road trip essentials - RVing with Rex

UNWRITTEN Rules on How to SURVIVE RVing with Your Spouse

RVing with your spouse can be the best experience—or the worst. Here are my UNWRITTEN rules to help you survive RVing with your spouse.

We have been RVing for over 25 years and for much of that time in a 38-foot Class A motorhome.

We’ve clearly learned how to survive living and traveling together in the allotted space. If we hadn’t, we either would’ve killed each other by now or given up on our dream of RVing. I don’t know which would’ve been the worse outcome.

All joking aside, RVing with your spouse is a wonderful and very special experience. But it does come with some BIG challenges.

So, I’m sharing my UNWRITTEN rules that have helped us remain happy all these years of RVing. Hopefully, they will help you not only survive RVing with your spouse but truly enjoy the experience!

The following rules are based on challenges we’ve had to overcome ourselves. Some of these rules we figured out pretty quickly. Others we wish we would’ve learned much faster!

Let’s hope that by us writing them down, you get a headstart on a happy, healthy RVing marriage!

By the way, these rules apply to traveling partners and companions, too, not just spouses!

Adopt a journey-enjoyment mindset *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

1. Adopt the 330 rule

The rule encourages manageable daily travel distances

This is one of those rules we learned the hard way. The problem was I wanted to get as far as I could as fast as I could whenever we hit the road. I kept trying to set a new personal best. It’s over 650 miles in one day, by the way.

I was impressed with myself when I set that record but now I’m impressed to drive fewer miles and really enjoy the journey.

Yes, finally sanity prevailed and we adopted the 330 Rule. It goes like this:

Stop when you have driven 330 miles or its 3:30 in the afternoon.

You can learn more about the value of the 330 rule here.

2. Staying organied is a team effort

Makes the experience smoother and more enjoyable for everyone

Staying organized is essential when living the RV lifestyle. And the only way you’ll successfully stay organized is to make it a team effort.

Sure, your spouse may pick up the slack and keep everything organized for you—but for how long? How many times will they trip over your shoes or put the flashlight back before they throw them at your head?

Ok, let’s hope they don’t actually throw them at you but you get my point. When living in tight quarters you both have to do your part in staying organized. To stay organized together in an RV, follow Marie Kondo’s organization method where you have a place for everything and everything in its place.

Make time to enjoy the campground *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

3. Share decision making

Leads to better choices and stronger teamwork

RVers face a very real challenge called decision fatigue. It’s when you become mentally and emotionally exhausted from having to make too many decisions in a short time.

As RVers, you’re constantly deciding when to leave, where to stop, what to eat, where to camp, what to do, and so on and so on. And when it comes to RVing couples the decision-making often falls on the head of one person.

That’s why it’s important to share decision-making. How that looks for you will vary. Maybe you’ll designate certain decisions for each spouse. Or maybe you’ll take turns on an hourly, daily, or trip basis.

However you do it, share the mental load!

4. Intentionally spend quality time together

Strengthens bonds and creates lasting memories

RVing couples spend a lot of time together but that doesn’t mean its all quality time! There are many frustrated RV spouses that are lonely even though they’re together all the time. In some cases, one spouse feels neglected while the other obliviously enjoys their Me Time—all the time.

The point is you need to be intentional about spending quality time together. Whether that’s turning off the TV while you eat, going on walks together, or taking a date night in the town you’re visiting.

A place for everything *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

5. Give and take

Carving out personal moments helps recharge the mind and body

Speaking of Me Time, it is just as important as spending quality time together. When you live in close quarters and do everything together, the smallest frustrations will build up and eventually explode.

That’s why it’s important to take some Me Time AND make sure you give your spouse Me Time, too. Some spouses require more Me Time than others so you’ll need to figure out a healthy balance for both of you.

It can be as simple as letting your spouse read quietly or watch TV in peace or supporting their favorite camping hobbies.

6. Have a reset plan

Sometimes taking a few deep breaths together can be enough to restore calm and clarity

No matter how well you follow these rules or how well you get along you’ll inevitably get frustrated with each other. That’s true for spouses no matter their situation but it’s especially true when you travel or live in such tight quarters.

In many cases, it’s just little frustrations that build up to the point of bickering and eventually fighting. Let me give an example.

You get up after not sleeping so well and have to quickly pack up and hit the road. It’s taking longer than it should—you keep getting in each other’s way; the RV shouldn’t have gotten this cluttered in the first place!

By the time you’re on the road, you’re either bickering, ignoring each other, or all-out angry. Really, it’s over a bunch of little things that you shouldn’t let ruin the rest of your day and not enjoy the day’s journey let alone the rest of the road trip.

So, you need to reset! Have a reset button where you both take a deep breath and admit you need to reset.

Sometimes, just acknowledging you need a reset and taking some deep breaths together is enough. Other times, your plan needs to include taking some brief Me Time to cool off. But the intention is always to come back together quickly with a clean slate for the day.

Make every day an adventure *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

7. Look for things to say thank you for

Cultivate a mindset of gratitude

One of the BEST ways to avoid little frustrations is to show gratitude for your partner as much as possible. Don’t just say thank you for the basics like cooking dinner or washing the dishes.

LOOK for little things to say thank you for. We say look for things because spouses often don’t even realize what the other spouse does for them.

If your spouse organizes a cabinet, thank them. If your spouse fixes a squeaky door, thank them. If your spouse booked camping reservations or looked up things to do or took the dog to the bathroom at 3 am, thank them.

The more you thank your spouse, the more you’ll realize something amazing happens—they’ll do even more nice things (it’s been proven!). So, if you’re both looking for things to thank your spouse for, you’ll continue to do nice things for each other.

It’s a beautiful circle!

8. Have defined RV duties (but know how to do all of them)

Sharing responsibilities while having the skills to handle all tasks contributes to safe, smooth, and enjoyable RV camping experiences

To avoid one person feeling like they’re carrying most of the load each person should have designated RV duties. This not only makes setup and teardown much more efficient but it ensures everyone’s doing their fair share. If you notice that one of you finishes their duties much earlier than the other it’s time to sit down and redesignate duties.

But, another very important thing I want to point out is that it’s VERY IMPORTANT that you at least know how to do your partner’s duties!

Why? Well, that takes some more explaining which you can read all about in Why Splitting RV Duties May Not Be a Great Idea.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in November 2025. Information reflects what was accurate at the time of writing. For topics that may change quickly, please verify current details before planning. To ensure honesty and avoid bias, this website features no ads, no sponsored content, and no affiliate links—just straightforward information for fellow travelers.

Worth Pondering…

Life truly begins only after you have put your house in order.

—Marie Kondo

Plan your RV Road Trip on National Planner Day, August 1: When, Why, Where, and What

It’s time to lift the jacks and hit the road RVing

National Planner Day is on August 1 and has reportedly been celebrated since 2018 by planner lovers. The day is to celebrate their love of planners and the positive impact that they get from using them.

Some of us started the habit of using planners from an early age. It later developed from keeping track of classes or assignments in school to making detailed plans at work or for your business and tracking progress for personal goals.

Planners have various formats including digital planners and paper planners. In an earlier post I focused on available digital RV trip planning tools.

It is said that taking notes on paper makes you learn and retain more than using a device. Handwriting forces you to process your thinking fully and creates more and better memory cues for recalling.

Driving the Skyline Parkway in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

In today’s post I focus on using paper and pencil (or pen) to plan your next RV road trip.

You’ve spent countless hours and many late nights zombie surfing the Internet, grabbing ideas from other RVers who have documented trips they took years ago. You feel armed with all the tools you need to excite and inform your crew on what your big adventure will entail and you feel sure everyone will eagerly jump on board with the crazy, awesome idea.

Everyone’s opinion matters and the more reasons you have for starting the trip the more you will likely see and do.

This might be the way your story begins but for many getting their travel companions on the same page for small decisions can be a major task. So, the idea of everyone jumping onboard with such a big decision may be more of a dream than reality.

I know it might be tempting to plan every detail, make a beautiful PowerPoint presentation, and then showcase your ideas to everyone involved. However, once you’ve made up your mind and completed basic research, the best way to spark the spirit of adventure in others is to include them in the planning process.

Allowing your traveling crew, no matter how big or how small, to help plan the next adventure is the best gift you can give them. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how engaged they become. Giving each person the ability to express his/her ideas, wants, and needs will enable everyone’s bucket lists to showcase a few checked boxes.

Driving the Davis Mountains in Texas *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Here’s how: Grab two pieces of paper, a road atlas, and your favorite pencil (or pen).

Gather everyone involved and get ready to plan. There are four big questions to steer you in the right direction when starting your trip planning process: When, Why, Where, What.

When?

You shouldn’t assume everyone is ready to pack up and leave tomorrow. You may be ready to hit the road hard but others may need extra time. Also, if Mom is thinking about a year-long trip and Dad thought you were only going for two weeks, it’s better to know everyone’s expectations up front.

Take your first piece of paper and fold it in half vertically. Write the word “WHEN” on the top of the left side in bold capital letters. If you are not traveling solo, divide the page into horizontal segments based on the number of people involved and write their names in each box.

Hold a meeting and ask each person when they would like this trip to happen. This will include when they want to start, how long they want it to last, and when they would like it to end. Make sure to write detailed answers in everyone’s box. Allow them to pick specific dates, months, or even seasons if they have a preference. The more information you have the better.

Why?

On the right side of your first piece of paper, write the word “WHY” in bold capital letters. Going around the table ask each person the same question. “Why should we take this trip?” Have each person answer the question however they want and write it on the right side of the paper in their box.

After they’ve answered the question, help them elaborate on their answer. Try to encourage them to think deeper into their explanation and explore multiple reasons for such an amazing trip.

Everyone will have different reasons why they think you should take the road trip and that’s okay. Everyone’s opinion matters and the more reasons you have for starting the trip, the more you will likely see and do.

Where?

Take out your second piece of paper and fold it in half vertically. Write “WHERE” in bold capital letters on the top left side. Then divide the paper into four horizontal segments writing “NORTH, SOUTH, EAST, and WEST” at the top of each of the boxes on the left side.

Take out your atlas, turn to the main map of the country and allow each person to name a state they would like to visit and write it down in the correct box.

Continue around the table one by one to form a list. If more than one person names the same state, write it down for each. Even if they name the same state, this doesn’t mean they wanted to see or do the same things.

Driving Arizona’s Apache Trail *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

What?

Deciding what to do is the best part of planning and arguably the most fun.
Make sure to spend extra time on this question to fully ignite everyone’s imagination and dig into exactly what your crew wants to do on their trip. After you have a substantial list of states, you’ll need to direct attention to finding out what to do in each place selected. Was there a particular landmark they thought would be interesting?

Is there a relative they want to visit? Finding the “WHAT” for each location can be as simple as driving through the area or more detailed with specific landmarks, local attractions, and events.

On the right side of your second piece of paper, write the word “WHAT” in bold capital letters. Starting with the first state on the list, turn to its page in the atlas, so you can decide which places in this state are the most interesting to everyone. Write down one specific place or activity for each line where the state was written down. Continue to find fun things for each state named until all additions have been researched.

Finding “WHAT” can take quite a bit of time. If your travel companions become antsy especially if you are dealing with young children and short attention spans take a break or better yet split your list into different days.

An awesome tip for this stage of planning is to whip out the computer and Google each place so everyone can see pictures of the area and attractions and further their interest through visual stimulation.

Scenic lookout along the Patchwork Scenic Byway through Dixie National Forest in Utah *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Congratulate Your Progress

If you’ve managed to have your group answer all four of these questions honestly and everyone is still smiling, or at least still interested, you can count your planning session as a success. You’ve managed to gather all their needs, wants, and high expectations in a fun and engaging meeting where everyone had input.

Then get ready to take the information you’ve collected and read through it a few times. Give yourself time to fully absorb and consider what each person wishes to accomplish on this trip. At this point, you’ll need to plan the starting and stopping points and then detail how you’ll hit your destinations along the way and for how long.

It’s important to keep all your travel companions in the loop. Avoid letting the flow of information drop off after the initial meeting is over. Keep everyone up-to-date with the progress of the trip. Show them your rough drafts and itineraries and allow them to help you modify the route if changes are necessary.

Good luck in your travel planning and stay positive even when you hit roadblocks. All your organization and attention to detail will pay off with happy campers and unforgettable RV experiences. Hopefully, we’ll see you out there on the road.

Worth Pondering…

By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.

—Benjamin Franklin

RV Road Trip or Hotel Stay: Which is Better?

Here’s why an RV wins (almost) every time

As a longtime RVer and RV blogger, you may think I’m unfairly biased toward staying in an RV vs. a hotel. But, before you decide to devalue my opinion, let me share with you that I have also traveled to to numerous foreign vacation spots including Barbados and St. Lucia, Mexico and Peru, Tokyo and Hong Kong, United Kingdom and Portugal, London and Paris. I’ve also stayed in hotels at Chicago, Atlanta, San Antonio, Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Washington, DC.

So, believe me, I’m well-acquainted with both travel options.

In my experienced opinion, staying in an RV wins (almost) every time. I will tell you the top reasons why and the exceptions when hotels win.

Camping at Padre Island National Seashore, Texas © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

10 reasons why an RV is better than a hotel stay

RVing is often cheaper, easier, and more comfortable than staying in a hotel. There are always exceptions, of course, which I’ll discuss at the end.

But first, let’s jump into the benefits of RV vs. a hotel stay.

1. Campgrounds and RV parks are cheaper

Campgrounds (especially at state and national parks) tend to be significantly cheaper than hotel rooms. A night at a state or national park usually runs $30-$50 whereas a nearby hotel to such natural attractions usually runs $150-$250 or more.

Even private RV parks are usually significantly cheaper than hotels. This is especially true near major attractions, like theme parks or other busy destinations.

Granted, some RV parks and RV resorts with high-end amenities can be about the same price. But campgrounds and RV parks are cheaper than hotels for the most part.

Boondocking along Utah Scenic Byway 24 © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

2. Boondocking is even cheaper (and often free)

Boondocking is a self-contained camping style that doesn’t require hookups. So, you can camp anywhere you’re allowed to park.

When boondocking, you have numerous cheap or free camping options available to you.

Plus, you get to explore more secluded areas and be away from the sometimes noisy campgrounds and RV parks.

3. No living out of a suitcase

Not having to unpack, repack, and lug suitcases around is a big plus.

When you stay in an RV, you can neatly organize and KEEP your stuff in drawers and closet spaces. You don’t even have to repack for every road trip within the same season.

Camping with your dog © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

4. More pet-friendly

Taking your dog is a huge plus for many RVers. It’s hard to find pet-friendly hotels and vacation rentals which make pet lovers less interested in hotel stays.

You can stock your RV with dog camping accessories and enjoy all the perks of traveling with a dog.

This advantage of RVs over hotels is particularly beneficial to cat owners. While some hotels and vacation rentals do allow dogs, most do not allow cats! In an RV, you can get these purrrfect cat travel accessories and bring your kitty along for the trip.

5. Sleep in your own bed

Every new hotel you stay at has different bedding and pillows. There’s no guarantee of their quality and cleaniness or the quality of sleep you’ll get. When you RV, you take your bed and all your favorite linens wherever you go.

Eating at Boone Tavern Hotel, Berea, Kentucky © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

6. Save money with your own kitchen

One of the biggest expenses of staying in a hotel is not the cost of the hotel itself. Rather, it’s the cost of eating at restaurants.

Traveling with a stocked kitchen in your RV saves a lot of money. Your travel budget will stretch farther and you’ll get to travel longer.

You’re essentially eating the same as you would at home. So, you don’t have to figure food costs into your travel budget other than special restaurant stops and any excess beyond your home food budget.

Driving and hiking the Creole Nature Trail, Louisiana © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

7. More travel flexibility

RVers have the unique opportunity of adopting their own travel pace.

I like to think most travelers fall into one of three categories: the wanderers, the explorers, the bucket-listers.

First, we have wanderers. They’re slow-moving and thorough in the experience of a place, state, or region. When we’re not rushed for time, I find that my travel style naturally falls into this category. Wanderers enjoy spending anywhere from several days to multiple weeks in one spot (and even call the same locale home for a month or more). They’re generally intentional about building flexibility into their travel plans.

Next, we have explorers. Explorers are the travelers who aren’t on hard and fast timelines but also don’t stick around long enough for folks to start asking if they’re locals to the area. Explorers are either on the move (or planning to be) at least once a week. These travelers are driven by adventure and are firm believers in sticking to an itinerary and often have seasonal interests (such as leaf peeping) or hobbies like hiking or birding that help shape their travel schedules. They also tend to leave room in the schedule for the potential of sticking around for an extra day or even another week.

The last category of travelers is what I call bucket-listers. These are the folks who have a mission and a plan and rarely deviate from it. These folks may stay in one spot for a week or so at a time but not often. They’ve got a bunch of places to be and a whole lot of motivation to get there.

Camping at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Arizona/Utah © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

8. No bed bugs

There’s been a lot of chatter about bed bugs in recent years and it’s more than just social media gossip. Bed bugs have been on the rise globally for the past decade. They are now found in every U.S. state with Washington DC, Baltimore, Chicago, and Los Angeles being the most plagued.

With an RV, you don’t have to worry about other people bringing bed bugs into your sleeping space. You can maintain a high standard of cleanliness and more easily avoid a bed bug infestation.

This is something to consider, as well, if deciding whether or not to rent out your RV.

Las Cruces (New Mexico) Farmers Market © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

9. Better entertainment

Staying in an RV is more enjoyable than a hotel. For one, you get to take your favorite entertainment with you without being limited to a suitcase. Instead of flipping through channels on a hotel TV or paying exorbitant fees for pay-per-view movies, you have your own TV, DVDs, etc. You can even have your own outdoor movie theater.

You can also easily bring varied entertainment with you such as board games, hobbies, and arts and crafts. And, you don’t have to fret over which books to lug around. There’s more room for your favorite books to read while camping. And many RV parks offer a book exchange.

And let’s not forget about sitting around the campfire or putting your stargazing kit to use! Both those activities sure beat sitting in a hotel room at night.

10. You meet more people (or avoid them entirely)

I know some people might consider being around more people a con rather than a pro. But meeting other travelers and learning about where they’re from and where they’re headed can add to your travel experience.

You don’t have to meet other people while camping, but if want to, then you easily can. Campers are, by and large, a friendly and helpful lot. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to make friends while camping if you so desire.

Check this out to learn more: 11 Ways RVing Beats Flying

However, the opposite can also be true. If you don’t want to be around other people then RVing is still the better option over a hotel. If you boondock, you can stay in remote locations where there are NO people. Just you and nature! You can’t get that at a hotel.

Corpus Christi, Texas © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

The exceptions (when hotels are better than RVs)

There are, of course, exceptions to RVing being better than staying in an RV. In some cases, it is better to stay in a hotel than in an RV.

Let’s take a look at a few of those cases…

1. You’ve on a short timeline

It may be better to stay in a hotel if you’re traveling to a destination that’s far away for a short duration. Driving to a distant destination takes longer than flying, of course.

So, if you live in Idaho and want to go to Boston or San Antonio on your one-week vacation from work, you better fly.

Fly or RV to Boston © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

2. Your destination is far

If traveling far, fuel may cost more than airfare. At time of writing the national average price for a gallon of gas was $3.57 and diesel was $3.85 per gallon ($4.81 in California). If you drive a diesel pusher and get 10 mpg (which is generous) and you drive 300 miles in one day, that’s up to $144 a day.

The average domestic flight from a major airport is around $300. Depending on the number of plane tickets you need to buy, flying may be cheaper. Although, don’t forget to account for local transportation costs and additional fees.

Now, keep in mind, that the journey is usually as important to RVers as the destination. But if you drive straight through without enjoying sites along the way then flying is probably better especially if you don’t plan to stay long.

3. You don’t want to clean

Another exception is when you don’t feel up to doing cleaning and maintenance. Having maid service is certainly a big mark in favor of hotels.

Sometimes, you can get really great deals on all-inclusive hotel resorts. This type of full-service can be comparable cost-wise to RV resorts with similar amenities.

Fly or RV to Mobile, Alabama © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

4. You don’t want to risk breaking down

RVs run the risk of breaking down in the middle of a road trip. Granted, if you do preventative maintenance and check your tire pressure every travel day, you’re far less likely to encounter problems.

But RVs are vehicles and vehicles do break down. It’s a risk you have to be willing to take, a risk you can weigh based on the age of your RV, the age of your RV tires, and how well it’s been maintained.

5. You don’t want to set up camp

RVers have to setup and tear down camp which can be more work than some people are willing to do. Experienced RVers get it down to a science and can quickly do both.

But, if you’re new to RVing, it can take a couple of hours to set up and tear down. It can really eat into your fun time until you get the hang of it. Here are 11 tips for getting started.

It helps to use a departure and setup checklist.

There are other exceptions, of course, but the above tend to be the main reasons people opt for hotels over RVs. And some are hesitant to to make the leap into the unknown, a new and different lifestyle.

Worth Pondering…

No matter where we go in our motorhome, that sense of independence is satisfying. We have our own facilities, from comfortable bed to a fridge full of our favorite foods. We set the thermostat the way we like it and go to bed and get up in our usual routine.

The Coast-to-Coast Road Trip is 120 Years Old

In 1903, a Vermont doctor bet $50 that he could cross America by car. It took him 63 days, $8,000, and 600 gallons of gas

The coast-to-coast road trip, that American essential, turns 120 this year. In 1903, Horatio Jackson and Sewall Crocker became the first people ever to drive a car from one side of the United States to the other.

Cars were an exciting novelty at the time and their numbers were exploding—from 8,000 in 1900 to 32,920 in 1903—but many still considered the horseless carriage a passing fad. There were few suitable roads let alone a nationwide road network. So theirs was an adventure like none before. And it all started with a $50 bet.

Horatio Nelson Jackson (1872–1955) was a medical doctor from a prominent Vermont family. One of his brothers was the mayor of Burlington. John Holmes Jackson won the 1917 mayoral election with a margin of just 10 votes, a record matched by Bernie Sanders in 1981. Another was the lieutenant governor of the state.

A cross coast-to-coast road trip in Adairsville, Georgia *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

No maps, no car, and very little driving experience

Jackson was an early automobile enthusiast. While in San Francisco (which he and his wife had reached by train), he accepted a bet that he could drive a car cross-country. He took the wager despite not owning a car, having very little driving experience, and not having any useful maps.

>> Related article: Epic Road Trips for this Summer and Beyond

For such practical matters, Jackson enlisted the help of Sewall K. Crocker, a driver and mechanic, and on his advice purchased a 1903 Winton. He named the two-cylinder, 20-horsepower touring car Vermont. The two left San Francisco on May 23 with their car stuffed with sleeping bags and blankets, rubber suits and coats, an ax and shovel, a Kodak camera and a telescope, a rifle and a shotgun, spare parts, and tools, and as many cans of gas and oil as they could stow.

A cross coast-to-coast road trip on Utah Scenic Byway 12 *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

The plan was to avoid the deserts of Nevada and Utah and the higher passes of the Sierra Nevada and the Rockies so the expedition swung north to follow the Oregon Trail in reverse. They were only 15 miles into the journey when the car blew a tire and they had to use the only spare they had brought.

North of Sacramento, a woman misdirected them for a total of 108 miles so her family could see their first automobile. When more tires blew out on the rocky road towards Oregon, they wound the rope around the wheels. Along the way, they wired the Winton Company for supplies to be sent ahead. Nevertheless, they occasionally had to walk or cycle long distances to find gas, oil, or spare parts.

A cross coast-to-coast road trip in Oatman, Arizona *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

A bulldog named Bud

In Idaho, Jackson and Crocker acquired a bulldog named Bud as a traveling companion and fitted him with goggles to keep the dust from his eyes. And then the press caught on. Jackson, Crocker, and Bud became celebrities. Reporters and ever-larger crowds awaited the trio at every stop.

Despite more hardships—they lost their money and their way on the road to Cheyenne forcing them to go without food for 36 hours—things got easier once they crossed the Mississippi as there were more paved roads in the eastern half of the country.

When they arrived in New York City on July 26, 63 days after leaving San Francisco, they had completed the first cross-country road trip in American history. And it only took them about $8,000 ($260,000 in today’s money), financed entirely by Jackson, and 800 gallons of gas. They never collected the $50 wager.

A cross coast-to-coast road trip in Badlands National Park, South Dakota *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Bud retired to Vermont with Jackson and his wife. Jackson went on to receive multiple medals for his active service in World War I and became a successful businessman in Vermont. His only other car-related feat of note is a traffic ticket for breaking the 6-mph speed limit in Burlington. In 1944, he donated his car to the Smithsonian Institution. It is on permanent display at the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. with the added likenesses of Jackson and Bud. Crocker died in 1913 at the young age of 30 but that is hardly a reason for leaving him out.

The cross-country adventures of Jackson and Crocker bring to mind a few other long-distance record-breakers such as Lewis and Clark or Phileas Fogg (the latter admittedly fictional). Their groundbreaking trip was the subject of a book (Horatio’s Trip) and a Ken Burns documentary of the same name with Tom Hanks voicing Horatio Jackson.

A cross coast-to-coast road trip on Route 66 *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

No household names

Despite the book and the documentary, the pair has never quite become household names on par with aviation pioneers such as Charles Lindbergh or Amelia Earhart. The cross-country adventurers who followed in their tire tracks and are even less remembered though they are on a map and table in the 1907 Blue Book brings their accomplishments back from oblivion for just a moment.

Jackson and Crocker hadn’t even arrived in New York when two other car expeditions left San Francisco for New York. E.T. (Tom) Fetch and M.C. Krarup would get there in 61 days, two days faster than the originals. Lester Whitman and Eugene Hammond took 73 days setting a slowness record.

A cross coast-to-coast road trip in Fort Stockton, Texas *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

A year later, Whitman got his revenge. With his new teammate Charles Carris, he shaved off almost a month of the previous record driving from San Francisco to New York in just under 33 days. In so doing, Whitman became the first person to drive coast to coast twice.

>> Related article: Texas Road Trips Sampler

There were no fewer than four coast-to-coast drives in 1905. Reversing the direction, the first three left from New York to arrive in Portland, Oregon. The first two were obviously in a race against each other both leaving on May 8 and both in eight-cylinder Oldsmobiles.

A cross coast-to-coast road trip with Forrest Gump *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Three hurrays for Percy Megargel

But who won? The table says Dwight Huss and Milford Wigle completed the crossing in only 44 days versus 51 days for Percy Megargel and Barton Stanchfield—but it shows both teams arriving on June 21. It seems likely Megargel lost (arriving on June 28 instead of June 21), because he went straight back and tried again, this time with David Fassett. Their time was a disappointing 84 days. The pair returned to New York by car setting off from San Francisco but the result was even worse: 201 days. At least Megargel was the first person ever to drive coast-to-coast three times.

The year 1906 saw three coast-to-coast road trips. William Gehr and W.E. Canfield brought their wives with them—also a first. Whitman and Carris broke their speed record crossing the country in just over 15 days. Richard Little and D. Haggerty arriving in San Francisco 24 days and eight hours after leaving New York would have made headlines just two years earlier. But by that time, the novelty, if not the attraction, of coast-to-coast road trips had already started to wear off.

A cross coast-to-coast road trip in Greenville, South Carolina *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Final note on Horatio Nelson’s maiden trip

As the road transport paradigm shifts from fossil fuels to electric, there’s a whole bunch of early automotive records now ripe for a do-over including Horatio Jackson’s coast-to-coast road trip.

>> Related article: Absolutely Best Road Trips from Las Vegas

In 2022, Jack Smith and two friends did just that. They retraced Horatio’s route in a 1964 VW Bus that had been converted into an electric vehicle. It went well enough for them to immediately double back: “Once we reached New York City, we turned around and followed the 1913 version of the Lincoln Highway back to San Francisco,” Jack writes.

Worth Pondering…

Do you know why a vehicle’s WINDSHIELD is so large and the rear view mirror is so small? Because our PAST is not as important as our FUTURE! So, look ahead and move on.

National Road Trip Day

Today is National Road Trip Day

Memorial Day is the unofficial kickoff to summer and millions of Americans take a vacation over the holiday weekend primarily by car or recreational vehicle. The Friday before Memorial Day has been declared National Road Trip Day.

Today is National Road Trip Day and I’m celebrating two kinds of road trippers, the tourist and the pilot. Sightseeing tourists like to take their time choosing scenic routes with numerous breaks for exploring, hiking, and photography while pilots are on a mission to get to their destination with as few breaks as possible. However, you like to road trip, be sure to drive safely.

Plan your route with a full tank of fuel, snacks, music, and other travel necessities along your route no matter which kind of road tripper you are.

In case you care, today is also National Cellophane Tape Day, National Grape Popsicle Day, National Cooler Day, and National Don’t Fry Day.

Road tripping on the Bush Highway, Arizona *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

It’s National Road Trip Day: Check out these interesting facts about the Interstate Highway System

The interstate highway system was officially born on June 29, 1956 when President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Federal-Aid Highway Act. Eisenhower’s interest in the concept was piqued during his tour of the German autobahn system in World War II when he was Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in Europe. Initially, he saw its significance in terms of military logistics. Today, almost everything we use in daily life—food, apparel, furniture, appliances, tools, building materials, medical supplies, you name it—has traveled an interstate highway on its way to a local store.

Road tripping along the Covered Bridge Scenic Byway, Ohio *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Here are some interesting facts about the Interstate System, some of which have practical value:

Even-numbered Interstate highways always travel east/west
Odd-numbered Interstate highways always travel north/south
The side of the small sign with the exit number will tell you whether the exit is on the right or left
On one- or two-digit Interstates, the mile marker numbering begins at the southern or western state line
If an Interstate originates within a state, the numbering begins from the location where the road begins in the south or west
The Interstate Highway System stretches 47,622 miles and includes 10 transcontinental routes varying in length from 18 miles to over 3,000 miles
Longest Interstate: I-90, 3,085 miles (Seattle to Boston)
Shortest Interstate: I-97, 17 miles (Annapolis to Baltimore, Maryland)
State with the most Interstate mileage: Texas, 3,232 miles
State with the most Interstate routes: New York, 29 routes
Interstate routes across the most states: I-95, 16 states (Florida to Maine)
Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico use their own interstate system as they are not connected to the rest of the country

Road tripping in Sequoia National Park, California *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

It’s National Road Trip Day: Check out the history and significance of the day

Whether it’s to pay tribute to fallen national heroes by visiting war memorials across the country or an excuse to get out of town for a change of scenery, the road trip has been loved by Americans throughout history. From great works of literature inspired by the road to songs that we know and love—road trips mean something to everyone which is why it’s exciting that the road trip has a special day of its own.

National Road Trip Day is the day when families hit the road and find out the wonders that await them on the journey. Road trips are a great way to relax and spend time with your family and friends. In simple terms, a road trip means a journey or trip on the road.

Road tripping in Custer State Park, Utah *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

National Road Trip Day became an official holiday in 2019, thanks to Pilot Flying J, the largest travel center operator in North America. They chose the Friday before Memorial Day because of the long weekend ahead and with May being the start of summer it kick-starts the travel season, too. Since travel stories are ingrained into the very history of America with wagon trains heading west in the 1840s and Native Americans exploring the country long before that—it makes sense to observe a day that celebrates travel by road.

Looking back at history, the concept of the road trip was described back in 1888 in Germany. The first recorded road trip across the U.S. began in 1903 with a bet. Someone bet Horatio Nelson Jackson (a physician and automobile pioneer) that he could not travel from San Francisco to New York City in less than 90 days. Accompanied by mechanic Sewall K. Crocker and a dog named Bud, they set off in a 20-horsepower Winston to prove them wrong. Despite numerous mishaps, Jackson and Crocker completed the trip in 63 days.

Road tripping on Route 66 *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

By the 1930s, the famous Route 66 opened America to cross-country travel. Many began to migrate west while others took to the road for vacations. By the 1950s, America was the world’s largest car manufacturer and nearly 75 percent of American families owned a car which became a symbol of American pop culture.

Road trips became the typical holiday of the American middle classes leading to a boom in drive-ins and roadside motels. Hippies in the ’60s then converted the road trip into a full-blown lifestyle, turning vans and buses into homes on wheels.

Road tripping in Amish Country, Indiana *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

It’s National Road Trip Day: Tips for planning a road trip

Everything is in the planning. It can be a lot of fun and relieve a lot of stress along the way.

Use a travel app: Apps are everything, so why not leverage technology to help you plan your route.

Soup up your ride: Check everything out beforehand from wipers to registration papers, leave no stone unturned.

Plot a course: Keep in mind important factors like traffic flow, bathroom stops, and roadblocks/diversions.

Compile a playlist: The majority of travelers say that what you listen to can make or break your trip experience, so prep well.

Stakeout your take-out: While snacks are essential, plan your meals and take-out stops in advance, too.

Road tripping in Bluegrass Country, Kentucky *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

It’s National Road Trip Day: Take healthy habits on your road trip

So while you’re checking your budget and consulting maps and travel guides, here are some health-related factors to consider.

Stay hydrated, but wisely: Travel with water bottles and a cooler rather than sodas.

Build in breaks: When you’re sitting in the car or RV for hours at a time, blood doesn’t pump as well throughout the body. It’s a good idea to stop every two to three hours just to get up and stretch and walk around to get the blood flowing.

The sun doesn’t shine just at the beach: It’s blasting through the windows. Don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses while you’re driving.

Road tripping in White Sands National Park, New Mexico *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

How to spend National Road Trip Day in 2023?

National Road Trip can be celebrated by planning a quick road trip with family and friends. You can spend the day hitting the road to discover unknown destinations or attractions. You can drive a scenic byway or All-American Road. You can even finish it by watching a road trip movie.

Worth Pondering…

Because the greatest part of a road trip isn’t arriving at your destination. It’s all the wild stuff that happens along the way.

—Emma Chase, Tamed

Everything You Need to Know to Plan a Safe (and Fun) RV Road Trip

Unexpected hurdles don’t have to spoil the fun—here’s what we have learned over the years about staying safe and comfortable on the road

If this is your first time planning an RV trip, make sure to start planning well in advance so you have time to wrinkle out any complications. There are numerous resources available to help with your RV itinerary as well as different tips and tricks to have a great RV trip.

Over the past few decades and more than a million miles, we’ve learned—sometimes the hard way—about the many things that can go wrong on a road trip and how to plan for them.

Here are some tips to stay safe and comfortable, no matter what the open road throws your way.

Do your dream but plan wisely *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Set a budget

I put this first on the list because it will dictate your overall trip. Setting a budget will determine how far you can drive, your nightly budget for camping and activities. Campgrounds in national parks and state parks tend to be less expensive but often without the services of a private park.

If you drive a shorter distance, your fuel costs will be lower. Setting a budget is an important part of RV road trip planning.

Alabama Gulf Coast *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Pack wisely

Being smart is essential for any road trip but it’s even more important when traveling in an RV. This is because you have limited space and you need to be able to make the most of it.

Here are a few tips for packing wisely for your RV road trip:

First, start by making a list of everything you need. This will help you get organized and ensure that you don’t forget anything important.
Prioritize the items on your list. You’ll need to decide what is essential and what would be nice to have if space is available.
Think about how you’ll use each item during your trip. This will help you determine what needs to be packed and what can be left at home.

Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Arizona *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Pack for safety

Unexpected delays and breakdowns are part of the game and if you plan for them they’re easier to deal with. Here are basic items to pack as well as some extra things that are helpful to have on hand.

Items to bring for your vehicle include:

Tool kit for basic roadside repairs including wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, shop towels, rags, duct tape, and Rhino tape
Extra windshield washer fluid, coolant, oil, and transmission fluid
Basic roadside breakdown kit with flares, a reflective vest, jumper cables, a heavy-duty tire pressure gauge, flashlights, and a pair of work gloves
Comprehensive and up-to-date paper maps of your intended route and destination

Mount Robson Provincial Park, British Columbia *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Here’s what to bring for your safety and comfort:

Enough food and water to sustain you and your passenger(s) for at least several days
Protection from the elements including a raincoat, good walking shoes, insect repellent, wide-brimmed hat, winter toque, sunglasses, and sunscreen
First aid kit including bandages, pressure dressings, antibiotic ointment, and a sting/bite kit
Can opener, knife, and multi-tool
Phone charger and power bank
Bear spray for safely repelling curious bears or bad people. Note: Bear spray is very potent, so read about how to use it safely

Lesser Volcanic National Park, California *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Prepare your RV

Before hitting the road, check your tire pressure, wiper blades, and lights and make sure your fluids are topped off.

St. Marys, Georgia *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Plan your route

There are a many things to consider when planning the dates for your RV road trip and where you will go. Are there timely events you want to attend? If so, you will want to plan your trip around that. If not, it is a great time to look at your destination bucket list. It is also important to consider the weather where you will be.

Whether you’re spontaneous about routes or a meticulous reservation maker, Rex Talks RVing can help you on just about every level. Keep in mind holidays and local events that can make driving through a city or finding a campground difficult. For example, driving through Houston at rush hour or traveling from Vegas to Los Angeles at the end of a holiday weekend can be frustrating and is usually avoidable.

Don’t forget a paper atlas. There are many areas where a phone-based GPS doesn’t work and other times when you’ll need to find alternate routes. Plus, it’s fun to browse untraveled sections of a map to plot future adventures.

Creole Nature Trail, Louisiana *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Get off-the-beaten path

One of the best things about an RV road trip is that you have the opportunity to explore places that are off the beaten path. This is a great way to really experience the culture and beauty of the area you’re visiting. Additionally, it’s a great way to avoid the crowds and really relax and enjoy your trip.

Look out for RV-friendly routes and avoid low bridges and narrow roads as appropriate.

Rochester, New Hampshire *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Know what to do in a weather emergency

Anticipate the weather conditions you might encounter—including tornadoes, hurricanes, flash floods, wildfires, dust storms, blizzards, and extreme heat—and research how to get through each situation safely without panicking. This is when a weather radio is important.

Covered bridge, Ohio *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Avoid dangerous encounters

It’s easy enough to figure out what wild animals you might encounter like bears and take precautions for them. But also keep in mind unsavory people. If you do not feel safe where you are, then relocate. Trust your instincts.

Fort Stockton, Texas *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Traveling safely

To stay alert, get plenty of sleep each night, take regular breaks and walk around, have spicy snacks and caffeine drinks on hand, and don’t eat a big meal before driving. If you do need to pull over for a break, do so at a rest area.

Utah Scenic Byway 24 *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Recreate wisely as you travel

It’s easy to think you won’t get hurt on vacation but it does happen. While enjoying the sights outside of your vehicle don’t take a selfie with a buffalo, avoid swimming in Yellowstone, and look both ways before crossing Bourbon Street—among other things.

Fort Adams State Park, Rhode Island *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Additional tips:

Sign up for real-time, current-location alerts on your weather app or check Weather.gov for weather stations on the radio
Keep up your situational awareness as in lock your vehicles when you leave your camp site
Keep your fuel tank at least half full especially in remote areas where fuel stations are less frequent
Practice defensive driving
Stay alert for wildlife on the road especially at dawn or dusk and after dark and on secondary roads
Pull over or change lanes if there’s a line of traffic behind you; not only is it annoying but you’re creating a hazardous situation where people will likely try to pass you in dangerous places
Pay attention to the mile marker signs on the side of the road as well as the county so you can accurately identify your location for emergency responders or roadside assistance

Worth Pondering…

Speed was high

Weather was hot

Tires were thin

X marks the spot

—Burma Shave sign

7 Essential RVing Tips for the Perfect Road Trip + Resources

From proper maintenance and packing to route planning and emergency preparedness, these tips and resources will help you have the perfect road trip

RVing is a great way to explore the country and have a unique and flexible vacation. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time RVer, there are always new things to learn and tips to make your road trip even better.

In this post, I’ll cover seven essential RVing tips to help you have the ultimate road trip. These tips will help you enjoy the perfect road trip from start to finish! I’ve also included helpful resources related to the tips to help get you on your way.

Camping at River Run RV Park, Bakersfield, California © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

1. Properly maintain your RV before hitting the road

Before you set out on your road trip, it’s important to make sure your RV is in good working order. This means regular maintenance and upkeep, such as checking the tires, brakes, fluids, and other crucial systems.

Neglecting maintenance can lead to costly breakdowns and other problems on the road. It’s a good idea to do a thorough inspection before you leave. Check all the systems and make any necessary repairs or replacements.

You should also bring along basic tools and supplies in case you need to make any minor repairs on the road.

Checking the water and waste management systems © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Perfect road trip helpful resources:

Rio Bend RV Park and Golf Course, El Centro, California © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

2. Pack smart

One of the joys of RVing is having all the comforts of home with you on the road. However, this also means that you’ll need to bring everything you’ll need for your trip.

To avoid forgetting important items, it’s a good idea to make a checklist of must-have supplies and check them off as you pack. You’ll want to bring items including a first aid kit, tools, cooking equipment, and any personal items you’ll need.

It’s also important to think about how you’ll store and organize these items in your RV. Storage bins, drawers, and other organizational tools help keep everything in its place and easy to access.

Everything parked on board? © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Perfect road trip helpful resources:

Hiking Catalina State Park, Arizona © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

3. Stay healthy and comfortable on the road

One of the keys to having a great road trip is staying healthy and comfortable. There are several things you can do to help ensure that you feel your best while RVing.

One important aspect of staying healthy is eating well. It can be tempting to rely on fast food and convenience items while on the road but these options are often unhealthy and can leave you feeling sluggish.

Instead, try to eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and other wholesome foods. You can also bring along healthy snacks such as nuts or fruit to munch on while you’re driving.

Horseback riding in Lost Dutchman State Park, Arizona © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Also, be sure to take breaks to stretch your legs often and to stay active while camping.

Perfect road trip helpful resources:

Check tires for age and wear © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

4. Prepare for emergencies and unexpected situations

Even with the best planning, there’s always the possibility of something going wrong on your road trip. That’s why it’s important to be prepared for emergencies and unexpected situations.

One way to do this is by creating an emergency kit for your RV. This should include basic supplies such as a flashlight, first aid kit, and tools as well as any specific items you might need such as spare fuses or a fire extinguisher.

It’s also a good idea to have a plan in place for common RVing emergencies such as a flat tire or breakdown. Know where you can get help and how to contact roadside assistance.

With a little preparation, you’ll be better equipped to handle any unexpected challenges that come your way.

Wright’s Beach RV Park, Penticton, British Columbia © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Perfect road trip helpful resources:

Driving a motorhome on Newfound Gap Road, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

5. Practice safe driving habits

Driving an RV can be different than driving a regular car and it’s important to be aware of the unique challenges and responsibilities that come with it. One of the most important things you can do to ensure a safe road trip is to follow the rules of the road and be aware of your surroundings at all times.

This includes things like observing the speed limit, using your turn signals, and paying attention to other drivers and pedestrians. You should also be mindful of your blind spots and the length and width of your RV as it can be more difficult to maneuver than a smaller vehicle.

Another important aspect of safe driving is being prepared for any adverse weather conditions that you might encounter. Make sure to check the forecast for your route and adjust your driving accordingly.

Driving a motorhome on Utah Scenic Byway 12 © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Perfect road trip helpful resources:

Camping at Whispering Hills RV Park, Georgetown, Kentucky © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

6. Respect campsite rules and neighbors

One of the keys to a pleasant RVing experience is being a good campsite neighbor. This means respecting the rules and regulations of the campsite and being considerate of others around you.

Some ways to be a good campsite neighbor include being mindful of noise levels, keeping the campsite clean, and respecting the privacy of others. You should also follow the rules of the campground such as any fire regulations or pet policies.

By showing respect and consideration for others, you’ll help create a friendly and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone at the campsite.

Camping at Lakeside RV Park, Livingston, Louisiana © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Perfect road trip helpful resources:

Dyke Road, Woodland, Washington © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

7. Plan your route and make reservations in advance

One of the keys to a successful RV road trip is proper planning. This includes mapping out your route and making campsite or RV park reservations ahead of time. By planning your route, you’ll be able to choose the best roads for your RV and avoid any potential problems. You should also consider the length of your drives and make sure to take breaks as needed.

I’m a believer in the 330 Rule. It says, “Stop when you have driven 330 miles or it’s 3:30 in the afternoon.”

When it comes to campsites, it’s also a good idea to book your spots ahead of time, especially during peak season. Unfortunately, ever since the pandemic, it has been much harder to get last-minute reservations. In fact, getting reservations is one of the big RV travel difficulties these days. In a pinch, you can overnight at different businesses and locations.

Colorado River along Utah Scenic Byway 279 near Moab © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Perfect road trip helpful resources:

Worth Pondering…

Speed was high

Weather was hot

Tires were thin

X marks the spot

—Burma Shave sign

12 Tracks to Get Your Kicks on Route 66

One of the most popular road songs ever written and a prime force behind the international popularity of Route 66, “Get Your Kicks on Route 66” was penned by jazz musician Bobby Troup in 1946

With its neon signs, rustic truck stops, and scenes of classic Americana, no other road captures the imagination quite like Route 66. Driving this highway through the heart of the country is the quintessential American road trip and it deserves a rocking soundtrack to match. So, fuel up the vehicle and press play on this collection of 12 perfect songs selected for your next trip on the Mother Road!

1. (Get Your Kicks On) Route 66 by Chuck Berry

No Route 66 playlist would be complete without Chuck Berry’s 1961 version of this R&B standard. Although covered by other artists ranging from The Rolling Stones to Depeche Mode, Berry’s cool delivery and bluesy guitar and piano serve as the perfect backdrop to getting “your kicks on Route 66.”

Historic Route 66 *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

2. Take It Easy by The Eagles

Turn this 1972 classic on for its Route 66 reference (“Well, I’m a standin’ on a corner in Winslow, Arizona”), but keep it playing for its low-key, country-rock charm.

Related article: 11 Must Watch Films Shot on Route 66

3. Cadillac Ranch by Bruce Springsteen

Visit Cadillac Ranch, a Texas art project featuring ten half- buried Cadillacs (and one of the route’s most photographed stops), while grooving along to the pounding beat of this 1980 rock n’ roll song.

4. Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Sknyrd

A must have on any Route 66 playlist, this 1974 rock classic has lyrics that burn themselves into your brain and a tune that you can’t help but sing along with as you cruise across America.

5. Heartland by U2

No Route 66 road trip playlist would be complete without a few slower jams. This 1988 song, while not one of the band’s most well-known, haunts with lyrics like, “Sixty- six – a highway speaks / Of deserts dry / Of cool green valleys / Gold and silver veins / All the shining cities.”

Related article: Route 66: The Road to Adventure

6. Way Down Watson by Son Volt

With lyrics like “It just goes to show / Someday we gotta go / Feel the heart strings / sinking fast / Another treasure found / Another tumbling down,” this 1997 country-rock song breaks our hearts a little as it tells of the demolition of the Coral Court Motel on Watson Road (Route 66), in St. Louis in 1995.

7. All Summer Long by Kid Rock

This Randy Newman song, performed by James Taylor, was featured on the soundtrack of Disney Pixar’s Cars. A slower tune, it’s a beautiful song that speaks to time and change and evokes the nostalgic feeling present as you pass through some of Route 66’s abandoned towns.

9. Amarillo by Morning by George Strait

This aching portrayal of the lonely life of a rodeo cowboy mentions one of Route 66’s most famous towns, Amarillo, Texas. The traditional fiddle intro and Strait’s characteristically smooth vocals make this 1983 song a Route 66 playlist standard.

Related article: Get Your Kicks (And Burros) On Route 66

10. Life is a Highway by Tom Cochrane

This 1992 track while a little heavy handed with the highway metaphor is almost impossible not to sing along to. Covered by other artists including Rascal Flatts this song made its way onto the soundtrack of the Route 66 inspired Disney Pixar film Cars. Tom Cochrane’s version is my favorite.

11. Tucumcari Tonight by Brian Langlinais

This upbeat bluesy song about a man getting home to his baby in Tucumcari, New Mexico, will get you revved up while you’re driving on the open road. When your energy is flagging, give yourself a hit of this blues rock, steering wheel pounding ditty.

Related article: Route 66 across Arizona

12. Hotel California by The Eagles

The Eagles make a second appearance on my list with this tune, possibly inspired by the band members’ journeys on Route 66. It’s a long and intricate rock ballad that serves as the perfect backdrop for driving westward into the sunset.

Worth Pondering…

If you ever plan to motor west
Travel my way
Take the highway that’s the best
Get your kicks on Route 66

—Bobby Troup (1946)

The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Cross-Country Road Trip

Plan a route from sea to shining sea—without breaking the bank

Road trips have always been part of America’s DNA and despite skyrocketing gas prices there’s still never been a better time to see just what those amber waves of grain are all about. For many remote work has left the door wide open for new methods (and longer timelines) for exploration.

Whether by motorhome, travel or fifth-wheel trailer, camper van, or whatever trusted stagecoach you’ve got sitting out in the driveway, pulling off a cross-country road trip is incredibly rewarding—but it does take planning. From trip planning to money-saving, here are some tips I’ve picked up along the way.

Rawhide Western Town in Chandler, Arizona along I-10 *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Planning the route: north, south, or a little of both

Arguably the most important part of planning a cross-country road trip is to decide how to get from coast to coast. You’ll hear people talk about the “north” route, I-90 from Seattle to Boston, or the “south” route, I-10 from Los Angeles to Jacksonville. I don’t like having to choose so my road trip route incorporates a little bit of both. Also, consider the season; I don’t recommend either I-90 or I-80 during winter.

Black Hills of South Dakota *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

The most important thing is to design the road trip around what inspires you (more on this later). For me, that means the Grand Canyon, the Black Hills, the Smoky Mountains, Charleston and Savannah, and the Southwest which dictated that we drive the northern route and then pivot straight south before turning east again and then zig-zagging a few more times and taking the southern route to the Southwest.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee in the Smoky Mountains *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Write down the following numbers:

How many days do you have for your road trip?
Approximately how many miles do you intend to cover?

Start by making a list in Google Maps of all the places you want to see. You may be surprised at how naturally a route forms. You also may be surprised at how little time it takes to get from one place to the next, especially in the East.

Charleston, South Carolina *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

What are the most miles you’d be comfortable driving in one day? Start by considering how many hours you’d feel comfortable behind the wheel then convert that into miles.

How many days do you want to do zero driving? Consider days spent exploring towns or in national and state parks. Likely, you won’t want to drive every single day of your trip.

These numbers should give you some clarity on what your itinerary will look like.

Savannah, Georgia *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Sometimes following a pre-planned itinerary takes a lot of the guesswork out which many people prefer. Everyone’s tolerance for driving is different, too; you’ll need to gauge your threshold. Don’t plan to cross the country in six days if you can only handle four hours of driving at a time.

Amish Country in northwestern Indiana *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Create your itinerary

Now, start plotting days out so you can see them. You can use whatever works best for you. There are also road trip planning apps out there.

Once you have a basic itinerary drafted, run through it and see how it feels. Is it too rushed? Are you trying to cover too many miles? Do you think you could squeeze more stops in?

Kentucky Bluegrass Country *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Make any tweaks you feel are necessary. Even though this will hopefully be a pretty solid plan my advice is to always think of it as a guide rather than something that needs to be followed 100 percent.

Here are a few more questions to ask yourself as you’re making alterations to your itinerary:

Does it feel balanced?
Do you have all your long drives at the beginning of the trip?
Will you feel exhausted when you reach your final destination or will you be ready to rock?
Do you have time in your schedule to be spontaneous?
What would happen if you don’t get home on the exact date that you planned?

Bryce Canyon National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Plan ahead for national parks

Part of the adventure of a cross-country road trip is leaving room for improvisation. We don’t book RV parks and campgrounds until a day or two before our planned arrival which is great because we can be on our timetable. But this can become an issue around the national parks where campgrounds can often be booked months in advance.

Zion National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

As badly as you want to see Zion and Bryce Canyon, well… so does everyone else in America. It’s vitally important to plan and know each park’s entry restrictions. Consider springing for the $80 America the Beautiful National Park pass which provides access to all National Park Service sites as many times as you want in 12 months. In short, if you plan to go to more than three National Parks in one year, this is a good investment. If you plan to spend considerable time in one state or a region, look into those state or local passes too.

Related article: Epic Road Trips for this Summer and Beyond

Arches National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Design the road trip around what inspires you

Don’t miss out on great parks like Arches because you forgot to get reservations. If summer’s come to an end, you may get lucky—many parks, like Yosemite, do away with the reservation system after September 30. On the flip side, other parks like Glacier National Park or the Grand Canyon North Rim close their scenic drives in the colder months when snow is expected. It pays to do your research.

Catalina State Park, Arizona *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Beat the crowds by going in the off-season—fall is an especially great time to visit—or opt for less-visited national parks that everyone seems to forget about. Get creative: America is full of gorgeous state parks, national forests, national monuments, historic parks, roadside attractions, and much more.

Gettysburg National National Military Park, Pennsylvania *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Set a road trip budget

Unless you’ve got a bottomless bank account (wouldn’t that be nice?!) you’ll probably want to set some sort of road trip budget. Now, this will vary from person to person. For some, it might be more or less a target to aim for but you’ve got flexibility. And for others, it’s a strict number that you’ll need to be very mindful of the entire trip. Whichever sounds like you, setting a budget is important.

Truth BBQ in Brennan, Texas *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

If you can, skip traveling to popular places over holiday weekends and possibly the week before and after as prices will be inflated (plus, it’ll be extra crowded).

Road trip costs to consider include:

Fuel: This category is pretty straightforward
Accommodation: RV parks and campgrounds
Food: Restaurants AND groceries; also, the cost of snacks, coffee, alcohol, ice cream… ALL the good stuff
Entertainment: Fun things you plan to do along the way—hiking permits, entry fees, tours, rental equipment
Miscellaneous: The little expenses that don’t fit elsewhere—like propane, parking fees, tolls, medicine, paying for Wi-Fi, toiletries, souvenirs, gifts
Emergencies: We all hope to avoid unforeseen circumstances but, they do happen. This might include RV repairs, medical expenses, etc.

La Posta in Historic Mesilla, New Mexico *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Don’t get gouged on fuel prices. I secretly get excited when we save money on diesel fuel. One great app to save money on gas is Gas Buddy. Simply input your location and Gas Buddy shows you the cheapest gas around you. This app alone can save you hundreds of dollars when traveling across the US. Independent truck stops often offer diesel fuel at 50 to 60 cents per gallon cheaper than the majors like Pilot/Flying J and Loves.

Mount Washington Cog Railway, New Hampshire *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Also, driving the speed limit will help you stretch your fuel—not to mention, it’s kind of the law. Speeding can lower your fuel economy by as much as 30 percent. When you get up to places like Montana where the speed limit is 80 mph you’ll see how quickly your tank drains.

Turning off toll roads is another money saver. It never adds that much extra time and you can score substantial savings. There are some cities where tolls are unavoidable but in others, these are only slightly faster and the tolls can add up quickly. Driving from New York to Washington, DC, for example, can cost as much as $35 in tolls—each way. In cities that are infamous for their tolls, like Chicago, do a little pre-planning so you find the best route for your trip and don’t get stuck paying unnecessary fees for tolls.

Avery Island, Louisiana *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Have meals “on deck”. You can make some epic meals on the road but not every meal has to be fancy or overly planned out. Have some meals on hand that are just that—super simple to make.

We always have several “reserve meals” that don’t require much preparation for travel day.

Wild Turkey Distillery in Kentucky Bourbon Country *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Dining out can be one of the biggest money sucks. It may seem like sacrilege to not be seeking out the best thing to eat in each town along your route but whittling your list down to the absolute can’t-miss spots will be lighter on your wallet. Texas BBQ joints are pretty high on my must-do list.

Eat out for lunch instead of dinner. If there’s a restaurant you just have to try, plan to go there for lunch instead of dinner. Restaurants often have items that are similar to their dinner menu with smaller portions sizes and smaller price tags. This is a great way to try a specific restaurant while still sticking to your budget.

Blue Ridge Parkway *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Find free things to do

No matter where your road trip may take you there should be a ton of free (or inexpensive) activities to do. Simply Google “free things to do in (enter city name here)” and you should find enough to get you started.

Alternatively, you could replace “free” with “cheap” for some more options.

Galt Farmers Market in Central Caliroenia *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Free activities that to seek out include:

Hiking and walking trails
Farmers markets
Local parks
Beaches
Visitor centers

The Okefenokee in southern Georgia *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Before you hit the road…

Make sure everything on the RV and toad/tow vehicle is in good working order. This means checking the tire pressure, lights, oil, transmission fluid, and all the features before heading out each day. Don’t forget preventative maintenance.

Related article: Road Trip Planning for the First Time RVer

World’s Largest Roadrunner, Las Cruces, New Mexico *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Be prepared for things you didn’t prepare for

Even with the most detailed and extensive planning, things happen. But being open and flexible to mishaps is how to not let them ruin your day. If and when something goes wrong, remember to not panic. Trust that you’ve prepared yourself as best as possible and you’ll get back on track in no time.

Inconveniences are also exacerbated by exhaustion, so remember to take care of yourself on the road. Eat plenty of healthy food, drink water, and get a good night’s sleep before a long driving day. Leave the windows open for airflow, especially if you’re feeling sleepy. If you need to take a power nap, find a well-lit, safe area. This should not be a chore. Driving at your best is going to make the trip infinitely better.

Other than that, fire up your best road trip playlist, buckle up and enjoy the ride.

Worth Pondering…

If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will take you there.

—George Harrison, Any Road

Best States for a Summer Road Trip

Summer is the perfect time to hit the open road: School’s out, the weather’s warm, and the possibilities are endless

Don’t you just love when you are driving and see those welcome signs into states? There’s nothing like a summer road trip to enjoy the outdoors with friends and family. Summer is the best time to hit the road and check some places off that bucket list. It’s your chance to feel that summer breeze, listen to good music, play fun road trip games, and watch road trip films. Sightsee across some of your favorite states both near and far!

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

In their Summer Travel Survey 2022, The Vacationer determined that 42 percent plan to travel more than last summer with nearly 51 percent flying on a plane and 80 percent on road trips.

Deciding to take a trip is the easy part, though. Picking a destination and affording everything you want to pack into your itinerary is harder. Fuel prices might be one thing to worry about, for example. They’ve been increasing this year with the national gas average hovering around $5 per gallon now ($5.80 for diesel). On top of that, you’ll need to consider accommodations, activities, and dining. All of these certainly contribute to the more than $751 billion we spend on leisure travel each year.

Kemah Boardwalk, Kemah, Texas *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Wallet Hub curated a list of the best and worst states to take a summer road trip this year. Of course, Texas made the list. I’m not surprised! Wallet Hub compared all 50 states and key factors to determine the most fun, scenic, and affordable states to visit on a road trip. After the pandemic and current inflation, road trips are still the best way to still experience an enjoyable vacation with your favorite people. So load up the RV and hit the road! It’s time to see what states fall into the top 15 best states for a summer road trip.

Whitehall, New York *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

To determine the best road-trip destinations for travel this summer, WalletHub compared the 50 states across three key dimensions: Costs, Safety, and Activities.

They evaluated those dimensions using 32 relevant metrics. Each metric was graded on a 100-point scale with a score of 100 representing the most favorable conditions for summer road trips.

Metrics used to determine Costs include:

Average gas prices
Lowest price of camping
Cost of Living Index

Metrics used to determine Safety include:

Quality of roads
Quality of bridges
Traffic-related fatalities
Car thefts per 1,000 residents
Violent crimes per 1,000 residents

Metrics used to determine Activities include:

Share of the total area designated as parkland
National parks recreation visitors per capita
Zoos and botanical gardens per capita
Number of attractions
Access to scenic byways
Historic sites per capita

Rayne mural, Louisiana *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

The financial website then determined each state’s weighted average across all metrics to calculate its overall score and used the resulting scores to rank-order their sample.

Taking the average gas prices metric, for example, Georgia came in with the lowest average prices followed by Missouri, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Mississippi. At the high end, California and Nevada came in with the highest prices followed by Washington and Oregon.

When the points were tallied, New York came in No. 1 with a score of 58.01 and Minnesota followed with 57.56.

Vanderbilt Estate, Hyde Park, New York *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

1. New York

Not only is there the city to enjoy but many places outside the Big Apple. Visit Niagara Falls, mountain views, The Catskills, historical spots, and more!

2. Minnesota

Hit the road to Minnesota. I know, maybe you did not know it would be No. 2! Take a scenic drive and view beautiful byways, waterfalls, and more.

3. Texas

Texas is absolutely it! One of my favorite to explore in an RV! Head to Texas and you could spend days driving through the entire state all you want. Stop in Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and more. From the beach, to the cities, to the country side you will never run out of things to do and places to eat.

4. Louisiana

Go to Louisiana and it’s time to have fun! Visit the swamp on a swamp tour, factory tours, historical tours, Cajun Country, and much more.

5. Maine

Now, maybe you would have never guessed it? I surely did not. But head to Maine and experience national parks, cool loop highways, beaches, and more.

Holmes County, Ohio *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

6. Ohio

Oh, Ohio! Drive up North and visit Cedar Point Amusement Park, Put-In-Bay, Columbus Zoo, hiking trails, and more!

Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

7. North Carolina

You read that right! NC is in the No. 7 spot for best summer road trips. If you’ve toured the Tar Heel State, I am sure you know why. Drive through the mountains, on the beach, through the cities, eat good, hike, shop, relax, this state has it all!

Snake River at Twin Falls, Idaho *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

8. Idaho

Hit the road in Idaho! Visit hiking trails, national recreation areas, and scenic byways while you’re there.

Mount Dora, Florida *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

9. Florida

Hit the road and head to Florida. You might want to drive through the entire state but trust me; it will take you a while so you might as well pit stop while you’re there. Drop into Pensacola, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa area, Miami, Key West, and more!

10. Wyoming

If you drive to Wyoming for Yellowstone and Grand Teton, take some time to visit the Union Pass Monument, National Museum of Military Vehicles, Wild Horses, and more!

11. Georgia

This is a good one, and another personal favorite! Visit the mountains, the lake, amusement parks, amazing shopping centers, state parks, great food, and more all throughout Georgia!

Mount St. Helens *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

12. Washington

Drive across the country and visit Washington State this summer. You’ll see plenty of sites on the way, but once you are there enjoy views of Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park, Mount St. Helens, the Cascade Loop, San Juan Islands, and more!

Altavista, Virginia *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

13. Virginia

You’re on your way to Virginia this summer! Visit national parks, beaches, Colonial National Parkway, and more!

14. Nebraska

Hit the road to Nebraska! Visit Sandhills Journey, Loup Rivers Byway, Lewis & Clark Byway, Heritage Highway, and more!

15. Iowa

Take a drive through or to Iowa and see some of your new favorite views. Visit Iowa Great Lakes, The Amana Colonies, and more!

Worth Pondering…

Journeys, like artists, are born and not made. A thousand differing circumstances contribute to them, few of them willed or determined by the will—whatever we may think.

—Lawrence Durrell