The Best Travel Hacks for Driving Cross-Country

Road trips are always exciting, but they can be a lot of work if you don’t know what to do. You can always stop at a hotel or camping ground to rest, but those can be expensive. If you’re driving cross-country, you should keep a few things in mind to make the trip as smooth as possible. For example, you could use your storage under the bed cover for Ford F150 to keep snacks and drinks, so you don’t have to keep stopping for food.

Map Your Route In Advance Using A Site Like Google Maps Or Roadtrippers

For starters, map your route in advance. Google Maps is an excellent resource for finding gas stations and restaurants along the way. Roadtrippers also has a neat feature where you can input your starting point; then, it will give different routes to take and points of interest near each destination, so that rest stops aren’t wasted time!

The best part about using Google Maps for planning is showing you nearby items, restaurants, and gas stations. Simply search for “food” or “gas,” and it will populate a list of places near you. This can help you save time (and money) by only stopping when you need to.

Try To Avoid Tolls And Gas Stations – They Can Be Expensive

Tolls and gas stations can be expensive, so try to avoid them if possible. Instead, take the scenic route and enjoy the view. If you do need to stop for gas, make sure you’re getting the best deal possible by using a gas app like GasBuddy. This app allows you to find the cheapest gas prices in your area.

As for tolls, they can add up quickly if you’re not careful. If you’re driving through a state with many toll roads, consider getting a transponder. This small device attaches to your windshield and automatically pays your tolls for you. You’ll still have to pay the initial fee, but it will save you money in the long run.

Bring Snacks And Drinks To Save Money On Food

Any road trip is incomplete if you’re not gathering stuff to eat or snack upon like a little kid with their Halloween candy. It’s simple – the less you have to stop, the better. So bring snacks and drinks with you to save money on food. This way, you can just pull over when you’re hungry and not worry about finding a restaurant.

Another great way to save money on car snacks is to make your own meals before you leave. This will require some planning and preparation, but it’s worth it in the end. Plus, it’s a great way to get the family involved in the trip!

Making your own meals doesn’t have to be complicated. Just pack some easy-to-make foods like sandwiches, salads, pasta dishes, or even Crockpot meals. And don’t forget the snacks! Chips, cookies, fruit, and trail mix are all great options.

Just remember to pack enough food for everyone in the car. You don’t want anyone getting hangry!

Plan For Rest Stops Every Few Hours, So You Don’t Get Too Tired Behind The Wheel

Driving for hours on end can be tiring, so make sure you plan for rest stops every few hours. If you’re driving with someone else, take turns behind the wheel so that everyone gets a break. This will allow you to get out of the car, stretch your legs, and maybe even take a nap.

It’s also important to stay hydrated when you’re driving. Bring a water bottle with you, and make sure to drink plenty of fluids. This will help keep you alert and prevent any accidents.

And if you start to feel tired, don’t hesitate to pull over and take a nap. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

Make Sure Your Car Is In Good Condition Before You Set Out

Before you set out on your road trip, make sure your car is in good condition. This includes checking the oil level, tire pressure, and engine coolant. It would help if you also had a full gas tank so that you don’t have to stop for fuel too often.

And don’t forget to pack a spare tire in case you get a flat! It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

If you’re not mechanically inclined, it might be worth taking your car to a mechanic before you leave. They can give it a once-over and make sure everything is in working order. This will give you peace of mind on your journey.

Services like AAA or Roadside assistance can also be helpful in case you run into any problems on the road.