15 Road Trip Mistakes to Avoid

Hey Adventurous Friends! Let me take you back to a road trip I’ll never forget—though I wish I could! There we were, cruising down a scenic route in Arkansas, when we realized we’d completely missed a must-see spot because my GPS went haywire, and I hadn’t bothered to plan my route ahead of time. We ended up somehow getting lost in the backroads around Beaver Lake (beautiful place btw) for a whole day. Someday we will share the story about the world’s best potato salad. To top it off, I ended up paying way too much for a last-minute hotel room after I realized my non-refundable booking was for the wrong night. Ouch!

If you’ve ever had a trip like that, you know how quickly things can go south. But don’t worry; I’m here to help you avoid those same mistakes so your next road trip is nothing but smooth sailing, good vibes, and unforgettable memories. Whether you’re hitting the road for the first time or you’re a seasoned traveler, here’s how to stay safe, save money, and have the best time ever on your next adventure.

Safety Tips

1. Failing to Plan Your Route

• What Could Go Wrong: Wasting time, getting lost, or missing out on must-see spots.
• Practical Tips: Use GPS and paper maps as a backup, plan key stops in advance, and check for road closures or construction before you leave. You’ll avoid detours and make sure you don’t miss anything awesome along the way.
• Eco-Friendly Tip: Plan routes that minimize fuel consumption to reduce your carbon footprint and save money on gas.

2. Ignoring Vehicle Maintenance

• What Could Go Wrong: Breakdowns, expensive repairs, or even accidents.
• Practical Tips: Before you hit the road, get a full vehicle inspection. Don’t skip checking your oil, brakes, tires, and fluid levels. And don’t forget to pack an emergency kit with jumper cables, a spare tire, first aid supplies, and a flashlight. You never know when these might come in handy!
• Eco-Friendly Tip: Keep your vehicle in top shape to ensure it runs efficiently, saving on gas and reducing emissions.

3. Not Taking Breaks

• What Could Go Wrong: Fatigue, accidents, or missing out on interesting stops.
• Practical Tips: Schedule regular breaks to stretch your legs, grab a bite, and explore. If possible, switch drivers to avoid fatigue. And don’t forget to stay hydrated and keep your energy up with snacks. We have a post with 40+ fun activities to get the family moving at the next rest stop.
• Eco-Friendly Tip: Stop at parks or natural attractions to connect with nature and break up the drive in a meaningful way.

4. Driving Through Heavy Traffic Areas During Rush Hour

• What Could Go Wrong: Wasting time, getting stuck in traffic, or increasing stress levels.
• Practical Tips: Plan your driving schedule to avoid peak traffic times, especially in major cities. Use navigation apps to find alternate routes or avoid congestion altogether. If you do hit traffic, take the opportunity to explore a nearby attraction while the roads clear up.
• Eco-Friendly Tip: Avoiding traffic not only saves time but also helps reduce your fuel consumption and emissions.

5. Not Including an Emergency Kit

Everlit Survival Car Emergency Kit, Roadside Safety Tool Kit with Gloves,Digital Auto Air Compressor Tire Inflator, First Aid Kit, 12 Feet Jumper Cable, Tow Strap, Flashlight for Women, Men, Teenagers

• What Could Go Wrong: Getting stranded without the tools to fix minor issues or stay safe.
• Practical Tips: Pack an emergency kit with all the essentials—jumper cables, a spare tire, first aid supplies, and a flashlight. Include water, snacks, and blankets just in case you get stranded. And make sure you know how to use everything in your kit before you need it.
• Eco-Friendly Tip: Opt for reusable or rechargeable items in your kit, like solar-powered chargers, to minimize waste.

Saving Money Tips

1. Underestimating the Cost

• What Could Go Wrong: Running out of money, unexpected expenses, or having to cut your trip short.
• Practical Tips: Set a realistic budget that covers gas, food, lodging, and activities. It’s also a good idea to set aside a little extra for emergencies. Use apps to find discounts on accommodations, gas, and meals.
• Eco-Friendly Tip: Consider staying at budget-friendly, eco-conscious accommodations like campsites or eco-lodges, which often offer a more sustainable option at a lower cost.

2. Booking Non-Refundable Hotel Rooms

• What Could Go Wrong: Losing money if plans change or running into issues with your accommodations.
• Practical Tips: Whenever possible, book accommodations with flexible cancellation policies. If you’re not sure about your schedule, it’s better to pay a little more for flexibility. Apps like HotelTonight can also help you find last-minute deals.
• Eco-Friendly Tip: Look for hotels that practice sustainability, even if it means spending a bit more upfront—you may get perks like free bike rentals or breakfast.

3. Not Packing Your Own Snacks and Meals

• What Could Go Wrong: Spending a fortune on overpriced rest stop or fast food options.
• Practical Tips: Save money by packing a cooler with sandwiches, fruits, and drinks before hitting the road. You’ll avoid the temptation to splurge on snacks and meals at every stop.
• Eco-Friendly Tip: Use reusable containers and utensils to reduce waste and keep your trip as green as possible.

4. Eating Out for Every Meal

• What Could Go Wrong: Draining your budget quickly by dining out instead of cooking simple meals.
• Practical Tips: Whenever possible, cook your own meals at your lodging or stop at grocery stores along the way for supplies. Not only does this save money, but it also allows you to eat healthier on the road.
• Eco-Friendly Tip: Bring reusable shopping bags and choose products with minimal packaging to reduce waste.

5. Skipping Free Attractions

• What Could Go Wrong: Missing out on budget-friendly activities and blowing your budget on expensive tours or tickets.
• Practical Tips: Research free parks, museums, or festivals along your route before you leave. You’d be surprised how many amazing places offer free or discounted admission days. Nature-based activities like hiking or swimming are often free and offer unforgettable experiences without the price tag.
• Eco-Friendly Tip: Enjoy outdoor activities that are not only budget-friendly but also have a low environmental impact.

6. Not Setting a Daily Budget

• What Could Go Wrong: Overspending and running out of money before the trip is over.
• Practical Tips: Establish a daily budget for food, activities, and souvenirs, and stick to it. Track your spending each day to make sure you’re staying within your limits. This will help ensure you have enough money to enjoy the entire trip.
• Eco-Friendly Tip: Prioritize spending on sustainable activities or locally made products that support eco-friendly practices and the local economy.

Having Fun Tips

1. Sticking Only to Major Roads

• What Could Go Wrong: Missing out on scenic routes, unique attractions, and local culture.
• Practical Tips: Don’t be afraid to explore alternate routes that take you off the beaten path. Use guides or apps to highlight scenic drives or hidden gems that you might otherwise miss. You’ll discover beautiful landscapes and charming towns along the way.
• Eco-Friendly Tip: Scenic routes often have less traffic, which can help reduce your carbon footprint.

2. Not Allowing for Unscheduled Stops or Route Changes

• What Could Go Wrong: Missing unexpected discoveries, feeling rushed, or adding stress to your trip.
• Practical Tips: Build some flexibility into your schedule for spontaneous stops. If you see something interesting, go ahead and explore it! The best experiences are often unplanned.
• Eco-Friendly Tip: Take the opportunity to stop at local nature spots or eco-friendly attractions, supporting the environment and local businesses.

3. Forgetting to Bring Your Own Entertainment

• What Could Go Wrong: Spending unnecessary money on data charges or buying entertainment on the go.
• Practical Tips: Download movies, podcasts, or music playlists before you leave to keep everyone entertained during the drive. Bringing along road trip games for the family, trivia games for adults or older kids, podcasts, or audio books can also help pass the time.
• Eco-Friendly Tip: Choose eco-friendly travel games or nature guides to enjoy during breaks, making your entertainment choices more sustainable.

4. Not Bringing Cash

• What Could Go Wrong: Missing out on charming roadside markets, local food stands, or other cash-only stops that could make your trip extra special.
• Practical Tips: Carry a small amount of cash, especially in small denominations, for emergencies, tolls, or those unexpected treasures you find along the way. You never know when you’ll come across a roadside market with fresh produce or a local artisan selling handmade goods!
• Eco-Friendly Tip: Use cash sparingly and use digital payments when possible, but having a little cash on hand ensures you won’t miss out on local gems that don’t accept cards.

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! By avoiding these common road trip mistakes, you’ll be all set to hit the road with confidence. Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination, and with a bit of planning and flexibility, you can keep your trip safe, affordable, and filled with fun. Whether it’s exploring a hidden scenic route, enjoying a picnic at a roadside park, or discovering a local market, the little moments along the way are what make road trips so memorable.

We’d love to hear from you! Share your own road trip experiences or mistakes so find us on social media. And don’t forget to check out our other travel guides for more tips and tricks to make your next adventure the best one yet.

Happy travels, campers! Stay safe and enjoy the journey. 🚗🌟

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By Summer and Bill

Summer and Bill are the dynamic duo behind Adventureite.com, a blog dedicated to inspiring others to explore the great outdoors. With a combined lifetime of experience traveling and adventuring across America, they have a wealth of knowledge to share. From hiking to camping, kayaking to travel, Summer and Bill are passionate about helping others discover the beauty of the natural world.