Although packing for a road trip seems easier than worrying about the airline’s weight and size restrictions, it can be very difficult.
It’s easy to pack too much and have to carry heavy luggage to every stop.
To make your road trip enjoyable and stress-free, I have shared my top tips.
1. CHOOSE ANCHOR POINTS ACROSS THE WAY
The most stressful part of a road trip is the fact that you have to move from one place to another every night. It can get really tiring to pack up every morning and live out of a suitcase.
I prefer to choose a few anchor points along the route, where I can spend 2-3 days before I move on to my next destination.
I can relax, enjoy my accommodation, and get to know the area better.
2. DO NOT OVER-PLAN
It’s tempting to pack too many things into a vacation, especially for a road trip, since most travelers have limited packing time.
This can lead to stress, especially for those who feel like they have no time to relax and are on a tight schedule.
Pick a few activities that you are most interested in doing each day and leave the rest of the day open to explore on your own.
I said ‘most’. Not all activities are worth it. Don’t let your vacation exhaust you! It’s pointless then.
3. DO YOU HAVE A PLAN?
Although you don’t want your life to be complicated, it is important that you do your research thoroughly and still have a plan.
Depending on the destination you choose, you might find that a small town is full of local festivals.
You might also find that the museum you want to see is closed Mondays.
A solid plan allows you to map your road trip without having to commit every hour of your trip.
4. CHOOSE YOUR ROAD PARTNERS CAREFULLY
Road trips alone are great fun but trips with good friends are better.
It’s a good idea to get acquainted with your travel style before you go. You’ll be traveling with your partner almost every day on a road trip. It’s best to get along.
You should have the same goals for your road trip.
Do you want to spend your time in the city shopping and eating out or will you be spending most of your time outside?
5. CONSIDER RENTING A CAMPER
Do you want to make your road trip more enjoyable? Renting a camper van for your next trip is a great option.
You have many options for renting a camper, so you could take your accommodation with you on the road.
You won’t need to unpack every night.
6. STAY ORGANIZED
It doesn’t matter if you camp in a hotel or a caravan, it is important to be organized while on the road.
It can be frustrating to search through your trunk for jackets or snacks. This is especially true if you have to pack and unpack every night.
Victorinox’s Werks Traveler 6.0 Toiletry kit is the ideal travel accessory. It is easy to clean and has plenty of pockets and pouches for all your travel toiletries.
7. CHOOSE THE RIGHT LUGGAGE
You need the right luggage for long road trips. You don’t have to pack everything you think you will need, but you will not eventually use.
It is important to plan your trip based on where you will be stopping and what you can expect. A good travel bag should be capable of carrying all your belongings.
You need the bag to be strong enough to withstand constant pushing and dragging.
8. BRING A COMFORTABLE DAYPACK
A lightweight daypack is something I love to bring along for any spontaneous hikes.
Because it is lightweight and thin, the Altmont Lightweight Expandable Backpack makes a great road trip backpack.
You can also pack it easily with the rest of your luggage so that you don’t have to carry it around with you. This bag is perfect for shopping trips!
