Itching to hit the road and explore the country? It's not difficult to see why.
There are over 4 million miles of roads in the U.S. to explore. From mountains and flatlands to beaches and deserts, the U.S.A has a destination to satisfy the wanderlust of any traveler.
With so many spots to choose from, why pick just one? If you're willing to spend the time behind the wheel, you can have a real adventure that tops any basic vacation plan.
Picture yourself on a coast-to-coast road trip. The freedom of being on the road is an unforgettable experience for any traveler. If you're looking to fully experience everything this country has to offer, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better way to do it.
Before you hit the road, though, you'll need a plan. If you're not sure where to start, you've come to the right place. Read on for our guide on planning a coast-to-coast road trip.
Planning Your Coast-to-Coast Road Trip
If you want to make the most of your coast-to-coast road trip, don't hit the road without a plan. If you know where you're going, then you'll waste a lot less time in travel limbo.
For starters, think about your must-see travel destinations within the United States. Then, connect the dots and think about other destinations you'll pass through. A detailed map is extremely helpful for visualizing your trip, or you can use the official U.S. Trip Planner.
As an example, let's you want to see Minneapolis, Portland, and Northern California. You'll be passing through South Dakota, so why not see Mount Rushmore on the way? Or, you could stop for a few nights and enjoy the wilderness at Yellowstone National Park.
While you're coming up with your plan, be sure to factor in driving time estimates and where you'd like to stop for breaks. It's best to have a loose idea of where you'll be on any given night. That way, you'll be able to stay on track and get the most out of your time on the road.
There are no rules for planning a coast-to-coast road trip: you can go wherever you like! Just be sure you're planning it out accordingly to ensure lodging and other arrangements that might require reservations.
Preparing to Navigate
An important thing to remember when planning a coast-to-coast road trip is this: don't rely completely on your GPS to get around.
You'll come to find out that even the best cellphone and data networks won't work everywhere, so you don't want to be stuck without a backup plan when your GPS stops working.
Road atlases are your best friend for this occasion. Before you go out on your road trip across the U.S., head to your nearest newsstand or drugstore and pick up an updated road atlas to stash in your vehicle. If you have trouble with cardinal directions, a compass can be a big help, too.
Choosing a Vehicle
Your vehicle is a big part of your coast-to-coast road trip, so you'll need to be sure it's ready for the drive. Be aware that this will be hard on the vehicle, so an older car with a lot of mileage might end up failing you before you can finish the trip.
You can still work with what you've got, though. Obviously, a larger hatchback-style vehicle will be more practical than a small sedan, but don't feel like you should buy a new car for the trip. As long as you keep up with maintenance, you should be okay on the road.
If you're looking for more of a "home on wheels," you can check out https://www.leisurelandrvcenter.com/ and get an RV of your own. These are a larger investment upfront, but could be well worth it if you're planning on being on the road a lot.
Where to Stay When You're On the Road
While you're planning a coast-to-coast road trip, one of the things you'll need to think about is where you'll be staying. Depending on your budget and your needs, there are quite a few options out there. In many cases, you'll need to book beforehand, so it's best to plan out where you'll stay as early as possible.
Hotels
If you've got the budget for it, hotels offer the most comfort when you're on a cross-country road trip. As an added bonus, you'll usually be able to pull in right off the highway to grab a room without booking beforehand.
Airbnb
Airbnb offers a lot of low-cost lodging options, but you'll need to book in advance in order to get the best spots. You'll be able to choose whether you want a whole space to yourself or just a room rental in the host's home. Depending on the hosts in your area, you might be able to find some great budget-friendly lodging options.
Hostels
Hostels are a great option for solo travelers who don't want to spend the night without a roof, but also don't want to deal with the huge expense of lodging in a hotel. There are hostels in most major cities across the U.S., and many of them go for around $30/night for a shared room. Again, you'll need to book many of them in advance, so plan accordingly.
If you choose a hostel, be prepared to share a room with other travelers. Many hostels sleep 6-10 people on bunk beds in a single room. Typically, though, you'll have a place to lock up your personal belongings while you're out.
Don't let the thought of sharing a room with strangers hold you back: hostels can be a great networking opportunity to meet fellow solo travelers. Many will offer outings and common areas where you can relax and meet new people. As for the room sharing, you'll find that most people you encounter will be quiet and respectful, so it's not as bad as you might think.
Camping
Camping is a great lodging option for the outdoorsy types who are planning a coast-to-coast road trip. If this is your plan, you'll need to do research beforehand to find camping spots. There are tons of free campgrounds or some that might let you stay for around $10-20 per night.
Once again, you might need to secure reservations beforehand, so be sure to plan your camping spots out before you leave.
Sleeping in Your Vehicle
This isn't the safest or most comfortable option, but if you're really on a budget, sleeping in your car can save you a lot. If you do this, just be sure to find a safe place to park, such as a well-lit rest area off the highway.
Setting Your Budget
One of the beautiful things about planning a coast-to-coast road trip is that you can make your own rules. This includes deciding what is (or isn't) important enough to budget for.
For example, what are your lodging needs and wants? If you desire a warm bed and a roof, then you'll have to allocate your budget for hotel stays, Airbnbs, and the like. However, if you're okay with sacrificing a few luxuries, then you can bring a tent for camping or even sleep in your vehicle (provided the area is safe).
Another thing you'll need to think about is how (and where) you'll be eating. The cost of eating out for all your meals will quickly add up and eat into your budget. You can save quite a bit of money by eating small, healthy meals on the road rather than shelling out for a restaurant every time you need to eat.
One more thing to factor into your budget is car repairs, gas, and routine maintenance. If you're taking a road trip across the U.S., you should anticipate having car troubles at least once. Be sure to set aside at least $1,000 or more in case your vehicle ends up needing repair.
Saving Money While Traveling
Unless money is no object, it's wise to save wherever you can. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to do this, but you'll have to make a conscious effort while you're traveling in order to take advantage of them.
Here are a few tips for saving money while you're on your USA road trip:
Eat small, healthy, and protein-rich meals rather than going out to eat (e.g. a banana and a granola bar, a protein shake, apples with peanut butter, etc.)
Look for free attractions and sightseeing opportunities at your stops: you'll be amazed by what you can enjoy, free of charge
Save money on lodging by spending nights camping or staying a hostel (be sure to book your dates beforehand)
Mind the traffic and parking laws while you're traveling in order to avoid costly tickets
When you're traveling, you might be surprised by how much you can stretch your budget. Plus, the less you spend, the more time you can travel!
Plan Your Cross-Country Adventure Now
A coast-to-coast road trip is a perfect way to scratch that wanderlust itch. Plus, the memories you'll make will last a lifetime. Now that you know the ins and outs of planning a coast-to-coast road trip, start planning your adventure now!
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