

Best apps & websites for your road trip 

I have mentioned many different apps and software in this article, but I thought I would also put them in one place to make it easier for you. 

PLANNING + ON THE ROAD

• Roadtrippers (best road trip planner app)
• TripIt (best itinerary organisation app)
• Google Maps (an all-time favourite)
• Waze (get the best road and avoid traffic)
• GasBuddy (find the cheapest gas stations)
• Viamichelin (estimate the cost of your trip)
• iExit (let you know where to stop)
• Xe Converter (best currency calculator)
• Drivvo (finance manager for your vehicles)

ACCOMMODATION

• Booking.com (easily compare and book)
• Airbnb (find unique gems)
• Couchsurfing (stay with locals)
• Ecobnb (find a sustainable accommodation)
• Bookdifferent.com (stay in green hotels)

THINGS TO DO AND SEE

• Tripadvisor (get reviews and travel advice)
• FairTrip (find the best authentic & local places)
• GetYourGuide (access popular tours and attractions)
• Bikemap (explore over 9.3 million cycle paths)
• AllTrails (best hiking routes anywhere around you)

ENTERTAINMENT

• Spotify (for listening to music)
• Netflix (for watching series and movies)

BE MORE ECO-FRIENDLY 

• Klima (reduce your carbon footprint)
• Closca Water (find nearest water fountains or refill points)
• Ecosia (best eco-friendly search engine)
• HappyCow (find vegan and vegetarian restaurants)
• My Little Plastic Footprint (reduce your plastic footprint)
• Green Travel (make better eco-friendly travel decisions)
• Too Good to Go (rescue magic bags of surplus, unsold food)

Check out this article for more eco-travel apps: 10 Best Travel Apps for Exploring Sustainably .

How to plan a road trip – FAQ

Yes, the best free app for planning a road trip is RoadTrippers. The app allows you to plan your unforgettable adventure in one place, from the top local restaurants to the best places to visit.

Brainstorm, do your research, write down everything you want to do and see, gather your discoveries by location, head to Google Maps and start drawing your route with your multiple stops.

You should stop as much as you need! There are no rules – you decide. However, I would recommend breaking down your route as much as possible. Road trips are tiring, so plan enough stopovers to pause and recharge.

And you, how do you plan a road trip? What is your favourite destination? Let me know in the comments below!

With love ♡ Lucie

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How to Plan a Trip With Multiple Stops: Road trip tools and tips

Do you enjoy the freedom of traveling by car to get off the beaten track? Planning a road trip with multiple stops is an easy and fun way to explore the world! Here are the best free apps and tips for planning your trip.

Going on a long road trip and needing to break up the journey? Or maybe you're excited by the freedom of exploring by car rather than having your route dictated by train stations and bus stops. Planning a road trip with multiple stops can be great fun.

There are many free resources to help you plan your journey, such as these  top travel apps  and  essential packing lists . I'll share my top five picks for route planner apps in this article with you. I'll also share my top ten tips for ensuring your trip goes smoothly so you can make some great memories on the road.

Planning a Trip With Multiple Stops

You can plan a trip with a desired destination in mind and decide on multiple stops en route from your starting point. Search for exciting things to see along the way and add them to your route. Remember to also flag up service stations and plan pit stops for gas.

Of course, you don't always have to be at the wheel. You can make reservations at cafes and restaurants along the way for meals or coffee breaks. Or if you want to spend more time in a specific area, book accommodation in advance. This also gives you a few days off the road to relax so you can continue your journey feeling re-energized. 

When planning your route, estimate your driving time realistically, considering speed limits and traffic. Of course, traffic can always be unpredictable, and this is where route planner apps come in handy.

Route planner apps are more than just maps. They let you key in your desired destination and find the best route from A to B or A to B to C to Z in the case of multiple stops. Such apps often give you several options, such as the fastest routes or ones without tolls. 

5 Best Free Route Planner Apps

These are my top five apps for planning a trip with multiple stops. They all have desktop and app versions that sync with one another. So you can plan your trip on your computer at home, then implement it with your smartphone in the car. 

They all allow you to download your map to consult offline, which is vital if you lose connectivity. All their features help you minimize the time spent on driving and logistics. This way, you can maximize your time exploring your surroundings on a road trip with multiple stops!

5. Google Maps

Google Maps is the best-known route planner and the app most people will use to plan a trip. It redirects you to the best route if you miss a turning or spot something exciting you want to check out.  

Since it's powered by a great big search engine, it has abundant data to find where you want to go and points of interest. With a cell phone connection, you can use voice commands and go completely hands-free in your car. You can ask Google what road you're on or to divert you to the nearest McDonald's for a snack stop.

If you need help remembering where you parked your car, save your parking location on Google Maps before you wander off. You can then use your phone to navigate back to your vehicle later. If parking is timed, you can also have the app remind you when to move your car.

You can use the app to share your location with someone you trust if you're worried about safety in a particular area. With multiple stops, Street View mode can be helpful when you're struggling to match where you are on the map. The app will also track your journey, so you can go back and review it later.

4. MapQuest Route Planner

MapQuest has been around for more than 25 years and is trusted by many "old school" drivers who spend much time on the road. This deceptively simple application offers plenty of features for more complex route planning.

Say you prefer to make your own decisions on traffic routes and the best places to get gas. Rather than choosing for you, Mapquest can overlay data on your map, giving you all the information you need to plan your route.

If you let MapQuest do the work, it can help you find the fastest route or the one with the least tolls. You can also ask for route suggestions that will maximize your fuel efficiency.

MapQuest offers more detailed directions than many route planner apps. This is useful if you're driving in an area that you aren't familiar with. It can alert you to landmarks that will let you know if you're on track or have gone too far. You can even view real-time traffic cameras.

3. Waze Route Planner

Waze was bought by Google back in 2013, so how is it different from their flagship route planner tool?

Waze feels more personal and interactive as it uses real-time data from other users to inform you of road conditions. This also means you can get info that Google doesn't include, such as police stops. 

Waze can advise you on the best departure times based on current and past traffic data. The app also pulls up suggestions as needed, such as gas stations and parking. Essential information is available as shortcuts from the main navigation screen. 

If you want company on the road or need help with gas money, you can switch to carpool mode in Waze. The app will find other users who are heading in the same direction. This feature may come to your rescue if something happens and you find yourself stranded!

2. inRoute Planner

inRoute lets you plan a journey with up to 150 stops. You can organize your route manually or ask the app to optimize one for you. Once you've planned your trip, you can export it to navigation apps such as Google and Waze.

inRoute stands out among route planners and map apps because it offers live weather alerts while you're driving. This is helpful if you're nervous about driving in big storms or want to avoid getting caught on icy roads.

inRoute has a free version, but many features only kick in when you pay for the Pro version. Getting a temporary subscription can be worth it if you know you'll be driving around an area where the weather is a concern. inRoute planner is currently only available on iOS.

1. Roadtrippers

Roadtrippers is an app for adventurers rather than people who just want to get from A to B as quickly as possible. You can plan routes with up to 150 stops.

Once you have your primary locations, Roadtrippers will do most of the work for you and recommend exciting places along your route. These are curated by the app and often include reviews from other travelers. 

The app will also mark gas stations where you'll likely need them. It also estimates how much you'll spend on gas, which is extremely useful when budgeting your trip.

If you upgrade to the app's Pro version, you can get discount deals and additional features such as planning the best route for an RV. Read this full  Roadtrippers review  to decide if it's right for you.

10 Top Tips for Planning a Multi-Stop Road Trip

What else can you do to get as much enjoyment as possible out of your multi-stop road trip? As well as using a good route planner app to map out your journey, here are some of my top tips:

• Take your car for a check-up with your mechanic before you go. This way, you can avoid getting stuck on the side of the road due to something easily preventable.
• Pack a first aid kit for yourself and for your car. This should include a spare tire, a monkey wrench, and essential engine replacement parts. If your car breaks down, you can often find good Samaritans who will know how to get it running again. All you need is to have the right tools on hand.
• Join a roadside rescue plan active in the area you're traveling in case your car has a breakdown.
• Download essentials such as maps and playlists before you go. Even with good cell phone coverage, you'll likely encounter dead zones on the road and may have to pass a few hours without reception. Plus, this helps you save your data for more important things.
• Bring a paper map. Even if you download everything and bring a phone charger, there's no guarantee that you'll always have access to your online maps. Be prepared with a paper map in the hope you won't need it.
• Download a range of playlists, podcasts, and audiobooks to keep you entertained on the road.  Autio  is an app that delivers road trip stories based on your travel location. These make the time pass quicker and help you stay focused and awake longer while driving.
• Be realistic about how much time you plan to spend driving each day. Spending hours behind the wheel can be tiring, so plan enough rest stops in your itinerary. You should also provide ample buffer time for how long it'll take to get to each destination.
• Pack food and beverages if you need help finding good places to get a snack. A small cooler at the base of the front passenger seat can be a lifesaver. You can get creative with the finger foods you bring along on your journey.
• Plan accommodation along the way to have a safe place to pull over for the night. Avoid sleeping in your car overnight, as you're unlikely to wake up feeling refreshed and ready for another day on the road. But do pack a pillow in case you need a quick nap.
• Have a thorough itinerary, but leave space for flexibility. You never know what exciting things you might encounter on the road. Locals might tell you about nearby waterfalls and must-see museums you didn't find in your research. If you pack your schedule too tight, you won't have time for these treats. A little spontaneity is what road trips are all about.

Looking for more tips? Read this beginner's guide on  how to plan a driving trip stress-free .

Road Trip With Pilot

Planning a road trip with multiple stops is similar to planning any other type of trip. You just need to make a few more reservations along the way. You'll want to take advantage of travel apps to make sure you get everything essential for your trip. So start planning your multi-stop road trip with Pilot!

Disclosure : Pilot is supported by our community. We may earn a small commission fee with affiliate links on our website. All reviews and recommendations are independent and do not reflect the official view of Pilot.

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Stopping Point Calculator

Plan a road trip with stops.

Travelmath helps you figure out where to stop when planning a long road trip from one location to another. The best stopping point for an overnight hotel stay or a break from driving often depends on how far or how long you want to drive before pausing to rest. You can find the closest city to your stopping point to look for hotels, or explore other cities and towns along the route. Use this as a road trip planner when you're driving cross-country or mapping a route with multiple stops.

You can also calculate the halfway point between cities, the total driving distance or driving time , or get a budget for your next road trip.

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How-To Geek

How to plan a road trip with multiple destinations in google maps.

Map out multiple destinations in Google Maps on the web or in the app.

Quick Links

Add multiple stops using the website, add multiple stops using the mobile app.

Whether you're planning a day out on the town, or want to orchestrate the perfect road trip across the country, Google Maps allows you to add up to nine stops, excluding your starting point, when you make directions from both the website and the Maps app. Here's how you do it.

First, open up your browser and head on over to Google Maps.  Click the "Directions" button to the right of the search bar.

By default, Maps will use your device's location for the starting point. If you want this to be a different location, enter it now.

Next, enter the location of your first destination into the field provided, and then hit Enter. Alternatively, you can click any location on the map to get the same results.

Make sure you have either the driving or walking option selected, as Maps only lets you make multiple destinations with these two travel modes.

To add another destination, all you have to do is click either the "+" or the space below your first destination, and then start typing a new location. You can repeat this to add up to nine total stops. If you have more stops than is allowed, you may need to make another map from where you left off.

If at any point you decide you want to change up the order of your destinations, just drag any location up or down on the list using the circles on the left.

And once you've created your map in your web browser, you can click the "Send directions to your phone" link to send it to your mobile device by email or text message. Assuming you've got the Google Maps app installed, you can open it right up.

If you want to optimize your travel, you can also turn a multi-stop Google Maps trip into a round-trip .

Related: How to Find Public Restrooms Near You with Google Maps

You can use the Google Apps mobile app (free for iPhone , iPad , and  Android ) to create a map with multiple destinations in much the same way.

Related: How to Download Google Maps Data for Offline Navigation on Android or iPhone

Fire up the Google Maps app on your mobile device, and then tap the blue "Go" button on the bottom right of your screen.

By default, Maps uses your device's location for the starting point. If you want this to be a different location, enter it now.

Start typing in your first destination or tap a location on the map below to start your journey.

Next, open the menu (the three dots at the top right), and then tap the "Add Stop" command.

Enter the location of your next stop, or tap anywhere on the map to add the next destination.

To change the order of your destinations, just drag any of the locations up or down the list using the "Hamburger" (three stacked lines) on the left.

When you've added all the stops to your trip, go ahead and tap "Done" so you can start your journey.

Related: How to View and Delete Your Google Maps History on Android and iPhone

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Always wanted to travel across US but were not sure if you have enough time for that? Did you ever try to figure out how long it takes to drive from Yosemite to Yellowstone or from Lisbon to Rome?

Start clicking on the map. Choose your destination and have Furkot calculate how much time you need to get there. Set daily limits on the travel time so none of your sightseeing has to be done under moonlight — unless, of course, that's what you want.

Don't worry about putting stops in order. 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.

Furkot can help you with all your travel plans: a day trip, a weekend getaway, or a continent-crossing road trip. And driving is not the only option . You can also schedule motorcycle rides, biking excursions and walking tours with Furkot.

Read more …

It's not just about driving

It's also about all the things you do on the way. Leave your car parked for a couple of hours and hike one of the trails from the vast Everytrail collection.

Need some hints? Make sure to check interesting places described on Wikipedia . They are one click away from ending up on your road trip stop list.

If your car resembles ours you can't drive on water, but Furkot will route you to the closest dry land point for those spots that do require a boat ride. You can drive and dive with Furkot.

Are you after fresh powder? Or maybe shredding corduroy is your thing? Trees or bowls? Skis or snowboard? Regardless of the answer, you can use Furkot to find ski resorts — courtesy of Liftopia .

You can even plan meal stops and add gas stations to your itinerary. Not to mention biking paths, museums, monuments, climbing routes , national parks, scenic views — add as many as you want. Furkot will keep you on track. You just need to show up.

Campgrounds? Motels? Hotels? Staying with friends?

Whatever your lodging preference is — hotel, campground, apartment — Furkot will show you scores of accommodations on the map and will help you find the perfect place for every night of your trip.

Furkot makes it easy to decide which hotels offer the best combination of cost, amenities and convenient location. Whenever available, Furkot displays exactly what you are going to pay (including taxes and service fees). You are in charge of what they charge.

When you are ready to book, Furkot will take you directly to your favorite booking site and pre-fill the check-in and check-out dates so that you don't have to worry about reserving that hard found lodging on the wrong night.

Booking all hotels for your trip can be a daunting experience: multiple cities, multiple booking sites and many dates and details to mistype? Let Furkot help with that. We will take you through the whole process page by page and hotel by hotel. All you need to do is to keep pressing Next until you are Done .

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Hit the Road with Ease: 10 Helpful Road Trip Planning Apps

Posted: August 6, 2023 | Last updated: August 6, 2023

Road trips are “in” this year. Whether you need a travel packing list, the cheapest gas price, or a toilet finder, there’s “an app for that!” Using a road trip planner app is a convenient way to store all your essential travel plans all in one place. Below we’ll explore ten useful apps that can help you stay organized, budget, and find your way around.

1. Roadtrippers (Route Planning)

Roadtrippers is a robust road trip planner app with many useful features. Not only can you plan out your entire trip, but you can also use the app to navigate. The app allows you to mark your planned stops easily and suggests things for you to do along the way. You can estimate how much you’ll spend on gas, book hotels and tours, and get traffic updates. Roadtrippers Plus has even more features, allowing you to create itineraries and download pre-made trip guides.

2. PackPoint (Packing List)

A road trip packing list can help you keep track of your belongings before, during, and after travel. It’s the best way to ensure you haven’t forgotten anything essential. But rather than keep track of a paper checklist, why not use an app? PackPoint is a travel packing list app that allows you to create custom packing lists for free. You can categorize your list and even see what the weather is like at your destination. The premium version also allows you to link to your TripIt itinerary! 

3. TripIt (Itineraries)

TripIt is a mobile itinerary app that allows you to compile your road trip or travel plans all in one place. You can send your travel confirmation emails to the app, add things like photos and PDFs, email your itinerary to someone else, and even sync your trip to your calendar. TripIt Pro has additional features such as trip reminders, a rewards program tracker, “go now” reminders, and a host of flight-related tools. If you love itineraries, you’ll love this road trip planner app!

4. Waze (Traffic & Directions)

Waze is a GPS navigation and live traffic app that helps you get where you need to go. Not only does it help you get to your destination, but it allows users to input information such as road hazards, construction sites, and police sightings.

Another popular feature of the app is its rerouting tool. When the app notices traffic back up ahead, it will notify you of the situation and offer alternative routes. Waze has also added features such as a speedometer, a gas finder, a parking garage/lot finder, and it will even sync with your music and podcast apps.

5. Google Maps (Destination Finder)

Suppose you’re directionally changed, like me. Using Google Maps to get around a new city is a game changer. The app isn’t just for driving navigation and can be used when getting around on foot or by bike. And if your location history has been enabled, the app will even give you destination recommendations based on places you’ve previously visited. In addition, Google Maps will let you share your location and download maps offline if you know you’ll have spotty service.

6. GasBuddy (Best Gas Prices)

GasBuddy is a fuel savings app that uses your location to help you locate cheap gas. You can also sign up for a free Pay with GasBuddy card to save even more at the pump. Here’s how it works.

Once you receive the card in the mail, you will connect it to your bank account. Next, you’ll use the app to unlock deals. Then, when you are ready to fill up, you use your GasBuddy card instead of your debit card. When you do this, you’ll receive up to 25 cents off per gallon, and if you upgrade to their premium account, you can get up to 40 cents off per gallon. The GasBuddy card works at 95% of gas stations in the U.S.

Additionally, if you want to save even more on gas, you can participate in their Shop Your Way program. Use the app to shop for their retailers, and they will apply more gas discounts to your card.

7. Flush (Toilet Finder)

The Flush restroom finder app is genius! All you have to do is open the app, and it will display public restroom options near you. The app also tells you if the bathroom is handicap accessible, if there is a fee, and even lets you know if a key is required. And this app isn’t just for those in the U.S.; it helps you find toilets worldwide!

8. Trabee Pocket (Budget Tracker)

The Trabee Pocket app was designed specifically for tracking your spending while traveling. The app allows you to enter pre-trip costs, add on-the-go costs, categorize your purchases, and show you how much you’ve spent via a pie graph. And if you don’t want to hold on to your paper receipt, you can take photos and upload them to the app.

When your road trip is over, you can export your expense detail to a PDF or even a CSV file that you can open in Microsoft Excel. This simple-to-use expense tracker is great for budget-conscious road-trippers looking to watch their spending!

9. HotelTonight (Last-Minute Stays)

If you’re looking for last-minute hotel deals, HotelTonight is your app. Perfect for road trips, this app is ideal for those who decide, unplanned, that they want to stay the night in town before moving on to their next destination. So how does it work?

HotelTonight partners with hotels to help them fill up their unreserved rooms. In return, they can offer deep discounts to get those rooms filled. And although the app advertises last-minute accommodations, you can also book stays up to 100 days in advance. Be careful, though! Because these are great deals, you likely won’t get a refund for a cancellation or the ability to request a different type of room.

10. Guide Along (Audio Tours)

Guide Along , formerly known as GyPsy Guide, is a GPS-narrated audio tour app that will give you information about your current location. While driving or walking, the app will suggest local tips and tell you about all the things there are to do and see around you. It’s a personal tour guide at your fingertips! The app lets you download and play tours offline if you know you’ll have bad cell service in an area.

Final Thoughts

There are tons of road trip planner apps, so be sure to research and find the apps that best fit your needs. It’s always a good idea to test out your apps before your trip so you’re not fumbling around while driving. Enjoy your vacation, and be safe out there!

This article originally appeared on Wander With Alex . Photo Credit: [@scanrail/DepositPhotos]

More Articles From Wander With Alex

• How to Spot Vacation Rental Scams and How to Avoid Them
• Vacation Vibes: 13 Travel Tips for a Relaxing and Stress-Free Trip

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Forget rest stops. Plan your road trip around playgrounds.

When toddler meltdowns strike, google maps is your friend.

Welcome to The Upgrade, By The Way’s series on travel hacks and hot takes. See how to submit here.

I don’t know where my 3-year-old picked up the phrase. Maybe it’s innate to all kids who’ve been stuck in the car for more than 10 minutes: “Are we there yet?”

Unfortunately for all of us, the answer is almost always “No.” We won’t be there for many, many hours. That’s when a playground pit stop can save the day.

Over the past few years, my husband and I have driven round-trip between Washington, D.C., and Florida nine times to visit family, see friends, take vacation, work remotely and thaw out in the winter. Since we break the trips into manageable chunks for young kids and elderly dogs, that equals more than a month on the road.

We started building playground stops into the schedule once our daughter was almost a year and a half old and needed more mental and physical stimulation than exploring the front seat during rest stops. It’s become an essential part of long drives now, giving us — and most importantly, our energetic passenger — a light in the middle of the road trip tunnel. We can answer her “Are we there yet?” question by saying we’re 30 minutes from a playground, even if the final stop is a day and a half away.

In the early days, we just wanted convenient spots for diaper changes and toddling around, with maybe a baby swing as a bonus. Now that we have a new baby and a preschooler, we’re thrilled to find tall slides, big-kid swings, bridges and bathrooms — or at least space to set up a tiny portable toilet.

There have been deserted, tucked-away neighborhood parks where we ran into fellow travelers. And some have been bustling with locals, giving us a unique view into a city’s culture. The unicorn of stops would be near the highway with good takeout food nearby, a playground, a restroom and a dog park.

We’ve come to appreciate the train-themed Jefferson Park , perched on a hill in Richmond with a majestic view of the city and proximity to a great local coffee shop . James F. Holland Memorial Park in Palm Coast, Fla., clicked every box we had and then some. Our daughter’s playground adventures have included testing the little-kid swings in Savannah’s Forsyth Park, playing an oversized xylophone in Palm Coast, braving a mini rock-climbing wall in Richmond, rocking in a giant ladybug near Brunswick, Ga., and taking her scooter for a spin in Port St. John, Fla.

On a shorter trip — or in a playground-less wasteland — we’ve found that a rest stop lawn might substitute. If there are dandelions to be picked and scattered, it might even be preferred. On a recent gas-food-bathroom break between New York City and D.C., an empty Starbucks patio served a greater purpose. My husband and 3-year-old used it as an obstacle course so she could run around while I fed the baby in the car.

There are plenty of resources to help pick a playground: Tripadvisor recommendations , Reddit threads , parenting blogs and an app called Playground Buddy . When we set off in the mornings, I try to figure out how far we’ll get in three hours and scout a good spot there. But because children require more of a go-with-the-flow approach, I mostly operate in the moment.

So I fumble around Google Maps to find the nearest playground as the baby wakes up from a nap crying, and then the 3-year-old needs a bathroom break pronto. If I have time, I check reviews for reports of broken swings or dirty restrooms. Sometimes I manage to search for a Starbucks and gas station nearby so we can maximize the stop.

I’m sure there will be a day when we can power through the long drive as models of efficiency, stopping only for fuel and relief. But I’ll miss the playground detours and those little snapshots of my kids’ joy. We may not be “there” yet, but at least it’s somewhere fun.

More travel tips

Vacation planning: Start with a strategy to maximize days off by taking PTO around holidays. Experts recommend taking multiple short trips for peak happiness . Want to take an ambitious trip? Here are 12 destinations to try this year — without crowds.

Cheap flights: Follow our best advice for scoring low airfare , including setting flight price alerts and subscribing to deal newsletters. If you’re set on an expensive getaway, here’s a plan to save up without straining your credit limit.

Airport chaos: We’ve got advice for every scenario , from canceled flights to lost luggage . Stuck at the rental car counter? These tips can speed up the process. And following these 52 rules of flying should make the experience better for everyone.

Expert advice: Our By The Way Concierge solves readers’ dilemmas , including whether it’s okay to ditch a partner at security, or what happens if you get caught flying with weed . Submit your question here . Or you could look to the gurus: Lonely Planet and Rick Steves .

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Would like to plan a trip taking Amtrak from Seattle to San Diego along the coast. I'd also like to stop at the best stops to see Redwoods & Sequoia's if possible I'd like to do this around May 1st. Liketo get everything done in 5 days maybe 6. Any suggestions on type of train ticket to purchase? Thank you.

11 replies to this topic

I just drove along the route the Amtrak trains take. It is HOURS from Redwood National Park, and yet also nowhere near the giant sequoias.

Unfortunately, there's no way to transfer from the southbound Coast Starlight to the San Joaquins and get off in Hanford in time for the (twice daily) bus to Visalia. You would need to:

1. Get off the Coast Starlight at Martinez at 7:54 a.m.

2. Board the San Joaquins at Martinez at 8:25 a.m.

3. Get off the San Joaquins at FRESNO (not Hanford) at 11:49 a.m.

4. Hang out in downtown Fresno for a bit.

5. Take the V-Line bus from Courthouse Park at 2:45 p.m.

6. Get off at the Visalia Transit Center at 3:45 p.m.

7. Stay overnight in Visalia.

8. Take the 7:00 a.m. or 8:00 a.m. Sequoia Shuttle into the park.

And that assumes the Coast Starlight is on time... which, if it is, make sure to stop at a store and buy a lotto ticket.

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7 Free Travel Planning AI and ChatGPT Apps to Get an Instant Itinerary

These free travel planning apps use AI and machine learning to prepare a holiday itinerary for you in seconds.

Quick Links

• PLAN by ixigo
• Trip Planner AI
• Vacay Chatbot

Key Takeaways

• Layla, Wonderplan, and PLAN by ixigo are AI travel planning apps with customizable itineraries.
• iplan.ai offers detailed itineraries for popular tourist cities based on interests and budget.
• Curiosio plans road trips on all continents, while Trip Planner AI helps with activity selection and cost estimation.

You can tell a travel agent your preferred dates, the place you want to visit, and your budget, and expect a full itinerary of what to do there based on your preferences. But can AI do the same job?

These free travel planning apps use AI and machine-learning tools like ChatGPT to prepare an itinerary for you in a few seconds, and we took them for a spin.

Layla describes itself as an AI trip planner, meaning you can use it to decide your vacation destination, create itineraries, and find suitable hotels and flights.

If you are uncertain about your destination or would like suggestions, you can ask Layla for advice regarding your trip. Otherwise, enter your destination and ask Layla to create your itinerary. Within a few seconds, you'll get a detailed plan for your trip.

As Layla is a chatbot, you can enter a prompt to ask it to change your itinerary. For instance, ask it to focus more on outdoor activities or include local restaurants. If you're unsatisfied with the activities planned on any particular day, you can give instructions and ask Layla to regenerate that part only.

Once you've perfected your itinerary, you can share it with your friends via a URL or add it to your bucket list.

2. Wonderplan

Wonderplan is a wonderful AI tool for planning your trip. To create your itinerary, Wonderplan first asks you to enter your destination country and city, your budget, the number of days you'll be staying, and your interests.

It then creates a travel plan within a few minutes, displaying various places to visit, their descriptions, and the time usually spent at each location. Although Wonderplan doesn't show the trip map, it does provide a link to Google Maps for each place.

It also displays different types of accommodation available (like Airbnb, hotel, or hostel) and their respective costs. Similarly, there are details about transportation, food, and activities. This way, you can estimate the potential cost of your trip.

In addition to your itinerary, Wonderplan also shows essential information about the country you're visiting. These include the currency conversion rate, electricity plug type, languages spoken, weather, and popular conveyances.

3. PLAN by ixigo

PLAN by ixigo starts by asking you about your dream destination. Then, it provides an option to describe the type of experience you want to have. This is just like a ChatGPT prompt, so you can enter anything you wish.

For example, you can specify the duration of your stay, your interests, the kinds of activities you're looking for, whether you have a family with you, and so on.

But if you can't think of any prompts, PLAN by ixigo provides a few trip ideas, so you can always select those. PLAN by ixigo then shows a day-wise plan, showing what you can do in the morning, afternoon, and evening.

However, if the suggested itinerary doesn't sound appealing, you can again enter a prompt to edit it.

4. iplan.ai

While iplan.ai doesn't mention which AI or machine-learning algorithm it uses, the results are fantastic enough to gloss over that. The app works beautifully on phones to give you a full itinerary for any one city at a time, depending on how many days you have there.

The app first asks you to name the destination city. As far as we checked, iplan.ai works best for popular tourist cities, not offbeat or obscure travel. Next, note how many days you will be there, and then choose your free time each day—a cool step to ensure a better itinerary if you already have some plans, but not a whole days worth.

Tell iplan.ai if you're traveling solo, as a couple, with family, or with friends, and then choose your interest among topics like history, art and culture, nature, entertainment, shopping, food, sports, relaxing, etc. Finally, choose between an economy, normal, or luxury budget.

After a few minutes, iplan.ai gives you a day-wise itinerary for your trip. It's plotted on a map so you can see all the locations, and each point of interest has a brief description along with estimated travel time.

The app has both free and paid plans. With a paid account, you can share the trip plan with your friends and access it offline. Another limitation of iplan.ai is that you can't get an itinerary for a multi-city trip. For now, you'll need to make a plan for each city you're visiting, one at a time.

Download: iplan.ai for Android | iOS (Free, Paid)

5. Curiosio

The easiest last-minute travel plan is to get into a car and drive. Curiosio specializes in helping you plan an itinerary for a road trip to several major countries on all continents. It doesn't cover every single place, but the existing collection is impressive enough.

Curiosio uses its own AI engine, Ingeenee, which is trained on several crowdsourced travel-based resources, such as Wikivoyage, Wikipedia, Wikidata, Freebase, DBpedia, GeoNames, OSMNames, and OpenStreetMap. Through this dataset, it can chart an itinerary that meets your requirements across various parameters.

You can set options for a round trip or a one-way trip with starting and finishing points. If there are any places you want to visit on the way, add them in. Then set the number of travelers, dates of the journey, what vehicle you're using, total budget, and whether you want to visit places that spark curiosity or are obscure. The AI will usually give you multiple plans and routes for these options.

The itinerary includes a map of your route and a day-wise breakdown of where you'll be going and what you'll be seeing. Each point of interest is clickable to find more information about it. There are easy ways to share your itinerary with co-travelers, print it out, or even export it to Google Maps. Curiosio is one of the best road trip planners for your next adventure .

6. Trip Planner AI

Trip Planner AI plans a perfect trip to your dream destination. Begin creating your itinerary by entering the city you wish to visit and traveling dates. You can add multiple destinations here.

Then, select the kinds of activities you prefer, the number of people, and whether you're traveling with friends or family. Trip Planner AI asks you about your dietary preferences and budget.

As an optional step, you can specify the place where you'll be staying so that it creates an itinerary accordingly. If you haven't decided on your lodging yet, you can explore hotels suggested by Trip Planner AI.

Finally, Trip Planner AI generates a detailed itinerary, a map, and basic information about the city you're visiting. For each destination, it provides the details of the place, expected traveling time, and cost. Though it provides a complete plan for your trip, you can manually add or remove activities from your itinerary. You can also invite your friends to edit the itinerary and download it as a PDF.

7. Vacay Chatbot

Vacay Chatbot is not a dedicated itinerary maker but an AI chatbot that acts like your travel advisor. So, you can ask it to give travel recommendations, compare different destinations, and, of course, create an itinerary. If you've previously used AI chatbots like ChatGPT, you'll find this trip planner easy to use.

Just enter a prompt specifying your destination and trip details and ask Vacay Chatbot to create an itinerary. You can include details like your trip duration, budget, preferences, number of travelers, etc. The more details you provide, the better your itinerary will be.

One of the downsides of using Vacay Chatbot is that it doesn't provide a map for your trip. However, you can use these apps to plot your itinerary on a map .

All these travel planning AI apps urge you not to use the itinerary as-is and only treat it as a template or guide to begin planning your trip. This is because they currently have several limitations, like databases that aren't recently updated or require specific prompts from the user.

A real human travel agent will still give you a more customized itinerary, but it will cost you a few bucks. If you want a free base guide, more basic travel planning apps are a good starting point.

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MaritzCX moderates public reviews to ensure they contain content that meet Review guidelines, such as:

‣No Profanity or inappropriate defamatory remarks

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