There's a special kind of freedom in a road trip: the open road, your favourite music and the ability to stop wherever something catches your eye. Whether it's a weekend drive or a cross-country adventure, good planning makes the journey safer, cheaper and more enjoyable. This guide covers everything from choosing your route to packing the car and staying safe.

Step 1: Choose Your Route and Style

Decide what kind of trip you want:

  • scenic drives along coasts, mountains or national parks,
  • city-hopping between towns and cities,
  • nature and camping trips,
  • food and culture routes visiting markets, wineries or historic towns.

Use mapping tools to sketch a route, then add stops and attractions along the way.

Step 2: Set a Realistic Pace

The biggest road trip mistake is driving too much. As a rule of thumb:

  • aim for no more than around four to six hours of driving per day,
  • take a break at least every two hours,
  • plan rest days where you don't drive at all.

Remember: the journey is part of the fun.

Step 3: Create a Road Trip Budget

Include:

  • fuel or charging – estimate using your car's efficiency and route distance,
  • tolls and parking,
  • accommodation,
  • food and snacks,
  • attractions and activities,
  • car rental and insurance (if renting),
  • emergency fund for repairs.

Save money by packing snacks, staying in budget accommodation or camping and sharing costs with friends. See our guide on how to travel on a budget.

Step 4: Prepare Your Vehicle

If using your own car, check before you go:

  • tyre pressure and tread, including the spare,
  • oil, coolant, brake fluid and windscreen washer fluid,
  • lights and indicators,
  • brakes,
  • battery,
  • wipers.

Consider a service before a long trip. Make sure your insurance and breakdown cover are valid for the areas you'll visit.

Renting a Car

  • Compare rental companies and book early.
  • Check insurance options and excess.
  • Inspect the car and photograph any damage before driving away.
  • Understand fuel policies (full-to-full is often best).
  • Check if you need an international driving permit.

Step 5: Book Accommodation (or Keep It Flexible)

  • Peak season: book in advance to avoid disappointment.
  • Off-peak: you can often book the day before for flexibility.
  • Camping: reserve popular campsites early.

Choose places with parking and easy road access.

Step 6: Plan Stops and Attractions

Research interesting stops along your route: viewpoints, small towns, hiking trails, beaches, local restaurants and quirky roadside attractions. Save them on a map app so you can decide on the go.

Step 7: Pack the Car Smartly

Road Trip Essentials

  • driving licence, insurance and registration documents,
  • phone mount and car charger,
  • offline maps (in case of no signal),
  • first aid kit,
  • torch and spare batteries,
  • warning triangle and high-visibility vest (required in some countries),
  • jump leads,
  • tyre repair kit or spare tyre and jack,
  • reusable water bottles and snacks,
  • rubbish bags,
  • wet wipes and hand sanitiser,
  • sunglasses,
  • blanket and pillow,
  • cool box for drinks and picnics.

Comfort and Entertainment

  • playlists, podcasts and audiobooks downloaded,
  • comfortable clothes for driving,
  • games for passengers, especially kids.

For clothing and toiletries, see our travel packing list.

Road Trip Safety Tips

  • Never drive tired. Take breaks, swap drivers and stop for the night if you feel drowsy.
  • Never drink and drive.
  • Don't use your phone while driving. Set navigation before you set off.
  • Follow local traffic laws and speed limits, which may differ from home.
  • Keep valuables out of sight when parked.
  • Share your route with someone at home.
  • Check weather and road conditions each day.
  • Keep fuel topped up in remote areas where stations are far apart.

Read more in our travel safety tips.

Road Trips With Kids

Plan more frequent stops, bring plenty of snacks and entertainment, and travel during nap times for young children. Our family travel tips have more ideas.

Electric Vehicle Road Trips

If driving an electric car:

  • plan charging stops with apps that show charger locations and availability,
  • allow extra time for charging,
  • choose accommodation with chargers where possible,
  • carry the right charging cables and adapters.

Road Trip Food Ideas

Eating well on the road keeps you alert and saves money. Pack a cool box with sandwiches or wraps, cut fruit and vegetables, cheese, boiled eggs, nuts and plenty of water. Heavy fast food can make drivers drowsy, so keep big meals for when you've stopped for the day. Try at least one local speciality at each stop; roadside cafés and farm shops are often highlights of the trip.

Sample Three-Day Road Trip Itinerary

  • Day 1: leave early, drive three hours, stop for lunch in a historic town, arrive at a coastal village for sunset.
  • Day 2: coastal walk in the morning, short drive to a national park, afternoon hike, camp or lodge overnight.
  • Day 3: scenic drive home with stops at viewpoints and a farm shop.

Road Trip Checklist

  • Route planned with daily driving limits
  • Budget for fuel, tolls, accommodation and food
  • Vehicle checked or rental booked
  • Insurance and breakdown cover confirmed
  • Accommodation booked (or flexible plan)
  • Offline maps downloaded
  • Emergency kit packed
  • Playlists and snacks ready

Final Thoughts

A great road trip combines a good plan with room for spontaneity. Choose a route that excites you, keep daily driving manageable, prepare your vehicle, pack essentials and prioritise safety. The best memories often come from unplanned stops along the way. Explore more ideas in our travel tips section.