There’s probably nothing better than getting behind the wheel for an epic drive. Windows down, music blasting, cruising through lush landscapes or stunning sea views while making unscheduled stops whenever you please. That’s the dream, right?

But too often, we just hop in the car for obligatory drives without much thought. Heading to the office, running local errands, visiting family. Yawn. We forget how amazing just going for a ride can be.

Well, it’s time for that to change! Let your next drive tell a story. Put some effort into planning a killer trip with remarkable memories built in. We’re talking next-level awesomeness. You in?

These key steps will set you up for the ultimate four-wheeled journey:

#1 Decide on a Destination

Do you want majestic mountain ranges? Quirky roadside attractions? Famous driving routes? Hip neighborhoods to explore? Beaches, lakes, or rivers to cruise alongside? This choice steers everything else.

Look into destinations no more than a few hours drive away if you’ll do it over a weekend. Long weekends and full week trips give more flexibility for farther flung places.

If you’re heading off the beaten path, make sure to check road conditions, availability of gas stations, cell reception, etc. to prevent getting stranded (though that could still make for an adventure!).

Before locking anything in, consider possible activities, photo ops, restaurants, and potential hotels or camping options once you’re there based on what interests you most. More on that next.

#2 Make Your Itinerary

A stellar itinerary blends planned highlights with wiggle room for unexpected delights. Balance structure with spontaneity.

Research top attractions and natural sights at your destination plus along the drive there. Note distances between places to determine what’s realistic to cover.

Check event calendars for farmer’s markets, live music, festivals, and quirky happenings. This unlocks one-of-a-kind memories!

By this point, exciting stops should naturally emerge at different intervals. Link together a logical route mixing main attractions with generously spaced pit-stops so you don’t get overwhelmed or burnt out.

Then, schedule buffer time for unplanned excursions when something intrigues you. Discover hole-in-the-wall food joints and mom-and-pop shops. The best part of road-tripping!

#3 Prep Your Ride

After you get your route mapped, ensure your set of wheels is prepped for the journey ahead. Nothing worse than breakdowns away from home or worse, cancellations from avoidable issues.

• Inspect tires & fluid levels;
• Check wipers, lights, belts & hoses;
• Confirm spare tire & jack are onboard;
• Pack jumper cables & car tool kit;
• Clean out clutter so you can see out windows;
• Fill up on gas once you hit half a tank;
• Bring physical maps as backup GPS fails sometimes;

Consider road trip-friendly accessories like phone holders and chargers, comfy driving clothes, emergency car safety kit, parking pass hanging tag, and even a small cooler for drinks/snacks.

The extra effort makes in-transit time safer and more pleasant when you’ll likely spend many continuous hours behind the wheel.

#4 Pack Your Bags

Once your whip’s ready to roll, pack your bags wisely for multiple weather scenarios and activities.

If camping or sleeping in your car, gather appropriate gear like tents, sleeping pads/bags, camp stove, lanterns, and other creature comforts that suit the environment. Necessities like food prep tools, layers of warm clothing, and rain protection let you fully immerse in nature regardless of conditions.

For hotel stays, pack versatile outfits you can mix and match, wear across seasons, dress up or down. Limit pairs of shoes. Coordinate accessory colors. Then add weather contingencies – lightweight jacket, compact umbrella, packable hat. Viola! Capsule wardrobe.

Remember the charging cables, battery packs, GPS unit, cameras, binoculars (for wildlife viewing), travel coffee mugs, and whatever else boosts adventure. Don’t skimp on the fun accessories!

Finally, stash copies of your itinerary, hotel and parking info, maps/directions, and emergency contacts somewhere easy to access on the journey for quick reference.

#5 Calculate Your Budget

Before hitting the highway, get clear on costs using an online journey price calculator to tally projected fuel, food, lodging, activities, and incidentals. Buffers in budgets prevent stress when unplanned expenses pop up (and they’ll likely do!).

Fuel estimates factor in total miles and your car’s average mpg. Food covers restaurants, groceries and snacks/drinks. Lodging averages hotel rates or campground fees. Activities and incidentals account for entry tickets, tours, souvenirs, etc plus financial padding.

If the total exceeds your original budget, reassess. Shorten the distance if driving fewer miles significantly lowers fuel costs, choose cheaper hotels, or trim back expensive activities.

#6 Hit the Open Road!

The mark of a spectacular trip comes down to the stories you rack up. With intention woven into every step, your next journey promises to delight even years down the road when fond memories come flooding back.

What are you waiting for? Grab your keys and hit the road!

The post How to Plan the Ultimate Journey for Your Next Drive appeared first on Gauge Magazine.