How to Take a Great American Summer Road Trip

Photo: Kyle T Perry/Shutterstock

Summer is the most popular time to travel for many reasons. Getting out on longer, warmer days can quickly make you forget about wintry days spent inside and messy mud season trips. While a summer Euro trip or rugged backpacking tour is almost always a good choice, there are few summer travel plans as iconic in the United States as a road trip.

Stretches of open road, random pit stops that lead to some of the most memorable moments of a trip, and an understanding that getting there is half the fun all await. But like any type of travel, you’re not going to enjoy a road trip to its fullest unless you’re properly prepared. From trip planning and the best routes to what you need to know on the road, this guide will ensure your next road trip meets its full potential.

Find the Perfect Summer Road Trip


Strike It Rich on This California Gold Panning Road Trip

Yes, you can still find gold in California — if you know where to look.

Visit



These 11 Scenic Byways Are Some of the Most Beautiful Road Trips You Can Take in the US

No need for an abundance of stops when the road is this gorgeous.

Visit



How to Take a Beach-Filled Great Lakes Road Trip From Chicago

Consider this your “no-coast” coastal road trip.

Visit



A Road Trip Is the Ultimate Way to See the Modern Wild West, From the Rockies to the Desert

A state best seen from the road.

Visit



For the Ultimate Pacific Coast Road Trip, Go North to Oregon and Washington

The PCH runs through more than just California.

Visit


Find the Wild West on an Idaho Road Trip

Road Tripping Know-how

 

The Essential Car Maintenance Skills to Know Before Your Next Road Trip

There’s an undeniable excitement about planning a road trip route. That doesn’t often carry over to car maintenance, despite the fact that even a minor breakdown can send a whole journey into a spiral. Duane ‘Doc’ Watson, a decorated automotive mechanic and instructor, knows this all too well — and knows how to stop problems before they happen. These are his tips.

Prepare for the road ahead

Taking a Road Trip in an EV? Here’s What to Bring With You

Vehicles are changing for the better — especially when it comes to fuel efficiency. There’s no road trip more sustainable, however, than one in an electric vehicle. The days of “range anxiety” are over, and there are more EVs on the road than ever before. That said, it does take a slightly different approach to planning a road trip in an EV.

Road trip sustainably

Your Dog Should Be Wearing a Seatbelt on Road Trips. Here’s Why

You wouldn’t want a loved one to be in the car for long stretches without a seatbelt, so why would you let your four-legged love one do it? The founder of the Center for Pet Safety explains what you need to know about securing your dog in the car.

Bring the pup

 

Roadside Attractions That Make the Trip


Sputnik, Carhenge, and 5 Other Can’t-Miss Midwestern Roadside Attractions

All pieces of art unto themselves.

Visit



The Bizarre Roadside Attractions of the California Desert

Unlike anything you’ll find in a museum.

Visit



You’ll Want to Take a Detour to See These 10 Massive Roadside Food Statues Around the World

Delicious, though not edible.

Visit


Bring Your Tent


This Rooftop Tent Makes Camping Road Trips Easy Even With a Small Car

The easiest tent you’ll ever pitch.

Visit



The 8 Best Places to Go Beach Camping in Texas

Hit the Gulf Coast right.

Visit



Paddle, Hike, or Drive to These 6 Sites for Adirondacks Camping in New York

Get out of the city.

Visit



The Best Spots to Camp on the Beach Along the West Coast

Stay right on the beach.

Visit



The Ultimate Colorado Stargazing Road Trip to Remote Dark Sky Sanctuary Towns

You won’t forget to look up.

Visit


 

CREDITS

Editorial lead

Nickolaus Hines

Contributors

Eben Diskin, Alex Bresler, Tim Wenger, Katie Scott Aiton, Morgane Croissant, Jacqueline Kehoe, Suzie Dundas, Johnny Motley, Dalton Johnson, Natalia Iwanek, Matt Meltzer, Malee Oot, Jeremy Long