By Cheri Sicard
Have you ever wanted to do a cross-country road trip in your RV but don’t know how to start planning? The team from the Long Long Honeymoon is here to help.
In the video below, they share five tips for beginners planning a cross-country trip. For the record, the tips will work even if you are planning a cross-country trip in a car, as opposed to an RV.
Top 5 beginner tips for planning a cross-country road trip
#1 Be realistic about your travel time: According to our hosts, the typical cross-country road trip takes about 35 to 45 hours of overall driving. Of course, this can vary widely depending on your starting and destination points, but it’s a decent rule of thumb. If you are traveling in an RV, be aware this will take longer than if you were doing the trip in a car.
Our hosts also advise planning your route in such a way as to avoid going through big cities at rush hour. They also encourage traveling on scenic highways as opposed to interstates to make your trip more enjoyable. I wholeheartedly agree. Overall, they say the trip will probably take a little longer than you expect, and that’s OK. Slow down and enjoy the journey!
#2 Prepare for trouble before you leave: It’s RVing, and things can go wrong on a long road trip—it’s just the nature of the beast. Our hosts have had cross-country road trips with no issues, and others that were fraught with them.
To avoid the latter, do vehicle checks and maintenance before leaving, and carry a good basic tool kit with you. They go into detail of what to put in it in the video. They also advise carrying a good first aid kit, a few lightweight mylar blankets, and a seatbelt cutter/window smasher tool just in case of accidents or emergencies.
#3 Phone a friend: Be sure to let someone know your route, where you are going, and when you should get there. Checking in regularly is a good idea when on the road. You can also share your location with some of the phone tracking apps, such as WhatsApp or Apple’s built-in Find My Friends. That way, your friend or family member can check in anytime and see where you are.
#4 Check the weather frequently: Rain, snow, wind, hail, anything can happen when you are crossing the country. Lest you find yourself stranded, check the weather often and adjust travel plans and routes accordingly. Along those lines, be prepared in case you do get stuck, like our hosts did in snowy Yellowstone. Have full propane and water tanks and a full pantry and riding out the storms won’t be bad at all.
#5 Pack like Goldilocks—not too much and not too little: You want to be well-prepared without overpacking. Our hosts give packing tips and strategies that work for them in the video.
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RVT1263
Thank you for finding and sharing the video, Cheri. My interest in these guys have waxed and waned over the last 12, or so, years. Guess it is time for waxing again. 😉 Have a great week and safe travels!