There is something uniquely exciting about packing up the car, grabbing your favourite snacks, and hitting the open road. Whether you're driving a few hours or across state lines, road trips are full of adventure, spontaneity, and opportunities for unforgettable memories.
With planning and creativity, you can make your journey just as enjoyable as getting to that RV park destination you booked ages ago. No matter where you decide to stop, where you decide to eat, or where you decide to sleep, here are five ways to make your road trip fun from start to finish.
Music will set the mood for any road trip, so curate a playlist with a mix of upbeat songs, nostalgic throwbacks and road trip themed classics to keep energy high and spirits up. If you're travelling with others, take turns being the DJ or create a shared playlist before the trip. If you're not into music for the whole ride, podcasts or audiobooks are a great way to pass the time, but just make sure it's on everybody's level so that you're not playing an audiobook that might be too spicy for the kids.
Plan fun stops along the way. The destination is always the main goal, but journeying is half the fun. Research interesting places to stop along your route, from historic landmarks and scenic viewpoints to offbeat roadside attractions and even local food spots. By breaking up the drive with fun and spontaneous stops, you'll avoid fatigue and add a sense of adventure along the way.
It's important to keep everyone entertained, and you can do that with some good old fashioned road trip games. Whether it's the classics like I Spy or license plate bingo, or you decide to go something old school by asking trivia questions, these games are easy to play and perfect for passing the time. You could also bring travel size board games or card games with Velcro or stickiness to have breaks at rest stops.
You cannot go on a road trip without snacks. No road trip is complete without a good stash, so skip the gas station junk and bring a mix of healthy and indulgent options. Bagged fruit, trail mix, vegan jerky, granola bars, crisps, and candy are all fair game. Don't forget a cooler with drinks and perishable items too. By having your own snack supply, you'll save money and keep everyone content during the long stretches between meals.
You can turn your road trip into a memory making event by documenting it creatively. Take photos or Polaroids at every stop and keep a travel journal for every night you're away. You can even record short videos throughout the trip. Shared photo albums or vlogs can help you to look back on it again later on. For kids, give them disposable cameras or Travel Diaries to add an interactive element that they’ll love.
1. Set up the perfect playlist!
Music will set the mood for any road trip, so curate a playlist with a mix of upbeat songs, nostalgic throwbacks and road trip themed classics to keep energy high and spirits up. If you're travelling with others, take turns being the DJ or create a shared playlist before the trip. If you're not into music for the whole ride, podcasts or audiobooks are a great way to pass the time, but just make sure it's on everybody's level so that you're not playing an audiobook that might be too spicy for the kids.
2. Think about where you stop!
Plan fun stops along the way. The destination is always the main goal, but journeying is half the fun. Research interesting places to stop along your route, from historic landmarks and scenic viewpoints to offbeat roadside attractions and even local food spots. By breaking up the drive with fun and spontaneous stops, you'll avoid fatigue and add a sense of adventure along the way.
3. Bring travel games and activities!
It's important to keep everyone entertained, and you can do that with some good old fashioned road trip games. Whether it's the classics like I Spy or license plate bingo, or you decide to go something old school by asking trivia questions, these games are easy to play and perfect for passing the time. You could also bring travel size board games or card games with Velcro or stickiness to have breaks at rest stops.
4. Pack the snacks!
You cannot go on a road trip without snacks. No road trip is complete without a good stash, so skip the gas station junk and bring a mix of healthy and indulgent options. Bagged fruit, trail mix, vegan jerky, granola bars, crisps, and candy are all fair game. Don't forget a cooler with drinks and perishable items too. By having your own snack supply, you'll save money and keep everyone content during the long stretches between meals.
5. Document the journey!
You can turn your road trip into a memory making event by documenting it creatively. Take photos or Polaroids at every stop and keep a travel journal for every night you're away. You can even record short videos throughout the trip. Shared photo albums or vlogs can help you to look back on it again later on. For kids, give them disposable cameras or Travel Diaries to add an interactive element that they’ll love.
(With a little bit of planning and a lot of adventure, any road trip can become an unforgettable experience. Image source: Unsplash)
