Top 10 Simple Summer Road Trip Adventure Tips

Each and every road trip presents challenges for even the most experienced travelers. We compiled the top ten tips that saved our road trips over the years.

The businesses, products and events highlighted are in no way a “Best Of…” list. They are simply places, activities or items our Savvy Cali Girl contributors have deemed worthy of a shout out. All images are the property of the Savvy Cali Girl Blog unless other attributions are specifically noted.

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1. Power Up During Your Road Trip

Okay, if you’re going to navigate with a smartphone, stream music instead of putting up with radio static, and take all of your photos all with the same device your better have multiple power-up options.

Since my husband and I share turns streaming the music or directions, we use a variety of devices to stay powered up. First, a cigarette lighter plug in for a USB is super helpful, especially when there is only a single USB power outlet in many vehicles.

Second, have at least one or two portable power sources. They are really helpful if you’re on the go all day and won’t have the chance to recharge a device.

Third, ear buds are awesome but only if they are charged (in the case of the wireless versions). I use them to catch a cat nap during dull stretches of the drive so I can be ready when my partner in crime needs a break from behind the wheel.

Fourth, have additional options of all the above for the kids. They really suck the life out of devices, especially the youngest which are not old enough to understand. When all else fails, have device timeouts for everyone! Why? It’s takes longer to charge up anything while you scroll, stream and map out your trip.

2. Tunes Make Or Break Long Stretches Along Your Road Trip

Music, podcasts, and audio books break up the stretches of less interesting highways and roads. Truly, the radio scene is sketchy at best these days and more often than not, it is simply nonexistent.

My husband and I have very different tastes in music but usually we agree that classic rock playlists work well for us as a team. When the kids were younger, we really rocked the classics so they had our musical culture firmly embedded in their environmental genetics. It included everything from James Taylor to the Beastie Boys, the Beatles and Pinback.

These days, iTunes has a nice feature with their monthly subscription to download songs or albums so you can rock out even without a signal. Most music subscriptions have this option now but make sure to plan ahead. Create playlists of downloaded songs and include moods with mellow, upbeat, or non-lyric lists. The audible books and podcasts are also a nice alternative to actual music.

3. Games and Photography Are Great Conversation Starters

Let’s be honest, every road trip hits that “ughh” moment. You’re done with the music and a monotonous landscape stretches out before you. What do you do to fill the time so your driver doesn’t fade off at the wheel?

Never underestimate a good road trip game like the classic with license plates. There are others though. Recently we looked for billboards and signs that could mean something different from the sign itself.

4. Snacks Are Essential!

So whether you have dietary restrictions, have a picky eater in the crew, or just want to indulge in fun alternatives, snack choice is absolutely essential.

My list of snacks will differ than yours for sure but consider whether you’ll bring along a cooler or just roll the dice. Usually, our small travel size cooler is perfect for road trips that don’t involve camping. It keeps our water or fruit at the right temp which is important if you want to avoid unhealthy truck stop or fast food options. I love to eat fresh cantaloupe throughout the day, cut up in a container.

My old school favorite cracker is cheese-its. Why? Honestly, they have just enough salt to satisfy a craving but simple enough not to send my stomach into fits. On top of that, they are tasty even if they get toasty in a warm car or a backpack. My husband isn’t a fan and instead prefers pretzels and nut mixes.

As far as sweets go, perhaps a dark chocolate Kind Bar or a toasted coconut treat will whet the palette. Peppermint melts are great since they also wake you up!

Another key option to have at my fingertips is a 7-Up. Typically, I sip it at the end of a long day, especially if fast food was on the menu during the course of my day.

5. What’s In My Travel Tote?

• Cash, Credit Cards, AAA Card, Auto Insurance Card
• Medical Insurance Cards for Everyone
• Spare Car Keys (Gof forbid you lock your keys in your trunk or lose them altogether!)
• Scarf, Hat, Sunglasses

7. Do Your Homework Before The Road Trip

One thing I do on a continual basis is note places I want to check out. Whether it is great eateries or cute boutiques, fantastic photography spots or neat places to stay, I make a note of them in some way. I keep Trello cards or make lists on my iPhone initially.

I have quite a few sources for all the trips I am planning including recommendations from friends and family. Pinterest and Instagram are another source. First hand accounts are the authentic path that set you up for a potentially wonderful moment.

A Side of Sweet Blog

8. Your Vehicle Is the Most Important Item to Maintain Before Your Next Road Trip

What To Check Before You Go

• • Oil Change
  • Battery Check
  • Windshield Wipers
  • Fluids like water, antifreeze, extra transmission fluid, wiper washer fluid, brake fluid
  • Thoroughly Inspect the Tires

9. Save Money By Planning Ahead

Let’s Talk Data

Do you have unlimited data? Consider your data limits since streaming music, checking Google Maps, reviewing eateries or hotels via apps, even playing games suck the life from your data.

You can download quite a lot in advance of a trip or
make use of free wi fi along your route to conserve data. If you have a limited plan, maybe your carrier has an add-on for one billing cycle? If you’re due for a new plan or phone, consider an unlimited plan.

Fuel Is Expensive!

One thing we do regularly is check out where the Costco locations are along our route. It really helps cut down on the cost of fuel. In many cases, Costco is cheaper than other options. In addition, they are usually in areas with tons of good food options.

There are gas apps as well that let you know not only the locations but the prices as well. I am a big fan of using tech to save my hard earned money. On top of that, in remote areas fuel can be extra pricey and your ability to shop around is limited.

Use What You’ve Got

Don’t spend money on super pricey items on the road that you have at home already. This why I include a section on what I pack into my tote. Items like antacids don’t have to be an expensive emergency stop at a convenience store.

10. Be Smart and Play Nice Throughout Your Road Trip

Don’t be “that guy” while on your trip!

Make sure you do not stop in places you shouldn’t for a photo. Please do NOT trespass or venture into areas clearly marked with signage that says stay out.

Pay attention to the road or just stop while you figure out where you are going. Swerving all over while eyeballing a map on a phone is dangerous and reckless.

Be polite to the people you meet. Simply saying thank you and smiling to staff at eateries or convenience stores along the highway goes a long way! These locals have great first hand knowledge of the area. The have the power to allow you to use “employee only” restrooms or just add a cookie or bag of chips to your order, maybe even a little discount on a cool T-Shirt you might not otherwise be able to afford.

The Road Trip, The Classic Americana Experience

Dziana Hasanbekava Image via Pexels