Road trips made a comeback in a big way in 2020, and I enjoyed a few California road trips this summer as well. Packing for a road trip seems like it should be easier than worrying about airline weight and size limitations, but it can actually be really difficult to pack for a road trip. With so much freedom, it’s way too easy to overpack and then have to deal with cumbersome luggage at every stop along the way. That’s why I’m sharing my top road trip tips to make your road trip fun and stress-free.

Choose Anchor Points Along the Way

One of the most stressful things about a road trip is when you are moving to a new place every night. Packing up every morning and living out of a suitcase gets old, really fast.

I like to pick a few key anchor points along the way, where I can stay for 2-3 days before moving on to my next road trip destination. This gives me time to relax and enjoy my accommodation, as well as getting to know the local area a bit better.

Don’t Over Plan

With most travelers having limited travel time, it’s very tempting to pack too much into a vacation, especially a road trip. But this can be stressful, especially if everyone feels like they’re on a tight schedule with no room to stop and relax.

Try to just pick a few key things you want to see each day, and then leave some time open for exploring on a whim. Remember, you have work and school schedules waiting for you at the end of your vacation, so don’t let your vacation wear you out!

Do Have a Plan

While you don’t want to over plan, it is important to do some advance research and have a loose plan.

Depending on where you are planning to road trip, you could find a small town sold out for a local festival or sports tournament. Or, you might find out the museum you are dying to visit is closed on Mondays. Having a loose plan lets you map out your road trip without locking in every hour of every day on your trip.

Choose Your Road Trip Partners Wisely

Solo road trips are fun, but road trips with great friends are even better. If you haven’t traveled with someone before, it’s best to sort out your individual travel styles before your trip. On a road trip, you’ll be with your partner pretty much 24/7, so you better hope you get along!

Make sure you have the same goals for the road trip. Are you going to have a glam time shopping and dining out, or do you plan to rough it and spend most of your time outdoors?

Consider Renting a Camper

Want to take your road trip up a notch? Consider renting a camper for your trip. There are tons of rental options, and taking your accommodation on the road with you can really open up new possibilities. Plus, you won’t have to pack and unpack every night! If you don’t think you’re up for driving a big rig across the country, check out the road trip I took in a Jucy van rental.

Stay Organized

Whether you stay in hotels or a camper, it’s so important to stay organized on a road trip.

Digging around in the trunk looking for a jacket or snacks can be really frustrating. Especially if you are packing and unpacking each night. The Werks Traveler 6.0 Toiletry Kit by Victorinox is the perfect travel accessory to help you stay organized. It’s easy to clean, with lots of pockets and pouches to store all your travel toiletries.

Choose the Right Luggage

BRING A COMFORTABLE DAYPACK

I like to have a lightweight daypack with me in case I decide on a spontaneous hike along the way. The Altmont Lightweight Expandable Backpack is the perfect road trip backpack because it’s thin and lightweight. It’s also really packable, so until you need it, it’s easy to squeeze it into your luggage. It’s the perfect extra bag to bring along for your shopping finds!