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 have saved our road trips over the years.
Disclaimer 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.Looking For Something Specific In this post?
- Power Up During Your Road Trip
- Get Your Music In Order
- Research Games and Have Fun With Photography
- Choose Your Essential Snacks
- What’s In My Travel Tote? What Will Be In Your Bag?
- Take Advantage of Rest Stops and View Points
- Do Your Homework In Advance
- Maintain Your Vehicle
- Plan Ahead To Save Money
- Play Nice Throughout Your Road Trip
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, earbuds are awesome, but only if they are charged (in the case of the wireless versions). I use them to catch a catnap during dull stretches of the drive. That way, I am ready when my partner in crime needs a break from behind the wheel.
Fourth, have additional options for all of the above for the kids. The littles really suck the life out of devices, especially the youngest, who are not old enough to understand. When all else fails, have device timeouts for everyone! Why? It takes longer to charge anything while you scroll, stream, and map out your trip.
2. Tunes Make Or Break Long Stretches Along Your Road Trip
Music, podcasts, and audiobooks 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 features, with its monthly subscription, the option 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. Audiobooks 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 one with license plates. There are others, though. Recently, we looked for billboards and signs that could mean something different from the sign itself.
We also searched out attractions that would make for a super funny picture. Sometimes we even stopped to take that photo! You know, giant pink dinosaurs or ostrich farms, maybe an interesting mural painted on a silo.
Whatever it is that catches your eye, make it a fun moment and engage in an unexpected conversation. This water tower started a discussion about how much water cities versus farmers use.Here Is A List of Games To Get You Started
- Road Trip Scavenger Hunt
- Travel Bingo
- License Plate Creativity
- Funny Photography
- Best Photo of the Day
Take the Road-Trip Adventure a Little Further
If your young travelers enjoy games, maps, and discovering new places along the way, Lina and Logan offer another way to keep that curiosity going. I created a storybook and accompanying coloring book inspired by a road trip through Mexico, but at heart, it’s about the fun of being a young adventurer.
4. Snacks Are Essential!
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 from 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 temperature, 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 Cheez-Its. Why? Honestly, they have just enough salt to satisfy a craving but are simple enough not to send my stomach into fits. On top of that, Cheez-Its are tasty even if they get toasty in a warm car or a backpack. My husband isn’t a fan; he prefers pretzels and nut mixes.
As far as sweets go, perhaps a dark chocolate Kind Bar or a toasted coconut treat will whet the palate. 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. It settles my stomach and satisfies my evening sweet craving.
5. What’s In My Travel Tote?
- Chapstick, Eye Drops & Saline Nasal Spray
- Hand Lotion & Hand Sanitizer
- Kleenex, Q-Tips, Nail Clippers, Dental Floss
- Allergy Pills, Pain Reliever, Tums
- Peppermint Candy & Chewing Gum
- Cash, Credit Cards, AAA Card, Auto Insurance Card
- 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
6. Take Advantage of Rest Stops and View Points
One aspect of California road trips, in particular, is the abundance of rest stops and viewpoints. Over the years, California has upgraded and added places to stop that are safe and often in beautiful locations.
Today, rest stops are clean, with well-lit facilities. Viewpoints don’t usually have restrooms but do showcase local information about wildlife, geography, or historical details. Typically, the views will be spectacular! Link to a site that provides
On a road trip, if you build in a little extra time. There are opportunities to stretch out, take photos, and learn about the area at these points throughout California.
These images are from just one stop along the freeway in Santa Barbara. We took the opportunity to explore the 21 Missions of California on our way to Napa.
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 other sources. Firsthand accounts are the authentic path that sets you up for a potentially wonderful moment.
The blogging community is rich with information, personality and amazing photographic moments. Subscribing to bloggers can inspire your next trek. Two of my favorites are listed here. Both are absolutely terrific and based in California.
- California Through My Lens has an amazing map with an icon corresponding to every post. Beyond that, there are videos, tons of posts, and the writing is very down-to-earth, with mostly photos.
- A Side of Sweet is based in San Francisco and features a wide variety of posts. If you follow her on Instagram, you’ll immediately realize she is a foodie with an eye for color in her photography.
Josh McNair, CaliforniaThroughMyLens.com
8. Your Vehicle Is the Most Important Item to Maintain Before Your Next Road Trip
Pack for the Unexpected: Safety Essentials & An Emergency Roadside Kit
- Flashlights or Headlamps
- Auto Emergency Kit
- Jumper Cables & Jump Start Kit
- Spare Tire & Tire Changing Supplies
- Spare Gas Can
- Wet Wipes & Toilet Paper
- Extra Garbage Bags & Ziploc Bags
- First Aid Kit
- Beach Towels / Turkish Towels
- Extra Water for Humans & the Vehicle
- For Especially Hot Destination: Extra Auto Fluids
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 firsthand knowledge of the area. They 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
Finally, remember the joy of a road trip stems from experiences that delight or are unexpected.
Apart from all the preparations, try to live in the moment on the road. Dwelling on what can go wrong almost ensures an anxiety-producing trip. To be sure, we all have memories of disasters on our way somewhere. In hindsight, those moments become the funny stories we tell long after the trip is over!
It may seem very 1950-like but really our kids remember having to pour through maps, loved eating the cool snacks all week long, even throwing up on the side of a particularly windy road.
