AARP Smart Guide to Road Trips

7. Set a trip theme

Take your road-trip fun up a notch by building your itinerary around a theme that interests you and your travel companions. “Perhaps you love roller coasters, craft beer, geocaching or history museums. Plan your trip around whatever your theme is,” Boman says. “There are plenty of checklists available for things like national parks, but you can easily make your own list and check off each new niche place you visit.”

8. Perfect your playlist

Good tunes are an essential part of the road trip experience, and Boman has a tip on making that music playlist extra special: pre-trip collaboration. “If you’re traveling with other people, a fun way to switch up the music in the vehicle is to collaborate on a road trip playlist,” she says. “Everyone in the car adds their favorite songs before the trip, and then you can play [them] on shuffle when you hit the road. This is a great way to discover new music and share your own favorites with your friends.” 

Boman recommends downloading the playlist offline before your trip in case you hit areas with spotty cell service. 

9. Plan your podcasts

Show up at your next stop with knowledge about the local history, culture and attractions by downloading a destination podcast for the ride and to inspire you to seek new adventures. There are many travel-specific options to choose from, including National Parks Traveler Podcast, Wanderlust: Off the Page and Zero to Travel. 

Pick a pop culture, true crime or lifestyle podcast, or check out AARP’s The Perfect Scam podcast, which focuses on a topic of great importance to those over 50. 

10. Have a literary listen

Those long hours in the car can be the perfect time to catch up on your reading list. Download an e-book and soak up the story as the miles roll by. Many celebrities, musicians and politicians record their own autobiographies, so you can hear their stories spoken in their own words; well-known actors narrate other books. Of course, not everyone in the car may be interested in the same selections, so poll your riders ahead of time and make sure everyone brings their own earphones to listen to the shows or music they prefer.  

11. Pack the right kind of snacks

Tasty snacks are essential for any road trip, and bringing them along may save you time and money. Pack a cooler with ice packs that can be refrozen at hotels and other lodgings as you go. In addition to sugary and salty nibbles and drinks, include water, fruit, veggies and protein-packed snacks to hydrate, refuel and nourish. And store your snacks safely to avoid foodborne illnesses.

12. Keep an atlas handy

Most navigation apps help offer a foolproof driving experience, but Dunham says it’s wise to keep another road-trip favorite handy: a hard copy of an atlas. “Always, always, have an up-to-date atlas in the vehicle with you before you depart,” she says. “I like to mark my route in yellow highlighter on the atlas so I can visualize what it looks like and where I’m going.”  

Another way to visualize your route ahead of time: Use Street View, which you’ll find in Google Maps, Apple Maps and Mapillary. It lets you see important areas and gives you an idea of how to navigate a tricky city area or where to park safely.

13. Pack a supply bag

Nothing’s worse than hitting the road in your new rental car or van only to realize you forgot your essential road trip items, such as a car charger, a GPS device or a seat cushion. Stringer suggests adding a rental car bag to your packing list. His go-to items include a pair of USB charging cables, a lighter adapter (older cars may not have easily accessible USB ports) and a smartphone mount. Note that in many rental vehicles, the actual lighter part (which gets hot when pressed in) has been removed. 

14. Get comfortable

Road trips do come with the downside of long hours in the same seat or position, which can lead to back or leg pain. Adjust your seat, and add or purchase a seat cushion, to help keep you comfortable during long periods of sitting. (Rossi says her family’s solution is a tried-and-true cushion.) As your journey progresses, be sure to stop frequently to stretch your legs and move around. Not only will it keep you limber, it could also help you avoid deep vein thrombosis, a blood clot that forms in deep veins, oftentimes in the legs. 

15. Pack your E-ZPass

Don’t forget your toll-pass transponder, such as E-ZPass or SunPass. “You save money [by using it], especially in areas like the Northeast, which have expensive bridges and tolls,” Rossi says. “It also saves you time from having to pay individual toll bills that arrive by mail after your trip.” That said, it’s always wise to have your credit card, cash and coins handy just in case; some places use different toll platforms, and you don’t want to be caught off guard.

16. Take the scenic route

Sure, sometimes you need to get from point A to B quickly, but the draw of the Great American Road Trip is the chance to see the best of the U.S. Most times you won’t find it on the major highways, so keep that in mind when you map out your route.

Stringer says state routes contain numerous hidden gems. “California’s 395 runs from Death Valley to Lake Tahoe and is full of amazing attractions along the way,” he says. “If you’re leaf-peeping in the fall, New Hampshire’s Kancamagus highway has a well-earned reputation as one of the country’s most scenic drives. And if national parks are your thing, Utah’s Scenic Byway 12 cuts through the [state’s] amber canyons, aspen forests and alpine peaks.”

GETTING THERE

17. Rent your ride

Driving your own vehicle may be cheaper, but it adds mileage and wear and tear, so consider renting a vehicle for better gas mileage or more space. If you do, take a video and photos of the rental before you leave — it could save you from false and costly damage claims after you return it. If the company gives you a list of prior damages, confirm them and make sure there’s nothing new that isn’t listed.

18. Find deals

It’s important to book your car early, and equally important that you read the fine print about cancellation policies. 

Before you book your ride, Dunham has some bargain-hunting tips: “Shop around for price comparisons; consider renting for a full week or even a month as longer durations sometimes include reduced rates; ask about AAA, military or AARP discounts; sign up for rewards membership programs at car rental companies to earn points; and select round-trip reservations whenever possible.” 

And always use your AARP discounts. Members can save up to 35 percent off base rates and add an additional driver at no cost. 

19. Get an upgrade

Few travel perks surprise and delight like a free upgrade, and you can set yourself up for this kind of excitement with this simple advice from Stringer. “If you don’t have particular vehicle needs, always reserve the cheapest available option,” he says. “Oftentimes you’ll get a size upgrade at the desk. And don’t be bashful to ask for an upgrade. A friendly demeanor and a little small talk with the rental agent can go a long way.”

20. Go the van route

“Our most popular [van] rental customer is the baby boomer,” says Matt Felser of Colorado-based rental company DM Vans. “[They like] how easy it is to drive a van versus a large RV or even a large pickup truck,” he says, adding that vans are easier to park and have room to sleep if you need to.

21. Use your own car insurance

If you do go with a rental, don’t get pressured into pricey insurance at the car rental counter. Instead, understand your own automobile insurance, or if specifics aren’t clear, call your insurance agent to inquire about your plan’s rental car coverage. “I have never gotten the insurance offered by rental car companies, because my own insurance coverage is quite good,” Dunham says.

22. Take advantage of credit card offers

Some credit cards offer primary or secondary coverage for qualifying rental cars that you pay for with that credit card. “Primary” means you don’t have to use your personal insurance, while “secondary,” or supplemental, coverage kicks in after you’ve used the coverage you already had in place. Chase Sapphire Reserve and Chase Sapphire Preferred cards come with primary rental car coverage, as do the United Explorer Card and the Ink Business Unlimited card, among others.

23. Know your ride

Rossi says drive times can be slower with a larger vehicle, so plan accordingly. “It might take you between 20 and 25 percent longer [in a larger vehicle or van] to travel the same distance as you would in a car,” she says.

Larger vehicles also require more room to maneuver, merge and park, which can add time to fuel stops, meal breaks and overnight arrivals. Build an extra cushion into your schedule so you’re not rushing to make reservations or reach your destination before dark.

24. Make national park reservations

If national parks are on your list of stops, check the park’s website or call the headquarters early in your planning to see whether park entrance reservations are required and to confirm entry fees. The National Park Service waives entrance fees for a handful of days each year. Additionally, passes are available for those 62 and older. In 2026, an annual senior pass costs $20, while a lifetime pass costs $80.

25. Find roadside campsites

If you plan to go the van or camping route, Felser has a few site-finding resources to keep handy. “iOverlander and Free Campsites give you access to free and paid [camp]sites, and you can see reviews from people who have stayed there that tell you everything from if there’s self-service to how noisy it is, if there’s a great view or access to hiking trails,” he says, noting it’s not just about finding free, last-minute overnight spots. “You also get to see the paid [camp]sites, whether it’s a national park or state park. Those are the ones you generally need to call ahead [for] just to make sure there’s availability for you.” Other apps to consider include FreeRoam and Campendium (a Roadpass app).

SAFETY FIRST

26. Share your plan

Share your itinerary with trusted friends or family members, including where you’re staying along the way, and check in regularly to let them know you are safe. Tools like Find My Friends, Life360 and Google Maps let you share real-time locations with loved ones so they — and you — can be comfortable knowing where you are and, more importantly, that you’re safe.

27. Cover your windows

Especially if you are going the van route, Felser recommends using car window curtains to keep you and your valuables safe. “It blocks out the ability to see inside the vehicle, whether you’re going to dinner or camping overnight in a national park,” explains Felser, who adds that without the curtains, “you’re just driving around with a bull’s-eye on your back. It [helps] keep everything safe and sound.” Window film is another option, but for safety reasons, many state laws limit how dark it can be. 

28. Get roadside assistance

Another must-have for safety on any road trip? “Make sure you have a roadside assistance plan, whether it’s a AAA membership or through your vehicle insurance,” Boman says. “You’ll want to double-check that your plan covers your specific vehicle [RVs and motorcycles may require additional coverage for towing], that it’s available nationwide and that agents are on call 24/7. Of course, if you have vehicle issues while near a town or city, calling a local mechanic can often be the quickest way to get back on the road.”

29. Mount your phone

If your car doesn’t have a built-in screen with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to sync with your smartphone, install a phone mount that you can easily see and that doesn’t block other dashboard features. 

For both safety and compliance with many state laws, you will want easy, hands-free phone access for calls and to check directions. For those going the rental car route, check with the company first before installing any devices. Some companies will let you rent their mounts, which is the safest way to avoid potential fees for vehicle damage.

30. Consider a dashcam

Unfortunately, accidents happen, and for liability and insurance purposes, a dashcam recording the incident comes in handy. Hopefully, you’ll use a dashcam just to remember the amazing sights and scenery you passed. Prices range from under $100 for a basic model to more than $500 for one with all the bells and whistles.

EN ROUTE

31. Find clean rest stops

One stop at a dirty restroom is enough to teach you a lesson. For her part, Dunham has “great luck at places like Love’s and Flying J’s. These are national chains of rest-and-refueling stops with the same amenities at every location: gas pumps, clean bathrooms, convenience stores, showers and even dog parks. They are well-lit and are usually open 24 hours.” 

Another option? Clean-bathroom apps. Mobile applications such as The Stanker, Charmin’s Sit or Squat and Flush help you scout bathroom stops when Dunham’s suggestions are out of reach.

32. Save on gas

Boman offers these tips for keeping your pocketbook happy: “I would recommend using a fuel-price app like GasBuddy to shop around for the best deals,” she says. “Also, don’t pack more than you need for your trip, since the added weight will increase fuel usage. This is also a good time to slow down and enjoy the drive. Steady acceleration, consistent speed and cruise control can all help make you a more fuel-efficient driver.” Waze and Google Maps locate lower-priced gas stations. And while you might think that higher octane in premium gas will keep your car running more smoothly, tests conducted by AAA revealed that cars designed to run on regular gas showed no improvement in power, fuel economy or emissions when filled with premium gas. 

Another smart way to save at the pump: Try a hybrid or an electric car. If you pick the latter, choose accommodations with on-site charging, and build in time to charge on the road, like during mealtimes. Charging stations remain in short supply, so a hybrid isn’t a great option for rural or wilderness-focused trips. Otherwise, the apps PlugShare, ChargePoint and Electrify America were designed to locate charging stations.

33. And mind your gas meter

It’s so easy to get swept away by the scenery you forget to check your gas-tank levels — but this oversight can leave you in dire straits, as Stringer learned after nearly getting stranded in a blizzard in Yellowstone National Park. “Especially when road-tripping the Southwest or national parks, always be cognizant of your gas tank and the weather,” he says. “In places like Death Valley or the mountains, you may have to drive 100 miles or more without access to a gas station.”

Google Maps and Waze help you locate filling stations along your route, as does the Gasbuddy app.

34. Brake less, coast more

Every time you brake, you waste the gas you just used to get to that speed. The more you can coast or avoid the surging and slowing of heavy traffic, the better your gas mileage will be. Get in the habit of accelerating gently, coasting toward red lights and stop signs, and using the brake a little less. 

35. Don’t speed

Even one moving violation can increase auto insurance premiums for years, so keep an eye on your speedometer, as those wide-open roads can lead to tickets. Try to avoid a rate hike by asking your insurer for forgiveness, taking a driving class such as AARP’s Smart Driver course, or pleading to a lesser offense.

36. Find spontaneous stops

You have your road trip planned out, but don’t forget time for spontaneity — and that’s where roadside-oddity apps such as Atlas Obscura or Roadtrippers (a Roadpass app) come in. “Open the [Roadtrippers] app, zoom in on the area you’ll be traveling through and take your pick of quirky roadside attractions, fun museums, scenic hikes and more,” Boman says. Another option to keep handy is AllTrails. This app helps you find nearby hikes and filters them by time or mileage — the perfect way to stretch your legs mid-drive.

37. Keep tidy

All those snacks and time spent in the car can lead to a mess. Pack a small garbage container or keep a few trash bags handy to stow wrappers, hand wipes, tissues and receipts. You might consider packing a small, rechargeable car vacuum. 

38. Play the games

It can be fun to pass the time in a car with games. Have a bag handy with trivia cards, Mad Libs sheets or travel-themed bingo cards to pass around. Travel game books and activity packs are available for kids, in addition to tried-and-true road trip activities like keeping track of the state license plates along the way, “I Spy,” and word association games.

39. Be realistic about drive times

One of the most common mistakes people make when planning their road trip route? Overdoing it on drive time. “While it’s certainly possible to drive 500 miles or more in a day, that might not give you enough time to see and do much along the way,” Boman says. “I personally find that 200 to 300 miles per day is ideal if you’re traveling in an area with activities along the way, but it can vary based on things like road conditions and weather.”

40. Take great photos

Keep your road trip memories alive and well after that rental car return with some of Stringer’s hard-earned photography advice. “Have a little patience. Photography is all about light, and especially in national parks, the horizon can change on a moment’s notice,” he says. “Sometimes you can get drastically different photos from the same location within a matter of minutes. Avoid harsh midday sun and shadows. The middle of the day is the best time for driving, while early morning and magic hour [early evening] through sunset are great times to break out the camera.”

41. Dine like a local

Build in time for stopping at restaurants. Dunham says local guidebooks offer some of the best tips on restaurants. Or you can always ask a hotel concierge or visitor center representative. Don’t miss the chance to experience a signature staple. “I like to stop at any regional chains along my route that have a cult following, like Buc-ee’s [in the South] or Wawa [on the East Coast],” Rossi says. Love’s is also a good regional choice.

42. Factor in Fido

Road trips can be even more fun with your dog in tow, but they require a bit more planning. “Make sure you build in extra pit stops and research activities that are pet-friendly,” Rossi says. “Not all national parks are as pet-friendly as you might think, but plenty of state parks are.” When booking your stay, you’ll need to check with hotels, motels, Vrbo and other lodging options regarding their pet policies. Most of the time, if they do allow pets, it’s an additional charge, so read the fine print. 

43. Last but not least, get your zzz’s

It may sound obvious, but getting proper sleep is vital to a safe trip. According to research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, drivers who got less than the recommended seven hours of sleep over a 24-hour period nearly doubled their accident risk. AAA suggests that drivers take a break every two hours or every 100 miles, travel with an alert passenger and take turns driving. When feeling drowsy, pull into a rest stop for a quick nap — at least 20 minutes but no more than 30 — to recharge before getting back behind the wheel.