Going on a Road Trip is a mode of travel full of surprises and adventures. But so that your dream of escape does not turn into a nightmare, good organization is essential… Here is our advice in 7 steps!
Organizing a road trip (whether it takes place in France or abroad) cannot be improvised. This is planned weeks, even months in advance…
Because yes, preparing your trip well in advance will allow you, once there, to free yourself from constraints, and to make the most of the surprises offered by the trip!
So together, let’s list the 7 stages that will make your road trip a beautiful, unforgettable adventure … Also, if you wish, find the complete infographic that inspired this article here . The site that hosts this very nice infographic (and who is also the author) talks more generally about personal development, but their article on the road-trip, and the feeling of freedom that this type of travel gives us seemed interesting!
Bonus tip: leave room for improvisation during your trip!
#1: Define precisely your desires
Before even planning your road trip, ask yourself what you like, what you want to discover , and what this trip means to you.
For example: are you a fan of wide open spaces? Do you like being alone? Do you like sports ? Are you more of a contemplative? Answering these few questions will probably help you better define what you expect from your road trip… On the destination as well as with regard to the organization .
#2: Budget your road trip
Financially, a road trip is not inaccessible . In comparison, it’s even much cheaper than a week’s skiing…
However, it is still very important to calculate your budget well . Among the main expenses: transport (car, motorhome + gasoline), meals , places to rest , leisure , etc. And of course, all this also depends on the number of people taking part in the road trip… it is obvious that a rental car does not have the same impact if you are going alone or if you are 4 friends!
A fun and very useful tool, there are even a few sites on the internet that offer simulators to calculate the budget for your road trip without too much difficulty. Among these sites, our favorite is this one:
#3: Choose your means of transport
Getting around is the basis of the road trip, so it is essential to choose your means of transport carefully. Depending on the length of stay , from a few days to several months or even several years, the most suitable way of getting around will not necessarily be the same.
The car often comes first when moving over long distances, but it is not the only way to travel. If you like to exert yourself and you are rather sporty, why not aim to travel the world on foot or by bike ? There will be many advantages: greater proximity to local populations and to nature. If it is not possible to cover as many kilometers as with a car, your “carbon impact” will be impeccable and nothing will sometimes prevent you from taking a little leap… by train!
Of course, the car remains the most popular means for a road trip. But you will have to choose the right model: the sedan (if the roads are of good quality and you do not want to give up your comfort), the 4X4 (for more hectic circuits), the motorhome and the van to avoid the hotel box (you will save money!). And motorcycle enthusiasts can of course ride their most faithful steed.
Whatever the means of transport used, the associated budget obviously remains an important question. It will not be the same depending on the countries visited. For example, in the United States choosing the car is obvious : petrol is inexpensive to refuel and car rental prices are affordable.
#4: Plan your trip in detail
The most beautiful memories of travel are often associated with the unexpected… but it is also to these unforeseen events that we owe the worst memories! While it’s important to leave plenty of room for adventure , a little planning can’t hurt. Thus, it is strongly recommended to have a precise description of your journey and the stops you want to make before leaving! You will thus be sure not to miss anything of what there is to see or do in the places you visit.
Thinking about his departure is also thinking about his return . Because at least to change the project along the way, it will be necessary to return one day! Neither early nor late! This makes it easier to predict the number of kilometers to be covered per day before departure. I also advise to alternate the days when you ride and the cooler days when you walk around, visit! The road absolutely must not become a burden.
Do not hesitate to do some research: there are many tourist guides in bookstores or libraries, and the net is full of blogs from travelers who have experienced road-trips , you can ask questions on the forums, have a a taste of your future discoveries by following Instagrammers/travellers (but beware of the crowds in places that are too photographed or seen too much on the networks).