The Joy of the Journey: 50 Best Road Trip Tips

There’s no denying that road trips are one of the best ways to see the United States (or any country!)—from the stunning scenery that passes your window to the quirky local attractions you can encounter off the highway, from the chance to stop at free time to explore, to the ability to easily travel between cities, national parks and rural destinations.

But there can be a less romantic side to the trip. Children can fight in the back seat; you can burn out pretty quickly on plant-based food; you can hardly break the monotony on the road. And without a little planning ahead, you could end up traveling feeling like you didn’t maximize your miles per memory ratio.

We talked to the experts—everyone from full-time RV families to national park PR—to get their tips on how to make every trip enjoyable. You’ll get 50 great ideas for everything from how to find delicious meals on the road to the most magical destinations you can visit in just a few days. Just add gas and you’re good to go!

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Giant oak trees covered in Spanish moss line a scenic South Carolina lowland road on Edisto Island near Charleston.

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A red car traveling along scenic mountain highways. A popular road trip in the American Southwest in Arches National Park in Utah, USA, with its famous rock formation and dramatic sky in the background. Photographed in landscape format with copy space.