How to Plan a Road Trip: Routes, Vehicle Prep, and What to Pack

The first step to planning your trip? Don’t plan at all. That’s right – you’re not at that part yet! Right now, it’s time to explore. 

Open Google Maps or Apple Maps, create a new saved list — name it whatever you want — and start dropping pins on anything that looks interesting.

Don't filter yourself at this stage:

• A weird roadside attraction that looks absurd? Pin it.
• A state park you've driven past a hundred times? Pin it.
• A restaurant someone mentioned once in a group chat? Pin it.

 

Once your list has 15 or 20 spots, a natural route tends to emerge on its own. Once you can see the path, you can easily determine which stops are worth a detour and which ones are easy drives off the main path.

 

Why this works: Building a pin list builds the trip itinerary and the excitement at the same time, without the pressure of committing to a schedule. Most map apps also let you share that saved list, simply drop it in the group chat and let everyone add their own pins. 

Looking for places worth pinning? Check out some of our favorite road trip destinations and regional guides on the Ignition Blog.

The single most important thing you can do before a road trip is get your vehicle checked. A vehicle that hasn't been inspected before a long drive is the most common reason road trips get derailed. Before you leave, work through this checklist:

 

1. Oil and fluids: Oil and fluids are the baseline of vehicle health. If you're within 1,000 miles of your next oil change, get it done before you take off.
2. Tire pressure and tread depth: Underinflated tires are one of the leading causes of poor fuel efficiency and reduced handling on long drives. Have both pressure and tread checked before departure.
3. Brakes: Brakes that have been squealing or pulsing are a warning sign, not background noise. Get them inspected before you put serious miles on the vehicle.
4. Battery: A battery on an older vehicle that hasn't been tested recently is a breakdown waiting to happen. If your vehicle is three or more years old, get that battery tested before you go.
5. Air conditioning: Air conditioning is non-negotiable on a summer road trip. If it's been struggling, a recharge before you leave is worth every penny.

 

Where to get it done: CarShop's ASE Certified service team offers inspections and handles all makes and models — it doesn't matter where you bought your vehicle. Schedule your service appointment before you head out.

A road trip emergency kit doesn't need to be elaborate; it just needs to cover the basics. Pack these before you leave:

 

1. Jumper cables or a portable jump starter
   A dead battery is the most common roadside emergency. A portable jump starter means you don't have to wait for help.
2. A phone charger and a backup battery pack 
   Cell service is unpredictable. A backup battery keeps your navigation and communication available when you need them most.
3. A basic first aid kit 
   Minor cuts and headaches happen on long trips. A kit handles both without a detour.
4. Offline maps downloaded to your phone 
   Downloaded maps work without a signal. Keeping a backup paper map isn’t a bad idea either.
5. One reusable water bottle per person, minimum 
   Dehydration accelerates fatigue on long drives. Keep water accessible, not buried in the trunk.
6. Heat-safe snacks 
   Snacks keep your energy up – and you don’t want them to melt in the car. Pick some of these up between stops and reduce your number of detours for food.