Your Ultimate Road Trip Planner

Published on Feb 13, 2025 Blog Image

How to Prepare for the Road Ahead

The open road beckons, promising adventure and discovery around every bend. But before you set off on your journey, careful planning is essential for a smooth and unforgettable experience. This comprehensive guide covers everything from pre-trip preparations and must-do activities to post-trip maintenance and reflection, ensuring your RV road trip is epic and stress-free. So, buckle up, and let's dive into the essential steps for creating the ultimate road trip itinerary!

BEFORE YOU GO

1. RV Checkup:

Before hitting the road, a thorough RV check-up is paramount! (If you’d like an expansive list for RV Maintenance throughout the year, check out our RV Maintenance Checklist)
  • Check tires (pressure, tread wear, sidewalls for cracks)
  • Check torque on wheel nuts
  • Inspect hitching system (trailer & vehicle) for deficiencies
  • Test lights (brake, signal, and running lights)
  • Check awning operation & ensure travel locks are engaged (if applicable)
  • Verify all gear (water/sewer hoses, water regulator, portable appliances) is present & in good condition
  • Check battery fluid levels & top up with distilled water if needed
  • Charge battery
  • Check fire extinguisher pressure & condition
  • Ensure LP tanks are full

2. Route Planning:

Mapping out your course, identifying key destinations, and considering driving distances, road conditions, and potential detours will help you make the most of your time on the road and avoid unexpected hiccups. Here’s how to make route planning easy:
  • Use Digital Tools:
    • Google Maps: Excellent for visualizing your route, calculating distances, and getting directions. You can also use it to find points of interest, restaurants, gas stations, and more along the way.
    • Roadtrippers: A dedicated road trip planning app that helps you discover unique attractions, scenic routes, and hidden gems. It also allows you to collaborate with fellow travelers.
    • Waze: Provides real-time traffic updates
  • Reserach:
    • Guidebooks: Invest in guidebooks specific to the regions you'll be traveling through. They often contain valuable information about attractions, history, and local tips.
    • Online Resources: Check out travel blogs, websites, and forums for inspiration and recommendations from other travelers.
    • Maps: Don't underestimate the value of a physical map, especially if you're going to areas with spotty cell service. It can also give you a better overall sense of the geography.
  • Tips:
    • Consider driving distances and road conditions, especially if traveling in mountainous areas.
    • Have backup routes in case of closures or unexpected delays.

Reservations:

Securing reservations for campsites, tours, and activities is a crucial step, especially during peak season or in popular destinations. Booking in advance ensures you have a place to park your RV each night and don't miss out on must-do experiences.
  • Campsites: Campsites, especially in popular areas and during peak season (summer, holidays), can fill up months in advance. If you don't book, you risk being left without a place to park your RV for the night, which can seriously derail your trip. Here’s how to do it:
    1. Identify Your Destinations: Know where you plan to camp each night. Your route planning (as discussed before) is essential here.
    2. Research Campgrounds: For each location, consider the following:
      • Location: Is it close to attractions, towns, or activities you want to do?
      • Amenities: Does it offer hookups (water, electricity, sewer), restrooms, showers, laundry, fire pits, picnic tables? Do they have a playground, pool, or other recreational facilities?
      • RV Size Restrictions: Make sure the campground can accommodate your RV's size.
      • Reviews: Check online reviews (Google Maps, TripAdvisor, campground-specific websites) to get a sense of other campers' experiences.
      • Price: Compare pricing.
    3. Booking Platforms:
      • Provincial/National Park Websites: If you're camping in a park, book directly through their official website. These are often the most popular and require booking well in advance.
      • Private Campground Chains: Many private campgrounds are part of chains (e.g., KOA, Good Sam). You can often book online or by phone.
      • Third-Party Booking Sites: Websites like ReserveAmerica, Campspot, and The Dyrt list various campgrounds and allow you to book.
    4. Tips for Success:
      • Book Early: Especially for peak season and popular campgrounds. Sometimes reservations open months in advance.
      • Be Flexible: If your first choice is booked, consider alternative dates or campgrounds.
      • Read the Fine Print: Pay attention to cancellation policies, check-in/check-out times, and any other rules or regulations.
  • Reserving Tours or Activities: Just like campsites, popular tours and activities can book up quickly, especially during peak season. Reserving in advance ensures you don't miss out on something you really want to do. Here’s how to do it:
    1. Research Activities: Decide what you want to do in each location. Consider:
      • Guided Tours: Whale watching, wildlife viewing, city tours, historical tours.
      • Attractions: Museums, theme parks, botanical gardens.
      • Outdoor Activities: Hiking permits (sometimes required), kayaking tours, horseback riding.
      • Events: Festivals, concerts, local performances.
    2. Booking Methods:
      • Official Websites: Book directly through the tour operator's or attraction's website. This is often the best way to get the most accurate information and avoid third-party fees.
      • Third-Party Booking Sites: Websites like Viator, GetYourGuide, Airbnb, and Expedia offer a wide range of tours and activities.
      • Local Tourism Offices: Contact the local tourism office for recommendations and booking assistance.
    3. Tips for Success:
      • Book Early: Especially for popular tours and during peak season.
      • Read Reviews: Check online reviews before booking.
      • Compare Prices: Shop around to make sure you're getting a good deal.
      • Check Cancellation Policies: Understand the cancellation policy in case your plans change.

DURING YOUR TRIP

1. Explore Local Areas:

Immersing yourself in the local culture is a must. Exploring charming towns, discovering hidden gems, and supporting local businesses adds a rich layer to your travel experience, connecting you with the heart and soul of the places you visit
  • Plan Your Stops:
    • Research: Before your trip, identify towns and cities along your route that you'd like to explore. Look for places with unique character, historical significance, or interesting attractions.
    • Balance: Don't try to cram too many cities into your itinerary. Choose a few key destinations and allow enough time to explore each one.
  • Explore:
    • Walking Tours: Take a self-guided or guided walking tour to get acquainted with the town's layout and landmarks.
    • Local Museums: Visit local museums to learn about the area's history, art, or culture.
    • Historic Sites: Explore historic buildings, monuments, or districts.
    • Art Galleries: Check out local art galleries to see works by local artists.
    • Parks and Gardens: Relax in local parks or gardens.
  • Engage:
    • Talk to Locals: Strike up conversations with locals to learn about their favorite spots and get recommendations.
    • Support Local Businesses: Shop at local stores, eat at local restaurants, and support local artisans.
    • Attend Local Events: Check for local events, farmers’ markets, or festivals happening during your visit.
  • Connect with Nature: One of the greatest joys of an RV trip is the opportunity to connect with nature. Whether it's hiking through breathtaking landscapes, swimming in pristine lakes, enjoying a scenic picnic, or stargazing under a vast, inky sky, embracing the natural world rejuvenates the spirit and creates lasting memories.
    • Hikes
      • Research Trails: consider trail difficulty, length, and interesting features along the trail. The AllTrails app is a great resource for user reviews and photos of trails.
      • Prepare for Your Hike:
        • Proper Gear: Wear appropriate hiking boots, comfortable clothing (layers!), and bring a backpack with essentials.
        • Essentials: Pack water, snacks, a first-aid kit, a map, a compass or GPS, a flashlight or headlamp, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a rain jacket.
        • Tell Someone: Let someone know where you're going and when you expect to be back.
      • During Your Hike:
        • Stay on the Trail: Follow marked trails and avoid shortcuts.
        • Leave No Trace: Pack out everything you pack in. Don't litter or disturb the natural environment.
        • Be Aware of Wildlife: Keep a safe distance from wildlife and never feed animals.
        • Check the Weather: Be prepared for changing weather conditions.
        • Hike with a Buddy: It's always safer to hike with someone else.
    • Have a Picnic in a Scenic Spot:
      • Find the Perfect Spot:
        • Viewpoints: Look for picnic areas with stunning views of mountains, lakes, or forests.
        • Quiet Areas: Choose a spot that is peaceful and away from crowds.
        • Picnic Tables: Some parks have designated picnic areas with tables.
      • Pack Your Picnic:
        • Food and Drinks: Bring your favorite picnic foods and drinks.
        • Blanket or Tablecloth: Bring a blanket or tablecloth to spread out on.
        • Utensils and Plates: Don't forget utensils, plates, and napkins.
        • Trash Bags: Bring trash bags to pack out your garbage.
      • Enjoy:
        • Relax: Take your time and savor your picnic.
        • Enjoy the Scenery: Appreciate the beauty of your surroundings.
    • Go Stargazing:
      • Find a dark spot away from City Lights: Get away from city lights and find a location with minimal light pollution. National and provincial parks are often ideal.
      • Clear Skies: Check the weather forecast for clear skies.
      • Prepare for Stargazing:
        • Blanket or Chair: Bring a blanket or chair to lie on.
        • Warm Clothes: Even in summer, nights can be cool, so dress warmly.
        • Red Light: Use a red light flashlight or headlamp to preserve your night vision.
        • Stargazing Apps: Consider using stargazing apps like SkyView or Star Walk to identify constellations and planets.
    • Other Tips:
      • Embrace Flexibility: Be open to changing plans if you find a place you love or encounter unexpected delays, and allow for spontaneous stops and detours.
      • Record your trip: take lots of photos and videos, keep a journal, and collect souvenirs.
      • Check Local Newspapers: Pick up local newspapers to find information on events and happenings.
      • Use Social Media: Follow local businesses, organizations, or events on social media for updates.

AFTER YOUR TRIP

1. RV Checkup:

  • Clean your RV to prevent black streaks & maintain appearance
  • Clean your awning
  • Empty & thoroughly flush all holding tanks
  • Empty & clean the fridge, placing door clips in for airflow when not in use.

2. Practical Matters

  • Unpack: Unpack your personal belongings and put everything away.
  • Laundry: Do your laundry!
  • Review Campground/Activity Reviews: If you had good or bad experiences at campgrounds or with tours, consider leaving reviews online to help other travelers.
  • Write Thank You Notes: If you received exceptional service from anyone during your trip (e.g., campground staff, tour guides), consider sending a thank-you note.
  • Plan Your Next Adventure! Start thinking about where you want to go on your next RV road trip!

3. Reflection and Preservation:

  • Organize Photos and Videos: Download your photos and videos from your camera and phone. Create folders, edit them, and maybe even start a photo book or slideshow. Back them up!
  • Journaling/Trip Log: If you kept a journal, review it and add any final thoughts or memories you might have forgotten. Even if you didn't journal, jot down some key highlights while they're fresh in your mind.
  • Share Your Experience: Share your photos and stories with friends and family. Consider posting on social media or creating a blog post about your trip.
  • Review Your Budget: Tally up your expenses to see how you did compared to your budget. This helps with planning future trips.
  • Reflect on What You Learned: Think about what you enjoyed most, what you learned about the world, and what you might do differently on your next trip.

From meticulous planning to spontaneous detours, an RV road trip is an adventure in itself. By following these tips and embracing the spirit of exploration, you'll create a journey filled with unforgettable moments, breathtaking sights, and cherished memories. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and experience the freedom and joy of RV travel!

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