That's exactly what Dave was getting at - there is no one size fits all answer to that type of question. Some people like a rigid schedule, some people don't do any planning at all and just get in the car and go, most people probably fall somewhere in the middle. With a roadtrip, you plan the trip that fits you best.Originally Posted by new tripper
For me.
As Michael said, everyone has different ways of going about their planning, [or not planning] but trips that are planned to the mile and the minute rarely work out. There are always surprises, unexpected delays, places that hold your attention for longer, and those that don't.
What I do is research to find the places I want to visit, well I actually have a long list already. ;-) With that list I then see how best I can create a route to include as many as possible within the time I have without being overly rushed, the remainder get put to one side for another day. I then start to build a trip based on my main points of interest and then research the areas in between and start to fill in the gaps with other possible options. Knowing what those options are is one thing, but there is no way you will get to see everything and still have time for the unexpected along the way, so 'in between' is always open to change.
Like me, most have to work on a tight time schedule, so if I have 5 main points of interest, I will get those booked up to secure lodgings as they are usually popular spots, such as a National park, and that also helps to keep me on some type of schedule so I don't end up turning the rental car in late and miss the flight home ! The days in between I will just see how things pan out and take it as it comes, if you plan everything you end up spending most of your time watching the clock and thinking ahead, rather than simply enjoying where you are.
The road trip is as much about the journey as it is the destination and for that reason I don't try to clock up too many Interstate miles per day, I try and use the State Highways and By-ways as much as possible and allow a nice amount of time to stop. Our trips are always based around natural wonders and open road as that is what we prefer.
I look forward to the day when I have worked through my list and I have more time available and just hit the road, approach a junction and flip a coin to decide whether to head left or right and see where the road takes me.
I guess I should have said I really enjoy the researching rather than planning, when you are travelling knowledge is not a burden to carry. ;-)
Dave.
My husband and I have planned many road trips, and I can say that we've planned a little differently for each one. For us, there's a difference in planning a road trip for a car-motel trip vs. either a camping road trip or with an RV. That's because we go a bit slower and don't usually do a "speed run" when camping or RV'ing, but we wouldn't hesitate to do a "speed run" (600 miles in a day) with just a car. There's also a lot of difference in planning when we are sticking to a few states, vs a long trip to cover many states.
Some things that are normal for any of our trips:
* We travel with maps and an itinerary of where we are going. Like others above, we don't have all the time in the world (yet) and want to see as much as we can in the time that we have, without feeling rushed. Our maps always include a complete atlas, individual state maps, AAA tour books (sometimes), and a GPS. (We only use the latter for short haul planning such as finding a local address, not long-haul planning.)
* We always have a "packing list" ready, long before we go! Though some things CAN be purchased along the way if you forget them, there are other things (like medications) that aren't as easily replaced. Once items are packed, I have a habit of checking and double-checking the list to make sure that things actually left the house and got put in the vehicle.
* We always have someone to keep an eye on our residence while we are gone. Nothing would be sadder than coming home to a house that had been flooding for days because of a broken pipe. (We do leave the water on, though some people turn their water off.) The person/s watching our house have a copy of our itinerary and our cell numbers, as well as phone numbers of anyone we may stay with along the way. In addition, we take a few phone numbers with us too. These days that's so much easier with the advent of cell phones!
* Speaking of....electronics. The packlist should always include the charger cords for all electronics. I got 2 days into a trip when I realized that I didn't have my iPod cord with me. UGH, had to buy a new one.
Donna
*
An element of surprise.
On the other hand..... When I hit the road, I know where I need to end up, I know when I need to be there, and maps of all States I will traverse. Other than that, I do very little planning.
Wherever the road leads is where I head. If I see a sign to something interesting, or note a point of interest on a map, I go and see what it is all about. This way I have stumbled upon some amazing gems.
When I stop I speak with the locals ask where they like to go to get away from it all. Some of these places are not on maps, not in books, just known to the locals.
Of course I have all the things I need, but that really does not take 'planning'. That just means going through every cupboard and drawer and taking out what I think I may need. Anything forgotten I am happy to go without. If it is really drastic, I will buy it along the way.
Even before I had my van, I rarely booked a bed anywhere.
Lifey
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