USA Cross Country Road Trip Preparation
How did we prepare for a trip across the country?
1. Make a List and Check it TWICE Five Hundred Times.
We made sure to make a list months ago in order to buy all our food and supplies in advance. It is better to be safe rather than to be sorry when you are 3,000 miles away from home... and living out of a car!
Example List:
- Non-Perishable Foods & Dry Foods
- Cases of Water
- Tools, Lights, Tent
- Mace, Pocketknife, Plastic Bags
- Duct Tape & Scissors
- Shampoo, Toothpaste, Body Wash
- Wet Wipes (body and antibacterial hand wipes)
- Blankets, Pillow
- Cooler (small and large)
- Car Air Mattress Buy on Amazon Here
- Sneakers, Trail Shoes, Flip Flops
- Spare Tire & Extra Gasoline Container
- GOOD MUSIC PLAYLISTS
- GPS / Phone windshield mount
2. Check: Wallet and Funds (Work A Little Extra!)
GAS, LODGING, FOOD, EMERGENCY, EXPERIENCES, TOLLS, PARKING METERS....
GAS MONEY. This is essential for any road trip. You must calculate the miles and mpg to ensure that the gas money is enough. In addition, money for emergencies, AIRBNB, motels, food, tolls, camp sites etc. should be planned so there is enough to get you to your destination and back.
If you are low on funds.. reach out to family and friends on Facebook or in person and ask for odd jobs. For example I painted, pulled weeds, washed the side of a house, walked dogs, and did home elderly care to raise extra money for the trip.
3. A Road Atlas and Research
The good old-fashioned road atlas (Rand McNally Large Scale Road Atlas USA) and lots of google research to find out what roads are best to take, where to stay at night, and how to navigate without using all of your data!
Make a list of all the places you really want to see and fit them into the trip. Make various destinations a must-see and then leave room for unexpected places to stop by.
Make a list of all the places you really want to see and fit them into the trip. Make various destinations a must-see and then leave room for unexpected places to stop by.
4. Ask Family and Friends for Advice & Support
You would be surprised how many places your great grandmother has traveled or how many connections your aunt has in different states. Don't be shy, ask around! Get some contacts, you just never know!
5. Have a Reliable Vehicle
This should be in the number 1 slot... but it is pretty obvious. Make sure your vehicle of choice is up to date on all of its maintenance needs... having a AAA membership will be helpful.
6. Nice Camera & Electronics
If you are spending all of this time and money on a trip across the country, you should invest in a nice camera to capture as many memories as you can. You will be happy you did when you get home and want to take a look back on all the places you visited. You might regret it if you don't get that picture of that amazing lake you camped at or the giant trees you see along the way.
In addition, make sure all phone chargers, laptop chargers, headphones, and other technology pieces have all their necessities. Buying a charger because you forgot yours takes away money that could be spent on a nice hot meal!
7. Planet Fitness Black Card Membership (1 month)
This will be your key to staying in shape and staying clean. The Planet Fitness Black card allows you to take 1 guest every time, at any location across the United States. Planet Fitness has showers which will be essential for the times that you are living out of your car. If you end up liking Planet Fitness, you can also keep your membership for a small annual fee as well!
8. Annual Pass to the National Parks in the United States
This will save you big bucks. Each National Park costs anywhere between 20 - 40 dollars. If you purchase this pass, for 85.00, you can visit any National Park at any time, all year round!
9. Have a List of Destinations, but Stay Flexible
We made sure that there were places we are going to stop and see, but we also left wiggle room for unknown roads and side adventures. There needs to be flexibility in the trip because there will always be things that take you off track and change the route (WHICH IS OK!). These kind of change in routes or unknown territories are what makes road trips so much fun. Remember this little note... 80% of the people you will meet are good people, while 20% may not be. So always be cautious, but remember that people are generally GOOD.
10. KEEP A BLOG & SEARCH FOR OPPORTUNITIES
Just graduated college and taking a road trip...? (You are in my shoes). In this case, make the most out of this trip by networking along the way. Keep up to date with your LinkedIn, Email, and Facebook. Make this trip something to capitalize in the real world. How many 23-year-old adults can really say they traveled across the country in a month? This is an advantage for YOU!
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