Plan a route you will enjoy driving
Every road trip planner starts with the map, and the most common mistake is asking too much of each day. Mapping apps give driving time without stops; add time for fuel, food, restrooms (toilets), photos and traffic, and a three-hour drive easily becomes four or five.
- Decide where you sleep first, then fill in the driving between those points.
- Mix long and short days. After a big driving day, plan a day that stays put.
- Avoid driving into the evening in unfamiliar areas, especially on rural roads.
- Book accommodation ahead for weekends, holidays and popular areas.
- Note where fuel is scarce. In remote areas, fill up whenever you see a station and the tank is half empty.
Pick a loop or a one-way route
A loop brings you back to where you started, which keeps car rental simple and lets you change the order as you go. A one-way route covers more new ground but can carry a drop-off fee from rental companies, so compare the cost before you book. Either way, list a few optional detours you can add or skip depending on time and weather.
For national parks and remote areas, check seasonal road closures and whether you need a park pass or timed entry before you set off. Mobile signal can disappear for hours, so download offline maps for the whole route.
A road trip planner with stops
A road trip is really a list of stops: the towns you sleep in, plus the viewpoints, diners and short walks between them. Write them down day by day before you book anything, with the driving time between each pair, and the days that are too long show up straight away.
If you would rather use a road trip planner app, Wayfold lets one trip cover several destinations across your dates. Each day is a timeline of stops with a map, numbered in order, and the driving time and distance between them. The route planner reorders a day’s stops to cut travel time, and the day opens in Google Maps or Apple Maps with one tap. The app is coming soon to iPhone and Android.
Check the car before you go
A week before you leave, give your car a once-over, or book it in for a service if it is due. If you are renting, check the car at pick-up and photograph any existing damage.
- Tires (tyres): pressure, tread and the spare, plus the jack and wrench.
- Fluids: oil, coolant, brake fluid and windshield (windscreen) washer.
- Lights: headlights, brake lights and turn signals (indicators).
- Wipers: replace them if they streak.
- Battery: look for corrosion on the terminals; older batteries can fail on long trips.
- Paperwork: registration, insurance and breakdown cover details in the car.
Driving abroad? Some countries ask for an International Driving Permit or require specific safety kit in the car. Rules differ by country, so check the official source before you travel.
The road trip car kit
Keep this kit in the car for the whole trip. Most of it lives in one box or bag in the trunk (boot), with the everyday items within reach of the front seats.
| Kit | What to include | Where it goes |
|---|---|---|
| Safety | First aid kit, flashlight (torch), reflective vest, warning triangle | Trunk (boot), easy to reach |
| Car | Jumper cables (jump leads), tire (tyre) inflator or gauge, spare fuses | Trunk (boot) |
| Navigation | Car phone charger & mount, offline maps, a paper map as backup | Front of the car |
| Food | Cooler (cool box) & snacks, water, reusable cups | Back seat or trunk (boot) |
| Comfort | Sunglasses, travel pillow, blanket, tissues, wet wipes | Within reach |
| Cleaning | Trash (rubbish) bags, paper towels, hand sanitizer (sanitiser) | Door pockets |
| Health | Motion sickness tablets, pain relief, any prescriptions | Front of the car |
| Documents | License (licence), insurance, car rental confirmation, breakdown cover | Glove box or bag |
What to pack for the people
A car gives you more room than a suitcase, but it fills faster than you think. Pack for the destination and keep a separate bag for the road.
The overnight bag
On a multi-stop trip, pack one small bag with everything for a single night: sleepwear, toiletries, chargers, medication and the next day’s clothes. Then only that bag comes into each hotel, and the main cases stay in the car.
The road bag
- Snacks and drinks for everyone
- Light layer or sweater (jumper), as car temperatures vary
- Comfortable shoes for stops and short walks
- Entertainment: downloaded playlists, podcasts and audiobooks
- Something for children to do, plus their comfort items
- Sunscreen (sun cream) and a sun hat for stops
Our road trip packing list has the full checklist by category, and if you are heading to the outdoors, see the national parks and hiking list.
Food, breaks and budget
Packing a cooler (cool box) saves money and means you can eat when you are hungry rather than when the next town arrives. Bring a mix of fresh food for the first day and long-lasting snacks for the rest.
- Stop every two hours or so to stretch, even when nobody asks.
- Plan meal stops near something worth seeing, so a break doubles as a sight.
- Keep some cash for tolls, parking and small rural cafés, as not all of them take cards.
- Track fuel and food costs as you go; on group trips, split them fairly as you travel.
Fuel, tolls and parking add up. Wayfold’s budget and split tracks spending by category and shows who owes whom on shared trips.
Driving day routine
- Check the weather and road conditions for the day’s route.
- Fill up the tank before you leave town, not when the light comes on.
- Set navigation before you start the engine.
- Share the driving if you can, and swap at every long stop.
- Stop when you feel tired. Rest, coffee or a short nap beats pushing on.
- Arrive with daylight to spare, especially at a new place.
Driving with children or pets? Plan stops around their needs rather than the map, and keep water, snacks and a leash (lead) close to hand. Our packing list for kids covers car seats and what to keep within reach.
At the end of each day
Take ten minutes before bed to set up the next day: check the route and the weather, refill water bottles, restock the snack bag, empty the trash (rubbish) from the car and plug in every charger. Mornings go faster when nobody is hunting for keys or a phone cable.
Frequently asked questions
How do I plan a road trip?
Choose where you will sleep each night, then plan realistic driving days with time for stops. Check the car, pack a car kit, book accommodation for busy dates, and download offline maps.
What should I keep in my car for a road trip?
A first aid kit, flashlight (torch), jumper cables (jump leads), a tire (tyre) inflator or gauge, a phone charger and mount, water, snacks, trash (rubbish) bags and your documents.
How many hours should you drive a day on a road trip?
Plan for driving days you would enjoy, not the maximum you could manage. Add time for fuel, meals and breaks, and stop every two hours or so.
Do I need an International Driving Permit?
It depends on your license (licence) and the country you are driving in. Check the official source before you travel, and ask your rental company too.