Crossing the Country: Planning, Gadgets, & Essential Stops

Updated on October 10, 2022

shutterstock_114034636Heading out on the open road? Being prepared for a cross-country trip will enhance your experience by allowing you to maximize your sight-seeing time. From planning your route and packing, here is a list of ways you can prepare for a cross-country road trip.

1. The Best of the Best

When planning to drive cross-country, it’s important to know what stops you want to make along the way. Consider some of our nation’s most popular stops:

  • For arguably some of the greatest food on the planet, make a stop in New Orleans. Not only does this historic city boast some of the most unique culture, it also plays host to some of the tastiest dishes too. Check out Commander’s Palace. This restaurant combines modernity with the creole flavors for which this city is famous.
  • If you’re interested in seeing our country’s most beautiful natural landscape, maybe Yellowstone National Park is a good stop for you. See Old Faithful, enjoy the amazing colors of Mammoth Hot Springs, or relax with a dip in the Boiling River. See buffalo, moose, and other wildlife as you explore everything Yellowstone has to offer.
  • If you’re looking for history you can’t get much more historic than Washington, D.C. Visit the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and the White House. Visit the Smithsonian for one of the best museums in the country.

Do some research before hitting the road in order to decide which sites most interest you.

2. Maintenance

It’s important to make sure your rig is ready to go the miles before driving off into the sunset. An oil change, new windshield wipers, and a tune-up are all good ideas. Make sure to also check the roof seals on your RV. Nothing ruins a long trip like a leaky roof!

Another essential maintenance concern is your tires. Ensure your tires are in prime condition to travel thousands of miles while supporting a heavy load. Make sure you choose the right type of tires for your trip.

3. Gadgets

While on the road, you’ll want to keep in touch with friends and family. But in some states it’s illegal to use a cellphone without hands-free technology. Use a Bluetooth headset to avoid traffic citations and drive safely.

Another nifty item is an eReader. Say goodbye to lugging a bunch of books around on your trip. Make room for other items by using an eReader to put multiple titles at the palm of your hand.

One thing that puts a damper on any road trip is getting lost. With an on-dash GPS navigation system, you’ll always know where you are going and won’t waste your time with wrong turns. This can also decrease the stress of travel as well.

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