How to Plan an Epic Road Trip That Takes In Multiple Destinations

As the world starts to return to some kind of normal, it’s only natural to start thinking about travel again. Plus, there are so many amazing destinations to see, that it’s difficult to choose just one.

So why not bundle several destinations together and enjoy an epic road trip with your friends? True, it is a bit more difficult to plan a long trip, with various stops, but you have plenty of tools you can use to make your job easier. 

We even have a few tips that may come in handy during the planning phase.

Optimizing Your Route Using Google Maps

Google Maps is designed to provide directions wherever you are on the planet, as long as you have your location settings active. But you can also use it to plan a trip and find the most efficient route to hit all your stops (well, sort of).

The app doesn’t have any route optimization features and only allows ten stops per route. This usually means you should add pen and paper to your planning session since you will need to do some manual calculations. 

Still, you can learn how to optimize routes on Google Maps if you know a few tricks and less-known app features. However, don’t expect any wonders – Google Maps is a great planning tool, but it does have limitations. 

Get the Right Gadgets

A smartphone and good headphones are already part of any traveler’s kit, but there are other gadgets you should consider. After all, making sure you have everything you need, is good planning, right?

When it comes to long trips with multiple destinations, it helps to always have a reliable power bank, but you should also consider a universal travel adapter (especially if you’re going through several different countries). While the power bank is a great option for when you’re on the move, you will have to recharge everything when you reach a stopping point (usually, at the hotel). 

It also helps to think about the not-so-pleasant scenarios and protect yourself and your travel buddies accordingly. For instance, it helps to buy an RFID wallet or document organizer, a water purifier, and a headlamp (even if you don’t plan to go camping). You may not need these gadgets, but it’s good practice to have them around. 

Plan for Rest

Whether you travel for pleasure or business, the experience should be positive. So when you draw up the plan for the trip, make sure to include time for rest. After all, when you move from one city to another (or state, or country), it’s easy to feel exhausted even if you’re not working or doing anything of great importance. 

If you go through multiple destinations, plan enough time for rest and visits so you can appreciate the entire experience. Sure, it may not be as time-efficient as you’d like, but it will improve the experience tenfold. 

Practice Minimalist Packing

Even if you travel by car, you should pay extremely close attention to your luggage and what goes in it. More often than not, you don’t end up using half of the items you thought you’d need and you just end up carrying huge, heavy bags in and out of hotels.

It helps to draw up a detailed plan of the items you want to bring and analyze the usefulness of each. Pay extra-close attention to clothes (this is where most travelers tend to splurge) and tech gadgets. If the item is not a must-have on the trip, then you’re better off without it. 

Good Planning is the Key

You may be called boring or downright unadventurous by your travel partners, but in reality, you are the hero of this experience. Whether you go in your car or on your favorite motorcycle, the only way your trip will be memorable is if it’s planned well from the start.

So don’t be afraid to discuss your plans and whip out your gadgets. Your travel buddies will appreciate your efforts when things get tough.