Taking a long road trip across the country can be either a great time with friends and family or an utter disaster depending on how much you prepare. Cross-country excursions are unlike any other major traveling experience, so you must plan and prepare differently. While there are dozens of things you can do to improve your upcoming cross-country trip, these are the four things you must do in order to have a fun and rewarding experience.

Pack Lightly

People going on cross-country road trips have a tendency to overpack their suitcase and vehicle because they have a lot more room than when traveling by airplane. Packing lightly will give you more room to stretch out in the vehicle during the long trip. You will also have some room for anything unique you want to purchase. You can always spend an hour doing a load of laundry at night without disrupting the trip.

Do Not Plan Every Detail

While you should plan all of the major details of your trip well ahead of time, you do not want to meticulously plan every detail. Nobody is going to have fun if you have every hour of the day scheduled. The goal of every cross-country excursion should be to have fun and see different parts of the beautiful country. One of the best ways to do this is by choosing the local attractions you visit without any planning. Never knowing what you will see next adds to the excitement of the trip.

Get an RV

While it is certainly possible to have a great road trip in a car, few things will make the trip more enjoyable than getting an RV. If you take several cross-country excursions each year, then it is also a good idea to look into purchasing your RV instead of renting. Some companies, like Fretz RV, know that having accommodations available at the drop of a hat makes traveling much easier.  An RV allows you to have enough room to spread out, cook your own meals and sleep in your own bed. These may not seem like big pleasures, but you will be thrilled you got the RV after a few days on the road.

Don’t Forget the Entertainment

A good portion of your time on a cross-country excursion is going to be spend on the road. While traveling with your friends or family will make the long hours on the road go quicker, you still need some entertainment options in the vehicle. Those long drives are going to get boring really quick if you do not have any music, movies or games.
Going on long trips across the country is a great way to spend an extended vacation. Taking the time to properly prepare will ensure everything goes smoothly and you create some of the best memories of your life.