Going on a road trip in the USA is a dream for many people, since the country has great places to visit: many portrayed by movies and the media! Besides being full of stories, emotions and beautiful views, the country is ideal for the best adventures on four wheels.
And nothing better than packing a suitcase and hitting the road to see all the sights offered there. In addition, the roads in the USA are very well known for their quality, which allows a trip with more comfort and safety.
If you are planning your trip to the North American lands, check out these tips I have separated for you and get ready for this memorable tour. Enjoy the reading!
1. Plan your destinations in advance and make the itinerary
Planning a trip safely is one of the best ways to protect yourself and everyone around you. It is very important that some personal precautions are taken so that you can enjoy yourself during the route.
Many travelers prefer surprises, leaving with no set destinations, however, planning ahead can allow you to take your time to enjoy the route, without having to set goals at short notice.
In addition to financial planning! This is a very important point so that you don't have any needs during your trip, after all, you will be away from home and you need a financial reserve to get support if you need it.
So, if you still have no idea of the cities you will visit along the trip, it is interesting to take some time to think about it! We have separated some posts that can help you in this process of choosing cities. Check them out:
- 5 US cities to explore by car;
- Discover the most beautiful roads in the USA;
- Get to know Route 66! The best road trip in the United States.
So, plan to visit them all while traveling through the country's lands! Among all, the most famous is Route 66 that will leave you awestruck with the beautiful landscapes found along its length. But it is also very worthwhile to visit other cities and points off the route, isn't it?
2. Separate all your documents for travel
The USA is usually very strict when it comes to entering the country. If you already have a green card, you have no worries about it, however, if you are visiting the country for the first time, you need to prepare with the paperwork to avoid headaches. Thus, when traveling, pay attention to the following topics:
- Visa and passport
Don't forget: your passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of your visa. So make sure it's not about to expire, as you may be barred from entering the country.
Another point you also need to pay attention to is the visa details in advance: you need a B-2 visa, which allows you to enter the country as a visitor on a tour, i.e. a tourist. It lasts for 10 years, so it is a non-recurring concern.
With your visa and passport in hand, you are ready to enter the USA and make your road trip with peace of mind! But the travel preparation is not over yet, on the contrary - there are other details that deserve attention.
But, if you don't have one yet, it is essential that you get yours and have a much more peaceful trip. To do this, check out how to get an American visa.
- Personal and travel documents
In addition to your visa and passport, before you travel you need to check all your personal documents and keep everything handy. If you intend to pass through several states during your road trip, it is essential that you have them with you, from the main ones to others that prove your presence there, such as proof of rental of your travel car!
In order not to forget anything on your trip, check out the international travel checklist I prepared!
3. Choose a good car to enjoy your road trip
To get on the road and make an unforgettable route, the vehicle will be your great ally. With it you have control of the routes you will follow and the freedom to make the experience better than your expectations.
The best thing to do in this case is to rent a car in the USA to hit the road with peace of mind. Reliable rental companies have review protocols that ensure that all cars are able to offer comfort and safety throughout the trip. Thus, you can find several cars, from the simplest to the most luxurious.
Even though most rental companies are very reliable, it is very important to pay attention to the wheels, engine, brake and accelerator. However, the best thing for long journeys is a general overhaul of the vehicle that provides an accurate diagnosis of the functioning of all parts. So, check the situation and talk to the rental company.
5. Remember insurance for safe travel
Do you know that saying that prevention is much better than cure? Well, it's a very appropriate saying for a tourism trip. After all, any mishap along the way can put an end to the fun and occupy good memories with feelings of frustration and headache.
So make sure you are taking out life insurance, health insurance, vehicle insurance and even insurance for your belongings. You never know what might happen along the journey, and being prepared for this brings great comfort to travel in peace.
We have separated an exclusive post to talk about the types of insurance to be contracted and to guarantee that your trip is unforgettable - with good moments!
6. Set aside clothes for every day and extra pieces
As you will be traveling to several destinations during your trip, so see what time of the year you are going and check the weather forecast in each state and city you will pass through! If necessary, you should bring clothes for all seasons! From shorts and a t-shirt to heavy cold weather pieces!
But, you don't have to go overboard either, set aside a number of ideal pieces to change every day and a few extra pieces, as you never know what might happen!
7. Research cool places to stay along the way
As a road trip is very long, you should pay attention and look for places to rest during the night, especially. In the United States it is quite common to find some hostels to stay for a night or a few days if you prefer.
There, too, it is very normal for people to use the motels to enjoy and rest. So don't be surprised if you see a lot of people stopping overnight at these spots.
8. Prepare snacks and treats for the trip
Nothing more practical than preparing some snacks to eat while traveling! After all, we won't always be able to find a good place to snack. Besides, stopping all the time can end up spending a little more than planned, right?
However, if you see a famous restaurant, don't hesitate to stop and enjoy a nice meal!
With these tips, without a doubt, you will have an unforgettable trip and you will return with an extra luggage in the trunk: that of having lived a great experience on the North American routes! After all, it is no wonder that the USA is one of the most visited countries in the world, since it offers so many options to get to know.
So check out our other content on the topic and subscribe to our newsletter to stay on top of all our news here. Have a good trip!