Five ideas for your next summer road trip

This summer, fall in love with the scenic landscapes across the country. When you know you’ve planned well, once you hit the road, you can focus on building memories to last a lifetime.

How to plan a summer road trip

Road trips are an immersive experience that may span a variety of landscapes and landmarks, depending on your chosen route. The beauty of a road trip (in any season) is that you can plot out a detailed itinerary, be spontaneous and play it by ear, or land somewhere in between. Whatever your preference, there are some details you should spend a little time planning for, so that the memory-making can go smoothly. Pack snacks, bring plenty of water, and check that your route will have sufficient opportunities for bathroom breaks and pit stops for gas.

Whether you have a destination or route in mind yet or not, here are five tips to get you started:

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Plan a camping trip

A journey into nature offers a variety of experiences. If you’re the outdoorsy type, planning a camping trip will take a little more effort than if you stay overnight in hotels or rentals, but it’ll be worth it. Keep in mind that some campsites book up fast, especially around holidays, so if you plan to car camp, look into reservation requirements and make sure you know what amenities (i.e. potable water, electricity, restrooms) will be available at the site. You’ll also need to make sure you have enough room in the car for everyone and all the camping gear you’ll need.

Take a national park tour

National parks offer unique, breath-taking landscapes featuring spiral rock formations, sprawling canyons, mountains, and deep forests. These wonders can be found across the United States. Try to experience the rich, natural beauty of America’s national parks; their sceneries can leave impressions that’ll last a lifetime. You’ll see incredible natural landmarks and wildlife, and many national parks have campsites or hotels, which makes them even more of a destination since you can stay on site.

Visit the Florida Keys

Gather your family and head down to the southeastern tip of Florida. Off the southern coast of Florida, there’s a string of islands that span 120 miles. Each island is linked to the next by the Overseas Highway, providing a mesmerizing drive over the deep-blue ocean waves. Once you arrive, you can snorkel in coral reefs, watch dolphins swim, and take eco tours that highlight the diversity of the islands.

Adventure on a cross-country road trip

A cross-country road trip can fulfill the desires of even the boldest adventure seekers. Typically taking six days to travel from the East to the West Coast (or vice versa), this journey is not for the faint of heart or people easily prone to car sickness. However, with proper planning and execution, you can experience all the wonders the United States has to offer and witness the full spectrum of its natural beauty, from sea to shining sea.

Explore Route 66

Bear witness to landmarks, small towns, and classic Americana this summer. Route 66 is a historic highway that originally allowed you to traverse from Chicago to Los Angeles. Today, the road is no longer continuous, but it’s still worthwhile to make the trek. You can find ghost towns, tasty diners, and visit quirky attractions like the Cadillac Ranch or the natural springs of the Blue Hole as you drive through this historic route.

A scenic road trip to a new destination can create a memorable vacation. From traveling cross country to nearby, scenic campsites, the possibilities are endless. For more ways to plan vacations, such as how to create a packing list, explore these organization tips.