Are you planning on taking a road trip or moving across the United States? If so, you’ll want to make sure that you are well-prepared.
According to research, the average American drives 25 miles per day. But if you plan to drive cross country, you’ll be driving for hours on end each day. This can be tough on your body and your mind.
That is why it’s important to plan ahead and follow some tips and tricks to help make the drive a little bit easier. In this blog post, we’ll discuss tips and tricks that will help make your cross-country drive easier and more enjoyable.
Whether you are a first-time driver or have done it before, these tips will come in handy.
1. Plan Your Route
One of the most important things you can do when driving cross country is to plan your route. You’ll want to map out where you are going and take into account rest stops, gas stations, and hotels. Planning ahead will help make the drive less stressful and more enjoyable.
If you are unsure of where to start, plenty of websites and apps can help you plan the perfect route. All you need to do is enter your starting point and destination. From there, you can customize your route to include stops that interest you.
Once you have a plan, stick to it as much as possible. It’ll help you stay on track and avoid getting lost. If you do need to make any changes to your route, be sure to do so before you start driving. Once you are on the road, it can be difficult to make changes.
And if you are driving with others, involve them in the planning process. This will help ensure that everyone is on the same page and knows what to expect.
2. Get Your Car Serviced
Before you embark on your cross-country drive, it’s important to get your car serviced. This means getting an oil change, checking the tire pressure, and filling up the gas tank. You’ll also want to ensure that all of your lights are working properly.
Getting your car serviced will help ensure that it is in good condition and will make the drive smoother. It’s also a good idea to bring along a spare tire, just in case you experience any problems on the road.
If you are driving an older car, be sure to get it checked by a mechanic before you leave. This will help you avoid any issues while you are on your trip.
If you are renting a car, be sure to ask about their service and maintenance policy. This will help you know what to expect in case you experience any problems with the car.
3. Create a Budget
Create a budget for your cross-country drive. This will help you save money on gas and other expenses. You can use apps like GasBuddy to find the cheapest gas prices along your route. Also, be sure to plan for meals and lodging.
If you’re on a tight budget, there are plenty of ways to save money while driving cross country. For example, you can camp instead of staying in hotels.
This will also give you the opportunity to experience different parts of the country up close and personal. There are many beautiful camping spots across America that you can find using apps like Allstays Camp and RV.
When it comes to food, you can save money by packing your own meals instead of eating out. This is especially easy if you have a cooler in your car. You can pack sandwiches, fruits, and other snacks that will last for a few days.
4. Make a Playlist
No cross-country drive is complete without an epic playlist. Fill your phone or iPod with hours of music to keep you entertained during the drive.
If you’re going to be driving for more than a few days, make sure to download enough songs (or podcasts) to last the entire trip. You can also create a Spotify playlist with your favorite cross-country driving songs.
5. Keep Your Plans Flexible
When driving cross country, it’s important to keep your plans flexible. This will help you avoid getting stressed out if things don’t go according to plan.
For example, you may want to drive for a certain number of hours each day. But if you get tired, take a break and drive for a shorter amount of time. Or, if you reach your destination early, take some time to explore the area.
Flexibility is key when on long distance driving for moves. By being flexible, you’ll be able to enjoy the drive and create lasting memories. Of course, this is even more important if you’re on a road trip.
6. Make Considerations for Parking
If you’re planning on long distance driving, you need to make sure that you have a plan for where you’re going to park.
Make sure to look up parking options ahead of time so that you know where you can go when you need to take a break. Apps like Parkopedia can help you find parking in cities across America.
Another thing to consider is how you’re going to pay for parking. Many cities now have meters that you need to pay, and if you don’t have cash on hand, you won’t be able to park.
Make sure to either bring enough cash or look up alternative options like credit card payment ahead of time.
7. Have a Plan for Sleeping
Trying to drive cross country without a plan for where you’re going to sleep is a recipe for disaster. You’ll end up exhausted, cranky, and maybe even get into an accident.
Make sure you map out where you’re going to stay each night before you start driving. This will help you stay on schedule and avoid any stressful surprises.
If you’re looking for a more adventurous cross-country drive, consider camping along the way. This can be a great way to save money and see some amazing parts of the country that you would have missed if you were staying in hotels.
Just make sure you do your research beforehand, so you know what to expect.
8. Keep All Necessary Documents in the Car
Before you hit the road, make sure you have all of the necessary documents in the car with you. This includes your driver’s license, registration, proof of insurance, etc.
If you get pulled over or into an accident without these documents, it will only make the situation more stressful.
It’s also a good idea to keep a copy of your car’s manual in the glove compartment. This can come in handy if you have any issues with the car while you’re on the road.
9. Time Your Drive Well
If at all possible, try to time your drive so that you’re not driving through major cities during rush hour. This will help you avoid traffic and make the drive less stressful. Not to mention, it can also save you a lot of time.
Of course, this isn’t always possible when you drive cross country, but it’s something to keep in mind. Whenever possible, try to plan your drive around rush hour traffic.
Start your journey early in the morning so that you can make good time before the traffic starts. This is one of the best cross country driving tips because you not only escape traffic but get to enjoy the beauty of the scenery.
If all this sounds like too much of a hassle and you’d like to ship your car instead, check out these car shipping quotes and pick the best company.
Driving cross country can be a great way to see the country and spend some quality time with your family or friends. Just make sure you’re prepared before you hit the road. Use these tips and tricks to help you drive cross country without any problems.
Did you find this blog post helpful? Now that you know how to drive long distances, be sure to check out our other blog posts soon.
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