5 Ways to Prepare For Your Best Big Road Trip

Every road trip has a story—and trust me, the best ones start with a little prep (and maybe a killer playlist). At the beginning of 2023, my partner and I hit the road for our first cross-country drive: Florida to San Diego, cruising along I-10 and I-8. That’s over 3,000 miles, y’all. We passed through Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and finally, sunny California.

Every route’s got its own vibe, but no matter where you’re headed, here are 5 things to keep in mind so your road trip feels just right:

1. Set Your Intentions
Unless you’re living that full-time van life, chances are you’re balancing life and a little adventure. Whether you’re on PTO or squeezing this trip between Zoom calls, try to unplug when you can. Signal might be spotty, and that’s honestly a gift—take the pause, be present, and enjoy every random roadside attraction and golden hour moment 💫

2. Plan Ahead (Just Enough)
Spontaneity is fun… but so is a clean hotel room and knowing where you’re sleeping. We mapped out our general route, booked our main stops ahead of time, and packed allll the road snacks. I also got the car checked before hitting the road—because nothing ruins a road trip like car trouble in the middle of nowhere. Some of my fave stays? A beachy little town in Destin, FL, a vibey spot in Houston, a dreamy desert Airbnb called The Buffalo, and Tucson, which was full of charm.

3. Daytime Drives Are Key
Coming from NYC, I wasn’t ready for how dark the roads get once you leave the big cities. Some stretches are pitch black with no street lights for miles—so yeah, aim to do most of your driving during daylight. Plus, you’ll get to take in the epic scenery, especially when crossing through places like New Mexico or the Arizona desert. At night? Stargaze. Slow down. Or check out the local nightlife—just make sure your hotel’s booked and there’s a parking spot waiting for you.

4. Be Mindful of Your Crew
Road trips are a team effort, so it’s important to keep everyone comfy and happy. Got dietary restrictions? Allergies? Different energy levels? Plan around them. My SO and I are both vegan, so we relied on the HappyCow app to scout out delicious plant-based eats in each city. Little things like that can make the whole trip smoother (and tastier).

5. Don’t Forget to Have Fun
Seriously. That’s the whole point. With a little prep and a go-with-the-flow attitude, your road trip can be full of memories, laughs, and all the good vibes.