Did you know that our very own US of A is the third largest country in the world? Can you even begin to put the sheer size of our country into perspective? Probably not, but that’s okay, the important thing is that you don’t take your US road trip lightly, and that you make all of the necessary preparations well before you set out on your adventure!
If you don’t plan your road trip just right, you risk wasting precious time, you’ll miss out on a lot of sightseeing opportunities, and you might even put yourself and other passengers in danger on the road. Without further ado, here is everything you should know about preparing for a US road trip of a lifetime!
Focus on one region at a time
This is a vast country you live in, and there is no way you can experience all that it has to offer in a single road trip. So save yourself the hassle and disappointment, and take it one region at a time. Depending on how hungry you are for exploration and adventure, you want to spend several days and even weeks exploring everything this country has to offer.
Starting with our own amazing state of Illinois, you can rest assured that there is plenty to see and do around here. Once you’ve mapped all of the natural and urban attractions you want to visit in a region, you can combine it with another state, and then another until you’ve reached your final destination.
Go cross-state and beyond
There is no way around it, a real tour of the US requires plenty of time due to the sheer distances that separate cities and natural gems. That said, there is no reason why you shouldn’t drive your way through numerous states in a single trip, especially the neighboring ones.
For Chicagoans, this can be something like a cross-state trip through Wisconsin “en route” to Minneapolis, and then all the way to the numerous national parks of Montana, Idaho, and of course, Yellowstone in Wyoming. Keep in mind, though, these are some lengthy roads you’re about to tackle, so make sure your car is in tip-top shape before you leave town.
Prepare your car for such a long journey
There is no guessing what could happen on the road, which is why safety should be your top priority. While the highways and roads, in general, are usually kept in pretty good shape, you can never be too careful. You might even want to venture off the beaten path and tackle a rough sidetrack somewhere in the countryside – something your car might not be able to handle.
You’ll want to inspect your car thoroughly and make sure it’s able to take on a lengthy road trip. Aside from checking the fluids, the braking system, and the tire pressure, you should also get your car to a windshield repair expert who will be able to examine the glass for any microscopic damage you might not be able to see. Why is the windshield so important, you ask?
Because any sort of damage can lead to serious problems on the road, possibly even shattering the glass completely during high speeds or rough terrains. You don’t want to drive with a broken windshield, nor do you want to jeopardize your safety and the safety of your passengers. Don’t risk it, prepare accordingly!
Work the detours into your itinerary
Being such a rich and vast country, the US has plenty to offer when it comes to sightseeing, as well as indoor and outdoor activities. If you just focus on the destination, you will inevitably miss out on the wonderful and exciting detours that lie not a few miles off the highway.
So, instead of missing out, why not prepare for every possible detour and work them into your timetable? This is a great way to avoid wasting time on the road, see everything there is to see, and still make it to your destination on time! Yes, you’ll need to spend some time researching all possible points of interest, but it will definitely be worth the effort.
Mix the natural wonders with the urban gems
Between the lush national parks and bustling urban beehives, you might find yourself a bit overwhelmed by the sheer number of activities at your disposal. The key to staying sane and having a great time is to keep it dynamic and fresh. After all, there are only so many waterfalls and valleys you can see before you start to crave a food-cart doughnut with a side of a steaming cup of joe, so be sure spend an equal amount of time in nature and in the cities that dot the expansive US landscape.
Without a doubt, this is one of the best countries in the world to travel through. That said, it can be quite easy to lose yourself in all the excitement and variety, so be sure to follow these steps for a fulfilling US exploration tour of a lifetime.
