Shenandoah National Park
Road trips in the United States are a great way to explore the country and experience all it has to offer. From state to state, the United States is filled with beautiful landscapes, fascinating history, and diverse cultures. Not only are road trips a great way to see the country, they are also an affordable and flexible way to travel. You can go at your own pace, stop whenever you want, and visit as many or as few destinations as you like. But before you do so, here are some things to take note from my experiences road tripping in the US.
Car rental & driving
My friends and I applied for an international driving license back in Singapore just in case it was needed when renting or when we were driving. While we were not asked to produce it, I feel it should still be something to get before leaving Singapore.
Next, you need to decide if you want to buy a car or rent one. If you see yourself driving frequently, a few times a week, buying a car could be the better option but there is the upfront cost of buying the car, about a few thousand dollars for a used car, and the cost of fuel and parking. For me, we were only going to use the car for road trips, hence, we chose to rent instead. As a student of UMD, there was a promotion to apply for a year long Zipcar membership for $25. This entitled us to rent a car on an hourly basis or for $134 a day.
Lastly, plan out who will be driving for the trip. Driving for hours can be physically tiring task so ensuring that there is always a person in the passenger seat looking out for the driver and rotate between drivers to ensure that the person driving is always fresh.
Pre trip planning
Pre-road trip planning is essential for ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey. By taking the time to plan ahead, you can minimise the risk of encountering any problems and focus on having a great time. Some key things to consider when planning a road trip include mapping out your route and including contingency plans. Pre-road trip planning may take a little extra time, but it is well worth it for the peace of mind and enjoyment it brings.
