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A Roadtrippers membership helps you get the most out of your trip. Explore adventures along your route and add up to 150 stops. Looking for campsites? The coolest roadside attractions? The best food? Find all of it, and then let the Roadtrippers iOS or Android app guide you on the open road.

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20 Best RV Trip Planners in 2024: Perfect RV Trip Planning Tools for Road Trip Adventures

• Last Updated: March 5, 2024
• 13 minutes read

Going on an RV adventure is both thrilling and demanding, requiring meticulous preparation to ensure a seamless journey.

Central to this preparation is choosing the best RV trip planners .

Having tested over 30 different RV trip planning tools firsthand, I’ve navigated my way through countless routes, campsites, and destinations to find the most reliable and user-friendly options that cater to the unique needs of RV travelers.

In my search for efficient planning tools, I found that RV Trip Wizard stands out as the best overall for its comprehensive features that cater to all aspects of RV travel planning, including route planning, campsite reviews, and essential stopovers, making planning an RV trip in 2024 a breeze.

This level of in-depth exploration and testing has equipped me with the knowledge to confidently guide others in their RV travel preparations.

Based on my experience, the top RV trip planning tools are:

• RV Trip Wizard : Best overall for comprehensive RV trip planning
• CoPilot RV : Optimal for detailed route planning
• Google Maps : Great for familiar interface and real-time updates
• RoadTrippers : Excellent for discovering unique roadside attractions
• RV Parky : Top choice for free campground and parking lot finds
• The Dyrt : Ideal for comprehensive campground reviews and tips
• Free Campsites : Best free RV route planner for boondocking
• HipCamp : Superior for finding private and unique camping spots
• Campendium : Great for detailed campground info and RV park reviews
• iOverlander : Top for international RV travel planning
• Harvest Hosts : Best for unique overnight stays at wineries and farms
• Oh, Ranger! : Ideal for U.S. national and state park information
• AllTrails : Excellent for hiking trail explorations
• Spotify : Must-have for road trip entertainment
• Libby : Top for free access to books and audiobooks
• Drive.fm : Great for hands-free guided tours
• GasBuddy : Essential for finding the best gas prices nearby
• MyRadar : Ideal for weather predictions on the go
• American Red Cross : Must-have for emergency preparedness resources
• Outdoorsy : Best for RV and gear rentals

Best RV Trip Planner Apps

A good plan can help you save money, relax, and stay organized, so you can see and do more.

Below are the two best RV Road Trip Planner apps on the market for Planning the Perfect RV Trip Route:

1. RV Trip Wizard (iOS, Android, Web Browser) (PAID)

If you’re looking for the best RV trip planner app on the market look no further.

RV Trip Wizard is a versatile and user-friendly that offers a more expansive and diverse list of campgrounds and points of interests than it’s closest competitor CoPilot RV. 

If you don’t believe me, just check out these useful features, including:

It’s a web-based program. No installation required so you can use it on any device with access to the web. 

No internet, no problem! Download your trip onto a device and use it offline.

A stream-lined, interactive map helps users plot the safest route for their RV’s exact class and size.

No stop limit. Users can select as many stops as they want along their route, from a database of over 20,000 campsites and 57,000 points of interest.

Save money. The programs money tracking tool will help you keep track of expenditures and better budget your trip.

But that’s not all! RV Trip Wizard recently teamed up with the RV LIFE GPS & Campgrounds app to provide it’s users with safe, RV-relevant navigation. All you need is a mobile phone, or other GPS enabled device.

Then you just download the RV LIFE GPS & Campgrounds app from the app store (Android or iOS), sign in using the same credentials as RV Trip Wizard, and voila!

Now you can enjoy the app’s full premium features while also being able to navigate any of the trips you saved in RV Trip Wizard.

You can try RV Trip Wizard out with a 7-day free trial, or buy it for $49.99/year . 

2. CoPilot RV (iOS, Android) (PAID)

CoPilot RV is a cheaper and slightly lower quality RV Trip Planner than it’s competitor, RV Trip Wizard.

It lacks RV Trip Wizard’s versatility and range of options, but it’s still miles ahead of the free options.

For those of you looking for a cheaper, but still more than adequate RV Trip Planner app this is the app for you.

It provides all the useful features you’ll need, including:

Reliable offline navigation. Now you won’t lose your route when you lose your connection.

Finds safe routes for any RV. It does so by calculating your route according to your vehicle’s height, class, and weight

Save gas money. It allows you to choose up to 50 stops and gives you the best route so you can avoid road closure, traffic, and backtracking. 

Safe navigator with RVs in mind. It alerts you about complex intersections and helps you to avoid low bridges and tunnels with propane restrictions. 

An in-app search bar will help you find campgrounds, gas stations, hotels, restaurants and more near you

One strength that CoPilot RV has that RV Trip Wizard does not, is it’s one-stop shop app.

Unlike RV Trip Wizard you do not need to download two separate apps to plan and navigate your trip. It all comes together in one app. 

Try it out for a 14-day free trial . If you like it you can subscribe to CoPilot RV for an affordable $29.99/year .

Best Free RV Trip Route Planning Tools

These apps aren’t RV specific, but unlike RV Trip Wizard and CoPilot RV they’re free.

Those of you that don’t mind putting in a little extra work to save some cash will find these trip planning apps helpful. Check them out:

3. Google Maps (iOS, Android, Web Browser)

They may never let me into an Apple store again for saying this, but, Google Maps is superior to Apple Maps. 

It allows for offline use, let’s you plan longer trips by selecting multiple stops along your route, and gives you the option to save trips to your home-screen.

Furthermore, it’ll show you live traffic updates, speed traps, and even gas prices. 

4. RoadTrippers(iOS, Android, Web Browser)

This app makes planning your next road trip easy. I mean, come on, it’s in the name people! Don’t believe me? Well, RoadTrippers’s interactive map let’s you plot your trip with ease.

It even calculates your trip’s overall driving time and estimates your gas cost based on your vehicle’s MPG.

As if all of that wasn’t enough, it also helps you locate nearby accommodations, attractions, and restaurants along your route.

Plan Your Accommodations

States differ greatly in their laws and restriction regarding RVs. Some are relaxed, while others, will not even let you park your rig on the side of the road.

Needless to say, you’re going to need to find places to stay along your way.

I’ve divided this section into, “Just RV Parks”, “Just Boondocking and Camping”, and “All the Above—RV Parks, Camping, and Boondocking” to help you find the tool that best fits your needs.

5. RV Parky (iOS, Android, Web Browser) (FREE)

I use this app ALL the time. RV Parky interactive map provides you with over 25,000 options for places to park overnight.

Each RV Park listing provides all the necessary information for amenities and cell service as well as user reviews.

Even better, it will also assist you in locating those elusive overnight parking lots, like the ones you find at places like Cracker Barrel and Walmart as well as overnight rest stops.

6. The Dyrt (iOS, Android, Web Browser) (FREE)

The Dyrt app allows you to find outdoor accommodations across the United States, whether you’re in a tent, trailer, RV, or cabin.

It provides millions of listings, reviews, prices, and tips from other campers who have already visited. If boondocking is your game, The Dyrt is the name.

7. Free Campsites (Web Browser) (FREE)

Gotta love simplicity. And that’s exactly what Free Campsites provides. The site allows you to plan a travel route through their ‘trip planner’ option.

Not only will it provide text directions, but it’ll also show you any and all campsites along the way (free, or otherwise).

Unfortunately, there’s no app for this tool yet, but it’s easily accessible through most web browsers. 

8. HipCamp (iOS, Android, Web Browser)

If there was one accommodation app to rule them all, HipCamp would be it. It allows you to search for campsites and RV parks all over the United States.

Tired of your RV? They have you covered on that as well. The app provides options for cabins, and even treehouses!   

RVs and Campgrounds (Android / iOS) (FREE)

RVs and Campgrounds (Android / iOS) is as straight forward as it’s name. You can search for RV Parks and Campground across North America.

Like many of the other options in this article, each listing includes user reviews of these accommodations so you know what you’re getting into before you get there.

Unfortunately, there’s no web browser version, so you’ll need your phone for this app. 

9. Campendium (iOS, Android, Web Browser) (FREE)

Campendium is the prettier, more user-friendly version of Free Campsites. It also provides you with more options than just campsites.

You can use filters to locate any, and every, type of outdoor accommodation.

It provides a plethora of useful information for RV-ers as well, including: last paid price, longest RV reported at site, and clearance access information.

And while it doesn’t have an app yet, you can add the Campendium’s icon to your phone’s home screen by following these helpful instructions (iOS / Android).

10. iOverlander (iOS, Android, Web Browser) (FREE)

“There can only be one!”

Oh wait, that’s Highlander. But seriously if you’re going to plan an RV trip with only one app, iOverlander is the one.

It’ll help you find water and propane refill stations, dump stations, mechanics, boondock sites, RV parks, showers, and more.

Best part? The app covers a 100+ countries so you can use it almost anywhere in the world. 

11. Harvest Hosts (iOS, Android, Web Browser) (PAID)

With Harvest Hosts you can kill two birds, with one stone. Sorry, proverbial birds.

This app requires that you pay $79.99/year, but connects you to over 1500 host, ranging from museums, breweries, wineries, gift shops, and farms.

Most of these hosts only require you to buy one of their products as payment for staying on their property overnight. 

So, you can buy a souvenir for your dear grandma AND pay for a place to stay while doing it. 

Love golfing? Well, Harvest Hosts does too. You can pay $119/year and expand that normal subscription to include their hosts’ golf courses. Waking up to a round of golf, means money well spent. 

Be sure to ask about their amenities before deciding on which host you want to use. Some hosts provide full hook-ups, while others provide no amenities at all

Plan Things to Do in the Great Outdoors

RV’s and the Outdoors go together like roads and maps. Once you get to your campsite, you’ll probably want to explore nature, do some fishing, or find a good hiking trail. These are the best apps for doing just that.

12. Oh, Ranger! (iOS, Android, Web Browser) (FREE)

Oh, Ranger! app is like having a little park ranger in your pocket (without the kidnapping charges!).

Not only will it help you find National Parks, State Parks, and BLM land near you, but it also provides maps, activities, and other information specific to that park.

Not only can you use it to plan where you want to camp, but also what you want to do and what you want to see. 

13. AllTrails (iOS, Android, Web Browser)

There’s no better way to experience the Outdoors like a good hiking trail. But how do you know which trails are the best for you? Download AllTrails.

You can use the app to browse over 50,000 trails across North America. Find the ones that best suit your interests by using the interactive map and helpful filters. 

Entertainment Apps for Road Trips

Hitting the road in your RV sounds like a blast, until you’re on the road. Then it’s mostly monotonous scenery and blurring cars. You’re liable to drive yourself, and your passengers, crazy unless you plan ahead with these apps:

14. Spotify (iOS, Android, Web Browser)

Spotify a road trip tenet that predates the road: “Go forth, but do it with music”. Humans have been rolling around with tunes since the first Homo Sapiens drummed a beat on their knee.

Fortunately, we’ve come a long way since turning our patella into a rhythm section. For example: Spotify.

This free app gives you access to millions of songs, lets you create that all-important road trip playlist, and even offers podcasts. Best yet, you can download audio for offline use!

The only drawback? Advertisements. Erase them by subscribing to Spotify Premium.

For $9.99 a month you can erase those pesky ads, access exclusive podcasts, use unlimited skips, and more.

15. Libby (iOS, Android, Web Browser)

Got a library card? It’s that decaying piece of plastic in your wallet/purse/keychain. Dig it out. Download Libby.

Now, you have access to millions of e-books and audiobooks. The app even works like a library.

You check-out the book, borrow it for a designated amount of time, and then digitally return it.

Libby allows you to check-out up to 25 titles, and renew them when needed. Not impressed? Libby even lets you download the book for use offline. That way, when your cell-service disappears, your audiobook won’t.

16. Drive.fm (iOS, Android)

Your passenger won’t stop talking about their Aunt’s foot fugus. Instead, of turning your wheel towards the nearest cliff, download this app! Drive.fm only has a few free features, but they’ll keep you busy for at least one road trip.

If you’re a road addict you may want to consider the $4.99/month subscription.

It will give you access to a number of hands-free games, including: quizzes, Jeopardy, movie trivia, interactive stories and more!

On the Road

Helmuth von Moltke famously said, “No plan survives first contact with the enemy”. Incidentally, no plan survives first contact with the road either. Be prepared, download these apps:

17. GasBuddy (iOS, Android, Web Browser)

Haven’t bought the new, electric Dusseldorf RV yet, huh? Me neither. Don’t worry though, you don’t have to cry every time you visit the pump. GasBuddy finds you the cheapest gas and diesel prices in your area.

It comes outfitted with a trip cost calculator, gas price map, and even offers a free credit card that will save you up to 25¢ per gallon. Keep your money for what really matters on the road — snacks.

18. MyRadar (iOS, Android, Windows)

Sure, you could just type ‘weather’ into Google, and get the temperature. The only problem? A road trip requires foresight. MyRadar is free app like a weather prophet! Allow the app to track your current location, or type in a destination.

It’ll produce a real-time map of the region. MyRadar will then show you the weather stats for the area, and the forecast for the next couple of days.

But that’s not all! The app populates the map with real-time weather systems. Useful when you’re trying to avoid blizzards, or track a storm

19. American Red Cross (iOS, Android, Web Browser)

I might be the most accident-prone person I know. If you’re not one yourself, you most likely know someone that is.

Do them, and yourself, a possibly lifesaving favor. Download the American Red Cross App. This tool provides solutions to common emergencies you’ll run into on the road.

It also includes videos and interactive quizzes that will, not only help keep boredom at bay, but also teach you important, life-saving 

Need an RV?

Want to plan an RV trip, but don’t have an RV? Normally that would be an issue, if it weren’t for an app like this:

20. Outdoorsy (iOS, Android, Web Browser)

Outdoorsy is basically an AirBnB for campervans, trailers, Class A rigs, and Class C rigs.

It connects you with owners in your area who are willing to rent out their recreational vehicles. It’s usually cheaper than other rental companies, and with less hassle. 

There you have it! The best apps and tools for planning your next RV road trip at your fingertips. But that’s enough talking from me. What’s your favorite RV trip planning app or tool?

About Author / Aaron Richardson

Aaron Richardson is an expert RVer and the co-founder of RVing Know How. Aaron, along with his wife Evelyn, has been living and traveling in their Keystone Fuzion RV since 2017. Their adventures span across the country and beyond, including memorable RVing experiences in Mexico. Aaron's passion for the outdoors and RVing shines through in his writings, where he shares a blend of travel stories, practical tips, and insights to enhance the RV lifestyle.

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It customizes RV safe Routes to the height & weight of your RV. Avoid low clearances, steep grades, and propane restrictions.

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Browse from ALL Campground Affiliations (Good Sam, Passport America, etc...). No Restrictions like other tools.

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The Wiz will help to estimate the cost of your trip with Gas and Campground Fees. Updated as you update your trip.

Set Driving Times and Distances

Set your Driving Distances and the map will show you if you may have stretched yourself too thin on a leg of your trip.

How RV LIFE Trip Wizard can help you

Watch a quick video to learn about some of the many features that make RV LIFE Trip Wizard the best choice for RVers looking to save time and money with their Trip Planning.

All The Information you need

See all the information you're looking for on your devices. Our Trip Planner is set up so you can do everything from one screen. Your trip on the left panel, your map centered, and your research panel to the right to find campgrounds, points of interest, and potential hazards.

An RV GPS in your pocket

Combine RV LIFE Trip Wizard with the RV LIFE App, and we'll make the days you head out the road a breeze. Get RV Safe GPS routing right on your phone or tablet with the RV LIFE App. RV LIFE Trip Wizard seamlessly integrates its trips into your app.

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Hear from some people who love using it.

My husband and I are full time RVers in a 45ft 5th wheel toy hauler. I use RV Trip Wizard to plan our route. It has made my trip planning so much easier since I can filter out campgrounds that cannot accommodate our trailer. The ability to check reviews and to go to the campgrounds' websites from the app is also extremely useful. I recommend RV Trip Wizard to other RVers all the time.

If you are worried about low bridges on your trip or where the best, low cost parks are, worry no more because this App is absolutely the best RV trip planer out there. We've tried them all and this ones smokes them all. Spot on! If you have a smart phone or a tablet, RV Trip Wizard works with either, we absolutely rely on it and would not leave our home without planning our route with this tool first. Highly recommend it…

We took a 3 month trip last year and I looked for a good trip planner. I tried winging it with google earth and researching the internet at first. Then I found RV Trip Wizard. I thought I try it. Just a few hours in to planning our trip I was hooked. It has everything I need to plan our trips. Way worth the small price. And the great part it's got better since last years trip. They keep adding and making it better all the time. I've got this years about ready to go and a few small side trips already planned.

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It has never been so easy to plan RV trips. After years of research and study, we found a way to make the Motorhome trip planning process accessible for everyone. The process is now simpler than ever, just set a destination from all of our amazing templates, add your unique taste, and set out to gather amazing experiences on a fascinating journey. Our formula for an unforgettable trip combines everything in a precise mix, Attractions, hiking, museums, traditional experiences, markets, cultural visits, shopping, local tours and all those stunning little hidden gems, and a lot more… So what are you waiting for? .

Helping busy or inexperienced people to make their motorhome trip planning so easy, manage to have an unforgettable experience, by focusing on the fun of the trip itself, without all the hard workaround.

If you are traveling with a motorhome, rented one or are using your own and you meet at least one of the definition below,   then our services are exactly for you:

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• You want to be able to customize your trip anywhere anytime
• You want to manage all of your trip aspects in one place
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• If you have your own motorhome and you are looking for new travel ideas 

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Planning an RV Trip: The Complete Guide

Contributing $114 billion to the U.S. economy in 2019, RVing is one of the fastest-growing trends inspiring solo travelers, families, and couples to hit the road. RV travel allows you to visit areas you might not travel to otherwise. You can drive on your own time and stay at some of the most majestic places on earth.

Whether you’ve planned an RV trip before or it’s your first time, you’ll learn something from our complete planning guide.

Planning Your Trip

The great thing about planning an RV trip is the endless possibilities of destinations and the flexibility of the trip; you can rent an RV just about anywhere, meaning you can fly to a closer point, or you can leave right from your own home.

When choosing routes and destinations for a first-time trip, do your research and plan to stick to the proven routes; don’t venture off the path too much, especially if you’re not used to driving a motorhome or towing a trailer . Once you’ve tackled a few easier trips, you’ll be more comfortable going off the beaten path.

National and state parks will be expensive, and the most crowded during the summer months. Try to visit these popular spots on shoulder seasons for a more enjoyable experience. Book ahead to save the most money and make sure you can secure your entry when you plan to go.

Transportation

One of the first decisions to make: will you rent or buy an RV? Depending on how often you want to RV, buying one to call your own will be the more cost-efficient option. If you’re renting, you’ll want to rent early, off-season, and get the right size for your companions to get the best deal.

Renting an RV

Renting an RV can be done at rental agencies or dealers. If this is your first time hitting the road, we recommend renting from an agency, such as Cruise America , which will help you choose the right motorhome. Since it’s your first time, chances are you won’t have a towing vehicle or want to tow a trailer; you’re not used to towing, so going with a motorhome will be more comfortable and safer for you on the road.

Here are a few things to keep in mind about renting an RV:

• Prices will fluctuate based on availability and seasonality.
• Motorhomes will go between $175 to $275 per night on average for an older model (10 years and older), depending on the Class you rent. Newer RVs run between $150 to $450 per night on average .
• Trailers are often the cheapest option going between $50 to $125 per night on average.
• Fifth wheels go between $60 to $150 per night on average.
• For trailers and fifth wheels, you’ll need to have a vehicle capable of towing safely, or you’ll need to rent a vehicle to tow.
• RV websites like Outdoorsy , RVshare , and others allow you to rent RVs directly from owners. This could be a cheaper alternative depending on your plans.

Want to know more about renting a vehicle when planning your trip? Read our guide to renting an RV and make sure you’re getting the best possible deal for your trip.

Buying an RV is an investment, no matter the type you decide to get . If you’ve been planning an RV trip and know it’s going to be something you do in the future, purchasing an RV will save you money long-term.

If you’re ready to buy, there are lots of things to consider; read our guide to buying an RV to get started on your next adventure.

Where to Stay

There are three primary places to stay when RVing: RV parks, campgrounds, and boondocking locations. RV parks and campgrounds, including resorts, are the easiest places to book ahead of time for your motorhome or trailer. Book early to save money and ensure you have a place to park for the duration of your trip. The longer the stay, the more you’ll save, too. RV memberships are another great way to save money on parking, but if you aren’t going to RV much, or this is a one-off trip, the investment isn’t worth it.

Boondocking , the practice of camping without any kinds of hookups or other common amenities, is another option but can be a bit trickier. Essentially, this means that you want a place to park and sleep, but you can't just do that anywhere; you'll need to do some research about places that allow overnight parking. The pros of this practice are that it's free, and you are truly flexible without needing too many amenities or having to make reservations, but it can be a little nerve-wracking the first time you do it, and you want to make sure you're staying safe.

The possibilities of what to do when going on an RV trip are truly endless. If your destination is a large city, a National Park , or a specific attraction, that’s the primary thing you’ll plan your trip around, and from there, it’s about exploring what’s in the surrounding areas.

Many RV parks and campgrounds offer shuttles to help you visit nearby attractions. They’ll also host events and activities, especially on weekends, for you and your family to take part in. If you’re staying at an RV resort, you’ll often find golfing, spas, boating, and other activities included in your stay.

Don't focus all your planning on the destination—RVing truly is about the journey as well, allowing you to discover hidden attractions, restaurants, pit stops, and more that you can stumble upon spontaneously. Take the time to explore, venture off the path, and take in everything around you.

Keep in mind that your trailer, motorhome, or camper is also a place to do things—bring board games, watch movies, cook, and relax.

What to Bring

Like any other trip, bring what makes you comfortable. You’ll need the basics, like clothes and toiletries. If you plan on doing anything specific outdoors, you’ll need the appropriate gear to do so. Depending on the weather, you may want winter coats, rain jackets, waders, or hiking boots. What you bring will be dependent on what you plan to do on the road and at your final destination.

An RV gives you the freedom to bring things you wouldn’t for other kinds of trips, such as food and drinks and pillows, blankets, and sheets. While a hotel room will have most of what you need to spend a few nights, your RV is yours to stock and make comfortable for your needs on and off the road. Because most won’t come fully loaded with what you need, take inventory when you get it to make sure you have things like dishes, glasses, cutlery, pots and pans, toilet paper, and more—if those aren't included, plan to bring the things you'll need.

If your RV comes with a refrigerator, you’ll be able to fill it up with your favorite food to snack on and cook throughout the trip. But don’t over-buy food for the trip. You can always pick up more on the way.

Some emergency items you’ll want in your RV include:

• First aid kit
• Flashlights

If you forget something, you can always stop and pick it up.

Money-Saving Tips

Without proper planning, RVing can add up quickly. Here are some tips to keep your adventure on a budget:

• Rent your RV and book your parking spots well in advance, especially if traveling in summer months. The further out you book—and the longer—the more you’ll save. This goes for what you want to do when you arrive, too.
• If you can travel out of season, do it. You’ll often save up to half off the entirety of your trip by doing this.
• If you need to buy food, drinks, or things you left behind when you arrive at your destination, try and travel farther away from tourist traps to do so. Pit stops, gas stations, and tourist attractions will charge a lot more, especially for the “necessities.”
• Plan strategically for gas stops. Several apps exist to help you save on fuel along the way. Towing a trailer or driving a motorhome can be expensive; if your ride is fueled by diesel, this could break your budget. 
• Don’t buy new things for your ride. Use what you have at home, including food and snacks. Also, plan how often you'll eat out during your trip.

Things to Consider

• Be flexible. Something will likely go wrong—you'll get lost or move at a slower pace than you thought. Embrace these unexpected obstacles, and enjoy the “adventure” it adds to your RV trip. You never know what you might discover on the road or about yourself dealing with it.
• RVing is not for everyone. Plan a small trip for a few days if it’s your first time hitting the road. If you’ve never shared a small space with family or friends, you may find out it's not for you. Better to take a few days to learn this than anything longer.
• Have backup plans. You don’t know what the weather may bring . If you’re traveling somewhere where the weather can change at the bat of an eye, make sure to have something to fill the time. Movies, board games, and books are a great way to kill time when the weather keeps you trapped inside.

Planning an RV trip is like planning any other travel adventure. Take the time to understand where you’re going, what you’ll do there, and then plan the rest of the trip around supporting your comfort and enjoyment of what you’ll do when you arrive.

RV Industry Association. " Annual Report 2019. " Page 22. 2019.

RV Share. " RV Rental Prices. "

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Ultimate RV Trip Planner: A Guide to Planning your RV Road Trip

Post Updated June 2021

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RV travel is one of the best ways to explore the United States! Planning an RV vacation can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the RV life. Not to worry! Two years of full time RV living taught me how to easily plan an RV adventure, and in this ultimate RV trip planner you’ll find a complete guide to planning your RV road trip!

Best Time to RV Across America

The good news is that you can RV the USA any time of the year. If you want to RV across the whole country then a shoulder season like Fall/Spring is best. Alternatively, you can plan your trip based on my seasonal recommendations for the best RV destinations below!

The best time for your RV vacation will depend on the type of scenery you’re interested in seeing. Below I share the best areas of the country for each season.

If you’d like to include Canada in your RV adventure I highly recommend it. Read about the best Canada road trips !

Summer RV Trips

Summer in the Pacific Northwest is absolutely glorious, and not to be missed. If you want to experience gorgeous forest waterfalls, pristine coastal scenery, and crystal clear mountain lakes then summer in Oregon and Washington is your best bet.

Fall RV Trips

New England is known for it’s striking fall foliage, where the leaves turn brilliant shades of orange, red, and yellow. Fall also brings milder weather to the humid east coast, and it’s a great time to explore the Eastern United States.

Winter RV Trips

Snow and ice make RVing much more difficult so for the winter months I’d recommend heading to the southern USA where temperatures are mild and comfortable.

Southern Florida is a popular winter RV destination, but be prepared to pay high prices for campsites and activities.

If you prefer a more affordable, and, in my opinion, more beautiful option, consider RVing the Southwestern United States. In the Southwest free and cheap campsites are plentiful, the dry air makes outdoor activities easier, and some of the most beautiful desert national parks become more accessible.

Death Valley and Joshua Tree National Parks are two excellent options for a winter RV vacation.

Spring RV Trips

Spring is when the high desert really shines, and this is a perfect time to explore all of the beautiful scenery in Northern Arizona and Utah.

If the Grand Canyon and Utah’s Zion National Park are on your bucket list then a springtime RV trip is the way to go!

Should you Rent an RV or Buy an RV for your RV Trip?

Whether you should rent or buy an RV for your USA RV travel is a very personal question. Here I’ll discuss some of the pros and cons of either choice!

How long is your trip?

If you’re only traveling for a week or two then renting an RV makes the most sense. While renting an RV is the more expensive option, it saves a lot of hassle, and is certainly more simple than purchasing an RV.

RV rentals provide you with the peace of mind that the RV is in good condition, and if you run into any mechanical issues the rental company will have you covered.

If you’re traveling for a month or more then you may want to consider purchasing an RV and re-selling it when you finish traveling. We met many travelers on the road who used this strategy for their RV journeys.

How Much Money can you Invest Upfront in your RV Trip?

The major advantage of purchasing a used RV then re-selling it is the fact that you can save the rental fees so that you will only be paying for travel costs (gas, campsites, etc), since you will recoup the cost of the RV at the end of your trip.

The downside to purchasing an RV rather than renting is that you will likely need more money upfront, and you will need to educate yourself on what to look for in a used RV. However, when you’re considering a savings of $7,000 or more (the amount you can expect to spend on a one month RV rental), it may be worth the extra hassle to buy and sell rather than rent.

Where to Rent an RV?

If you decide that RV rental is the best option for your trip then I recommend checking out the rentals on Outdoorsy.

Outdoorsy is a company that manages the rental of privately owned RVs when the owners are not using them.

Renting with Outdoorsy tends to be quite a bit cheaper than renting with a traditional RV rental company, and since you’re renting privately owned RVs you will have lots of different makes and models to choose from.

For more information check out this complete guide to RV rental in the USA!

Best RVs for Families, Singles, or Couples

Whether you’ve decided to rent an RV or purchase an RV for your RVing adventure, you’ll want to consider the type of RV that best meets your needs. RVs come in many shapes and sizes, and the RV you choose will directly impact the cost of your vacation, as well as the types of campsites you can visit on your travels.

Best RV for Family of 4

For families with children, a traditional motorhome makes the most sense, because they tend to provide the most space and the most sleeping options.

Class C motorhomes are an excellent option for families because they feature an over-cab bed that really makes the most of the space in the RV (plus kids love to sleep in these fun, lofted beds).

There are plenty of decent Class C motorhomes on the market, and if you’re purchasing an RV you should be able to find one for less than $20,000. Lazy Daze, Gulf Stream, and Jamboree are all brands to keep an eye out for when you’re searching for your class C RV.

Best RV for Couples

If you’re planning to travel as a couple, and you’re going to purchase an RV, then I am definitely partial to Toyota motorhomes for roadtripping the USA. Toyota motorhomes are micro-RVs, which means they are about the same size as a campervan but thanks to an over-cab bed they feel much more spacious than a campervan.

Read about why we chose a Toyota Motorhome for our RV travels here!

Toyota motorhomes are the best small RV, and they also hold their value well, making them easy to re-sell quickly. The downside to Toyota motorhomes is their age, as the last ones were built in 1993. This means that you need to VERY thoroughly inspect a Toyota motorhome before purchasing it.

If you’d prefer to purchase (or rent) something newer, a campervan is the best RV choice for a couple. Campervans have exploded in popularity lately, and for good reason! Campervans are smaller than traditional RVs, which means they are easier to drive, easier to park, and they get better gas milage than a motorhome.

Campervans are also cheaper than a motorhome, so you can easily find one for less than $15,000 if you’re planning to purchase an RV for your trip. Trusted campervan brands in that price range include Road Trek, Dodge Pleasure Way, and Horizon.

If you’re planning to rent an RV, Outdoorsy features LOTS of campervans, and they are cheaper to rent than a motorhome!

Best RV for Singles

If you’re planning to take a solo RV trip then your options are endless because the smallest RV options will work for you.

Campervans, converted mini-vans, SUVs with rooftop tents, and truck campers are all excellent choices for solo travelers since you won’t need as much space as a couple or family would. You can easily find an RV in this category for around $10,000.

If you’re renting an RV, you will be able to find most of these options on Outdoorsy, especially campervans!

For detailed information on all of the different types of campers, tips for purchasing a camper, and the very best tips and tricks for long term RV travel check out my Ebook- Nomads in Campers: A Step by Step Guide to Living Your Nomadic Adventure.

RV Trip Planner Apps

There are a few apps that make RV trip planning a breeze, and that we use CONSTANTLY on our RV road trips. If you’re the RV road trip planner for your family, then you need these four apps!

Google Maps

This is an app that most people already have on their phone, and if you don’t it’s free to download.

Click here to download Google Maps for Android , and click here to download Google Maps for Apple IOS .

After trying several different mapping apps that claimed to be “the best”, we always found ourselves using Google Maps as our primary mapping app. Google Maps has the most data of any mapping app, and that really makes a difference when you’re in remote areas of the US.

A sweet hack for Google Maps is to check when you’re going to lose cell phone coverage (use the next app in our list for this), and before you reach that point have Google Maps start the directions to your destination. Once you lose coverage Google Maps will still pick up your GPS signal, and it will complete the directions even though you no longer have cell service!

Maps.Me is a great secondary app for when you will be outside cellular coverage for long periods of time. It allows you to download maps to access when you’re offline.

Occasionally we will spend several days in an area with no cellular coverage, and in those cases Maps.Me is great as long as we remembered to download a map of the area before we lost coverage!

Coverage is a free and simple app that allows you to check where you will or will not have cell phone coverage. You can filter the maps by cellular carrier and signal type (LTE, 4G, etc), making it easy to figure out how good your cellular coverage will be in any location.

Trail Wallet

Trail Wallet ROCKS for budgeting your RV trip! This vacation budgeting app was designed by travel bloggers for travelers. It allows you to set a daily budget, or a budget for your entire trip, and it alerts you when you’re overspending.

You can select the categories and currency you want to use for your budget, and it’s free to download!

Best RV Camping Apps

There are two camping apps that will cover all of your RV trip planning needs. These are the only two apps we ever needed while RVing the United States (we certainly tried plenty of other apps, but these two were the BEST).

AllStays is not free, but it is WELL worth the cost. Allstays lists nearly every single official campground and RV park in the USA, both private and public. This app allows you to filter by all kinds of parameters including cost, facilities, campground type (BLM, KOA, etc.), and much more.

AllStays will help you find the best RV parks on your route, and it also lists free overnight parkings spots like Walmart, Cabelas, and casinos.

The app will use your GPS signal to locate all of the nearby campgrounds in seconds, and the provided campground reviews make it easy to choose a place to park for the night!

Unfortunately, this app is only available on Apple IOS at this time ( download it here ), but you CAN use the Allstays website on your Android phone to locate the same information.

iOverlander

iOverlander is the best RV app for finding free campsites. This app is free to download, and crowd sources its information. This means that real RV travelers contribute the GPS coordinates for places they camped, and you can contribute to the app as well!

iOverlander features reviews and photos of campsites, and it also lists services that are useful to RVers such as truck stops, mechanics, and dump stations.

We used iOverlander constantly to find good boondocking sites in both the United States and Mexico.

Best RV Campgrounds

In our experience the best RV campgrounds are not RV parks (in fact, we wrote a whole article about why we avoid RV parks ). Instead, we prefer state and federally run campgrounds which tend to be quiet, affordable, and beautiful!

With that said, sometimes you will have to bite the bullet and stay in an RV park. When this happens be sure to read the reviews beforehand, and don’t forget to ask about discounts! Tom often received a discount at RV parks for being a retired firefighter.

The AllStays app lists BLM, USFS, and state park campgrounds when you search for a campsite, and that’s the easiest way to find publicly owned campgrounds.

Check out this guide for all the information you need to find beautiful, affordable RV campsites!

Best RV Road Trip Routes

The most fun part of planning an RV road trip is choosing where you’ll go! There are so many incredible road trips in the USA it can be tough to choose one!

Here I’ll list our favorite US RV road trips by region. If you have a few months you may be able to do all of these in one trip!

Best RV Route in the Eastern United States- Gettysburg and the Blue Ridge Parkway

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania is one of the famous historical sites in the United States. Here you can learn all about the history of the American Civil War, and walk the fields of Gettysburg, where one of the most infamous Civil War battles took place.

There are tons of RV parks around Gettysburg, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a campsite, though the camping in this area is quite expensive.

After Gettysburg make your way south to Shenandoah National Park where you can hop on the gorgeous Blue Ridge Parkway, America’s longest scenic highway!

The Blue Ridge Parkway stretches for 469 miles, and I recommend taking 7 days for this road trip so you can really enjoy all the beautiful sights. The best time for this drive is in the fall when the trees will turn bright red and orange all along the parkway.

Best RV Route in the Southwestern United States- Joshua Tree National Park to Lake Tahoe via Highway 395

Highway 395 is my favorite US road trip for RVers! This spectacular drive begins in Joshua Tree National Park, then takes you north to Death Valley National Park, and along the mind blowingly beautiful Eastern Sierras to Lake Tahoe in California.

I can’t think of any other US road trip as jam-packed with beautiful scenery, while also offering plenty of uncrowded, quiet stops.

This route also features tons of gorgeous, affordable campsites, making it a great option if you’re RVing on a budget!

Be sure to stop in the Alabama Hills, just north of Bishop, CA. There you’ll find several BLM campgrounds that cost just $5 per night, and feature the most beautiful mountain views I’ve seen in ANY United States campground. (Just check out the view from our RV window in the picture below!)

I recommend giving yourself two weeks for this RV trip so you can spend a few days in each national park and still have plenty of time to visit the many sites along the highway (Bishop, the Alabama Hills, Mono Lake, and Lake Tahoe are all must-see stops)!

This drive is best done in the late spring because it will be cool enough to enjoy Joshua Tree and Death Valley, but still warm enough to avoid snowfall in the mountains!

Best RV Route in the Western United States- Highway 101 from Olympic National Park, WA to Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, CA

Highway 101 runs along the Pacific Ocean from Washington all the way to southern California.

Most RVers only ever drive the southern portion of Highway 101 in California, and that is a huge mistake! Highway 101 is actually at its best along the Oregon coast, where the lack of mansions lining the coast means that you’ll actually get to ride along the ocean for most of the drive.

Also, Washington and Oregon both feature well-managed state park systems with beautiful, clean, and affordable RV campsites all along this route. While I do recommend you head all the way to Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park in California (the redwoods are AMAZING), prepare to be disappointed by the campgrounds there.

I recommend taking at least two weeks to complete this epic RV trip so you can spend time hiking, swimming, and really enjoying all of the scenery you encounter! This trip is best done in late spring, summer, or early fall, as the rest of the year will be cold and rainy in this area of the country.

Best RV Route in the Northern United States- Yellowstone and Glacier National Park

Yellowstone and Glacier are two of the most beautiful national parks in the United States, and you can visit them both in one epic RV vacation !

Begin this 962 mile journey in Yellowstone National Park, then make your way through Southwest Montana and up to Missoula. From Missoula you’ll make your way to Glacier National Park, and then loop back to Yellowstone.

Expect to encounter epic scenery, incredible wildlife, and plenty of delicious local food and drink options on this trip. There are many campgrounds along the route, but if you want to stay in the national parks reserve in advance- they fill up fast!

I recommend at least three weeks for this trip, and it should be done in the summer when you won’t have to worry about snow and ice.

Essential RV Road Trip Accessories

There are a few items that you must have with you for a successful RV road trip (no, a cute dog is not required, just highly recommended)!

These are especially important if you plan to spend any nights in remote, wilderness camping areas (BLM land, for example). In our experience, wilderness campsites are the most beautiful and peaceful campsites in America, so you’ll want to be able to enjoy them!

RV Leveling Blocks

You NEED leveling blocks for any RV road trip. These are an absolute essential item. Leveling blocks slip under the wheels of your RV to make sure that it’s completely level.

Keeping your RV level is really important because RV refrigerators don’t work like a normal, in-home refrigerator. RV refrigerators use an internal chemical reaction to cool them down, and the chemicals won’t combine properly unless your RV is level.

If you try to run your refrigerator when your RV is not level it will break, and RV refrigerators are one of the most expensive items in the entire RV.  A new RV refrigerator costs at least $1000 so be smart and keep your RV level!

Click here to check prices on leveling blocks!

Suitcase Style Portable Solar Panel

Solar power gives you so much more freedom in your RV adventures!

Why? Well, when you have solar power you don’t need to search out campsites with electrical hookups or run a loud, stinky generator to meet your basic power needs!

A 100 watt folding suitcase-style solar panel is plenty to run your RV’s basic necessities like your lights and your water pump. This panel easily clips on to your coach battery, so there’s no technical know-how required to use this free, clean power source!

Since this solar panel folds up and has a handle, it’s easy to transport. Another huge perk to a portable panel like this is that you can park in the shade, and then set the panel in the sun!

Click here to check prices on a suitcase style 100 watt solar panel!

Quality Camping Chairs

Camping chairs are SO important when you’re traveling by RV! Sure, a lot of campsites will have a picnic table, but that won’t allow you to sit around the fire, or turn your chair in the direction of the sunset, or take a nap outdoors…you get the idea.

Having a comfortable camp chair is an absolute must on an RV vacation. Once you’re parked in camp you don’t want to have to sit inside your RV all day!

There are two camp chairs that we always travel with, and that we highly recommend:

Zero Gravity Camp Chair

This is the most comfortable camp chair we’ve come across, and we always travel with at least one of these (sometimes two, because we end up fighting over the one)!

This chair reclines back far enough to allow you to take a nap, which means it’s also awesome for reading, sunbathing, and any other relaxing activity.

On a warm night you could easily put a pillow and blankets in this chair and sleep under the stars!

Click here to check prices on zero gravity camp chairs!

Director’s Camp Chair

This camp chair provides the best back support of any camp chair we’ve tried, so if you tend to run into back pain this is the chair for you!

This chair is sturdy, and the seat and backrest stay firmly in position, unlike most camp chairs which tend to buckle a bit under weight. This chair also has a side table with a cup holder, which is really convenient for morning coffee, afternoon beers, evening beers…

Click here to check prices on director’s style camp chairs!

Now you’re armed with plenty of information to prepare you for your first big RV trip!

For much more in depth information on camper travel around North America, check out our Ebook, Nomads in Campers , where we share all of our very best tips and tricks, and tons of other useful information to make your RV travels a success!

For information on taking your RV off the grid, check out my complete guide to RV dry camping and boondocking !

We traveled North America full time for two years in a Toyota Dolphin micro-RV! Read about our favorite RV destination, Baja California, Mexico !

We don’t just travel by RV! Last winter we spent 6 months traveling Southeast Asia with only carry on backpacks! Read all about that adventure here .

Every summer we return to the western United States for our favorite festivals, including Burning Man !

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About The Author

7 thoughts on “Ultimate RV Trip Planner: A Guide to Planning your RV Road Trip”

What a treasure trove of the most interesting and useful information. I plan on using all the apps. Wife and I starting soon with our new tiny camper. It will be ready next month. Maybe we will upgrade to a class c in the future. Thanks for people like who inspire all of use to venture out.

Jake and Cynthia

Thank you so much for the tips, just bought a Dolphin, here we go!

Yay!! Dolphins are the best 🙂 Always happy to hear from fellow Toyota Motorhome owners!

Thanks so much for the comment Jake! And congratulations on your new camper! Camper travel really is the best 🙂

Hola! I’ve been following your blog for a while now and finally got the bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out from Lubbock Texas! Just wanted to mention keep up the fantastic work!

This article was really helpful! We’re planning a 2 month road trip in our class C Winnebago from GA to….somewhere! We haven’t decided where to go yet but this gave me a few ideas. Also THANK YOU for the solar panel link! We don’t have solar and haven’t wanted to install it yet so we may buy this before we hit the road!

Hi Brianna! Glad this was helpful. We LOVE our solar panel, it’s so awesome getting free, clean power! 🙂

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Effortless RVing

The 5 Best Free RV Route Planner Tools

Whether you’re new to RV life or a seasoned pro, planning your route is important. But who has time to look at the maps, estimating turns and clearances? That’s where an RV route planner tool comes in.

I’ve used a few different ones over the years and found a few best free RV route planner tools. They make routing a breeze by showing you gas stops, rest areas, RV parks, and campgrounds along your journey. You can even filter for hookups, amenities, and reviews. 

No more guessing if that countryside road can handle your coach. I’ve reviewed the best RV trip planner tools, so you can plan for worry-free travels. 

1. Roadtrippers

2. the dyrt, 3. koa rv trip planner, 5. recreation.gov, best free rv route planner tools: take your pick.

Options are quite limited for the best free RV route planner . Most tools are paid and require a monthly or one-time fee. However, I’ve searched for hours and found these planners that offer a free version. 

Pick your best RV route planner app or tool from the following list: 

When you’re traveling in a big rig, you need to be sure your route is RV friendly. Not all roads are created equal for large vehicles. The last thing you want is getting stuck somewhere with no way to turn around. Roadtrippers, a free RV trip planner , helps solve that problem.

You start by entering your RV size and tow vehicle. Then put in where you’re starting from and headed to. This app analyzes the information and generates the best route for your vehicle. It only sends you down roads that can properly accommodate your rig.

This is a big advantage over navigation apps like Google Maps. Those are great for cars but don’t account for an RV’s needs. Roadtrippers was designed with RVers in mind. You can feel more at ease following its directions.

You can also compare gas prices along your route. This helps budget fuel costs for the trip. And scheduling overnight stops is convenient when campground spots book up fast.

The free app limits you to 5 stops maximum when planning a trip. There is a paid version that offers more features. 

If you’re in need of a reliable resource for finding great campgrounds across North America, The Dyrt should be your go-to cross country RV trip planner . With its massive database of places to pitch your rig, route planning becomes a breeze.

Whether browsing on their well-designed website or easy-to-use app, the wealth of details, photos, and reviews on each location takes the guesswork out of where to spend the night. Want to find a spot with a certain hookup? Just filter for it.

Beyond campground listings, The Dyrt treats users to an online magazine packed with tips, destinations, and gear roundups. As if that wasn’t enough, they regularly run contests where you can score everything from coolers to camp chairs.

For serious route mapping, The Dyrt’s PRO upgrade delivers. Its innovative Trip Planner builds customized itineraries factoring your rig size and route preferences. Simply enter start/end points and vehicle specs, and the app will plan a route for you. You can also download maps for offline use, so you’re never lost without a signal. 

KOA offers one of the best free RV route planner tools. With this tool, it’s easier than ever to get your next RV outing on the calendar without stressing over the details.

All you need is an internet connection and a few minutes of your time. Create a personalized account on the Trip Planner site and start adding your favorite KOA locations along your proposed route. You can search by area or campground name, filter by amenities like Wi-Fi or pools, and view all the key details like rates and policies. Save your selections to view later or book right from the site.

While it’s not an app, the Trip Planner works great from any device. Everything syncs seamlessly between devices, so you stay organized wherever you go.

Once your route is planned, making reservations is just a click away. No more calling individual parks or trying to piece together dates. The Trip Planner takes care of booking your whole trip at once. You’ll even get an itinerary emailed to you for easy reference on the road.

The RV Life is undoubtedly one of the best free RV route planner tools. Although the free version is quite limited, you can still make good use of its various features. 

Within the app, you can search thousands of campgrounds across North America. Fellow RVers have left reviews for most spots, sharing details on amenities, noise levels, and even wifi reliability. These reviews have saved me from more than one disappointing night. You can also browse pictures to get a sense of each campground.

I’ve also found great discussions on the built-in RV forums. Folks ask questions about certain areas or campgrounds all the time. It’s easy to search old posts too if you have a similar query come up.

If you’re looking for an easy way to plan your trail and book campsites along the way, Recreation.gov is a perfect free tool. It lets you search over 3,600 campgrounds nationwide. You can filter by location, amenities, and more. It’s especially great for finding spots in our National Parks and Forests. Just type in the area you’re headed to see your options.

Once you’ve picked out the route, you can book sites right on the Recreation.gov app or website. It’s an easy one-stop shop to get your camping reservations in order. I really appreciate how it shows all the key details like electric hookups, bathroom facilities, and pet policies.

If any destinations along your route are first-come, first-served, don’t worry. The app lets you claim those sites right from your phone when you arrive. No need to scramble for a spot or wait in line at the ranger station. Just scan and pay. It’s perfect for spontaneous explorers like me.

About The Author

David Kelly

David Kelly is the founder of Effortless RVing. He is an accomplished writer and passionate traveler who specializes in the RV lifestyle. With a keen eye for undiscovered gems and a love for adventure, David's articles provide a unique and insightful perspective on camping and RV travel. As a former Sales Manager at Camping World, David is dedicated to staying up-to-date with new trends in RV world and the ever-changing landscape of RV travel, making him a valuable resource for both experienced enthusiasts and newcomers to the lifestyle. Whether you're looking for RV product reviews, tips, inspiration, or a glimpse into the camping lifestyle, David's sharing posts are a must-read.

One Response

Hi, I am planning a 2 to 3-month trip, from Ottawa Ontario to Santa Monica CA following the historic Route 66. Would like to visit major cities and parks. And to get back using a different routes. I have a fifth wheel (35ft) .

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Researching and planning motorhome trips can take a lot of work, or none at all depending on how you want to travel.

Find out how to plan an epic motorhome road trip in our ultimate guide complete with step by step road trip planner.

How Do You Like to Travel?

It sounds obvious, but where do you want to go in your motorhome or campervan and how will you be travelling?  

• are you touring Europe , UK or further afield?   
• do  you like sun, sea and sand or mountains and skiing?  
• do you want towns, cities and nightlife 
• or solitude and wide open spaces?  
• do you like full-on road trips or do you prefer getting there? Do you want to travel hell for leather down the auto routes to have as much time at your destinations as possible or will you mosey around slow travelling and long distance driving ?
• with or without kids? (if its with, don’t forget to take some road trip games !)
• how you want to overnight?  Are you  wild camper  or do you want to be on a site, able to pitch up and relax for a few days?
• how long do you have?  Are you full-timing or is this a motorhome holiday with an end date? This will naturally dictate how far you can go and whether you can take a more circuitous route.
• what is your budget?  5* campsites or village car-park freebies?
• is this a once in a lifetime longer trip or a holiday?  
• are you a  motorhome beginner  looking to take your first trip or are you planning on living in a motorhome in Europe?

If you’re looking for motorhome hire or campervan hire, read our step-by-step guide to hiring a motorhome . Check out  Spaceship Rentals , our affiliate partners, for deals and offers on motorhome rental.

Once you understand the answers to these questions, then you will have a good idea of how your motorhome road trip is going to look; all you have to do now is agree the finer details to ensure you nail your motorhome road trip planning!

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Where, when & how are you taking your motorhome road trip, where are you going.

The biggest question of all when planning a motorhome trip !  There are so many variables here which will affect your choice; time, money, likes and dislikes. Hopefully by this point you know where you’re going, but if you don’t, you can find inspiration and ideas below.

When Are You Going?

You may be tied by school holidays or work commitments, but ideally you need at least a few weeks (longer if possible) to plan ahead.  If you’re retired you can be a bit more spontaneous but the earlier you can plan, the cheaper ferries and sites will be.

Look up the national holidays of countries you are visiting, it can be difficult to get an ad-hoc pitch on a campsite or aire during these times, so be prepared. Book in advance or get there a few days before the national holiday to secure your place. 

If you need to, you can always find somewhere to free camp or park for the night using these resources.

How Are You Getting There?

There are so many routes out of the UK on a boat when taking a  motorhome to Europe that I’m not going to attempt to list them here! Needless to say, book your ferry as soon as you can to get the best price.

How to travel in a motorhome will depend on how much time and money you have! If you use the motorways be prepared for some hefty toll fees (dependent on size and weight) particularly in France.  

There are a number of numberplate recognition schemes which mean you can go through the toll without a barrier and the linked credit card will be charged monthly, or you can pay by card or cash at the booth.  Emovis , Eurowag  and  Eurotoll  are amongst the biggest auto-pay providers, they make motorhome travel in Europe a bit simpler.

We try not to use toll roads and usually set our san nav to avoid them. But if time is tight and you prefer to use easier motorhome routes through Europe then it is worth some research if you intend to travel this way. 

Use  Mappy ,  ViaMichelin  and  Tolls.eu  to research costs. We find their functionality better than the  AA Route Finder  but Mappy is the only one you can configure for motorhome vehicle types.

A top tip to use in France is if charged as Class 3 at the booth, click the communication button and say “Je suis une camping car” in your best French, chances are they will make you a Class 2 and save you a few euros.  

Check our our  country specific motorhome touring guides  for more information on tolls in specific countries.

Motorhome Route Planner Europe & UK

Step one – the big picture.

For driving routes across large geographical areas, such as motorhome routes through Europe, use a fold-out paper trip planner map like  this one  with post-it notes to mark the destinations we are interested in. You can see the whole route laid out in this way although yo do need a big table!

For smaller routes, such as motorhome routes in UK, we use Google Maps Maps on a tablet (you could also do this on a laptop but a phone might be too small) to start plotting and planning.

Either way, it’s about starting with some suggestions and refining from there. See our favourite motorhome road trip planning tools below, and if you happen to be planning your epic motorhome road trip in the US, then check out these  RV trip planner tools.

Step Two – Anchor Dates & Places

Agree a few ‘anchor’ dates and places.  This may be a particular mountain you want to climb, a boat to catch, a site you’re booked in to or an attraction you have tickets for. You should always have two anchor places and dates; your start and finish points!

Use Google My Maps to create a route you can save and share. You need to have a Google account to use My Maps, which you can open from any Google home page. 

Open Google My Maps in a browser (you can’t do this in the app) and click the three stacked buttons on the top left of the page. Select ‘create a new map’.  Click the ‘legend’ tab on the top left of your new map and use the three dots to rename your map. 

Use the search bar to  type in your chosen destination or drop a pin (hold your finger or click your mouse on the place in the map and a pin will appear). A section will appear on the screen with details of the place.  Click ‘add to map’ – at this stage you can also edit and add information about the place if you wish. Continue to input your anchor places in this way. 

Once they are inputted, including your first and last destinations, under the search bar, click the arrow button, to add directions. a new layer will open in the side bar and you can then start typing in the names of the destinations you added to the map. 

Type them in in the order in which you’ll be visiting and My Maps will create the route.  Your map is automatically saved when you leave the My Maps site.

You now have a really visual way of seeing clusters of places you want to go and will help identify the places that are maybe a bit out of the way and those that can be visited in a day.

This will help you rationalise and plot your campervan road trip with enough time to cover all your anchors. Use our  road trip planner  to help you keep track of everything.

Step Three – Add the Finer Detail

Now that you have an idea of your route, pick up a travel guide book, check out our  destinations  and incredible  wild camping spots   or use the internet to research where you want to go and what you want to see on your UK or European motorhome tour.

Add these new ideas to your Google My Map using the steps above and start to see how it looks in detail. Short hops give you time to travel in the morning and enjoy your destination in the afternoon. Remember to factor in time for both. By now, your route is almost complete. 

One thing to remember…leave some fudge factor so that if you fall in love with somewhere you can stay longer…after all, chilling is what it’s all about!

Step Four – Save & Share Your Route

Your My Map is already saved and will be available on all your synced devices (unfortunately, right now Google My Maps cannot be used to navigate). If you want to share your map with someone else, click the share button and Google can share your map by email with a contact or you can copy a link to send however you choose. 

Top Motorhome Road Trip Planning Resources

Michelin Europe 705 map

Philips Europe A3 Atlas

Lonely Planet Europe

CAMC Touring Europe

Europe’s Best Trips

Cool Camping Europe

Top Road Trip Stopover Apps

Park4Night is a great free app resource (can be accessed offline but you need to pay for this) listing places to stop from motorhome aires and campsites to free fields and laybys. We started off as seeing this as the last chance saloon but it is now our go to resource when looking for places to wild camp. Pay £10 a year for the ability to use offline.

Campercontact

Campercontact is a similar concept to Park4Night which can also be set up as an app.  This will help you to find free campsites and aires as well as wild camping spots. Easy to navigate and our second go-to if Park4Night does not play ball!

searchforsites

Billed as ‘the easy way to find campsites, campervan and motorhome stopovers across Europe’.  We find the searchforsites website a bit messy but if you’re looking for a site that isn’t ACSI it’s useful.

Yes, you’ve guessed it!   Camperstop is s imilar to those above and our fourth go-to!

ACSI is a a great resource for cheap out of season sites with discounted rates, although generally these sites cannot be booked in advance if you want to take advantage of the ACSI CampingCard rate. The pack comes with books and an app which makes for a handy camping route planner to help manage your overnight stops.

All The Aires

All the Aires are helpful and informative books for motorhome travel in Europe. You have to deploy a little imagination sometimes as the pictures don’t always do the aire justice. Some are free and some you pay for and the quality can vary from absolutely dire to 5 star and they cannot be pre-booked.

Brit Stops is a UK based scheme with sites far and wide, from the deep south west to the north of Scotland, which utilised pub car parks for camper van and motorhome overnight parking. There is no fee and no obligation but most people will have a drink or eat a meal in the pub. Services are usually limited although fresh water is often available. Many Brit Stop sites can also be found on other generic motorhome sites such as Park4Night.

France Passion

France Passion is a fantastic scheme that allows you to stay with farmers, wine produces, cheese makers and so on, on their land and free of charge.  

Portugal EasyCamp

A new-comer to Portugal and a great alternative to wild camping in a motorhome,  Portugal EasyCamp  is similar to France Passion but operates in a slightly different way (no app). You go online and buy a product before heading to the farm or vineyard where you can then stay for 24 hours. The scheme is in its’ infancy with 48 vineyards signed up and certainly worth a try if you are heading to Portugal.  Read our review of Portugal EasyCamp here.  

More motorhome parking and camping resources

How to Find Free Overnight Motorhome Parking UK & Europe

29 of the Best Motorhome Apps – Free & Downloadable Now!

Motorhomers Choice – Top 10 Motorhome Campsites UK

The Best Campsites in Europe – For Campers, By Campers

Motorhome Wild Camping – Your Complete Guide

Incredible Wild Camping Spots

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Written by Niche Website • April 14, 2021 • 5:49 pm • Guides

The Ultimate RV Road Trip Guide

Introduction

Road trips are fundamental to the American spirit. The people you love all gathered together, heading from home on a journey of discovery.

In a very real sense, it harks back to the founding of the nation, to journeys made by ancestors, or journeys made by pioneers who paved the way.

The RV is our modern equivalent of a Conestoga wagon in more ways than one.

• Everybody’s onboard in one vehicle.
• We take lots of our home comforts with us along for the ride.
• We’re masters of our destiny – free to eat on board or not. Free to sit and watch the stars if we want to.
• And not to put too fine a point on it, it’s cheaper than hoteling and moteling it every step of the way. You also feel more like a citizen of a great land when you’re RVing it, rather than a tourist in your own country when hoteling and moteling.

So, what makes the ultimate RV road trip? Let’s load up and find out.

Why Road Trip In An RV Rather Than A Car?

Road trips in a car are fine as far as they go. But there are several disadvantages, which the RV neatly negates for all on board.

You Can Travel More. Road trips in a car mean whoever is doing the driving can’t ever get any real rest. 

You can take it in turns, yes, but with sleeping in the passenger seat and getting all kinds of uncomfortable the only option, the likelihood of real rest is slim.

What’s more, if the person who has been driving is now napping, trying to recharge their batteries, everybody in the car has to be quiet. That’s nigh on impossible if there are children in the car.

With an RV, a quick change of driver means the person whose shift has ended can go behind, stretch out in a real bed and get some proper rest. And any children can still be children, without disturbing the sleeper. 

The result is the potential for much longer journeys, and much bigger adventures further away from home.

Then there’s the question of bathroom breaks.

In a car, every child – and every adult too, come to that – is at the mercy of their bladder. Every time someone needs a rest stop, you’re more or less obliged to find somewhere civilized to take them. 

That means pulling in to a rest stop regularly, and having to re-acquaint yourself with the road again afterward, cutting into the time you spend traveling.

In an RV, if you need to go, there are onboard conveniences, so you go, do what you need to do, and the wheels just keep on turning, adding miles to your journey.

The same sort of thing applies to the cramped conditions in the back of a car, compared to the ability to go and sit, stretched out in comfort in an RV. 

Easing that discomfort means easing the boredom of children, which in turn leads to fewer rest stops based on sheer exasperation and boredom. And the miles keep rolling away behind you.

Any which way you look at it, the RV, rather than the car, is the right way to make a road trip if you want to get further from home and have those bigger adventures with a different sky.

You Spend Less

This should be self-evident, but fewer stops for bathroom breaks, comfortable naps, or simply a distraction from cramp and boredom means you spend less en route.

You’re not required to make a rest stop, only to fill up again on coffee and soda pop at chain store prices. The more prepared you are in advance, the less you need to spend at premium, on the road, prices.

It’s also true that when you sleep on your RV at night, you’re not paying hotel or motel prices for an experience you can have right there on the vehicle.

You Can Prepare Your Own Food in An RV

Sure, part of the adventure of a road trip is to see new places, experience new things, and maybe eat different foods from across the country.

And that’s fine when it comes to destinations – places you’re aiming to get to and see. 

But during the getting-there, why would you want to spend money for uncertain food that might for all you know be filled with additives and preservatives and anything else you care to name?

Part of the point of an RV is that it comes with at least a galley kitchen. That means you can fix your own meals and snacks while the miles run away from you.

That’s not only cheaper, it can also be reassuring for children. Children have different modes of thinking. They can be On An Adventure, and they can be Traveling. 

If you encourage them to think that the traveling part is what happens before the adventure, they won’t feel the need to be eating Adventure-Food until you actually arrive somewhere, and will be comforted by the tastes of the familiar to pass the time while they’re traveling.  

You Get Your Own (Clean) Bedroom And Bathroom

Let’s be clear here. 

There’s no disrespect intended to the owners of America’s fine network of hotel and motel chains, or its Mom & Pop establishments offering beds for the night.

But let’s remember we’ve just experienced a pandemic viral infection. One of the key strategies for limiting infection during that pandemic was for families to ‘bubble’ together – to keep to their own as much as was humanly possible.

In hotels and motels off the highways of the nation, people sometimes stay for only one night, and sometimes for longer. 

There’s often a quick turnaround to get the next guests in. Who knows if maybe the cleaning regime is overworked (especially given the Covid restrictions on working and travel).

With an RV, you know what you’re eating, you have your own bathroom for the ‘bubble’ of your family, and you bring your own sheets, pillows, and bed linen. 

As much as a precaution for anyone else as for your own family, staying in an RV means you’re doing the socially responsible thing and keeping everyone safe.

There’s The Mindset

As we mentioned, in an RV, there’s a sense of adventure baked right in – all traveling together, with the potential to sleep, eat healthy food, and play without driving anyone else into a rage. 

It’s a harmonious way for a family to travel into new territory and feel the spirit of exploration.  In a car, it feels like a Monday morning commute that goes on for miles, and miles, and miles, and…

So, hands down, an RV is the best option when it comes to having the ultimate road trip across America. Cars are great, but for the ultimate road trip, they just don’t cut it.

Planning A Successful RV Road Trip

That’s not to say everything’s free and easy in an RV. If you’re going to have the ultimate adventure, you need to plan quite a lot of the trip ahead.

Because an RV is a very particular type of vehicle. You can’t legally just park it up on the side of the road. You have to book campsites to house it overnight. 

You have to be sure there’s legal RV parking at the places you want to include on your adventure.

You have to make sure that the route you take is RV-friendly, rather than just car-friendly. 

And again, you have to make sure you have the budget to complete the trip comfortably (which means building in some contingency for frivolity. Possibly quite a lot of frivolity where children are involved).

So – to the Planmobile!

Make A Plan That Matches Your Budget

When taking a road trip by RV, there are three major sources of expense.

• Campsite fees.

You know yourself how much money you have to dedicate to your RV adventure.

The trick is working out how to hit all the spots you want to hit, see all the things you want to see, and get all the way back again, on the money you have available.

There are several factors that account for how much gas you need.

• Size and year of your RV
• Speed of travel (the slower you drive, the less gas you’ll burn in the same period. This also correlates to less distance travelled).
• Price of gas when you set out.

There are any number of handy calculators to help you get numbers on this. One of the simplest, assuming you know your average vehicle mileage per gallon of gas is the KOA calculator . 

Whatever else is true in this world, you can take it as fact that RVs will cost you more at the pump than regular cars. On average, RVs get about 6 to 18 mpg, depending on the size and model, whereas cars average about 24 mpg.

So, work out how far you want to go, your RV’s mileage per gallon, and the price of gas per gallon, and you should have a rough figure for your gas costs. 

Then add more on top for off-ramping, driving from interstates to campsites, driving to any particular attractions you (or your kids) mark as a must-see while you’re on the trip, etc.

Campsite Fees

There is of course no standard campsite fee in America. You pay more or less from season to season, and from location to location, so how much you pay per night depends on where you go and what you want to see when you wake up.

Got a national park on your itinerary? The National Parks Service runs official RV campsites at most national parks, and prices vary from $15-25 per night at the Grand Canyon park to $120-125 per night at Colter Bay in the Grand Teton park.

It’s also worth knowing that while the National Parks Service keeps its prices as low as possible, there are sometimes private park owners within the same park whose prices can be substantially higher. 

For example, at the Grand Canyon, a non-NPS site can cost you between $49-62 per night.

Across the country and outside of national parks, prices also vary considerably, so it’s worth planning out a route that’s friendly both for your RV and for your bank account.

To find RV campgrounds across the country, try:

• Kampgrounds Of America
• Recreation.gov
• The Bureau of Land Management
• United States Geological Survey for a National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass
• And Roverpass

Food and drink are primary expenses on a road trip, not least because it’s probably relatively rare that a family eats all its meals together in day-to-day life – children at school, parents at work. 

On a road trip, the likelihood is that most meals will be eaten together, and must be planned or paid for out of a holiday budget.

To some extent, the cost of this can be mitigated by careful planning before the trip. 

Simple family meals involving pasta, beans, rice, etc mean the bulk of the food can be bought at least one monthly budget ahead and stored in the RV ready for the trip. 

Some of the rest of the equation will depend on the size of your RV’s kitchen, and what size refrigerator it has, for the storage of meats, cold drinks, etc.

Expect to take a lot of non-perishable snack foods for kids made ravenous by adventure and new locations. If you’re going to be doing a lot of outdoor activities like hiking, budget for high-energy slow-release foods too. 

And include a larger budget for eating out at least some nights on your adventure, so as to add a sparkle to the eye and give a break from travel-food.

It’s been suggested by guides that $10 per person per day is a reasonable budget if the food is bought and cooked in the RV. 

So if you use that as your guide, and then add extra for site-specific snacks and any food eaten in diners, restaurants, etc, you should be about right.

Admissions, Events, Etc

Remember to budget for entry into any events, attractions, and the like. Want to visit an alligator farm in Arkansas , it’ll cost you $9 per adult and $7 per child under 12. 

Want to marvel at the weird and wonderful roadside attractions of America ? No charge but the gas to get there. Budget accordingly and get your mind a little blown so you remember the trip forever.

Book Campsites In Advance If Possible

Campsites can be competitive, and they are a naturally finite resource – once they’re full, they’re full.  Booking your spaces as far in advance as possible means your spot is secured, so you’re not forcing yourself to drive on through the night to another location.

It also means you won’t be forced by necessity out of cheaper campsites into more expensive, more run-for-profit campsites, eating into your road trip budget.

Apart from relieving any issues of not getting in somewhere, the further in advance you plan and book your campsite reservations, the less financial pressure there is on you in the immediate run-up to the road trip.

Book and pay for a night or two out of each paycheck for a few months ahead of time, and you won’t have to take a big hit in real-time when the road trip arrives. That will leave you free to enjoy more of your time without that extra burden.

And in addition to all that, having designated places to get to each night helps keep you on your route. 

Sure, the biggest ball of twine in the world may be fascinating, looked at from a simple “Who thinks to do this?” angle, but if you don’t get to your campsite by nightfall, you’ll miss the slot you paid for…

Plan An RV-Friendly Route

Now – there are lots of people who feel the freedom of the open road is tied up with taking winding little detours wherever the next dirt road takes them.

All power to them, but that’s not practical with an RV.

As we mentioned at the start, an RV is a different class of vehicle altogether to a Nissan family-wagon. It’s taller, wider, slower, and often falls under restrictions that you might not ordinarily think about.

You’re going to need to think about them.  Plan your route with regard to low clearances, propane-restricted bridges and tunnels. 

Research tough gradients and switchback corners along your proposed route, and cut them the heck out, because getting an RV caught in a tight bend is like trapping a walrus in a washtub – it’s loud, it’s messy, it causes undue panic to everyone, and it just isn’t pretty.

Also, map your route according to RV-friendly gas stations. No , not all gas stations are RV-friendly. Fortunately, you don’t need to get out your dowsing rods to mystically find RV-friendly gas. 

There are plenty of apps and map-overlays now that will take the heartache out of this element of your route-planning, including everything from Google Maps to the Gasbuddy app.

Research RV Parking In Advance

Similarly, it’s an RV rookie who rolls up to an event or location and just expects to be OK to park an RV there.  If there are definite places you want to hit on your trip, make yourself a list and do the research – online first, phone second, just to confirm that you’re OK to park your RV at the venue.

Is this taking the spirit of adventure out of RV road-tripping?  No, it’s proper planning to avoid disappointment, unnecessary difficulties, and looking unprepared in the eyes of your family.

Sure, there’s still room for the unexpected detour to see something cool – but ideally, as soon as it’s mentioned, check your Google Maps overlay or ask the digital butler that lives in your phone whether you’re OK to park an RV there.

Adjust Your Estimated Time Of Arrival

We need you to do something.

We need you to calculate how long it would normally take you to get from point A to Point B in the family car. Write it down for us on a piece of paper.

Now, very carefully, tear that piece of paper in half, lengthwise. And then do it again. And again. And then throw it in the garbage.

That right there is the experience of time planning with an RV.

You’re not in a family car anymore. You’re in a road warrior. A Conestoga wagon with a lot of modern conveniences. You don’t fit your beds in your family car. You don’t fit a refrigerator or an oven. Whole. Different. Ballgame.

Sure, the engine in your RV is larger too. 

But with the route planning to avoid frightened bridges, the avoidance of some more direct routes because of their gradients and zig-zags, the detours for RV-friendly gas, and the occasional reductions in speed so as not to, for instance, hurl all the crockery out of cupboards, you’re going to be slower than you think you will if you base your calculations on standard car speed and progress.

Why is this important?

Remember that thing where you have to get to your campsite each night? Yeah, that. 

Considerations of RV speed should never be allowed to get in the way of your adventure, but it’s worth factoring into your route-planning when it comes to how many miles you think you’re likely to realistically cover each day.

Road Trip Essentials Checklist

So you’re all ready to hit the road? Got your route planned, your budget fixed, your sights to see, and an empty RV?

Great – now all you need to do is fill that puppy up and you’ll be ready to go.

It’s not that easy remembering all the things that really should go in an RV when you’re embarking on a road trip though. 

That’s why we’ve put together a ready reckoner for you, so you can check off what you’re taking along for the ride.

Sure, you’re going away on a great adventure. Great adventures take paperwork these days.

License and Registration For Your Vehicle

We’re sure you drive like a dream, but in the event that a cop is curious about your RV and its route into the road trip of a lifetime, these are the documents they will always ask for, to make sure that a) you are you, and b) you own the vehicle. 

Take them with you, leave them in the glove compartment the whole time, remember to bring them back inside the house when you get home ­ – at least until you next use the RV.

Insurance Documents and Relevant Numbers

As with the license and registration, you probably won’t need these on your road trip, but if you do need them, you’ll really need them. Dig them out, put them alongside the license and registration documents.

The Hard Copy Manual For Your Vehicle

More and more often, the manual comes as a downloadable document. By all means, have that to hand on a phone or e-reader of your choice. Carry the hard copy version too. 

Because the world is such that the moment you need it, your battery will die, that’s why. Again, store it with the license and registration documents in the glove compartment.

Passports – Optional

Unless you’re planning to cross a border, or you feel like the urge might suddenly come upon you, you’re probably safe to leave your passports at home. 

If you are likely to be going close to a border and might decide to hop over for an afternoon, take them with you.

Ideally, don’t keep these with your car’s documents, but in somewhere secure within the RV. Just in case.

Medical Details, including Insurance Documents And Numbers – Optional

This is only really necessary if you have an ongoing chronic condition, and may need, for instance, to prove you a) need the medications you’re carrying, or b) need some more of them, and are insured to receive them.

Spare Tires

Again, there’s very little likelihood that you’ll need a spare tire, let alone two.

But if and when you do need them, you’d better believe you’re really going to need them. 

If you’re rolling down the road and a tire bursts, it’s going to put a serious crimp in your adventure, to say nothing of your schedule, to have to wait till a local garage can get to you – and that’s if they have a spare for your particular RV.

Carry at least one spare tire on a road trip. Two for preference, just to give yourself twice the odds.

Roadside Emergency Kit

You need one of these so that if something goes wrong with your RV while you’re on the road, you’re not simply lost and floundering with an outsize vehicle on your hands, going nowhere. 

A standard roadside emergency kit will include:

• Battery booster cables
• At least two light sticks
• A reflective vest, so people can see you working
• And emergency rain poncho, because immediately you break down, it will start to rain on you
• A warning triangle
• A tire pressure gauge, to confirm what you already know in your heart
• A window breaker, because yes, it will absolutely come to that

A Domestic Tool Kit

You’re essentially taking a mini-version of your home away with you. Anything that can go wrong in the full-sized version can go wrong in the mini-version too. Take:

• At least one sledgehammer or mallet
• Several screwdrivers – cross-cut and flat-head – of various sizes
• Ideally a multi-wrench
• A highly portable multi-tool
• At least one flashlight and batteries to power it
• Because you’re carrying your own plumbing, one plunger

Medications And First Aid

There are two levels of medication you might need on a road trip.

First, if you take any ongoing medication for a chronic condition, remember to pack enough of it for the whole trip PLUS two days, in case of complications en route.

Obviously, store all prescription medications out of the reach of children – even if they are prescription medications for the children. 

But if you’re diabetic, asthmatic, have ADHD or anxiety, there’s no way you want to be 200 miles from home when you realize your medication’s in the cabinet at home.

Apart from the potentially serious side effects of missed doses, you really don’t want to have to spend money on replacement meds while you have them sitting at home. 

That will make you feel like a diagnosed dumbass. Also, a lot poorer than you thought you were.

And second, there’s first aid. Anything can happen on a road trip. If you’re taking a road trip with children, anything is almost clinically guaranteed to happen. 

Headaches, coughs, poison ivy, scraped knees, you name it – it’s probably out there waiting with your child’s name on it. 

Take a reasonable first aid kit for the region you’re heading into – including sunscreen, bug spray, and calamine lotion if you’re going to enjoy some sun. Sure, they say a parent’s kiss can cure a thousand ills.

Take the lotion anyway.

Everything But The Kitchen Sink

If you’re going to be cooking, eating, and washing up after your meals on board the RV, you’re going to need to bring everything necessary with you.

Kitchen Checklist - Serving

• At least two size-appropriate plates for every family member
• Potentially, one bowl for every family member
• Two items of each type of cutlery per family member – forks, spoons, knives
• Two mugs per adult
• One juice glass per family member
• One wine glass/beer glass per adult, as required

Kitchen Checklist – Cooking

• Three deep pans, various sizes – think pasta, sauce, vegetable
• One frying pan
• At least one wooden spoon
• At least one silicone spatula
• At least one slotted spoon
• At least one drainer, suitable for pasta, vegetables, etc
• At least three sharp knives – meat prep, vegetable prep, one spare as needed
• One can opener, minimum. Two for safety
• Cheese grater – simply because you’ll realize how much you miss it when you don’t have one

Kitchen Checklist – Washing

• Dishwashing soap
• Utensil of choice for cleaning dishes
• Dish drying towel, if usual

We’ve mentioned this previously, and the exact make-up of what you take on your adventure will be up to you.

We suggest lots of long-life products, like pasta, rice, beans, etc. 

Lots of snack foods to avoid the need to cook full meals to kill a hunger-pang. Canned products as appropriate. 

Limit the fresh and refrigerated to absolute must-haves, to save space. Take enough to allow for a certain spirit of adventurous gluttony.

Good intentions and back-up plans are the order of the day when packing clothes for a road trip.

Ideally, take enough casual clothing so there is at least one outfit per family member per day.

One slightly more formal outfit per family member, in case of dining out.

Significant extra socks and underwear, because they are prone to accidents, from stepping in big puddles and soaking through the shoes to finding a muddy spot and sitting in it, accidents will happen, and when they do, the last thing anyone wants is to be sitting around in squelchy socks or muddy underwear.

Also, include appropriate weather gear – sun hats, rain ponchos, wellington boots, earmuffs – you know the terrain you’re going into. Pack accordingly for the most likely weather.

If you’re aiming to get out in nature and do some hiking, add appropriate footwear for all the family.

Aside from clothes for the family, it’s always a good idea to put fresh bed linen on the beds when you start out on a new road trip. 

It helps deliver that feeling of being both away from home, and yet connected to all the good things that home provides, while you’re off on your adventure.

Toiletries & Personal Care

From nail files to toothbrushes, toothpaste, and dental floss, you’d be amazed what you forget when you leave the day-to-day world of home life behind.  Remember to take enough toilet tissue to last you the whole trip – you never know when you might need it, even outside the vehicle (not all restrooms are necessarily adequately provided!).

Take towels, wash cloths, potentially razors or shavers, perfume, cologne, nail clippers, mouthwash, acne cream, tampons – you name it, you go through your bathroom at home and make sure to duplicate on a smaller scale. 

There’s no reason why each family member shouldn’t have their own small toiletries bag to keep separately.

Navigation Aids

We all know we live in an age of navigation on our phones – but the navigation signal receiver in your average smartphone is the size of a paperclip, trying to receive and interpret an already weak signal coming from satellites in low-earth orbit.

Just saying. Take some paper maps and route-planners, too.

Individual Bags

If you’re aiming to get out into nature and do some hiking, it would be useful for each family member to have a bag or rucksack appropriate to their size. 

When getting on board the RV, this could be filled with their own personal choice of amusements – from e-readers, a couple of good (paper) books, packs of cards, etc, to miniature game consoles, every doll ever made, or a handful of action figures.

These could then be each person’s travel diversion bags, but when needed for hiking, could be filled with more appropriate things like energy bars, water supplies, and the like.

In addition to this, games that can be played as a family are always good on a road trip. They can bring everyone back together after a day of traveling, seeing new things, and adventuring.

Every USB Charger Known To Man

Yes, the point of a great RV road trip adventure is to get out into the country, spend time together, reconnect with one another and the world around you. But on the other hand, if your phone battery dies, you’re as good as dead.

Take at least one charger per personal device, be it a laptop, a games console, an MP3 player, a phone. You need to be able to charge all these – more or less simultaneously.

In fact, you could do worse than also investing in a solar power station, which converts the sun’s energy into usable, device-charging power without it costing you any additional cash.

An Awesome Playlist

It’s not a real road trip without an awesome playlist.

In fact, and this will be controversial with most adults, everybody should make their own awesome playlist. 

So while Mom and Dad crank out their road classics from an age gone by, the kids too have a chance to educate their parents on what Real Music is.

It’s possible no adult reading this will ever tell their children about the suggestion. That’s on you – we’ve done our due diligence by the next generation.

While talking about playlists, it’s also an idea to load up your phone with a couple of kid-friendly audiobooks for the journey too, for a change of pace, a calming influence, and even an aid to sleep of an evening.

Other Technology

It’s worth investing in a Bluetooth headset for your phone, because it is of course illegal to answer a phone by hand while driving. 

You might also invest in a portable wi-fi hub, because this is the 21 st century, and even adventures are made better by the ability to stay connected with friends, family, the news, and the ever-crucial socials.

Taking a road trip in an RV is a great opportunity to get away from the day-to-day and experience new things. It can be an experience that makes memories for everyone on the RV, including some that will last for decades. 

It’s a way of connecting to the great pioneering spirit of America, while being always firmly rooted in the 21 st century.

It takes proper planning and some budgeting to pilot a modern RV, but the preparation, the planning, the pre-booking, and the parking checks will all ultimately reward you with a smooth trip, hopefully filled with shared laughter, new experiences, and an infusion of wonder that will keep the smile alive inside you for years to come.

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Planning an RV road trip involves choosing a manageable route, finding the right vehicle and booking the best campsites. On top of that, it takes even more time and research to figure out what to do in each location you’re going to visit. We don’t want you to sacrifice precious vacation time on a poorly planned trip.

Tumbleweed Travel Co. is designed to do all the RV road trip planning, route-finding, and reservation-booking for you! So all you need to do is GO!

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What people say about our rv trip planning.

Hi we just got back from a 8 day trip this month from Vegas to Grand Canyon, to Sedona, and stops in between. We stayed at 4 different campsite during our travel and each one was planned out perfect and booked with out a hitch. Our complete intermarry that she put together was flawless. Could not have asked for a better experience. Will be using Tumbleweed Travel in the future. Thank you Brooke!!

Brooke did an EXCELLENT job with our 3.5 week trip around the American Southwest. We always had the most amazing campsite, and she responded really well to our high/low requests, sprinkling in great hotels and activities. She is super organized, responsive and has personally stayed in all the places she sends you. Highly recommend!!!

Brooke at Tumbleweed helped us plan a 10-night trip this summer to Jackson Hole, Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone. We were novices to RVing and Brooke took care of planning a great trip – from perfect campsites to amazing activities to side trips along the way. All details were provided well in advance and with a great app that had our trip details and links to all activities and sites. We could not have done this trip without her help. We were a group of 11 – two RVs – and Brooke made very good age-appropriate recommendations. Some or our favorites were whitewater rafting down the Snake River, Horseback Riding in Yellowstone, rodeo in West Yellowstone. If you are looking for a great trip without the headaches and time to plan every detail I’d highly recommend Tumbleweed.

Brooke is an all-star organizational trip planner! We wanted a non-cookie cutter trip and she delivered. She arranged the MIGHTY 5 UTAH RV trip with a pickup in Vegas, drop off in Provo so we could do our loop in the 9 days that we had off from work. A lot of RV rentals won’t do one-way rentals. The trip itself was perfect. THE APP SHE UTILIZES IS AWESOME!! We always knew exactly where we were headed, how long it would take to get there, the check in info, places to eat, and fun side trips along the way if we wanted (and could access the app w/ no cell service). I am a super planner and Brooke was better than me. It’s so comforting to actually relax, not spend hours planning a trip and be able to trust someone else to do the work for you and it turn out better than I could have planned!! Brooke can you teach my husband & employees?! 🤣 I will absolutely use Tumbleweed again. I’m also frugal and she was worth every penny.

Thanks Brooke! From day one you made all the details clear, and all the recommendations were spot on for our trip. We didn't have any issues with reservations and felt that every detail of our adventure was taken care of - so that we can enjoy the family time! I especially loved the app with all our details and points of interest easily accessible, which also made connecting to google maps seamless. I would highly recommend Brooke and Tumbleweed Travel and will look forward to our next adventure with their help!

My wife and I recently did a week-long, bucket-list trip to Zion, Bryce and North Rim Grand Canyon national parks on a rental RV. Hiring Tumbleweed was the smartest thing we did to make the experience so easy and enjoyable. Brooke (the owner) handled all the planning, campsite selections and reservations. This saved us countless hours as well as the rookie mistakes we no doubt would've made on our own. We also loved the detailed itinerary, directions and recommendations packed into an easy-to-use app that works even offline (which is essential in parks without wifi or cell coverage). The overall experience was so great that we've hired Tumbleweed to arrange a second RV trip - to Arches, Canyonlands and Capitol Reef parks.

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How To Plan a Cross Country Road Trip

A good road trip plan begins with understanding how long you’ll be away. With so much to see in the US, we’d recommend a minimum of four weeks for a cross country road trip. Remember, you need time to travel back across unless you rent an RV in one location and drop it off in another. 

Even four weeks can be short if you want to spend more than 2-3 days in any destination. For example, my partner and I recently planned a trip from Hendersonville, NC to Truckee, CA. We had six weeks before my partner had to return to work, and we knew we wanted the final two weeks in Truckee. That gave us four weeks to hit our preferred destinations. 

Realistically, a cross country road trip should be a full summer’s adventure. If you’re lucky to work remotely, this will be easier. Explore other ways to make money traveling in an RV if you don’t already have a career that allows you to be a digital nomad. 

Create a Budget

Next, it’s time to decide how much you’ll spend on your trip. It helps to break your budget into at least four parts: fuel, lodging (i.e., campgrounds), food, and recreation. You may include additional budget categories based on the priorities of your trip. 

For fuel expenses, factor in average fuel prices along your route, your average fuel economy, and any additional mileage you may travel off your route to visit landmarks or attractions. For example, our trip involved setting our trailer up in several campsites and then using our truck to explore areas like Badlands National Park or Crazy Horse Memorial in the Black Hills. 

For camping stays, ensure you compile any memberships that offer campground discounts as a benefit. This can help you come in under budget when you actually book campsites later in the planning process. 

Your food budget largely depends on the size of your travel party and your food preferences. Will you be preparing most meals in your RV? Or do you prefer sampling local fare when you reach a new destination? Factor these preferences in when setting the food budget for your trip. 

Finally, let’s talk about your recreation budget. This includes fees associated with your national park pass, guided tours, historical museums, or anything else you like to do for fun while RV camping. 

For us, many of these fees are spontaneous, beyond our national park pass. We like to hike , paddle , and bike in our free time, which are relatively affordable activities in most places. But we also built flexibility into our budget to allow for the occasional movie night or rainy-day arcade visit. 

Select Your Must-See Destinations

With your timeline set and a budget mapped, it’s time to select where you want to go. But let’s be honest, most of us start here. Many cross country road trips are born from a desire to visit a singular destination far across the country. For us, it was primarily Yellowstone in the spring . 

From there, we looked at the other national parks or interesting attractions between our starting point and Yellowstone, which is how we added stops in Badlands National Park and the Black Hills to our itinerary.

From there, we knew we had friends to see throughout Oregon. So we found a unique destination in southern Idaho to explore before spending a day in Boise, a city we had yet to visit. 

All in all, your must-see destinations will dictate your route. Even if you have 3-4 months for your cross country road trip, it’ll be tough to zig-zag back north and south to see everything. Select your must-see destinations and fill in the gaps between them based on your driving route. 

Dial in Your Driving Route

Okay, this step and the previous one go hand-in-hand. But when you’re driving a motorhome or towing a trailer, there are additional considerations compared to road tripping in a passenger vehicle. 

First and foremost, it’s important to ensure all roadways you plan to travel on boast sufficient height clearance for your RV . There are numerous smartphone apps to help you find RV-friendly driving routes and parking spots along the way. 

From there, it’s also important to look at the terrain along your route. On our way from the Black Hills to Yellowstone, we opted for the route up and around the Bighorn Mountains on I-90 through Billings and Bozeman, MT. 

The other route through the mountains and into Yellowstone’s eastern entrance was technically almost 100 miles shorter. But having previously done that route as a truck camper , I knew it would be slower to tow my trailer. In this case, the longer route actually saved us time and reduced the stress on our tow vehicle. 

Read these tips for navigating mountain grades to ensure safe towing on your road trip.

Find Campgrounds

We recommend dialing in your driving route before selecting campgrounds because you’ll have a better idea of what’s along your route and what’ll require a bit of a side trip. Don’t get me wrong, though. Many of the best campgrounds are worth a side trip. 

If you’re a Good Sam member, using their campground directory is the best way to find highly-rated RV parks and resorts where you can enjoy discounted stays. 

For popular destinations, you’ll need to reserve well in advance. Follow recommendations from the National Park Service if you’re interested in camping inside a particular park. Our national park guides are a great resource for finding park campgrounds and options for staying outside each park. 

Explore our complete collection of guides for RVing the national parks.

Additionally, you might find Google Maps as useful for finding campgrounds as it is for planning your driving route. I use search terms like ‘rv parks’, ‘campgrounds’, and ‘camping’ to identify different RV camping opportunities within a chosen search area. Then I compare ratings, amenities, and proximity to other attractions to narrow my options. 

Ultimately, you choose which amenities are most important to you. For me, the priorities are internet connectivity, full hookups, and proximity to hiking or biking trails. 

What are your most preferred RV park amenities?

Check out the results of our survey on the top-ranked campground amenities according to you.

Get Roadside Assistance Coverage

Things don’t always go as planned on any road trip. When you’re on the road as much as is required to complete a cross country road trip, the odds of encountering the unexpected increase. 

Fortunately, you can plan for the unexpected by ensuring you have resources at your disposal. Good Sam’s Roadside Assistance helps you get back on the road so your road trip continues as outlined. 

Their levels of roadside coverage include assistance with flat tires, dead batteries, emergency travel and medical expenses, and being locked out of your vehicle. They also offer coverage for trip interruptions and fuel and fluid delivery, including the delivery of up to five gallons of gas if you run out on the side of the road. 

Better still, even Good Sam’s most basic Roadside Assistance plan offers unlimited distance towing to the nearest service facility. Explore all Good Sam services for RVers, including RV Insurance , TravelAssist , and Tire & Wheel Protection .

Research Guided Audio Tours

On a long road trip, you must get creative to pass the driving time. I love creating road trip playlists and listening to podcasts or audiobooks, but I recently discovered guided audio tours through apps like Autio and GuideAlong . 

Pro Tip: Good Sam members can enjoy a discounted annual subscription to Autio. Start your free trial today.  

We’ve listened to tours through the Badlands, Black Hills, and Yellowstone so far. They led us to scenic highways we otherwise would’ve passed and taught us interesting facts on wildlife management, habitat protection, and natural and human history in these regions. 

On a cross country road trip, it’s nice to have multiple entertainment options at your disposal. Keep things fresh by switching from music to audiobooks to guided tours at your leisure. 

Leave Room for Spontaneous Exploration

It’s clear you’ll need a plan for a cross country RV road trip, but you’ll also need room for spontaneous exploration. You can’t plan everything, so leave some room in your itinerary for unplanned detours. 

On our trip, our unplanned detours led us to delicious Mediterranean cuisine and the most intriguingly designed scenic highway I’ve ever driven. 

Where will your whims take you on your cross country road trip?

We hope this gives you a structure to plan an epic cross country RV trip. Here are a few more trip-planning resources you might find useful: 

• The Best Resources for RV Trip Planning
• How to Plan a Family RV Trip
• How to Plan a Dog-Friendly Road Trip

What are the top three destinations on your road trip bucket list? Share them in the comments below. 

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How to plan epic Motorhome trips- 10 essential tips to make it easier

Planning a Campervan or Motorhome trip? Confused about route planning, how to choose where to go and all the other things you need to know/ organise? Here’s everything you need to know to make your motorhome trips a success.

Travelling in a motorhome, RV or camper is one of my absolutely favourite things- and I LOVE planning our next motorhome trips. There are so many incredible places to go, see and explore.

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Planning Motorhome Trips

I know everyone reading this has different requirements. Some of you can only travel in school holidays (man, I do NOT miss those days).

Many of you have only a few weeks holiday from work and want to make the most of them. And some of you have as much time as you like- but can’t decide where to go or how to plan a route.

Yet, despite these obvious differences in situation, there are MANY similarities on the steps you need to take when you plan a road trip with a motorhome or camper. And that’s what we’re going to walk through today.

Before we start, be sure to grab your FREE printable road trip planner – you’ll find it incredibly useful so you can start organising your trip and keeping everything in one easy-to-find place. Also, if you don’t already have your own vehicle, why not book a camper, RV or motorhome rental for the trip.

Make planning your next road trip EASY (& fun!)

When you’re planning a road trip, keeping track & organising all your ideas is often the hardest part. Fix that TODAY with our printable pdf road trip planner. Grab yours FREE now

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We never spam (yuck) and you can unsubscribe at any time.

*We work hard to make this the best motorhome travel blog and road trip website possible, full of helpful content for you. The website is supported by our readers, so if you buy through links on this site we may earn a commission- at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain our own .

If you find this post useful, you can also treat us to a coffee – we promise to enjoy it while creating more useful content like this- we might even indulge in a biscuit (or two!)

Planning a Motorhome Road Trip – where to start?

Believe it or not, I get asked this question a LOT. You are not alone in your overwhelm. Just the basic question of WHERE to go can be too complicated for many, especially if they’ve never planned a motorhome trip before.

NOTE: For the ease of writing, I’m going to pretend you’re planning a trip from the UK to Europe, BUT these steps can easily be applied to any and ALL motorhome trips, anywhere in the world.

Getting Started

So, here’s a little guide/ checklist to help you figure out where to start your planning:

• Are you happy to go to a foreign country? Driving on the wrong side, speaking a foreign language, eating foreign foods? Not everyone is, and that’s ok. Better to figure that out now, rather than later!
• How long do you have for your trip?
• How long do you want to drive for?
• Are you happy to drive on motorways/ toll roads (ie- you can go further, faster) or do you only want to drive on smaller/ free roads (or a mix of the two?!)
• Do you want to see/ do something specific?
• What sort of weather do you hope to enjoy? (Warmer or colder)

Once you’ve answered those questions, you should have a rough idea on the radius of the area you can reach in your time frame- assuming you have a timeframe of course!

Example destination route planning in Europe

As an example, let’s pretend we’re planning a trip to Germany for next April. We have two weeks (Easter School Holidays) and we are happy to drive on motorways/ toll roads and then take back roads to explore the area once we arrive. 

We want to see castles, ruins and some waterfalls. And we most definitely want to go to a foreign country.

With these parameters, most of Western Europe is open to us. One other criteria  (criterion??) we have is we want to go somewhere we haven’t been to before 

So we assess our options, have a good look on Instagram and Pinterest and decide to take go to Germany, with specific focus on the Black Forest and Bavaria in Southern Germany. 

It could easily have been Holland, France, Austria, Northern Germany, Belgium or Denmark… all of those fit within our parameters. In the end, sometimes you just have to pick one!

If you ARE planning a motorhome trip to Europe, don’t forget to grab your FREE Europe travel checklist – it contains EVERYTHING you need to bring!

Want to head to Europe with your motorhome?

Grab your FREE (printable) checklist and discover 25 things you NEED to take with you when you travel in Europe. Make your life easier today.

Motorhome Trips planning- narrow the options

Ok, so you’ve picked a rough area or country. Awesome! Now let’s narrow it down a little for you.

Once we’ve decided on a rough area/ destination, we start researching specific things to do/ see once we’re there. Literally, I Google “Best things to do in_______ (in this case, Southern Germany)” 

Invariably 100 million results will be returned, but everything you need will normally be on the first page of Google. Something like a Tripadvisor ‘Best of’ Board or a Tourist Information website is perfect to get you started. 

The other place to look is Pinterest. Seriously, it’s BRILLIANT for finding itineraries, ideas and cool places to see. (You can follow us on Pinterest here)

This will give you a list of places you want to visit on your trip. They could be famous, like these incredible historical sites in France , beautiful (like the Dolomites- totally worth a trip to the Dolomites with a motorhome , FYI) or you might want to find the warmest places in Spain to visit in the winter.

Whatever your goal, keep that in mind whilst you’re looking for places to visit. There’s no specific number of places you need to find- just educate yourself on the best things to do in that region so you don’t miss out AND so we can start planning a route very soon.

WHY are you visiting?

Another thing to bear in mind is WHY are you visiting Europe (or wherever you’re heading)?

In our example, we’re going to Germany to explore and see some history, some incredible German castles and ride our motorbikes in the Black Forest

For you, it might simply be as easy as “I’ve never been there before” or “I like the wine/ food/ weather and I want to go back.” 

There doesn’t need to be a serious and impressive reason to go anywhere. After all, it (hopefully!) isn’t going to be your last motorhome or campervan trip to Europe – there’ll be many more to enjoy!

WHEN are you planning your campervan or motorhome trip?

Being forced to travel during school holidays is tough and far from ideal.  If you can avoid that time period, I highly recommend it.

However, I know many people are stuck within these constraints, so think about your WHEN and consider that you may need to book things in advance and have a little less flexibility than you might outside high season.

HOW do you want your Motorhome holiday to go?

If you are going in the heart of August, it will be useful for you to decide at this stage how you want your motorhome holiday to go. 

• Do you want to stay at a campsite which has loads of activities for the kids to do, or a beach/ playground/ kids club? 
• Would you prefer an adult only campsite with a restaurant so you can relax and don’t need to cook?
• Do you want to wild camp in your motorhome and stay at a new place each night?
• Do you want to use aires/ free overnight motorhome parking spots in Europe and stay 2/3 nights in a place?
• Would you like to explore some incredible cities in Europe , or would you rather spend time in nature??

Motorhome campsites in Europe

The reason this is important to decide early is the motorhome campsites in Europe get busy! They can get booked up VERY early- especially the ones with a beach/ pool/ kids club/ surf school. 

If you want to stay on one of these campsites for a week/ two-week European break, you need to pick your dates, pick your place and book it asap. 

Then figure out how long it will take you to drive your motorhome to the campsite from the ferry/ tunnel, and book that up too.  (Not sure if the ferry or tunnel is best? See below)

That’s you (nearly!) done. Lucky you- and that is one of the reasons campsites are SO popular- they’re easy, everything is laid on for you and it doesn’t take much planning as long as it’s done well in advance.

However, if you don’t have kids or want to use aires and move locations regularly, things can still be looking a bit more complicated.

Route Planning for a Europe motorhome or camper trip

Hopefully, your Google search will have created a list of places you want to visit. I like to plot these into a Google Map , either on a laptop or my phone.

I add all the Places of Interest in as I find them, and then I start to see a rough route and itinerary developing.

I like Google Maps because it’s easy and it keeps all my ideas organised so I can find them again, but you can just as easily use a paper map, a printout or even a list on the back of an envelope! Whatever works for you.

Using Google Maps for route planning a European motorhome trip

I use the map to show me how far apart places are. From there, I can estimate how long it might take us to drive between them. I try to give us no more than 4/5 hours driving per day (unless we agree to do some long driving days to get to an area, such as when we visited Norway with our motorhome .)

One thing I will say is that although we try to make a plan, we are pretty flexible in our timeline too. 

Which is good, as we often end up in places that we didn’t mean to, like the time we set off to Norfolk and ended up road tripping in Cornwall …

We allow ourselves time for chilling in the van on a rainy day, or finding a place that we didn’t even know existed and going to visit that- such as Tre Cime di Laveredo in the Dolomites (totally worth a visit if you’re passing- it’s one of the most spectacular places we have ever stayed with our motorhome.)

At least every 3/4 days we have a ‘no driving the motorhome’ day. Mr WB currently does all the driving (his choice!) and it’s not fair for him to constantly be at the wheel, so we make sure to allocate a day or two for relaxing (or catching up on his work!)

Taking a Motorhome to Europe from the UK

 If you live in the UK or on some other island, you need to find a way off it!

From the UK, there are two main options to take your Motorhome to Europe from the UK- a ferry and the Channel Tunnel. Both have their pros and cons but it mainly comes down to cost, time and pets . (Of course, if you’re flying somewhere to hire a motorhome in Europe, then, of course, you’ll fly!) 

• If you don’t want to leave your pet in the motorhome for hours on their own as you undertake a ferry crossing, then the tunnel is the only option (unless you get some of the ferries where pets are allowed in the cabins, like the Portsmouth to Caen ferry.)
• If you don’t want to drive all the way to the Tunnel from wherever you live, the ferry is the only option.
• The tunnel is often MUCH cheaper- especially in summer. You can also use Tesco club card vouchers to reduce the cost further, or buy a frequent traveller pack which is well worth the money if you’re going to do 3/4 trips a year.

Read our indepth guide into Ferry vs EuroTunnel here

Things to bring

Before you leave, make sure you have the appropriate kit.

You need your :

• motorhome essential gear
• European required kit for motorhomes/ campers/ cars
• Appropriate paperwork and motorhome insurance
• If you’re hiring a motorhome or camper , paperwork for that too

Europe motorhome trip planning- more things to consider

So, you’re doing well!

You’ve decided on where, when, for how long and how you’re going to get there. 

The weather/ time of year

The next thing we look at is the weather. For example, it would be pointless doing the trip we want to do in Germany in the middle of winter when they experience high snowfall- many roads are closed in the mountains during winter. You also need additional kit, like snowchains and winter tyres.

One of our favourite times to explore popular places is Autumn- there are so many areas where Autumn in Europe is magical – changing leaves, stunning scenery, fewer people but still warm. Europe in October is definitely one of the best times to explore, but then we’ve also enjoyed some wonderful trips in winter- especially when trying to find the Northern Lights or visiting some of the biggest Christmas markets in Europe .

Also, make sure you check the weather a week or so before you go and bring appropriate clothing. I always recommend taking something warm even if you’re going on a sunny holiday- or when you end up climbing Mont Blanc, you’ll freeze just like we did!

Finding overnight places as you go

There are a couple of options for overnight stops for motorhomes in Europe. We usually use aires or wild camping spots. Some countries in Europe make wild camping very difficult (like Italy and Slovenia), while others are much more tolerant. 

A lot also depends on WHERE you are within the country- the French Riviera is one of the worst places for wild camping in France , but there are plenty of campsites in the area, whereas taking a motorhome to the French Alps is wild camping heaven.

French Aires

Couple of things to remember about aires:

• Europeans LOVE motorhoming. Europe WANTS you to bring your motorhome there. Europe ENCOURAGES motorhome parking and motorhome travel.
• They make room for them and often provide dedicated parking areas that ARE NEAR PLACES you actually want to visit. I’m serious. No more being stuck miles away from the nearest town and made to feel utterly unwanted wherever you go (I love the UK, but seriously, we can do SOOOOO much better in this regard) 
• These places are called aires and most don’t cost more than a few pounds a night.
• We prefer to use aires like this, as they often have services like fresh water and waste disposal, but are cheaper than proper campsites. 
• They are first-come, first-served, but we’ve hardly ever had a problem finding a space for the night- even in the middle of August at the Italian lakes.

Read more about how we find aires in France and Europe and how to use them best.

Motorhome trips- final tips to make life easier

CONGRATULATIONS!

I hope you’re feeling much happier with yourself and your upcoming camper or motorhome trips.

A couple of final things to remember to check/ sort out before you go:

• Is your vehicle road legal? Do you have insurance, MOT and your driving licence/ paperwork? Remember to take all the essential paperwork with you, along with your passports.
• Do you have the safety equipment required by each country you will be  DRIVING THROUGH , not just the final one you are visiting?
• Make sure you have gas and possibly an adaptor for your gas bottle if it’s refillable. (Do NOT forget this like we did!! If you need to, this is how to find motorhome gas in Europe )
• Do you have a freshwater hose? Most places expect you to provide your own. It’s one of the essential motorhome accessories every van should have!
• If you have a drone, check the rules and requirements for each country you might fly in. Ideally, print them out so you can remember.
• Pack some easy food to prepare for the first night. I’m a big believer in eating local food. It’s one of my favourite parts about travelling. BUT, when you’ve been driving all day and all you’ve seen are service stations, something easy, hearty and familiar is a great comfort as you settle in to your epic motorhome adventure. Here are some great easy road trip meal ideas.
• Whilst we’re on the subject of food, be prepared for kids who don’t share your excitement for the local cuisine. Most kids, including ours, like something familiar. Our daughter used to be a particularly fussy eater and, unfortunately, she would rather not eat than eat something she doesn’t really like. So, in order to make life easier and less stressful, I tried to make sure there was food on board I know that she will eat. Little things like this make a motorhome road trip far more fun – for all the family!

And that’s it. Nothing difficult but the first (second, third, seventh and eleventh) motorhome trip (to anywhere!) can take a lot of planning and you can easily feel out of your comfort zone.

Remember, it’s supposed to be fun . You’re supposed to look forward to it. If you find yourself dreading it, figure out ways to make things easier for yourself – or change the plan entirely. 

Also, it’s normal to be nervous- even after all this time touring Europe in our motorhome , I’m often nervous as we set out, wondering where we’ll end up and what I’ve forgotten. That’s why this Europe motorhome trip checklist is so useful- it allows you to remember those silly things you’d otherwise have forgotten!

To make sure your roadtrip goes as well as possible, here is also a list of things NOT to do on your roadtrip .

How else can I help you today?

• Travelling to Europe- you NEED to bring these 15 things
• Show me the best Europe road trip ideas
• How do I pack a motorhome without rattles?
• Read these Europe road trip tips to make the most of your adventures

Kat never planned to buy a motorhome. She also never planned to quit her job as an air traffic controller, go touring around Europe in said motorhome, start one of the UK’s largest motorhome travel websites… or get a cocker spaniel.

Find out how she went from stuck in the rat race to being a digital nomad and inspiring thousands of people to have their own epic adventures here.

If you’d like to connect with Kat, send her an email or follow her adventures on social media.

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How To Maximize Your Budget On An RV Road Trip

E mbarking on an affordable and unforgettable RV road trip requires thoughtful planning. You'll need to consider various factors to make the journey both economical and enjoyable. Whether you're planning a one-time road trip, adopting the digital nomad lifestyle, or embracing the "van life" movement, maximizing your budget is imperative. A well-structured budget sets the foundation for a financially sustainable adventure.

You may also be considering whether to rent or purchase an RV. If you own one, then DIY remodeling projects can be strategic investments that transform your RV into a budget-friendly haven. However, whether you choose to rent or buy, investing time in understanding the pros and cons of each can also help you maximize your budget. Ultimately, achieving an affordable and memorable RV road trip is a blend of strategic decision-making, resourceful planning, and a commitment to enjoying the journey within your means. For many of us,  planning a successful RV trip  means enjoying the journey without breaking the bank account.

Read more: Safety Items You Should Pack For Your Next Road Trip

Creating A Sensible And Realistic Budget

Navigating the financial landscape of an RV road trip demands a comprehensive approach, and this begins with building a well-structured budget that covers essential expenses. First, identify key costs on your journey, such as campsite fees and fuel, as these play a crucial role in allocating your resources effectively. You will also need to allocate funds for emergencies, meals, and entertainment. Additionally, factor in activity expenses, such as entrance fees to attractions or outdoor activities. Address these key factors of your trip, and organize it all in a budgeting system, whether it's a binder that categorizes your expenses or a budgeting app.

Utilizing budgeting apps such as Mint, YNAB, and PocketGuard can be instrumental in managing expenses. Choosing which app to use may come down to personal preference, as each app will provide its own unique features and functions. However, most budgeting apps offer some variation options that help you streamline your budget while ensuring that any costs saved contribute to and build an emergency fund. By integrating these apps into your financial toolkit and considering key costs, you empower yourself to navigate the road ahead with confidence and financial resilience.

Owning Versus Renting An RV

Owning an RV versus renting one is an important choice. Each option comes with its distinct advantages, challenges, and considerations. Owning an RV translates to equity, giving you an asset that may retain much of its value over time. You can also customize your RV to fit individual needs and preferences, and depending on how often you plan on using it, your RV will always be available for a spontaneous trip. However, the cons of ownership include high initial costs, ongoing maintenance expenses, depreciation of the RV's value, storing it, insurance, and registration fees. 

On the flip side, renting an RV eliminates the substantial upfront costs associated with ownership. You can experience the RV lifestyle without a long-term financial commitment. Renters also enjoy the flexibility of selecting different RV models for each trip. However, the cons of renting include a lack of customization options and a lack of availability during peak seasons. While renting reduces some financial burdens, such as maintenance and depreciation, it may be less cost-effective for those who plan to travel frequently. The decision between owning and renting will hinge on individual preferences, financial considerations, and how often you plan to travel in your RV. 

Factoring In Size And Amenities

When trying to decide which RV is right for you, start by evaluating your travel style and needs. Where you plan to go, how long you'll be traveling, and how you want to camp are all factors that come into play when choosing an RV. The number of people accompanying you is also important, dictating sleeping arrangements, packing, and overall comfort. When considering  the right size RV for your road trip , you'll first choose a class size. For instance, Class A motorhomes often boast spacious interiors with queen or king-sized beds in private bedrooms, providing comfort for couples or families, while Class C and B models are smaller but offer more flexibility. 

Class A RVs may offer full bathrooms with showers, fully equipped kitchens, comfortable sitting areas, separate bedrooms, and entertainment systems, enhancing the overall comfort of your journey. That said, large RVs are incredibly expensive to operate, and you'll have less flexibility when it comes to parking. However, if you're planning on towing a vehicle, you may need the size and towing capacity of a large RV. Along with Class A, B, and C RVs, you may also consider a smaller, towable camper trailer, which allows optimal maneuverability and better fuel efficiency, ideal for shorter trips and camping in remote locations.

Navigating Maintenance, Repair, And Emergency Costs

If you bought or plan to buy an RV, ensuring a smooth and stress-free RV journey involves taking proactive measures for maintenance, repairs, and emergency preparedness. By prioritizing preventative maintenance, you can better avoid unexpected costs that may arise from breakdowns on the road, keeping your budget in check. Preventative measures may include routine checks on your RV's engine, brakes, and fluid levels, as well as inspecting the roof for potential leaks and the tires for proper inflation and wear. 

While upkeep and maintenance will help, you'll still need to budget for potential repairs during your trip. This safety net is designed to cover unforeseen mechanical issues, such as engine trouble, transmission malfunctions, or plumbing leaks. Also, you can save lots of money by learning how to do some maintenance and repairs yourself. This may include learning how to troubleshoot electrical problems, fix plumbing issues, and perform basic engine repairs.

Before hitting the road, it's wise to schedule a final, pre-travel maintenance check with a professional mechanic. While this will cost you upfront, if a professional maintenance check prevents a breakdown during the trip, it's a cost-effective investment. Taking this precaution will help you reduce unnecessary or avoidable costs in maintenance, parts, and fees.

Cost-Saving And Smart Campsite Options

Now that your RV is ready to travel, there are strategic campsite planning strategies you can implement, especially if you plan to visit national parks and various locations while traveling, to maximize your budget. Some RV travelers save expenses by staying on unregulated public land, which is also known as boondocking. Joining RV clubs or purchasing memberships like Good Sam or Passport America can also open doors to valuable campground discounts. If you're a senior citizen, military personnel, or AAA member, you can also capitalize on special discounts when selecting campgrounds. 

You can also research and stick to free camping options, such as staying on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, national forests, and accommodating Walmarts or casinos. These are all examples of how to find  free overnight parking for your RV . You can also ask various RV parks if they offer discounts to members, which is something to consider if you plan on sticking to the same routes. Investing in an America the Beautiful Pass is also a savvy idea for maximizing your budget. After purchasing the annual pass, you'll receive free access to national parks and lands managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. This is a great option if you plan to frequently camp on these lands. 

Saving On Energy And Internet Costs

Efficiently managing both energy consumption and internet expenses is a key aspect of optimizing your RV lifestyle. Invest in energy-efficient appliances and lighting, such as LED bulbs, Energy Star-rated refrigerators, and high-efficiency air conditioners. Upgrading to modern, energy-conscious equipment, like smart thermostats and inverter-based generators, is also going to further enhance your RV's efficiency and maximize your budget. Inverter-based generators are also great options. They are quieter, more fuel-efficient, and produce cleaner power, minimizing their environmental impact.

For a more sustainable and self-sufficient approach, consider installing solar panels on your RV. This investment allows you to generate your own electricity, reducing reliance on RV park hookups and providing a cost-effective solution for long-term energy needs. While you can utilize free Wi-Fi at campsites and public places whenever possible, you can also enhance your connectivity with Wi-Fi extenders and boosters, giving you a stronger and more reliable signal, especially if you are working while traveling. 

You can also explore RV-specific Wi-Fi plans that cater to the unique needs of mobile living. Alternatively, leveraging your existing phone provider plans for hotspot capabilities can be a cost-effective solution, or consider a portable router to create a dedicated Wi-Fi network in your RV. In truth, whether you're a road trip cheapskate  trying to save as much money as possible or a traveler transitioning into a nomad lifestyle, trimming down your energy and internet expenses isn't difficult with planning.

Efficient Waste Management And Water Conservation

As an RV owner or renter, you'll have to find dump stations for both your gray water (nontoilet water sources) and black water (toilet-specific) tanks. Efficient waste management is crucial for a cost-effective RV lifestyle. To avoid incurring fees at campgrounds, locate free or low-cost dump stations for emptying your RV's waste tanks. Websites and apps like Sanidumps and RV Dump Sites  provide comprehensive directories of dump stations across the country, offering a convenient way to plan your route with waste disposal in mind. You'll also need the tools and supplies to dump your waste, such as the hose and hose attachments.

Practicing water conservation is a smart strategy to extend the time between fill-ups. You can install water-efficient faucets and showerheads, as well as opt for a composting toilet and water filters. These sustainable practices also ensure you have access to clean and safe drinking water throughout your journey, providing a budget-friendly and eco-conscious solution. While these may seem like additional measures, in the end, they conserve resources and help lower overall RVing costs. 

Fuel Efficiency And Navigation

Your choice of navigation apps can play a pivotal role in overall convenience and reducing gas costs. For those engaging in long, extended travels, RV-specific GPS apps and websites become invaluable for seamless navigation. Take advantage of destination apps such as inRoute, CoPilot RV, and RV Trip Wizard, which are designed to guide RVers on routes suitable for their vehicles. 

Along with maximizing your fuel budget by using apps or websites, you can also incorporate fuel-efficient driving techniques that improve your gas mileage while traveling. Maintaining a steady speed, using cruise control, reducing weight, and avoiding idling all contribute to your overall fuel savings. To complement these efforts, you can find the best fuel prices along your route through apps like GasBuddy and Gas Guru. 

When considering fuel-efficient RV options, classes like Class B RVs (campervans) and Class C RVs with smaller chassis are known for better fuel efficiency compared to larger Class A models. Towable trailers and hybrid RVs also offer advantages in weight and aerodynamics, contributing to your potential fuel efficiency. 

Meal Planning And Food Costs

To save money on food when RVing, you can apply the same budget-friendly tips you may practice at home. This may include buying produce in season, meal planning, and purchasing non-perishable, versatile ingredients that can be used in multiple dishes. For example, grains, legumes, and canned goods are efficient choices that save space and offer diverse meal options. To further streamline your dining budget, consider a combination of groceries and prepared foods. But, at the end of the day, your food costs will come down to your food preferences, the number of people you're traveling with, if you plan to buy food at popular attractions, eating out habits, and how remote you'll be. 

If you're not too remote, then save money on groceries by strategically shopping and planning ahead. Download the apps of common supermarkets near your route to access exclusive deals and promotions. Utilize digital coupons through these apps or traditional couponing websites to cut down on grocery costs. Exploring affordable dining options on the road is another budget-friendly strategy. Look for local farmers' markets for fresh and often more affordable produce. 

Additionally, while this is a no-brainer, preparing meals versus eating out will almost always be less expensive. Also, cooking your meals at your RV campsite, using communal grills or fire pits, can cut down on utility costs. By integrating these tips into your meal planning and grocery shopping, you can both save money and immerse yourself in the RV communities at campgrounds. 

Entertainment And Activities

Many regions offer free parks or public spaces where you can unwind and enjoy scenic views. National parks often have free admission days, providing an excellent opportunity to explore iconic landscapes without breaking the bank. Or, as previously mentioned, you can invest in an America the Beautiful Pass. To save money on activities, choose budget-friendly outdoor activities and seek out local events or festivals happening along your route. These activities can offer you a chance to immerse yourself in the culture and entertainment of different communities at little or no cost. 

Equip your RV with onboard entertainment options like a TV and movies for cozy nights in. Consider streaming services or DVDs that you already own to minimize additional expenses. You can also plan to use devices such as AppleTV or ROKU to minimize the amount of equipment in your RV. Utilizing free or low-cost campground amenities, such as communal game rooms and libraries, is also a great option, especially when traveling with kids.

When managing entertainment expenses, plan ahead by setting a budget for activities like movie nights or dining out. Take advantage of discount programs or memberships, like AAA, which may offer savings on attractions and services. You don't have to sacrifice entertainment when traveling, but by incorporating these tips, you can strike a balance between enjoying quality entertainment and keeping your budget intact during your travels.

Be Flexible But Prepared

To both potentially save money and create memorable experiences, maintain flexibility in your RV journey. Be open to last-minute changes in your itinerary, allowing you to capitalize on unexpected attractions or discounts. Be open to meeting other travelers and taking advice while on the road. This collaborative approach not only fosters camaraderie; it can also help you save money. Trust us, you're not the only one trying to maximize your road trip budget, and seasoned RVers are typically excited to share insider info.

In the spirit of flexibility, it's also important to spend money when necessary instead of "risking it." For example, if you need to choose between driving through inclement weather or pulling over at a roadside hotel or nearby campsite for the night, stay safe and embrace the change of plans. No amount of cost-saving planning is more important than the safety of you and your passengers. After all, you have emergency funds for a reason. By striking a balance between flexibility and budget-planning preparedness, you can navigate your RV journey safely and with confidence.

Read the original article on Explore .

23 Incredible Road Trips in the U.S.

Whether you’re looking for sweeping views of the pacific ocean or a multiday adventure through national parks, these road trips provide plenty of opportunities to explore the united states..

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Glacier National Park is one of many scenic places you can visit on an American road trip.

Photo by Zack Frank / Shutterstock

In a country as large as the United States, there’s no shortage of destinations and detours to explore by car . Whether your idea of the perfect American road trip entails an epic, cross-country journey or a shorter jaunt through a few of its most iconic national parks , your options are as large and varied as the country itself.

Even if you don’t have the time to drive cross-country, there are plenty of road trip routes (ranging from three days to a week or longer): classic California itineraries , New England routes that shine especially well in the fall, scenic East Coast adventures, and a variety of Midwest journeys for folks farther from the coasts.

No matter your mode of transportation—be it van, RV, motorcycle, or four-door sedan—these are 21 of the best road trips in the nation to consider.

Plan your next Route 66 trip around thirst-quenching stops.

Photo by Peek Creative Collective/Shutterstock

There are many ways to do a cross-country road trip in the USA, but these two itineraries will take you through some truly iconic American places.

1. Chicago to Los Angeles: A Whiskey Road Trip on Route 66

It doesn’t get more American than a 2,000-mile drive along the entirety of Route 66. There are endless ways to take this legendary trip (including an EV version —but to take your cross-country road trip to the next level, we recommend exploring another American pastime: whiskey.

Starting in Chicago and ending in L.A., you’ll stop by some of the leading craft distilleries in the United States, like Few Spirits in Chicago, Still 630 in St. Louis, and Red Fork Distillery in Tulsa. In between tastings, make time for detours to natural attractions, like the Grand Canyon, and quirky roadside curiosities, like Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas. Just remember to drink responsibly—this is a road trip after all.

Plan your trip

The full itinerary: Put a New Twist on Route 66—Make It an American Whiskey Road Trip

No cars are allowed on Mackinac Island, so you need to park before taking the ferry to this spot.

Photo from Shutterstock

2. Bangor, Maine, to Seattle, Washington: The Great Northern on U.S. Route 2

Covering both the U.S. and Canada, a cross-country trip along U.S. 2 is ideal for anyone who wants to experience the vast diversity and expansiveness of North America. This drive runs the entire top border of the U.S. and showcases otherworldly natural wonders like Acadia National Park in Maine, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Wisconsin, and Mackinac Island in Michigan. The route also passes through Canada, taking road-trippers through Ontario into Quebec—this route may focus on nature, but you won’t want to miss a stop in Montreal or Ottawa.

You’ll also get to explore Montana and Glacier National Park ( reservations may be required ) before passing the Columbia Plateau and ending in the Pacific Northwest’s largest city, Seattle. Don’t miss spending time in the Olympic Peninsula (home to Olympic National Park) for a peek at one of the most scenic places on the West Coast.

3. Dana Point to San Francisco: Driving California’s Pacific Coast Highway

The seemingly endless views of the Pacific Ocean along Highway 1 (also known as the Pacific Coast Highway) are what road trip dreams are made of, and exactly what makes this California road trip so popular. However, with so many stops along the 655-mile stretch, we pulled together a list of the ones well worth pulling over to view. Don’t miss the perfect surfing waves in Santa Cruz, seasonal cuisine in Malibu, an afternoon a the boardwalk in Santa Monica, or a night in Big Sur as you drive between Dana Point (just south of Los Angeles) and San Francisco.

• The full itinerary: The Best Stops for a Road Trip on the Pacific Coast Highway
• The AFAR Guide to San Francisco

The seaside town of Monterey was the setting for John Steinbeck’s Cannery Row .

Photo by Denise Lett/Shutterstock

4. Big Sur to Mono County: A Literary Road Trip Through Northern California

Yes, this itinerary requires you actually put down your book to drive, but seeing some of the pivotal places that shaped American authors will be so worth it. Follow in the footsteps of writers like Jack Kerouac, Maya Angelou, and Amy Tan on this road trip that takes you through literary landmarks in Northern California, such as Caffe Trieste, a meeting place for Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, Alan Watts, and other bohemian writers and thinkers. This 12-stop itinerary is perfect if you live in the San Francisco Bay Area because you’ll be able to stay make these trips in one or two days.

The full itinerary: The California Road Trip All Book Lovers Should Take

Arizona may take its nickname from the Grand Canyon, but the state has far more natural wonders than just that one.

Courtesy of Shutterstock

5. Phoenix to the Grand Canyon: An Iconic Arizona Road Trip

This 240-mile Arizona road trip takes travelers along some of the state’s most iconic highlights, including its most famous one, the Grand Canyon. A great itinerary for first-time visitors and returning travelers alike, it offers plenty of opportunities for scenic drives, hiking, and biking—as well as tasty food along the way. Hike the 2,704-foot-tall Camelback Mountain in Scottsdale or take in the beautiful red rocks of Sedona on a hike to Cathedral Rock while exploring the Grand Canyon State.

• The full itinerary: The Classic 5-Day Arizona Road Trip
• Grand Canyon guide: The First-Timer’s Guide to the Grand Canyon
• Where to eat in Phoenix: A Chef’s Guide to the Best Restaurants
• Where to stay: The Best Hotels in Arizona ; The Best Airbnbs in Sedona

The Delicate Arch living up to its name in Utah’s Arches National Park

Photo by tusharkoley / Shutterstock

6. Zion to Grand Canyon: A National Parks Road Trip in the Southwest

If you’re looking to visit as many national parks as possible in one road trip, this southwestern itinerary is for you. This journey through Utah and Arizona lets you hike Angel’s Landing in Zion, feel tiny under Delicate Arch in Arches National Park, explore Fairyland Loop Trail in Bryce Canyon, and, of course, raft down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. Most visitors to the Grand Canyon remain on the rim, but take at least four days to venture within the canyon and take advantage of the trails and river rafting.

• The full itinerary: The Ideal Road Trip Through U.S. National Parks
• Utah’s 8 Best National Parks and Monuments
• 10 Best National Parks and Monuments in Arizona
• The First-Timer’s Guide to the Grand Canyon

Stop and admire the winding roads of the San Juan Skyway.

Photo by Anh Luu/Shutterstock

7. San Juan Scenic Skyway Road Trip: An Adventure Through Southwestern Colorado

This Colorado trip takes you along the 232-mile loop of the San Juan Scenic Skyway, where you will see plenty of alpine forests, mining towns, and craggy peaks. And for anyone looking to enjoy refreshments after a long day of driving, this route features many opportunities to stop at some of the best breweries in Colorado , such as Ska Brewing Co. in Durango.

• The full itinerary: The Ultimate Southwestern Colorado Road Trip
• Five Classic Colorado Road Trips To Take This Year

In small-town Buena Vista, the riverfront Surf Hotel offers front-row seats to Colorado-style adventure seekers.

Courtesy of the Surf Hotel

8. Denver to Montrose: A 420-Mile Road Trip Through Colorado

Want to explore even more of the Centennial State? Head out on this weeklong road trip where you can fish for salmon in Colorado’s largest reservoir, visit numerous small towns, like Paonia and Crawford, with thriving art scenes along the Colorado Creative Corridor , and explore Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, one of the least visited national parks in the nation.

• The full itinerary: Art Stars, High-Altitude Wines, and a Remote National Park: The Ultimate Colorado Road Trip
• Where to stay: The Best Hotels in Colorado
• The AFAR Guide to Denver

Portland may be Oregon’s largest city, but with a population of some 652,000 (or 2.5 million in the larger metropolitan area), it isn’t intimidatingly large.

Photo courtesy of Travel Portland

9. Portland to Astoria: An Oregon Coast Road Trip for Outdoor Lovers

If you love the outdoors, then this six-day road trip along the coast of Oregon is for you. After driving to Coos Bay from Portland, travelers will meander along Oregon’s dramatic, rocky coastline, discovering some quintessentially Pacific Northwest vistas along the way: evergreen forests, seaside dunes, and marine ecosystems. Between stops, there are ample opportunities to stretch your legs hiking, kayaking, or strolling around the region’s small towns—like the historic old town in Florence.

Of course, it wouldn’t be an Oregon road trip without a stop (or three) at a craft brewery, such as Fort George Brewery in Astoria, or cozy coffee shop, like Bread & Roses in Yachats.

• The full itinerary: An Outdoor Lover’s Road Trip on the Oregon Coast
• The AFAR Guide to Portland

The State Capitol Building in Nashville marks the end of this road (trip).

Photo by photo.ua / Shutterstock

10. Seneca Falls, New York, to Nashville, Tennessee: Follow the Path of the Women’s Suffrage Movement

Starting in New York’s Finger Lakes region and ending at the State Capitol Building in Nashville, this road trip traces the route of the national women’s suffrage movement. Highlights include stops at the Susan B. Anthony Museum & House ; Union Square in New York City, which was the site of the first suffrage march; and the Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument in Washington, D.C.

• The full itinerary: Celebrate Women’s Suffrage on an Epic, Self-Guided Road Trip
• Where to stay: The Best Hotels in Nashville
• The AFAR Guide to Nashville
• The AFAR Guide to Washington, D.C.

Asheville is one must-stop on a North Carolina road trip.

Courtesy of ExploreAsheville.com

11. Charlottesville to Asheville: A Scenic Road Trip Through Virginia and North Carolina

The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most scenic drives in the country. Beginning in the soft hilly meadows of the Appalachian Mountains from Shenandoah National Park down into the Blue Ridge Mountains, then into the Great Smoky Mountains, this five-day road trip is best done at a slower pace, which is perfect for admiring the dramatic outlooks and green plateaus. This eclectic itinerary features stops at an art museum, a dairy farm, and plenty of hiking trails.

• The full itinerary: The Ultimate Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip
• Where to stay: 12 Dreamy Blue Ridge Mountain Cabins You Can Rent on Airbnb and Vrbo
• 8 U.S. National Park Road Trips to Take in Your Lifetime

Dowa:kwe dance group from Zuni Pueblo in 2019

Courtesy of Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

12. Albuquerque to Las Cruces: Discover New Mexico on This Three-Day Road Trip

This route steers you away from New Mexican tourist hot spots like Taos and Santa Fe and instead takes you on a three-day adventure with places that teach you about Pueblo history. You’ll stop at Indian Pueblo Kitchen (formerly known as Pueblo Harvest), a restaurant inside the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center that features Indigenous cuisine ; pick up peppers at Three Brothers in Hatch; and slide down the dunes in White Sands National Park.

• The full itinerary: This New Mexico Road Trip Is the Perfect Introduction to the Land of Enchantment

Historic Fort Martin Scott is one of the places travelers can visit to learn about Fredericksburg’s history.

Photo by Mark König/Unsplash

13. A Five-Day Scenic Road Trip Through Texas Hill Country

This Texas road trip starts and ends in San Antonio with stops in small towns like Bandera, Boerne, and consider a stop in Fredericksburg, which is one of AFAR’s best places to go in 2024 ). Over five days, you’ll find opportunities to stroll in a Japanese tea garden in San Antonio, relax along the Sabinal and Frio Rivers by inner tube, and eat as many tacos as you want. Seriously: You could eat tacos for every meal on this road trip and not get tired of them.

• The full itinerary: Tree Houses, Tubing, and Tacos: The Ultimate Texas Hill Country Road Trip

Mount McKinley looms large on a drive through Denali National Park.

Photo by warnsweet / Shutterstock

14. A Weeklong Road Trip Through Alaska’s Most Majestic Sights

This weeklong drive in Alaska starts and ends in Anchorage. You travel along four scenic byways; explore Wrangell–St. Elias wilderness, the largest U.S. national park; catch sight of Denali, the tallest peak in North America; and enjoy the surprisingly stellar food scene of McCarthy, a one-road town with only a couple dozen residents.

• The full itinerary: Glaciers, Mountain Peaks, and Organic Farms: The Ultimate Alaska Road Trip
• Which Alaska National Parks Should You Visit?

More than geothermal pools, Kirkham Hot Springs features a piping-hot waterfall.

Courtesy of Idaho Tourism

15. Boise to Sun Valley: Explore Idaho’s Scenic Byways

Even a short road trip can be packed with adventure, good food, and scenery, which is exactly what this trip from Boise to Sun Valley along Idaho’s Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway offers. Although the drive only takes six hours, we recommend taking a few days to explore all the stops and detours along the way. One can’t-miss spot is the Kirkham Hot Springs , where you can stand under a waterfall that will splash you with 135-degree mineral water year-round.

• The full itinerary: The Little-Known Idaho Road Trip You Need to Drive
• Things to do: The Best Outdoorsy Things to Do in Idaho

Grand Portage State Park is the only state park jointly managed by a state and a Native American band.

Photo by Shutterstock/QZ

16. Duluth to Grand Portage State Park: A Scenic Minnesota Sampler

Although there are many appealing road trips throughout the Midwest, this 143-mile, three-hour circuit, which starts and ends in Duluth, Minnesota, is worth keeping in mind. Meandering north on MN-61 with this itinerary, you will enjoy prime views of Lake Superior and towns like Grand Marais, as well as Grand Portage State Park, home to waterfalls, hiking trails, and opportunities to learn about the Ojibwe community who occupy the land today. Once back in Duluth, enjoy a beer at Canal Park Brewing Company before checking into the waterfront Canal Park Lodge nearby.

• The AFAR Guide to Minnesota

Wind your way through colorful foliage in New Hampshire.

Photo by Shutterstock

17. Kancamagus Highway: A Quintessential New England Drive

Yes, you can take a road trip in New England at any time of the year , but this region shows off its best colors in the fall, when locals and tourists alike head out into the country to view the changing colors of the trees. Join other admirers of fall foliage on this popular, 34.5-mile road trip along New Hampshire’s Kancamagus Highway, colloquially known as the “Kanc,” for picturesque ponds, hiking trails, and scenic overlooks.

• Plan Your Fall Getaway With This Peak Foliage Prediction Map

Ogunquit is home to the small, postcard-perfect harbor of Perkins Cove.

Photo courtesy of QualityHD / Shutterstock

18. Maine’s “Lobster Trail”: Travel Route 1 Along the Coast

Traveling Route 1, affectionately known as “the lobster trail,” along Maine’s jagged coastline is an exercise in indulgence. Sample lobster dishes in all forms—buttered, steamed, on a roll, or even in a decadent mac-and-cheese.

The trip starts in the quaint small town of Ogunquit , with its rare (for the area) 3.5 miles of white-sand beach. Make your first lobster of the journey count, steamed with a side of drawn butter at Barnacle Billy’s in picturesque Perkins Cove harbor. Stop at Big Daddy’s for a cone on your way to the shipbuilding center—and summer home of George H. W. Bush—Kennebunkport. Stay at the recently redesigned 150-year-old classic White Barn Inn , and consider a sailing trip for an afternoon. With lobsters cooked in ocean water, the legendary lobster roll at the Clam Shack is a must.

• 8 Scenic East Coast Road Trips to Take This Year

Throughout North Carolina’s Piedmont region, innovative restaurants, shops, and restaurants like Leah & Louise in Charlotte, above, are creating a buzz.

Photo by Peter Taylor Photography

19. Raleigh to Charlotte: A 4-Day Trip Through North Carolina’s Reinvented Core

North Carolina’s Piedmont region extends from the coastal plain to the Blue Ridge Mountains, and includes farmland and rolling wooded hills, especially on the 1-40 stretch near Hillsborough. Starting in Raleigh, drive the short distances to Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and Charlotte to see how these cities are innovating through art, food, and a celebration of the past. Take your time—four days should do—to experience downtown arts districts, James Beard Award–winning restaurants, and civil rights museums that speak truths. Plan your trip

• A Road Trip Through North Carolina’s Reinvented Core

Scenic South Walton is part of the Emerald Coast of Florida.

20. Scenic Highway 30A: A Sunday Drive Through South Walton, Florida

Florida is full of places to cruise with the top down, but it’s hard to beat a Sunday (or any day) drive along Scenic Highway 30A through northwest Florida, home to a postcard-perfect stretch of seaside towns known as South Walton.

The roughly 28-mile route through South Walton County kisses the coast for nearly all its length, taking you through gorgeous residential Gulf-front communities like Rosemary Beach, Grayton Beach, and Blue Mountain Beach . Roll down the windows and let the emerald-hued views in.

Pull over to explore, too—maybe to admire the New Urbanism architecture in Alys Beach or to swim in the clear waters at Grayton Beach State Park . (The beach here has been lauded among the best in the world.)

• The full itinerary: The Florida Road Trip You’ve Been Missing

Stand-up paddleboarding is just one way to enjoy a Florida Keys sunset.

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21. The Florida Keys: An Island-Hopping Getaway

For a sunny road trip itinerary in Florida, skip Miami and head farther south. Beginning in Key Largo and ending in Key West, the Florida Keys Scenic Highway is often overlooked for more well-known routes up north, but it is well worth going out of your way to experience.

As the name suggests, this route is very scenic, so plan to spend at least a few days exploring it and numerous stops along the way. Some highlights include driving across the impressive Overseas Highway, stopping to admire art in the town of Islamorada, and enjoying the historic sites, food, and (of course) beaches in the city of Key West.

• The full itinerary: How to Road Trip in the Lesser-Known Florida Keys

Sun Studio in Memphis was the site of the famous Million Dollar recording session that brought together Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash.

Photo by f11photo on Shutterstock

22. Memphis to Bristol, Tennessee: A Music-Driven Adventure

If you have about a week to spare and a deep appreciation for music, take a road trip from one side of Tennessee to the other, starting in Memphis and ending in Bristol. The eastbound trip spans genres, including rock ( Graceland ), blues ( Beale Street) and, of course, country (did you really go to Tennessee if you didn’t go to Dollywood ?). Nashville serves as the halfway point on your journey—so consider penciling in an extra 48 hours to fully explore the state capital’s greatest hits.

• The full itinerary: 5 Great American Road Trips For Music Fans

The stunning coastline near Cueva del Indio has been the backdrop of star-studded films.

Photo by Alexsf.gr/Shutterstock

23. Arecibo to Condado, Puerto Rico: A Lesser-Known Side of a Well-Loved Island

In the minds of many, trips to Puerto Rico bring images of stunning beaches , delicious foods , and maybe a bioluminescent bay or two . But there’s plenty of history to be found here, too, as Puerto Rico was home to an Indigenous population known as the Taino, a heritage many Puerto Ricans embrace. That history can be explored via a road trip. Starting in the northern town of Arecibo, travel south to Ponce, then back north to Condado—along the way you’ll encounter petroglyphs, Indigenous sites, and breathtaking natural spots.

• The full itinerary: A Puerto Rico Road Trip That Puts Indigenous Culture First

Additional road trip planning resources Picking the route for your road trip is only one part of your planning. From what snacks to pack to which podcasts to listen to, these additional resources will help you prepare for your next adventure:

• Best road trip snacks
• Road trip planning apps
• Podcasts and audiobooks to download
• What to pack for a road trip

This article originally appeared online in August 2020. It was most recently updated on April 4, 2024, to include current information. Additional reporting by Jessie Beck, Erika Owen, Ray Rogers, Terry Ward, and Sheryl Nance-Nash.