The Ultimate Road Trip Planning Guide
There's nothing quite like the freedom and adventure of a road trip — the wind in your hair, endless possibilities on the horizon, and the chance to unplug from your everyday hustle and bustle. (Those quiet, empty roads with no cell service are particularly helpful for the latter!)
Whether you're a seasoned road-tripper or you're planning your first road trip, exploring by car is one of the best ways to see and get to know a new area.
As Road Trip Locals, it's no surprise it’s our favorite way to travel, and after road-tripping the US for months at a time since 2019, we've learned a few tips and tricks to help you make the most of every mile (and dollar).
From choosing the perfect route to packing the essentials and everything in between... This post is dedicated to helping you plan your next great road trip adventure!
Note: This is a lengthy post. We’ve got 3 years (and counting) of extensive road-tripping research to share with you. You can use the Table of Contents below to browse sections and see an overview of what’s in this guide. We’ll start with our 5 steps for planning a great road trip, then move into various sections for customing your trip. Enjoy!
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1. Pick The Perfect Route
The first step in planning the perfect road trip is picking the perfect route. This is where the fun begins!
There are so many amazing places to visit in the United States and throughout North America, and each one offers its own adventure. So before you lock into a destination, we recommend setting aside a few minutes to let your wanderlust run wild.
Are you in the mood for breathtaking mountain vistas? Quirky roadside attractions? Charming small towns?
This first step is for you to dream about your trip and what’s most important for you to experience.
Do you want to soak up the magic of a winter wonderland?
Have the thrill of spotting wildlife in their natural habitat?
Are you up for a challenge or a bucket list adventure you'll never forget?
Are you dreaming of sun and sand or hiking through nature for miles on end?
The possibilities are endless, so if you’re not sure where to start, here are some road trip ideas you might love!
Photo Credit. All photos on Road Trip Locals are taken by us unless otherwise designated with “Photo Credit”, like some photos in this post. We’re always working on our road trip photography; it’s one of our favorite travel hobbies!
Scenic Drives
If you love stunning landscapes, a scenic drive road trip is AMAZING!
Imagine driving along the California coastline, through the Blue Ridge Mountains, or past Colorado’s Rocky Mountains.
These kinds of routes are perfect for taking in breathtaking views and experiencing the beauty of an area.
Here at Road Trip Locals, we’re particularly partial to road trips built around scenic drives. Here’s an example of a Scenic Drive Road Trip in Colorado.
National Park Adventures
There are currently 63 national parks in the United States, from Acadia National Park in Maine to Zion National Park in Utah.
A road trip that takes you through one or more national parks is perfect for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those who love crossing multiple big-ticket travel destinations off their list in one trip.
We’re also big fans of a national park adventure. Although these parks can be crowded, particularly during peak season, there’s a reason these areas have been designated national parks, and we love finding what makes each one unique.
Here’s an example of a National Park Road Trip (the ‘Mighty 5’) in Utah.
To kick off our 2023 Travel Season, we’re headed to Alaska with a 3-week itinerary to set foot in all 8 of Alaska’s national parks… can’t wait to share our route afterward!
Foodie Tour
For those who love to drink, eat, and dine their way through town, a road trip focused on cuisine is a must.
Explore the best barbecue spots in the South or indulge in fresh lobster rolls in New England. These trips are a delicious way to experience a new area!
Here’s an example of a Foodie Road Trip in Stowe, Vermont.
Town, State, or Landmark Hopping
If you love new sights, towns, and cities, consider a road trip that takes you through multiple metropolitan areas, charming small towns, or from state to state to visit various amazing sites.
This type of road trip allows you to experience a little bit of everything, from stunning scenery to delicious cuisine to historic landmarks, making it great for those who want to see and do as much as possible on their road trip.
Here’s an example of a State-to-State Road Trip through New England. Here’s an example of a Destination-Hopping Road Trip in Ontario.
2. Research Your Destination
Once you know where you’re headed, it’s time to research your destination.
While this can feel overwhelming, remember there’s no pressure to see and do everything in one go. We’re big believers that there’s always another layer of “local” to explore, and whether you stick to the typical tourist hot spots on your first trip or get off the beaten path, it all counts!
So keep the reason you’ve picked this destination in the forefront of your mind and use this step to get even more excited about the incredible place(s) you’re about to explore.
Search Google, browse travel blogs, look through guidebooks, and talk to family and friends. Notice any attractions that catch your eye, restaurants that have great reviews, or insider tips from travelers who’ve been there before.
Even a small amount of research will go a long way in making your road trip memorable, so take some time to gather ideas for things that look fun and appealing to you.
In this section, we’ll share some of the things we look for while researching a new area.
As you’re researching, think about when you’d most prefer to visit a destination: spring, summer, fall, or winter?
Planning winter road trips is different from planning trips any other time of year, as you’ll have to factor in things like weather, road closures, and daylight hours.
Top Attractions
One of the easiest ways to get started researching is by typing “best things to do in XX” into Google (with XX being your desired destination).
Browse the various lists that pop up and take note of the attractions, landmarks, natural wonders, museums, etc., that catch your eye. Ideally, keep all of these ideas in one place for easy reference. (We use Google docs for this, but you can use a notepad, sticky notes, notes app, or anything else.)
Famous For…
One of the other things we love to research when visiting a new destination is what it’s known for or “famous for”.
You might already know what’s local or unique to an area - perhaps that’s why you picked it! - or maybe a few minutes of researching will yield something surprising.
We visited New Hampshire as part of our 2022 Travel Season because it’s one of the best places in the world to view fall foliage. But when we arrived, we found out we were staying about 20 minutes from Rumney, New Hampshire, which is largely considered to be one of the best sport climbing destinations in the United States.
We love the concept of “when in Rome”, so we hired a guide to test out a few pitches and learn the basics of outdoor rock climbing. This was such a memorable part of our trip because rock climbing (outside a gym) was something neither of us had ever tried before, and it felt like we were experiencing New Hampshire in a totally different way than we originally expected.
Another example of this takes us to Ontario, Canada. We planned our trip to Canada to visit Niagara Falls but quickly learned that just 20 minutes down the road, we would find Ontaro’s ice wine region. (We also found out that about an hour further down the road, we’d find Toronto and the opportunity to tackle a Guinness world record! Plan your own Ontario Road Trip with 3 of the region’s claims to fame here.)
Whether you know a lot about your destination or heard someone mention it once and have wanted to visit ever since… We highly recommend you take a few minutes to research what makes an area famous. You might find something surprising!
Note: If you’re visiting a national park, take a minute to see what that park is best known for, including landmarks, hikes, drives, attractions, and more. If a hike, drive, or viewpoint within a national park requires a reservation, it’s probably spectacular. That makes Recreation.gov another good place to look for unique things to do in an area. Timed entries, lotteries, and advanced reservations can be challenging if you like to plan on the go, but these things are cues to some of the most impressive destinations in the country.
New England is home to some of the most gorgeous fall foliage destinations in the world. Photo Credit.
Photography
There are generally a lot (to put it lightly) of things to do in any given area, and a quick Google search will populate lists as high as “the 100 best things to do in XX.” These kinds of lists can get incredibly overwhelming since, most likely, you’re visiting for a timeframe that won’t allow you to do and see everything.
To help you pick what you’ll most enjoy, consider using the “Images” tab in Google. This is one way to search for things to do in an area based on what it looks like. (If you’re interested in photography or you’re a visual traveler, this one’s especially for you!)
Personally, I’m a visual traveler who’s most inspired by beautiful places, typically in nature. (I entered an in-person lottery for 15 days in a row after seeing a picture of “The Wave” on Instagram and immediately adding it to my travel wish list.)
What an area looks like is important to me, so one of the first places I go when researching for an upcoming road trip is the “Images” tab on Google. (You can also use Pinterest, YouTube, or Instagram. Although I think searching on Instagram is harder than Google, Pinterest, or YouTube since it’s not built to operate as a search engine… typically, I find that’s better for seeing something in passing.)
When you notice a picture or view that catches your eye, click through to the post sharing that image and jot down where it is. (If it’s not listed clearly, try right-clicking, then hit “save image” and see if the destination is listed in the image file name. You don’t need to actually save the image; you’re just looking for identifying information about the location.)
You might have found a viewpoint along a scenic drive, a picture taken on a hike, or a state park you didn’t know about. Or you might simply stumble upon a beautiful photo that inspires you to add a new activity to your trip, like biking through a gorgeous forest or kayaking on a picturesque lake.
Looking at photos of a new place can be a fun way to get inspired for your upcoming road trip!
Hiking
Similar to photography, if you’re a hiker, make sure part of your planning time includes searching Google and AllTrails for hikes nearby the area you’re going to visit.
You can sign up for a free trial of AllTrails, then pop your destination into the search bar and browse. We personally love to filter for (1) dog-friendly hikes since our pup, Lincoln, tags along most places we go and (2) the most popular hikes because those tend to be absolutely stunning.
This process is how we found about hiking the Franconia Ridge in New Hampshire and is how we found a dog-friendly Grand Tetons “Dupe” Hike we’ll be checking out during our upcoming travel season. (Meaning the hike is not in Grand Teton National Park, but gives you all the feels of being in the Tetons! This is an awesome find since the Grand Teton National Park is not very dog-friendly.)
Using the images tab (following the notes in the photography section above) is also a great way to find fun hikes for your road trip. (Try searching for “best hikes in XX”.) We fell in love with the Precipice Trail in Acadia National Park and Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park this way!
3. Set a (Loose) Itinerary
Alright, road trippers, now that your route and destination are sorted, it's time to move on to the next step in planning the perfect road trip: creating a loose itinerary.
First, think about whether you can drive to your destination or if you need to travel there, then rent a car once you arrive. Make sure to factor this travel time into your itinerary, and keep in mind how far you can travel in a day.
Then, draft an itinerary for your trip. We know it's tempting to want to plan out every second of your journey, but leaving some wiggle room can lead to the most epic and spontaneous experiences. (Plus, that’s how you’ll have space to allow a little “local” in your road trip!)
In this step, we'll share our top tips for walking that line between must-see destinations and the freedom to wander off the beaten path.
Zion National Park
Outline Your Trip
Even though we’re just setting a loose itinerary, it’s wildly helpful to put your trip on paper. Outlining your days will help you get a sense of how much you can realistically do and see during your trip.
We don’t want you to pencil in every last minute, but we do want you to grab a pen and paper (or open up your notes app or a new Google doc) and start by jotting down "Day 1", "Day 2", and so on.
Then, let the fun begin (or the friendly debates if you’re traveling with someone else!) and add in your top desired activities and attractions, starting with the absolute must-dos.
If you and your travel buddy can't decide on which activity to prioritize after a friendly debate, well, you know what they say: rock-paper-scissors it out!
Maximize Your Miles
You’ve got your must-dos penciled in. Now, let’s see what else you could do on your way to and from those attractions.
When planning a road trip, one of our top tips is to not only decide what activities and attractions you want to visit but also to group them together in a way that makes sense geographically. This is where the idea of maximizing your miles (and your time) with "mini road trips" comes into play.
The Foodie Road Trip in Stowe, Vermont is an example of this. Option 1 from this Burlington Road Trip is another example.
By identifying which activities are located close to one another, you can combine them into a single-day or half-day excursion, saving time and money on travel and seeing more of an area.
(Looking toward scenic byways is also great for this, as many states have designated routes that take you past multiple amazing attractions. Colorado is one epic place to travel via scenic byway.)
Not only does this “mini road trip” strategy allow you to maximize your time and miles, but it also gives you a chance to see more of the area in a more intimate way. Driving through different neighborhoods, landscapes, and towns can be just as memorable and enjoyable as the activities themselves. (Not to bring up Colorado again but… If you plan a Colorado trip, you’ll quickly see what we mean. In this state, the drives themselves ARE an adventure!)
So, whip out that trusty map (better yet, just hop on Google Maps) and see which of your must-do and want-to-do activities are in close proximity to one another and can be scheduled into your itinerary for the same day.
Start planning those perfect combinations for your trip!
Note: This step can be a lot of fun as you think about all the sights to see. But do keep in mind how long you want to drive in one day and how many miles are realistic to drive in one day (on top of the time you’ll want to spend at an attraction). And keep in mind the daylight hours you’ll have to explore during your visit!
4. Go Local
This step is the reason to keep your itinerary flexible.
Once you’ve penciled in your must-do attractions and maximized your miles while visiting those highlights, now it’s time to discover unique local experiences that can be just as memorable.
In this step, we'll share some of our favorite ways to find hidden gems and incorporate them into your road trip itinerary.
Events and Festivals
This is one way to find local happenings before your trip. Consider researching events and festivals in the area you’re visiting for the timeframe you’re visiting. Sometimes you can add a little local to your road trip just by stumbling upon seasonal or yearly activities taking place while you’re in town.
Whether it's a small-town farmers market or a lively music festival, these local happenings can be a great way to immerse yourself in the culture and community of the places you're traveling through.
During our past road trips, we’ve stumbled upon an Oktoberfest Party in Vail, Canada Day Festivities in Hamilton, Ontario, and a Dallas Mavericks game in Charlotte, NC (this was before we moved across the country and created our Basketball Season). Plus, we’ve celebrated Halloween Day in Salem, Massachusetts!
Lincoln at Canada Day Festivities in Hamilton, ON
Haunted Happenings, Salem
Halloween Night in Salem, MA
Adapt Your Everyday Routine
This is a more relaxed way to add a bit of local to your road trip. Think about the things you do in your everyday routine and adapt them to the area you’re visiting.
Do you run each morning? Maybe you can find a nearby trail great for trail running.
Do you start each morning with a cup of coffee? Maybe there’s a local coffee shop you can walk to during your trip. (Or even a chain that’s famous to a region… We’re big fans of drinking Tim Hortons in Canada and Dunkin Donuts while in New England!)
Do you have a dog that travels with you? Maybe there’s a neighborhood park or walking path you can check out. Lincoln has brought us to many local parks and hikes we would have missed otherwise.
Do you love sports? Maybe a local team is in town, and you can catch a game.
Ask the Locals
If you’re able to ask locals before your trip, definitely do that. But you might have to wait to fill in the rest of your itinerary until you get to town, and that’s fun too.
Once you arrive in town for your trip, ask everyone you interact with about their favorite things to do or see in the area.
Whether you’re at the grocery store, getting lunch, arriving at a state or national park, or checking out at a local shop, ask the locals what they love to do and recommend. Where do they like to eat? Hike? Explore? Grab coffee? What’s the #1 thing they recommend doing while in town?
A ranger told us about the best spot for sunrise in Grand Canyon North Rim (and it did not disappoint).
My cousins (who live in Charlotte) told us about a must-try restaurant in Charlotte called “Cowfish” famous for its burger-sushi cuisine. (This is a big deal because I love a burger, and Jon loves sushi, and it’s not often you find a place to satisfy both cravings!)
After my sister spent a month in Maine the year before we did, she told me about the best place to watch the sunrise in Acadia National Park (and it wasn’t Cadillac Mountain).
While traveling, we’ve met locals who shared with us amazing places to hike (often while on a different hike, ha!), where to eat, what they’d do if they only had one day to explore, events and festivals happening while we’re in town, and so much more.
The longer your trip, the more we recommend connecting with locals for their experience of the best things to do while in town.
5. Arrive, Then Drive
This final step is one to keep in mind once you arrive at your destination — This one’s ALL about exploration!
Once your trip has begun, don't be afraid to explore off-route. This can be a great way to find additional points of interest that may not have shown up in your initial research. Keep your eyes peeled for where other cars are parked on the side of the road (that’s a heads up, there’s something popular to do!) or any places that catch your eye, like interesting restaurants, shops, and attractions.
The goal of this step is to be open to new experiences and to let yourself be inspired by the local surroundings.
We’ve found hidden swimming holes and beaches, off-the-beaten-path hikes, and amazing dog-friendly restaurants doing this. This is another suggestion where the longer your trip, the more we recommend it.
Bonus: Customize Your Road Trip
Planning a road trip is not one-size-fits-all, but hopefully, these suggestions give you a great place to start.
If you want to do less upfront research, spend more time with Steps 4 and 5.
If you’re a big fan of planning, you’ll love Steps 1-3.
But since we know trip preferences and needs change from road trip to road trip, this section is all about customing your trips.
Whether you want to stick to a budget, bring your furry friends along for the ride, or plan longer, cross-country adventures, there’s a way to customize your road trip and create the perfect itinerary for you!
Use the Table of Contents below to jump directly to the section that’s most relevant for you.
Disclosure: In this section, we’ll share links to some of our favorite products and/or gear we recommend. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases so that if you make a purchase following one of the below links, we may earn a small commission. This comes at no cost to you, and we only share products we personally use or come highly recommended.
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How to Plan a Road Trip on a Budget
An amazing road trip doesn't have to break the bank. With a little planning and creativity, you can have a great time while sticking to your budget.
Jonathan actually works full-time in the finance and tech industry (and has since we started road-tripping in 2019). So he looooves budgeting and has made sure we’ve always traveled within the budget that supports both our Travel Season (traveling 4-6 months a year) and our Basketball Season (where we spend the rest of the year in Texas).
Here are our top tips for planning a road trip on a budget.
Save on accommodations: Camping
To save on accommodations, consider camping in national or state parks. This one's easy to do if you're roadtripping to a national or state park, but you can also look for campgrounds nearby cities you're planning to visit too.
This is one of the easiest ways to reduce travel expenses when you're on the road. Even a night or two at a campground can make a big difference in your nightly accommodation cost. (Some campgrounds allow car camping if you want to keep it super simple and set up your car for an overnight stay vs. a tent.)
If you do camp in a national or state park, pick out a few hikes, trails, or attractions you'd like to explore while you’re there. Once you pay your entrance fee, most of the best things to do in these parks are free. (If you're planning on multiple trips to state or national parks in one year, save money by purchasing an annual pass instead of a one-time pass.)
Not only will you save money on lodging, but you'll also be closer to highlight attractions, get to experience the great outdoors, and maybe even see some wildlife!
Save on accommodations: Hotel Loyalty Programs
We’ve been traveling since 2019 for multiple months each year. From 2019 through 2022, we were almost exclusively Airbnb-ers because we could find good deals on month-long stays.
But after watching the value-for-price decline on Airbnb, seeing spikes in additional fees, and dealing with strict cancellation policies, we made the switch back to hotels for our 2023 Travel Season.
If you're not a camper, another way to save on accommodations is to sign up for a hotel loyalty program. We still love how sites like Airbnb and VBRO can allow you to find fun, unique places for your trip, but if you're looking to save money, switching back to hotels might be your best best.
Just make sure to stick to the same hotel chain (and sign up for their loyalty program- some offer free nights or points just for signing up!) so you can save and earn free nights as you stay. Plus, some loyalty programs offer discounts or special rates to members, so be sure to check for any deals before booking your stay.
Booking a night at a hotel can also be a good way to avoid high cleaning fees on short-term rental sites if your trip is short.
However, if you're traveling with a group, the advice to save money is flipped. Vacation rentals on sites like Airbnb or VRBO will likely be more affordable than traditional hotels when traveling with a large party.
Save on accommodation: Off-Season or Shoulder-Season
Depending on where you're going, the time of year can greatly affect the cost of your trip. Consider visiting during the off-season when prices are lower, and crowds are thinner.
I had a friend ask me once if shoulder season meant “shoulders-out” weather… and for most places, it kind of does! (If you’re picturing long pants and short sleeves.)
But actually, shoulder season refers to the travel period between the peak season (high season) and the off-season (low season). It’s typically a great time to travel to popular destinations and can have fewer crowds, more moderate weather, and lower prices compared to peak season.
For example, in popular summer destinations, the shoulder season may be in the spring or fall when the weather is still pleasant, but there are fewer tourists. Similarly, ski resorts often have a shoulder season in late fall or early spring when there is less snow and fewer visitors.
Shoulder season is one of the best times to travel for those looking to avoid crowds and save money on travel expenses.
Save on food: Eat “At Home”
When it comes to food, eating out for every meal can quickly add up. To save money, consider eating two meals at home each day. You can stock up on snacks and sandwich fixings at a grocery store and pack a cooler for the road.
Or, if you're camping or staying in a vacation rental with a kitchen, you can cook your own meals and save even more. Consider eating at home for breakfast and lunch, and save your food budget for dinners out to explore local restaurants or cuisines.
We won’t lie; we’re big fans of PB&J while traveling!
Save on transportation: Preventative Car Maintenance
Keeping up with car maintenance helps ensure your vehicle is operating as efficiently as possible, which will help you get better gas mileage and save on transportation costs.
Make sure you regularly check your tire air pressure and ensure it's filled to the suggested levels. Also, keep up with regular oil and filter changes.
When you do stop for gas, consider signing up for rewards programs, as you can save on each gallon of gas, sometimes 10 cents or more!
Save on transportation: Nearby Attractions
This one’s similar to “Maximize Your Miles”, but essentially, make sure you're taking advantage of every mile when you're on the road so you can see as much as possible on as little gas as possible.
If you're planning travels around a particular attraction, take a few minutes to search for other things you can see and explore on the way.
Check out the company's website, ask locals, or call and ask the venue what else they'd recommend you do during your visit.
Did you know? Guadalupe Mountains National Park in TX is just about 30 minutes from Carlsbad Caverns National Park in NM.
Save on activities: Free Things To Do
There are plenty of free things to do on a road trip, such as hiking, visiting free museums, or enjoying local parks, beaches, etc.
Kanab, Utah is one of our favorite roadtripping destinations in the United States, and if you’re a fan of the outdoors, there are tons of free or affordable things to do nearby.
If you're a hiker, there are lots of incredible trails to keep you busy, from hiking the famous Angel's Landing or the Narrows in Zion National Park to testing your luck on winning a 'Wave' permit in Vermilion Cliffs National Monument to hiking along the base of the Grand Canyon North Rim.
If you're roadtripping with kids, there are some fun, free attractions near Kanab - check out Moqui Caves, Belly of the Dragon, Sand Arch, and the Dinosaur Tracks, plus Coral Pink Sand Dunes is only 30 minutes away and for $25/board/day, you can rent a sand sled for a fun family-friendly activity.
Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is also in Kanab, where animal lovers can hike or take a free guided tour of the Sanctuary (various tours are offered daily).
This is one example of making your road trip destination as budget-friendly as possible. If you’re looking to save on your next road trip, spend a few extra minutes researching other areas that offer various free or affordable attractions!
How to Plan a Dog-Friendly Road Trip
If you're planning a dog-friendly road trip, there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind to make sure your furry friend is as comfortable and happy as possible.
Our dog, Lincoln, has been traveling with us since 2019. That’s part of why we fell in love with road trips in the first place: Lincoln can go everywhere we go (and she appreciates that deeply).
We have many recommendations for traveling with a pup and making dog-friendly road trips more fun for both you and them!
Lincoln along the West Elk Loop in Colorado.
Pet-Friendly Accommodations
First, you’ll need pet-friendly accommodations, such as hotels, campgrounds, or short-term rentals that allow dogs. This is typically the most time-consuming part of planning a road trip with a dog, as you’ll have to check the pet policy at each place you’re considering.
Unfortunately, pet-friendly stays will limit your options, especially on sites like Airbnb and VBRO, but we’ve always been able to find something that’s dog-friendly, within budget, and close enough to the area we’d like to visit. (But if we’re being honest, distance is usually the trade-off we have to make.)
Some of our favorite dog-friendly hotels include Aloft (often our top choice if we don’t need a kitchen; Aoft generally welcomes dogs up to 40 pounds and allows up to two dogs per room), Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, or Fairfield Inn & Suites (dog-friendly hotels like these that offer suites and rooms with full kitchens are great for longer stays or eating meals at home), and Element hotels.
There are many other hotel brands that generally welcome furry friends, including:
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts
Red Roof Inn (generally allows one pet per room, free of charge, with no weight or breed restrictions)
La Quinta Inns & Suites (pets under 40 lbs generally stay for free; this used to be our top choice, particularly when traveling on a budget)
Fairmont Hotels (Lincoln will be joining us this summer at Fairmont Château Lake Louise in Banff and Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge; somehow, Lincoln will get to enjoy her first 5-star hotel stay at the same time we will… LOL)
Although these hotel brands generally allow pets, always double-check the specific policies of the hotel before booking, as they may have size, breed, or other restrictions. A call to the front desk is typically the best way to confirm a specific hotel is pet-friendly.
If you’re heading to a national or state park, we recommend confirming campground restrictions on pets AND the general pet-friendliness of the park. Acadia National Park is one of the most dog-friendly national parks in the United States and a great place to visit with your pup.
On the other hand, national parks like Yellowstone and Grand Teton have dog-friendly campground options but limited dog-friendly activities that may make exploring these parks from a campground difficult.
Pet-Friendly Route
The strange truth is… A road trip is both the best way to travel with a dog and a form of travel that’s not exactly great for a dog.
Meaning… Road-tripping is a great way for your pup to join your travels, but traveling in a car for hours on end isn’t the most fun thing for a dog to do.
If you’re committed to bringing your pup on your road trip with you (us, too!), you’ll want to spend a few minutes mapping out a pet-friendly route and make sure your destination includes some fun pet-friendly activities.
Our favorite road trip stops include dog-friendly hikes, dog-friendly bodies of water (like lakes and beaches), and dog-friendly restaurant patios. We also make sure to stop at rest areas when possible to give Lincoln a few minutes out of the car during long drives.
Some of our favorite dog-friendly routes include this New England Road Trip, our New Mexico ‘Unsung Hero’ Road Trip (featuring the very dog-friendly White Sands National Park), and the Maroon Bells to Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway in Colorado.
Lincoln hiking the Franconia Ridge in New Hampshire.
Pet-Friendly Dining
When it comes to eating out with a pet, look for restaurants with outdoor patios that allow dogs or pack a picnic lunch and find a scenic spot to enjoy with your furry friend.
Some of our favorite restaurant chains that are known for being dog-friendly include:
Shake Shack: Shake Shack is a popular burger chain that generally welcomes dogs in their outdoor seating areas.
Starbucks: While Starbucks doesn't allow dogs inside (most of) their stores, many locations have outdoor seating areas where dogs are welcome (and Lincoln loooooves Starbucks’ free pup cup!).
Panera Bread: Many Panera Bread locations allow dogs in their outdoor seating areas.
In-N-Out Burger: In-N-Out Burger is a popular fast food chain in the western United States that allows dogs in their outdoor seating areas.
(Note: While these chains are generally dog-friendly, policies may vary by location, so it's always a good idea to call ahead and confirm that dogs are allowed.)
Most of all, we love finding local dog-friendly restaurants, breweries, cideries, and wineries when we’re traveling. We’ll use Google, Tripadvisor, and recommendations from locals to do this.
(Note: If a third-party site claims a restaurant is dog-friendly, it’s a good idea to confirm this on the restaurant’s website or call the restaurant for confirmation. Policies can change, and information or reviews can become outdated.)
Burlington, VT and Bar Harbor, ME are two cities we’ve visited that have been very dog-friendly. However, we’re typically able to find at least a few dog-friendly options in every area we visit.
Pet-Friendly Must-Haves
After 3+ years of road-tripping with Lincoln, we’ve picked up a few must-have packing items that make traveling with a dog an easier experience for us all.
Here are our dog-friendly road-tripping must-haves!
—Amazon Basics Packable Crate: This is our #1, absolute FAVORITE, most required, 100% essential travel must-have for a dog. (Can you tell how much we love this crate? For Lincoln, we bought size 42 x 31 x 31 inches.)
We love this crate so much because it’s packable and foldable (it fits vertically behind the two front seats in our Prius or horizontally on the back seats when folded down), so we can take it on the road with us. At the same time, it’s sturdy enough for Lincoln to use at home, and this stability in Lincoln’s “den” has been incredible for her confidence while traveling.
Before we bought this crate, we had a lot of difficulties leaving Lincoln in the hotel or short-term rental while we were out for a few hours at a time. She experienced a lot of separation anxiety from being in an unfamiliar place, and that made it challenging for us to explore without her. (While we love bringing Lincoln along as much as possible, some things you want to do and see when traveling are just not dog-friendly.)
Once we bought this crate and began using it, whether on the road or at home, Lincoln immediately became more comfortable being left behind. Previously, we’d need to wait a few days in a new location before leaving Lincoln so she could adjust and feel more comfortable; Now, we can head out for a few hours, leaving her in her crate within minutes of arriving somewhere new if we need to.
This is an absolute game-changer for traveling with a dog!
Note: If you have a crate-trained dog, we highly recommend this crate. However, if your dog is not crate-trained or they’re a big chewer, this may not be the best travel crate for you. This is a soft-sided crate, meaning it could possibly be easy for a dog to chew through sections.
— “Do Not Pet” Dog Harness. This is our second travel must-have, particularly for shy or nervous dogs.
(Lincoln wears size: girth 24-31". If you hike with your dog, there are saddlebags you can attach to the harness to carry waste bags and other items.)
This harness has worked SO well to limit the number of people trying to say “hi” to Lincoln (and pet her), which has also increased Lincoln’s confidence traveling with us. We see her get more and more comfortable as we travel to new places, knowing her space isn’t likely to be encroached on.
We get asked about this harness at least once every time we’re on a hike or out at a dog-friendly restaurant; it’s incredible, and we highly recommend it! If you avoid taking your dog to new places because of crowds or potential interactions with other people, this might be a great way for you both to feel more comfortable out and about. Although it won’t stop everyone 100% of the time, most people quickly notice the “do not pet” sign and respect it and Lincoln’s space.
If you’ve got an anxious dog or one who’s just not that interested in meeting new people, try this harness when traveling!
—Portable bowls: These are great, easy-to-pack items for meals on the road. (We use Arcadia Trail collapsable bowls, but these are similar.)
—Long leash: While we love finding off-leash areas for Lincoln to roam, sometimes we want to give Lincoln space without taking her entirely off-leash. This long leash can be great for that. It’s also great for camping.
— Furniture cover for pets: We won’t let Lincoln on furniture when dogs aren’t allowed. But even when dogs are allowed on furniture, we make sure to put down a cover. It’s easier for us to clean up at the end of our stay and better for our hosts. We use this, but any cover will do. (We also use this as a cushion for Lincoln when car camping and not able to fit her bed.)
Make sure to also pack your basic dog-friendly travel essentials, like food, treats (Lincoln is VERY particularly and only loves these small training treats and milk bones), a travel water bottle, a dog bed, a short leash (this one is super lightweight and my favorite to use), waste bags, 1-2 toys from home (we’ll also bring a fetch ball), and any medications or other supplies your dog may need.
If your dog suffers from allergies when traveling, this supplement can be added to water and has worked very well for Lincoln. She also does well on these chews for separation anxiety support. (But we’re just sharing what has worked for us to travel with Lincoln; make sure to check with your pet’s vet before making dietary or otherwise changes.)
Packable Crate
“Do Not Pet” Dog Harness
How to Work From the Road
Working full-time from the road, also known as digital nomading, has become increasingly popular in recent years.
With the rise of remote work opportunities and technology that allows us to work from anywhere, it’s a great time to take advantage of the freedom to hit the road and work from your laptop.
Jonathan and I have been working full-time while traveling since 2019 — we worked all throughout our year on the road, during our 3.5-month road trip through CO & UT, and during our 5-month road trip through Ontario & New England.
Here are our top suggestions for working from the road while you travel.
Packing (+ Our Work-From-The-Road Essentials)
Before you hit the road, make sure you have what you need to be successful working while traveling. This includes a reliable laptop, charger(s), monitor(s), headphones, and any other tools or software you need to complete your work.
We also pack this foldable stand desk, ergonomic mouse and keyboard, docking station, mouse pad, Felix Gray computer glasses (in this large travel case), and all applicable chargers for computers, headphones, phones, etc.
You may want to test your work-from-the-road setup for a few days before your trip to ensure you have everything you need.
Prepare time off
We recommend planning ahead and requesting any time off you want to take during your trip.
While you can absolutely explore on the evenings, weekends, and holidays, you may also want to take a few days off depending on the length of your stay and where you’re headed.
Typically, the longer we stay in a location, the less time we take off (since we’ll have more evenings and weekends to explore). The shorter our stay, the more likely we are to take time off so we’ll have time to explore the area and experience any must-see attractions.
How we plan our road trips while working typically looks like this… We plan one big road trip for the area(s) we’d like to explore (we map out how long we want to be on the road and where we generally want to go), then we plan smaller adventures within that time frame and area.
For example, for our 2021 Travel Season, we planned a 3.5-month road trip through Colorado and Utah. Then, we mapped out our stays within those three months, from a long weekend in Denver to a month in Kanab, Utah. (You can see our itinerary here.)
We generally don’t take time off during three-week+ stays (unless we have friends or family members joining us and we treat the time together as a typical vacation). We may take one or two days off during two-week stays or shorter.
If we’re visiting somewhere for just a weekend, we generally take a day off, especially if we need to drive a long distance to our next location.
Take a few minutes to think about… (1) where you’re headed and for how long, (2) how much time you’ll have on evenings and weekends to explore (remember: traveling in the summer means more daylight to explore after work), and (3) what you want to see in that area.
Plan ahead by requesting any additional time off you may need.
Internet
To work from the road, you’ll need a reliable internet connection.
This can be the tricky part of working from the road; you usually won’t know exactly what the internet situation will be until you arrive. (Reading reviews has been the best way for us to get a good feel on how reliable the internet is at a hotel or short-term rental we’re considering. Search for keywords like “wifi” or “internet” or “work” to filter for relevant reviews.)
We’ve only had one short-term rental over three years of traveling and working that advertised a better internet connection than it actually had. (Note: This is really challenging if you are in this situation, as unreliable internet will interfere with video calls and just about everything else.)
To avoid situations like this, you may want to invest in a portable Wi-Fi device (an iPhone hotspot can be helpful as a backup plan or another mobile hotspot) or have a backup plan that includes local spots with Wi-Fi to keep you connected in case Plan A isn’t working (such as coffee shops, coworking spaces, libraries, etc.).
On-the-road office
When you’re looking for a place to stay on the road, consider where you anticipate working.
You can plan to walk to a coffee shop, library, or coworking space, or you can work from your hotel (which may also have a business center) or short-term rental.
We’ve spent the majority of our three years on the road working from our hotel or short-term rental. We make sure to find lodging that has at least one designated desk area. (Ideally, an actual desk, but a medium to large kitchen table can work as well.) Because I travel with a portable standing desk, I’m also okay working from a kitchen island/countertop.
As you browse lodging, keep this in mind and confirm you see a place where you could work comfortably and efficiently.
Once you arrive, take a few minutes to set up your workstation (and hopefully, keep it set up for the entirety of your stay), so you have a stable place to work and can get right to your to-do list after exploring (or better yet, get right to exploring after your to-do list!).
While we always make sure there’s enough inside desk or table area for both of us to work comfortably, we’re also open to having secondary office locations during our travels, where we can take better advantage of the views on the road.
View from the kitchen table during our two-month stay in Bryson City, NC. We both worked full-time from this same large dining room table.
During our one-month stay in Winter Park, CO, we mostly worked together at a large kitchen island. However, when we were both on calls at the same time, one of us would work from this small sunroom.
When the weather is nice, we love working from outside tables or seating areas. This was my secondary office for three weeks in Ellsworth, ME. (A desk inside our short-term rental provided my main working area while Jon worked at the kitchen table.)
Routine
We find it helpful to set a regular work schedule and stick to it as much as possible, just like you may at home.
This will help you stay focused and avoid distractions, as well as make it easier to balance work and travel while on the road.
We tend to keep things almost exactly the same as they are at home… Jonathan tends to work central hours (since we spend our off-season in Texas), and I tend to work local hours. We will sometimes shift our hours when possible to work earlier in the day and get off earlier, especially if we’re battling daylight and want time to explore after work.
Mindset
Outside of any vacation days or time off you plan during your trip, prepare to get in the “weekend warrior” mindset.
Working from the road trip is about seeing new places and having new experiences, so don't let work overshadow the fun and know going into it that you’ll feel pretty busy balancing a full-time job with what can feel like full-time travel.
It’s also helpful to know going in that you’ll probably get more and more tired the longer you stay on the road working, but it’s SO rewarding.
Especially when you find a local coffee shop you love, or a trail run you really enjoy, or a dinner spot you keep coming back to…
Working from the road can make you feel like you’re living in these different places, not just exploring them. And that’s so memorable! Some of our best travel memories are from morning walks in local parks or testing out new trail runs before work, or the same restaurant we keep going back to because we just enjoyed it so much.
Yes, you’re going to try to cram a lot of sightseeing into your evenings and weekends, but that’s because there’s a lot you want to do. So the busyness is good (even if sometimes it feels overwhelming).
The longer you’re working from the road, the more we suggest you plan rest days… days to sit on the couch and watch Netflix or just rest with a leisurely day around town. Because you will likely get tired as you travel while working, but that’s kinda the point. You’re working and traveling full-time, so soak it up as best you can!
Planning Month-Long+ Trips
We’re partial to month-long trips, especially since we’re working from the road.
We love that month-long stays give us enough time to sightsee so that we don’t feel rushed to go-go-go, but not so much time that we put off the activities we want to do. That sweet spot for us traveling while working gives us time to see and explore without leaving too exhausted.
Staying in one place for longer than a few days also gives us more time to get to know an area, find local restaurants we love, and do the things we might usually skip in favor of the “bigger” and more touristy things.
With longer road trips, we’re more likely to have time for both new adventures and local experiences (like a cafe that makes your favorite breakfast or a nearby trail run you take before work).
Embarking on a month-long+ road trip may seem daunting, and we know it’s not generally an accessible trip timeframe if you’re not able to work from home. But if you have the time or work flexibility, month-long trips can be a great way to immerse yourself in an area and explore more leisurely.
A month-long road trip can also be more cost-effective. Longer stays in one location can often lead to better lodging rates, and the ability to cook your own meals in a kitchenette or camp stove can save money on dining expenses.
You can often find great deals for month-long stays on short-term rental sites like Airbnb and VBRO. (We’ve had better luck with month-long deals on Airbnb. Longer stays also help to proportionally reduce the cost of cleaning and otherwise fees.)
Although Airbnb is making recent changes to improve cancellation policies, the cancellation policies vary on Airbnb and are typically pretty strict (understandably so), which means you need to make sure your plans are final before booking. (We generally have the best luck looking 9 months, 6 months, or 3 months before our travels if we book month-long stays.)
For our 2023 Season, we’ve decided to prioritize hotels over short-term rentals, even for longer stays, so we’ll have access to more flexible cancellation policies, free breakfasts, gyms, conference rooms, and loyalty programs.
We’ll report back with our thoughts after this season and living + working for weeks at a time out of a hotel!
Best Tips for Beginners
As you can see, we love road trips. We believe they’re one of the best and most immersive ways to travel.
From stunning views along a coast to quaint small towns nestled in the mountains, there's something special about exploring the open road at your own pace.
However, for those who have never taken a road trip before, we know it can feel overwhelming to plan and execute an adventure with multiple stops and attractions.
So here are a few suggestions for beginners who are embarking on their first road trip!
One of our road trips took us to “Moose Alley” in New Hampshire.
Plan a shorter trip.
Test out the road trip before you go all in, and make sure you enjoy this style of travel. Start with a weekend trip, or if you’re working, consider just one week-long trip first.
This is what we did back in 2019 when we first started traveling. A one-week trip to Virginia Beach, VA was followed shortly by a two-week trip to Raliegh and Asheville, NC to let us see what we liked, what we didn’t like, and if we wanted to keep road-tripping.
One-stop destinations or scenic drives in your state are great ways to test out road trips.
Scenic drives can often be day trips, weekend trips, or long weekend getaways. Here are some examples of scenic drive road trips in Colorado.
Stay close(r) to home.
Similarly, think about staying closer to home for your first road trip.
Look toward scenic drives in your state, nearby attractions that have caught your eye, or destinations within a few hours’ drive that you’ve heard good things about.
Long weekend trips where you head to destinations that are 4 hours away (or less) can help you get a feel for road-tripping before planning a longer trip with more stops.
Pick just one or two top things to see and do.
Instead of trying to create an extra epic road trip with lots of stops, stays, and attractions, focus on just one or two things you really want to do.
By planning to drive fewer miles and visit fewer attractions, planning your first road trip route will feel less overwhelming (so you can focus more on the journey).
Similarly, instead of planning a trip requiring a different stay each night, plan a trip to one destination and take advantage of day trips during your visit.
Road trip with friends
Planning a trip with friends or family is another great way to test the road-tripping waters. Join along with more experienced road trippers or split the planning between a group of people.
We love when friends join our adventures, and we get to share our favorite travel style with them. Often, they’re sharing with us some of their passions and expertise, too, whether introducing us to Camping 201 (the next level of camping with multiple tents, morning coffee, and pancakes!) or fun games to play on the road. (Shout out to the Boarder Family, who have taught us both!)
Road Trip Packing Essentials
If you’re traveling with a dog, make sure to see the section above for our top dog-friendly packing essentials.
If you’re working from the road, make sure to see the section above for our work-friendly packing essentials.
Otherwise, here are the rest of our road trip essentials.
Car
Pet Backseat Cover (This is an amazing cover in terms of features but Lincoln doesn’t get great traction on the recommended “up” side, so sometimes we’ll use it upside down with the rubber grip giving Lincoln better traction to sit up and look out the window.)
Clothing
Shoe cubes (this one is my favorite, but this one is more economical if you’re buying multiples; we travel with both and both work fine)
Durable suitcases
Backpacks (we packed for three weeks in Alaska in one Gossamer Gear 60 Mariposa backpack each and brought along this rain cover)
Hiking Gear
Hiking bag
Hiking boots (Women’s)
Hiking clothes (Women’s 5" Biker Shorts, Women’s Tanks)
Wool socks (Summer | Women’s Winter, Men’s Winter)
Toiletries
Toiletries Bag (This bag in size Large was great for years, but recently started bleeding after a few internal spills. That said, I haven’t found something I like enough to replace it yet.)
Photography/Electronics
Camera / Charger (Good entry-level camera with great video capabilities. We will switch brands when we upgrade for better wildlife photography and lens options, but this has been a great camera for us to start with.)
Drone / Charger
Go Pro / Charger
Crossbody Phone Carrier and Wallet (I use this or the wrist tether to secure my phone when I’m taking pictures as we travel.)
Longer Stays
“Bed in a Bag” (King-Size Sheets, Weighted Blanket- the one we bring is unavailable, but this one is similar)
Towels (we use size Small as a hand towel and size Large as a bath towel)
Pillows | Pillow Travel Carriers | Pillowcases
Gorilla Bow Travel (for workouts)
The RTL Superlatives
We’re calling this section “The Road Trip Locals Superlatives” because we’re sharing our favorite road trip destinations so far and why!
Use this section to get inspired to plan your next adventure.
Best Road Trip for Dogs: New England & Acadia National Park
Best Destination for Month-Long Stays: Kanab, Utah
Best Casual Road Trip for Hiking: New Hampshire’s White Mountains or Lake Placid & The Adirondacks
Best Road Trip for Wildlife Viewing: The Grand Trifecta of Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Glacier National Parks
Best Road Trip for Campers: Icefields Parkway
Best Classic Road Trip: Utah’s Mighty 5
Best “Tourist Trap” (That Lives Up To The Hype): Niagara Falls
Unsung Hero: New Mexico
Best Foodie Road Trip: Stowe, Vermont
Your turn! What’s your favorite road trip? Where are you headed next?
We’re only just getting started when it comes to experiencing all North America has to offer. Please let us know your favorite road trip destinations in the comments below, or share with us where you’re headed next!
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