Road Trip Planning Blog | Best Road Trips | TripWiser.com

Southern Hospitality in Charleston and Savannah Road Trip - Part 2

Last week, we began building a romantic road trip to Charleston, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia for your road trip planner.   In case you missed it, here’s the link to Southern Hospitality in Charleston and Savannah Road Trip - Part 1, which highlighted the things to do in Charleston. But now it's time to head to the second city on your growing itinerary, Savannah! Many people use the word "genteel" to describe Savannah. The word means refined, elegant and stylish, all adjectives that describe the city well, from the Savannah River to the seaside resorts to the 2 1/2 square mile Historic District. And though I'm sure you could find a horse-drawn carriage to draw you into the past, Savannah is considered one of the Top 10 cities for walking tours. Fellow traveler, Gary Aldrich, gave Savannah 5-stars, praising "A wonderful Old-South getaway! I went with my best friend during a period of intense professional stress and by the end of our few days there, I was relaxed enough to return to work. The restaurants are wonderful, and the charming old houses and well-kept park squares are unlike anything else in the country. Being on a river and near the coast keeps it very mild, even in winter. Coastal Georgia is indeed a wonderful winter respite. I highly recommend it, especially when others are in such a mad rush to get to Florida!" His top picks were Comfort Suites Historic District, Old Pink House Restaurant, and the Squares of Savannah in the Historic District. In addition to the Squares of Savannah (in case visiting 21 squares isn't enough), Savannah also has other distinct points of interest, so make sure one of these activities gets added to your road trip planner. Riverfront - Running along the length of the Savannah River, this area was once the heart of Savannah's booming cotton trade. Now it is the most popular destination for visitors, with popular restaurants like Huey's , the Shrimp Factory and the elegant Chart House. Cobblestones dot River Street, a popular starting point for parades and festivals. City Market - City Market also sits on the river, a bit north of River Street at Jefferson and West Julian. Like River Street, the brick warehouses now host droves of tourists. Shops, restaurants and some of the Savannah's coolest clubs draw daily crowds, with frequent live music and performance artists lending a festive atmosphere to this busy corner of the city. Midtown – This area incorporates the Victorian District. You'll notice the homes becoming more modern as you head south. Though you'll find many businesses here and just as you begin to miss Old Savannah's charm, you come across Thunderbolt, a quaint fishing village on the Wilmington River. Savannah's Islands - The low country surrounding the city harbors many small islands, including the residential boom areas of Wilmington and Whitemarsh, and the touchingly quaint Isle of Hope. Nearby, Skidaway Island is the site of golfing communities, marinas, and miles of biking and nature trails. Savannah's seaside playground is Tybee Island. Just 15 miles east of downtown past Fort Pulaski National Monument , Tybee Island features a wonderland of crab shacks, expensive condos, party hotels and cheesy gift shops, as well as the oldest  lighthouse on the South Atlantic seaboard. So there you have it, two southern cities filled to the brim with charm and hospitality. With that kind of atmosphere surrounding you 24/7, it's no wonder romance fills the air and delights the senses. Every couple should add these cities to the Road Trip Planner because every relationship could use a bit of spice now and then.

Southern Hospitality in Charleston and Savannah Road Trip - Part 1

For a romantic road trip, add Charleston, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia to your road trip planner. These two cities dish up hearty helpings of Southern Hospitality spiced with an intoxicating combination of romance and charm. And with only two hours between cities, it's not a long road trip unless you're driving from your own home in another state. Actually, if you DO happen to live less than an 8-hour drive away from either one of these cities, I WOULD make this a triangular road trip and include fun and interesting stops along the way. Otherwise, it would be best to fly into either the Charleston or Savannah International Airports, then rent a car for the duration of your stay so you can spend the bulk of your time "being there" instead of "getting there and back again".

Two hours apart, but each city has distinctive flavors.

Charleston simmers with history. There's a rich mix of "Old South" charm, dotted generously with historic homes, landmarks, and historic districts, all of which make Charleston one of the most popular southern destinations in the United States. You'll find cobblestone streets with shops lined on either side.

A Going Places user had this to say about her stay there: "Charleston has a gorgeous historic district full of luxurious mansions, restaurants, shops, and museums… This is the city where the Civil War began so it's filled with history and fascinating stories. If you go here, you have to go to the market and take in a ghost tour. The nearby plantations are a real sight to see as well and the beaches are spectacular. You'll need at least a week to really appreciate everything there is to see here and the Port City Java coffee shops are really charming. Try to stay at a B&B if you can, they run about the same price as a regular hotel but you get more personalized care and a nice touch of true Southern Hospitality."

Add one or more of these Charleston Districts to your road trip planner to fully explore the city.

• Downtown District -Besides historic churches, buildings, and landmarks, you'll find plenty of opportunities for shopping. Downtown is a convenient starting point for getting to know Charleston as it is a vibrant combination of old and new, offering diverse attractions suitable for just about anyone.
• Historic District - The Historic District is the oldest part of town with many preserved buildings and homes. Try some walking tours like the Historic Homes Walk , which will allow you to learn more about this amazing architecture dating back to the mid-18th century. And don't forget to check out the old houses like the Heyward-Washington House or the  Nathaniel Russell House.
• Mount Pleasant District - The Mount Pleasant District is known for its fine dining. And this district holds more than its share of diverse dining establishments. It's also the home of one of the biggest naval & maritime museums in the world, Patriot's Point. Tour boats are available from Mount Pleasant to view Fort Sumter , the site where the Civil War began.
• North Charleston - North Charleston is the main business and transportation location for the southern half of the state. Both the International Airport and Amtrak Station are located here. Adding to the bustle of North Charleston is the 14,000-seat  North Charleston Coliseum, home of the South Carolina Stingrays ice hockey team.

Next week we’ll explore Savannah, but there’s no time like the present to start adding all the Charleston things to do in your road trip planner.

Railway Road Trip Adventures

Most road trip planners plan on driving their own car or RV for their next road trip adventure. If they have to fly to the destination city, they might enjoy renting a car that's different from the one at home, perhaps an SUV, a Jeep, or a fun sports car. But why not leave the driving to someone else and try a railway road trip adventure this year?

Consider this appealing alternative: Take the train to your main destination city then rent a car just for a day or two while you're exploring the area, then hop back aboard the train to another destination. This way, "getting there" becomes its own adventure, especially if your trip includes an overnight stay aboard the train!

There's something about traveling by train that beckons the pioneer spirit within us. And there's a certain appeal to letting the rhythmic chug-chug-chug of the tracks lull you to sleep. Granted, these sleeping cabins aren't as spacious as hotel rooms, but then again, it allows you to cover a distance while sleeping that you couldn't have achieved in a car or RV unless you traded driving shifts. And the cabins are definitely roomier than airline seats!

This is why going on a family train trip is growing in popularity. Dad can play Monopoly with you instead of driving; Mom can watch a movie with you instead of her riding shotgun to keep the driver on track and alert for the duration. When kids get antsy or hungry, you can round them up for a walk to the dining cab (without losing any traveling mileage). Explore the train, revel in the changing scenery buzzing by your view, curl up with a good book and maybe take in a catnap. Trains allow you to slow down and relax…and isn't that one of the main vacation objectives? Your road trip planner will still be filled with things to do, hotels, car rental and restaurants once you reach your destination. 

Amtraks's Superliners have sleeping cars that range from Roomettes (1-2 people), special accessible rooms (1-2), and even bedroom suites (4-6) that includes 2 toilets & 2 showers (usually two bedrooms with the partition removed). Even though you'd be advised to stay the bulk of your trip in hotels surrounding the areas you want to explore, sleeping overnight on a train is an adventure in itself. Plus, you get the bonus of Sleeper Service, which entitles you to receive all regular meals as part of your accommodations. 

Below are a few of the most popular railway destination in the United States. Amtrak has more than 500 destinations so these are just enough to whet your appetite to fill your road trip planner with a brand new adventure. Bon appétit! 

• West Coast Spectacular by Rail – Set aside about 10 days for this vacation, starting out with 2 full days/nights in Seattle, an overnight aboard the train heading south to San Francisco, spend 3 nights there exploring city, then aboard the train again to head south to Los Angeles for a 3 night stay there.
• Jazz, Blues and Rock 'N Roll By Rail – This trip will have you rock n rolling from north to south on the fun filled 8 days/7 night adventure. You'll start out in Chicago, spend a couple of nights enjoying famous blues clubs like Buddy Guy's Legends, then aboard Amtrak overnight into Memphis for 2 full days in the birthplace of Rock 'n Roll and then landing in New Orleans for some Cajun cooking to enjoy with your evenings of Jazz.

You can also opt for Railway Day Passes if you want the total freedom of coming and going whenever you please (a fun option for couples): 15- Day Railway Pass: 15 Days (8 segments), $389.00 – Adults, $194.50 - Child (Ages 2-15).  If you decide to go this route, just fill your road trip planner with activities you'd like to do along the way but leave the days open-ended; that way you have the information on hand.

Vegas to Disneyland Road Trip for Adults

Consider this for your next road trip planning:  Since Vegas is already considered an adult Disneyland and plenty of adults have a blast at Disneyland, why not make it a week long road trip where you’ll experience two distinct types of FUN?

This particular road trip consists of 3 nights in Vegas, 1 day to drive the distance between Vegas and Anaheim (can be done in 4-5 hours), then 3 more nights in Anaheim.  Of course, your road trip planner may have a different order;  you might make it a triangular road trip, depending on your starting point; or fly in to Vegas, rent a car & make it a round trip road trip. But no matter how you get from Point A to Point B, you’ll have a great time at both spots with some interesting scenery and experiences in between.

So, let’s start with choosing a hotel in Vegas.  There’s an abundance of hotels here so it really depends on the level of luxury you want for this visit.  There are also 3 areas to choose for your surroundings:  The main strip, the old strip, and the Fremont Street area.  I recommend staying in the main strip and taking taxis or shuttle buses to the other areas (no need to rent a car until you’re ready to drive to Disneyland).  Rooms at the Bellagio, Mandalay Bay, and Caesar’s are more on the pricey side; the Luxor and Rio are mid-range and Excalibur & Harrah’s are more affordable.

The first night there, put on your walking shoes & get some free entertainment.  Catch the spectacular water visual of the Fountains at the Bellagio.  Check out the entire valley from the Stratosphere Tower and then grab a taxi for the Fremont Street Experience.

The following night is for music!  Make sure you add the Hard Rock Café to your road trip planner for an overall rock environment.  Top-notch blues, Louisiana style has its home at the House of Blues.  And for those who like to hear bands jam – and get the occasional surprise musical legend come on state - hit the Legends Lounge for a fantastic evening.

Take in a show on the third night like Cirque du Soleil’s Love, which blends the magic of Cirque du Soleil with the revered songs of the Beatles, creating a phenomenal night of spectacle and awe.  We recommend booking these tickets the same time that you’re doing your road trip planning because these tickets sell out months in advance. 

And of course, in between all that, there’s gambling, pool side lounging, spa treatments, shopping, and art museums.   There’s more than you can do in 3 days so consider this a teaser visit; there’s always flight deals to/from Vegas to have you coming back for more.

Leaving Las Vegas, your route on your road trip planner will show that you’ll be on the I-15 for over 230 miles.  Bring plenty of water for the drive as you’re traveling through the desert.  And best to have a gallon of water for your radiator as well.   You may want to add a few stops in your road trip planner like the Mojave National Preserve, a 1.6 million acre park with canyons, mountains, mesas, abandoned mines, homesteads, military outposts…and wildflowers.   Consider eating lunch at a restaurant in Barstow and stop at the California Route 66 Museum in Victorville. 

Sometime in the near future, there may be a high-speed train that whisks you from Vegas to Disneyland in a matter of hours – and traveling at 300mph would be an adventure in itself – but for now, enjoy the ride at a more leisurely pace. 

We recommend allowing a full day for this road trip so that once you get to Anaheim, you can check into your hotel and relax for a bit before enjoying a leisurely dinner.  Save your 2-day Park Hopper package (about $143 per person) for the following 2 days so you can make full use of both Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure Park.  You’ll be going from morning to night at both of these theme parks…and loving every minute of it! 

Many people may have already been to Disneyland but not Disney’s California Adventure Park, which celebrates the pioneering spirit of the Golden State.  You can opt to stay at one of the 3 hotels at the Disneyland Resort, where the rooms will run you from $245 to $399 night for their hotel/ticket package deals (mid-week, 2 adults, 2-day Park Hopper).  If that’s a bit steep for your budget, there over 100 hotels within 1 mile of the resort with rates starting at only $50 per night.

You might also consider getting a City Pass for $259, which gives you entry into 5 great places:  Disneyland, Disney’s California Adventure, Universal Studios, Sea World and the San Diego Zoo.   Separately, this would run you $365, so if you can stay longer in Anaheim, this would be the way to go (gives you 3-Day Hoppers and is valid for 14-days).

Vegas gave you adult excitement and sizzle; Disneyland fills you with childlike wonder and enthusiasm.  In my road trip planning book, that’s adds up to one fantastic vacation.

Top 10 Reasons To Go Camping in California

Every road trip planner should build a camping road trip for a memorable “hands on” vacation.  They are especially fun when you go as a family, though I went on 2-3 camping trips annually before I had kids and had wonderful experiences then as well.  Sure, luxury hotels give you the sense of spoiling yourself, certainly a desirable feeling, but being outdoors in natural surroundings rejuvenates the spirit, another sought after vacation objective.   Read on for 10 more reasons why a California Campout should be on your vacation list this summer.

No. 10--You get hands-on experience with California's state symbols. In one campout, you could spot the valley quail perched in a redwood tree while you hike through a field of golden poppies. You could also find evidence that a grizzly bear has visited your campsite: There's the smashed windshield of your car (you left sunflower seeds on the front seat) and the demolished ice chest (you didn't realize bears weren't deterred by flimsy storage locks).

An article in the Yosemite Guide newsletter mentioned that backpackers could protect their food from black bears by renting a bear-proof food canister instead of hanging their food from a tree.   This canister could hold a three-day supply of food and yet weighed only two and a half pounds. I told my husband I couldn't imagine how such a lightweight item could keep bears from getting at the food.   "The canister probably includes a big roll of cellophane wrap," Bill replied. "You wrap your food in it, and the bear goes crazy trying to find the edges."

No. 9--You get to wear all your grungy clothes. You know the ones; those faded T-shirts, torn shorts and baggy jeans that are so comfortable you just can't throw them out yet…even though your spouse has tried on a number of occasions to bury them in the bottom of the household rag bin.

No. 8--Your kids don't have to wash up before dinner. What's the point? Between the bathroom and the campsite are 100 yards of magnetic dirt. Speaking of bathrooms...

No. 7--You appreciate the overlooked luxuries of home. Like having a toilet that flushes. Or taking a shower that doesn't cost a quarter for every five minutes. Once, during a 10-Day California to Colorado Road Trip, Bill and I had only two quarters between us. I finished in time; Bill didn't. He stood there, covered in suds, while I dressed and ran out to try to find someone with change for a $20 bill. The suds nearly dried on him.

No. 6--You're prepared for an emergency. If a moderate earthquake should hit California while you're camping, you won't be inconvenienced because 1) your musty tent is suddenly a safe haven, 2) you've already got all your food on ice and 3) you have a portable radio and a lantern, so you won't miss what most people miss after an earthquake--electricity.

No. 5--You get to have barbecue for every night for dinner. And every morning for breakfast. And every afternoon for lunch. In fact, you can reach your barbecue quota for the entire summer in just one campout.

No. 4--You get to see just how many pores you have on your face. This is a good time to play connect-the-dots or mimic the Orion constellation on your left cheek. It's also the perfect opportunity to have your palm read by a fortuneteller, since all the lines in your hands stand out in stark relief.

No. 3--You get to commune with nature. Blue jays and squirrels enter your campground daily to clean up your crumbs. At dusk, there are bats flying overhead.  Do you really trust their sonar? Are you sure they won't get tangled in your hair? At Cherry Lake campground, there are the two-inch bomber pine beetles; these, I can tell you from personal experience, do get tangled in your hair.

No. 2--You get to exercise. This can range from trying to reach that mosquito bite in the middle of your back to chasing the raccoon that's absconded with your favorite bag of chips to consenting to a hike because the sign says it's only two miles long (but neglects to tell you that it's two miles straight uphill).

And the No. 1 reason why you should go camping? It's cheaper than staying in a hotel.   

Seriously though, camping is one vacation any budget can handle.  And truthfully?  My best vacation memories revolve around campfires, nights spent star gazing and counting falling stars, family hikes to the top of Mt. Hoffman, Lassen Peak, Mt. Tallac, Moro Rock.  Highlights include stumbling upon fern-bordered swimming holes or nearly-hidden from view waterfalls. 

The great thing about camping in California is that there are always more campgrounds to be explored.  I’ve camped for nearly 5 decades and yet, my latest Road Trip Planner is being filled with a destination I’ve never been to before; Hope Valley. 

Ingrid McCleary (portions of this article appeared in the Sunnyvale Sun and the Cupertino Courier).

Valley of the Sun Road Trip: Phoenix and Scottsdale

When some Road Trip Planners hear the words, Valley of the Sun, images of Egypt and the Pyramids spring to mind.  But other travelers know those words also describe the greater Phoenix area in the United States.  Indeed, going on a Summer Road Trip to Phoenix and Scottsdale ranks as one of the Best Destinations in the U.S.

Why?  Because it gives travelers more than 325 sunny days a year! So it’s really a year-round destination.  Add to the sunny forecasts the gorgeous mountain vistas as your constant backdrop, a huge assortment of hotels (including an abundance of world-class resorts, golf courses and spas), an array of sports and activities to enjoy and you begin to understand why many road trip planners across the nation head there for their summer vacation. 

Here are some sample trips to the region that others have taken.  Consider copying one of these as your own and then customizing it to your own preferences.  At the very least, you’ll get a bunch of great ideas for your own trip.

• Family Trip to Flagstaff, Phoenix, and Scottsdale – Enjoy the railways or float above it all with Over the Rainbow Expeditions.  There’s also the Doll & Toy Museum, Castles-n-Coasters amusement park, and the Westworld Xtreme Pursuit Paintball.

• 4 Arizona Cities in 7 Days – Scottsdale, Phoenix, Glendale, Litchfield Park.  This trip includes Out of Africa Wildlife Park, the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, an exhilarating Arizona Sunset Desert Tour, hiking on Camelback Mountain.

• Girlfriend's Trip to Phoenix and Scottsdale - Because of the high “spoil” factor, Arizona is a favorite road trip destination for friends to gather.  In this road trip planner you’ll find spas, pools, shopping, nightlife and even some jeep rides, and shootouts at Western Town.

• Golfing Weekend in Phoenix  -  This is a great trip for a couple who enjoy golf and want to infuse a little luxury in their weekend.  This 3-Day weekend gets you on golf courses plus side trips to the Phoenix Zoo Lights, the Phoenix Coyotes, and the Ice Chalet.

• Romantic Overnight Escape to Phoenix – You can easily expand this trip for a honeymoon or anniversary.  It already includes fun things to do like Jazz in the Garden at the Desert Botanical Garden, the Arizona Science Center, and the Pueblo Grande Museum & Cultural Park. It already lists three luxurious accommodations to choose from.

The above trips already take half of the guesswork out of your road trip planning but still leaves plenty of room for you to put your own stamp on your trip to the Valley of the Sun.

Tech Travel for Kids

I can remember the good old days when staying occupied during long car rides consisted of my brother and me punching each other. My, how times have changed. Kids today still revert to the age old practice of tormenting their siblings, but at least nowadays there are plenty of distractions to keep them from making a road trip a living nightmare. IPod's, PSP's, DVD players, and the like have made travel quite a bit easier on parents. I have to say that my wife and I have fully embraced the new tech-age and our travels honestly are better off for it. But, at the same time, we don't want our little darlings to turn into drooling zombies from staring at screens for hours on end.

 

How do we do that? Well, it's not easy. Once the media gets its hooks in, it's hard to get them out. The key is moderation and regulation. Keep time limits and make sure there are ample breaks in between. You know your children best of all, so you’ll know their threshold before becoming over stimulated by games and movies. You’ll also know how long a media break to take before they start to turn on each other. For long road trips, this is an absolute necessity. For shorter road trips, it may not be necessary at all. It really depends on your situation. For example, if the road trip is any less than 2 hours, the DVD player doesn’t get any use. Likewise on long trips, when the DVD player is in use, take a break between movies before allowing the next one to be played. We’ve been guilty of not following this rule more than a few times, but it’s a sound rule.

Have chargers and/or batteries on standby as well. Portable media devices gobble energy like PacMan and you don’t want to be three hours into an eight-hour drive with the red light blinking.

Most of all, make sure your kids take notice of any special scenery that comes to pass, such as beautiful mountain views, the coastline, a 30-foot tall donut, or even a rare license plate. It’s still a family trip, so include them and make them feel like it is. Portable media can be a great thing for long trips, but if unchecked, they can also be a major detractor from your trip. Find the happy medium and your travels will be smooth.

Now, if there was only something we could do about the traffic.

#

Ted Hardy also covers his family's travel escapades at Have Family, Will Travel.

Top 5 Cross Country Road Trips

  After getting a few successful shorter road trips under your belt, the next challenge before a Road Trip Planner is creating a Cross Country Road Trip.  Instead of exploring one state in depth, going cross country allows for a teaser taste of many states. Finding the balance between hitting as many states as possible and “enjoying the ride” can be somewhat relative, to be sure, but even with a cross country objective, quality still trumps quantity…best to see less in focus than more in a blur from the highway. 

 How much time a road trip planner can squeeze out for this trip also greatly impacts the total mileage you’ll put on the odometer, as does the number of people in your car.

Couples can drive further than families because children just get too antsy to sit still for long periods of time (DVDs & iPods notwithstanding).  A group of friends can probably cover the most distance because they can drive through the night and switch drivers every four hours while others sleep.

First, a quick checklist of things you absolutely need for a Cross Country Road Trip:  __Maps   __Cell Phone   __Music & Book CDs   __Camera    __Batteries    __Sunglasses    __Sunscreen    __Backup Tent    __Picnic Basket/Blanket   ___Games & Movies __Ready-2-Go Spare Tire __Emergency Car Kit

Okay…now to the Top 5  Cross Country Road Trips that every Road Trip Planner should try, David Letterman style:

#5 – The Great River Road (10 states – 2300 miles): American travelers do so love nostalgia and meandering alongside the great Mississippi River from bow to stern in a manner reminiscent of Mark Twain’s riverboat days gets many road trip planners excited about all the possibilities.  What’s fun is skirting along the edges of two states to follow the river.  The Mississippi River is much more romanticized than the Missouri River, which is actually the longest river in the U.S.  Your route could be considerably shorter (1500 miles) if you took the more direct route between the headwaters and the mouth…it’s up to you and how closely you want to follow the river.  Just make sure you include at least one ride along in a riverboat.

 #4 – Southern Exposure (8 states – 3000 miles):  This cross country road trip allows road trip planners to add a lot of spice to their trip!  Here’s where you’ll experience the good ol’ southern hospitality in Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi, the Cajun flavors of Louisiana, get a taste of the Texas BBQ, the southwestern spices found in New Mexico, Arizona and the laid back atmosphere of southern California.  US-80 will take you through the bulk of this trip which offers more varied cultural experiences than you’re likely to get in any other U.S. cross country trip.  And the variety is not limited to the cultural differences from town to town but the surrounding landscape which rolls from one type of terrain into another.  You start (or end) at the white-sand- clear-blue-sky beaches of San Diego, through the cacti-dotted southwestern desert, travel along the plains and into the Deep South cotton lands and plantations.  While some travelers are drawn to the green and serene found in a Northern cross-country road trip, many others revel in the South’s variegated russet-colored landscapes and straight highways stretching before them like the backbone of America disappearing into the horizon in a purple haze.

#3 – The Oregon Trail (11 states - 3200 miles):  This road trip is for road trip planners who want to go the distance while traveling a goodly portion along a historic route.   You start (or end) out from the wild Oregon coastline, travel through increasingly diverse terrain, to – and through - dense urban populations and finish by the serene waters of Cape Cod.  The Oregon Trail is known best as the migration trail pioneers embarked upon when America was young.  Of course, you’re not traveling by wagon train so you don’t need to set aside four to six months just to traverse the 2,000 mile section they followed (Missouri-Kansas-Nebraska-Wyoming-Idaho-Oregon).  In fact, you could comfortably do this road trip in less than 3 weeks (if you rent a car & fly back). The main route you’ll follow here is US-20 where you get to hit some truly gorgeous places like Niagara Falls and Yellowstone Park. 

#2 – The Pacific Coast Road Trip (3 states - 1500 miles):  Even though you’re traveling through only three states, you’ll be cruising the length of the West Coast from Olympia, Washington in the North, through Oregon and to San Ysidro, California, right near the Mexican Border on the South.  Check out Things To Do Along The California Coastline for tips from a long-time Californian (California comprises the bulk of this Road Trip).   A good Road Trip Planner can create a kaleidoscope of experiences along this route as it takes you from primitive forests, secluded hideaways, historic towns to major cities with the latest innovations, always flanked by a stunning coastline holding beaches and beach-lovers of every shape and size.  Called Star Route 1, more known as Highway 1, with the California stretch called the Pacific Coast Highway, it is mesmerizing.

And the #1 Cross Country Road Trip of all time? (8 states - 2500 miles):  The mother of all highways, the most romanticized, most sung about, most appearances in a movie highway…drum roll please…Route 66!   It’s so popular that a Google Search for “Route 66” yields more than 6 ½ million results!  Covering eight states from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California, it is the #1 recognized Road Trip and well worth any Road Trip Planner’s dedication.

Get your RV Revved up for Road Trip Adventures

Spring is in full bloom with summer just around the corner and that means Road Trip Planners across the USA are airing out their RVs for some highly anticipated road trip adventures.  Even if you aren’t an RV owner but want comfort of a hotel without having to pack and unpack your suitcases at each destination, there are many RV rentals available.

Nolan’s RV Rentals in Colorado offers another plus for traveling in an RV:  Tour in a bathrobe.  Imagine driving up Pike's Peak, dressed in pajamas with pillow creases still indented in your left cheek and you can imagine the convenient beauty of Nolan's RV Rentals.  

Going on an RV road trip with the family offers another huge advantage.  The dining out costs for a family of 5 for breakfast, lunch, and dinner runs conservatively $250/day.  You can cut that expense by 60% by utilizing the kitchen in the RV.  Not to mention the comfort of not having to dress for dinner (or wait for everyone else to dress).  And the road trip planner in the family saves time by not having to search for kid-friendly restaurants at each destination.

So where can you “hang your hat” when traveling in an RV?  Because of the increasing popularity of RV traveling, you’ll find many parks and campgrounds all over the United States.  Here are a few samples:

• Rivers End Campground and RV Park on Tybee Island (near Savannah, Georgia).  One of the Good Sam Parks, 150 sites are available and all are within blocks of the beach and the river.
  
• Southern Comfort RV Resort in Florida for the full resort treatment including 24-hour security, a swimming pool, bingo nights and musical performances.
  
• Lake Havasu RV Park in Arizona is right by the lake and makes for a wonderful RV vacation if you stayed there for the duration but you’re also close enough for some great day jaunts to the Joshua Tree National Park, the Mojave National Preserve or Phoenix.

Before you head off, check out these RV fire safety tips from Nationwide Insurance.

1. Check extinguishers. Before traveling, be sure your fire extinguisher is functional and contains proper pressurization. You should keep multiple extinguishers on hand throughout the vehicle and understand which extinguisher is effective on different types of fires. Also, be sure to verify that your smoke detectors are in working order.
2. Avoid transmission fires. Many fires are caused by fluid leaking from the transmission, which can be ignited if it comes in contact with the exhaust system. Complete a thorough check of the underside of your RV as part of your pre-trip inspection.
3. Inspect electrical systems. A common cause of fire is a short in the 12-volt electrical system. Check the engine compartment wiring as another part of your pre-trip inspection. Replace any damaged or frayed wires and make sure the connections are secure.
4. Have an evacuation plan. While it may seem simple, a key step to fire safety is ensuring that everyone traveling knows how to operate the latches of doors and windows, allowing for a quick exit in an emergency situation.
5. Stay kitchen savvy. Be sure to keep clothes, linens and other combustibles far from the kitchen area. Stay alert while cooking as items such paper towels and curtains are likely to be close to the stove, creating a fire hazard.

 

Okay, where should you head with your RV? Where ever you want!  However, for the cream of the crop, read a few of our past blogs on two Top RV Road Trip Destinations to add to your road trip planner.  Both are tremendously fun and both are in spots where you’ll see some of nature’s finest offerings. 

Colorado Family Road Trip: Colorado is located in the Rocky Mountains.  This area offers a fabulous family adventure road trip with activities like a Dinosaur Museum in Fruita, rafting in Durango, the gorgeous Estes Park, and two National Parks:  The Mesa Verde National Park and the Rocky Mountain National Park. 

Going Wild with an Alaskan Road Trip:  Alaska offers vast mountains, colossal blue-white glaciers and an abundance of wildlife with activities unique to the state.  This combination earns an Alaskan Road Trip top honors in travelers’ memory books.

There’s no doubt about it…RVs aren’t only for retired folks. Road trip planners are finding RV travel makes sense for couples, friends, families, even a caravan of families for a truly unique family reunion.

Relaxing Spring Break Options

After all that textbook cramming, a relaxing Spring Break Vacation may be just what a stressed out road trip planner craves.   Relaxing on the beach or poolside and simply enjoying the warmth of the sun on their skin is as active as some Spring Breakers want to get.   Others are looking for a quiet place to catch up on their sleep to make up for their all-night cramming sessions.  And still others want to be near the action, but not immersed in it 24/7 so that they can choose which nightclubs or beach parties they’d like to attend.

But single college students aren’t the only ones who go on road trips during Spring break.  Students in a relationship may opt for a romantic getaway for two.  Families also plan vacations during this time to take their college student away as soon as finals are over.  Also, teachers and families of K-12 grades use their road trip planners to create a fun family getaway during this time.

Before you hit the road with your buddies and girlfriends…here’s a few road trip planning safety tips.

• Make sure all buckles in the backseat work.   
• Take turns driving and switch drivers every two hours.
• Passengers riding shotgun have the extra responsibility of keeping the driver alert (even if the others in the back seat get to snooze!). 
• Check that everyone has their driver’s license and that the vehicle registration is in the glove compartment before departure.
• Ideally, someone in your group should belong to AAA or another Roadside Assistance membership.  It’ll save everyone time and money if car issues arise during the trip.

First, hit the beaches!

South Beach, Florida – Overall, Florida is hands down, the favored Spring Break destination for road trip planners and this long section of Miami Beach is one of the reasons why.   One can walk on the beach literally for miles!

Key West, Florida – Probably a bit too pricey for most college budgets, but oh, those beaches are pretty!

San Diego, California – The water won’t be as warm as in Florida but rumor has it the sun shines there all the time (and it’s true… 75% of the time :o)

Romantic Hideaways

South Padre Island, Texas – This island is in the Gulf of Mexico and just north of the northeastern border of Mexico.  It’s been a popular Spring break destination for college students and other tourists.  Resorts and condominiums are strewn along the lovely coastline.

Big Island, Hawaii – While Honolulu is good for families and Waikiki in particular, is great for night clubs, the Big Island has a more relaxed atmosphere where most of your activities will take place during the day followed by a lovely sunset dinner.  There are a few bars but not anything like on Waikiki.

Scottsdale, Arizona – Dry sun and an abundance of spas make this a great destination for a road trip planning couple.  You’ll find an eclectic mix here, as evidenced by Old Town, which is flanked on the north end by the West's premier fashion shopping mall, Scottsdale Fashion Square , at the corner of Scottsdale and Camelback Roads. This mall offers wonderful shopping experiences, with more than 15 restaurants and anchor stores Neiman Marcus.  More than 500 specialty stores are also a part of this desert shopping oasis.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida – Once upon a time, more than 350,000 college students descended on Fort Lauderdale during Spring Break, but the city changed its party laws in the mid-80s and enforced the minimum drinking age so now only about 20,000 come, making this a good place for couples who want nice beaches & great views.

Family Hot Spots

Orlando, Florida – One of the favorites among road trip planners because of the multitude of activities available there.  We recommend getting the Go Orlando Card which gives you unlimited admission to over 50 central Florida attractions, including the Kennedy Space Center, Splash Island Water Park, Daytona USA and more!

Honolulu, Hawaii – Because of the sheer number of hotels in the Honolulu area, budget-minded families can pick up a good deal here.  The beach at Waikiki is a great spot for the whole family because there’s a near-shore break for the kids, while more experienced swimmers surf the waves further out.

Daytona Beach, Florida – Once also a major Party Town, Daytona followed Fort Lauderdale’s example and now it’s known as a beautiful place for couples and families.

Favorite Party Towns – Book your hotel a few miles away from the heavy traffic areas and choose to relax one day, party the next. 

Cancun, Mexico – Known as the Riviera Maya, an excellent place for fun in the sun and under the night sky.

Ocho Rios, Jamaica – Actually, Montego Bay is the most popular destination in Jamaica, but Ocho Rios is a close second.  Located on the Northern Coast, it’s a great area for scuba diving and other water sports.

One more thing… before you start the ball rolling on your Road Trip Planner, make sure you check out these handy safety tips from SafeSpringBreak.org.