10 Essential USA Road Trip Tips for a Safe & Unforgettable Journey
Thinking about taking a road trip across America? I did it—and it was one of the most exciting (and sometimes surprising) experiences of my life. From open highways and national parks to small towns and funny roadside signs, the U.S. has so much to offer.
In this post: USA road trip tips, I’ll share 10 must-know tips to help you plan your perfect U.S. road trip. Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, these tips will help you stay safe, save money, and make the most of your journey.
Planning your route is important, but leave room for change. You never know when you’ll want to stop at a scenic viewpoint or visit a small town you didn’t expect.
Use Google Maps or apps like Roadtrippers to plan your stops. It’s also a good idea to bring a paper map just in case you lose signal in remote areas.
Prepare Your Vehicle
Before you start your trip, make sure your car is in great shape. Here’s a quick checklist:
Check oil, tires, brakes, and fluids
Fill up windshield washer fluid
Make sure your spare tire is ready
Pack an emergency kit (jumper cables, flashlight, first aid, etc.)
Bring Rain-X to help with sudden heavy rain and improve visibility
Join a roadside assistance program like AAA or use one through your insurance
Winter Driving? Don’t Forget This
If you’re traveling in winter, don’t forget an ice scraper with a brush and a pair of warm gloves. Rental cars usually include an ice scraper in cold areas—but gloves are not. It’s very hard to clean your windshield when your hands are freezing!
Download Offline Maps
Some parts of the U.S. have no cell service, especially in national parks or remote mountain areas. Download offline maps from Google Maps before your trip.
You can also use Maps.me or a GPS device as a backup just in case.
Know Your Budget
A road trip can be affordable, but small things add up fast—like gas, food, and hotel costs. Plan your daily budget and keep track of your spending.
Helpful tips:
Use GasBuddy to find cheap gas nearby
Buy a National Park Pass if visiting multiple parks
Mix camping, budget motels, and Airbnb to save money
Save Money and Time at Costco and Sam’s Club
If you’re driving for over 5 hours, it helps to plan rest and gas stops ahead. We’re members of both Costco and Sam’s Club, and we often use their gas stations during our road trips.
Here’s why we recommend them:
Gas Is Cheaper
Costco and Sam’s Club usually have the lowest gas prices in the area. This helps a lot on the West Coast, where gas is expensive. In our experience, Southern states have the cheapest gas overall.
Local Finds at Costco
If you stop for gas and need to use the restroom, you’ll need to go into the main store. It might feel like a hassle—but it can be fun!
Every Costco is a little different. When we visited Kentucky, the Costco had a special bourbon section before the entrance. We said, “That’s so Kentucky!”
Sam’s Club May Be Easier to Access
We often find Sam’s Club near freeway exits, while Costco is sometimes farther from the highway. Even though Sam’s Club doesn’t show much local difference, it’s still great for cheap snacks, bottled water, or travel essentials—especially for trips over 5 days.
⚠️ One downside: These gas stations usually don’t have squeegees or paper towels for cleaning your windshield. If your car is covered with bugs, stop somewhere else to clean up.
Mix Up Your Accommodations
Hotels are nice, but staying in the same kind of place every night can get boring—or expensive. Try a mix of:
Hotels and motels
Campgrounds (many have restrooms and showers)
Vacation rentals like Airbnb
Rest areas for short naps (check state rules)
Booking a few nights ahead is smart, but leave some nights open for flexibility.
Pack Smart for Comfort and Safety
Drive Safely and Know Local Laws
Speed limits and traffic rules can change from state to state. Some tips:
Always wear your seatbelt
Don’t use your phone while driving (use hands-free mode)
Watch for school zones and construction signs
Take breaks every 2–3 hours to stay alert
Snow, rain, or fog? Slow down. Arriving safely is more important than speed.
🚫 Pay Attention to Local Parking Rules
Some local laws may surprise you—especially when it comes to parking. In Florida, we once got a parking ticket because we parked our car back-in (reversed into the space). There was a sign nearby saying this was not allowed, but we didn’t notice it before leaving the car.
In Japan, parking from the back is very common and feels natural. But in the U.S., many people park head-in, and in some areas, back-in parking is actually prohibited.
Here’s the sign that we missed…
So before you leave your car, check for nearby signposts that may show specific rules about parking direction, time limits, or fees.
Take Breaks and Enjoy the Scenery
A road trip is not just about the destination—it’s about the journey. Make time to stop and enjoy what’s around you.
You can stop at:
National and state parks
Scenic overlooks
Historical landmarks
Unique roadside attractions
One of my favorite stops was Casey, Illinois, a small town filled with the World’s Largest things—like a giant mailbox, rocking chair, and more! It’s the perfect place to stretch your legs and take fun photos.
Check out my blog post about the World’s Largest Attractions in Casey, IL
Stay Connected and Informed
Here are the apps we use often during our trips:
Google Maps – Great for directions, food spots, and reviews
Waze – Shows real-time info like traffic jams, construction, or a stopped car. You can also report events, which is kind of fun when you’re bored in the passenger seat!
GasBuddy – Helps find the cheapest gas
AccuWeather – Good for checking upcoming weather
Spotify / Audible – For music, podcasts, or audiobooks
Let someone know your route before you go—especially if you’ll be out of cell range.
Enjoy the Journey
Road trips are about adventure, not perfection. Laugh at silly signs. Try new snacks. Watch the sunset from a rest stop.
Be open to changes, take lots of photos, and enjoy every moment—big or small.
Conclusion
A road trip across the U.S. is one of the best ways to explore the country. With a little planning, smart packing, and a sense of adventure, you’ll make memories that last a lifetime.
Have you taken a road trip across America? I’d love to hear your tips or favorite places in the comments. And if you’re planning your first trip—feel free to ask me anything!
