Road Trips
Route 66 may no longer appear on most maps, but road tripping is as popular as ever. In this guide you’ll find all the resources you need to plan a trip that’s as smooth as a freshly paved highway. Get ideas, maps and even a list of the 50 greatest driving songs of all time.
Expand All Guide SectionsPlanning a Road Trip
Just because Jack Kerouac hit the road without a plan doesn’t mean you should. If you have ... read more »
Road Trip Tips
Although road trips have a strong presence in media and pop culture, following in the footsteps (or tire marks) of Chevy Chase is not going to get you anywhere. For practical information such as how to clean your engine, keep the kids busy in the back seat, or keep the driver awake, explore the sites below.
Dulcinea's Insight
- If you’re looking to buy a car, do maintenance on your current car or prepare it for a road trip, there are a few sites for car care below, and many more in the findingDulcinea Cars Web Guide.
- Membership in AAA can be very useful in case of an emergency. Check out the site, listed below, for more information.
Dulcinea's Picks
For general advice …
The Morning News
archives contain this light but charming advice on “How to Road Trip.” Author Leslie Harpold doesn’t help you find a hotel or fix a flat tire, but she offers suggestions for conversation and etiquette guidelines, and promises you that it’s ok to ask for directions.
For car packing and comfort …
MSNBC.com’s
article on “How to pack the trunk” for a road trip shows you how to organize your stuff to make the most of precious trunk space.
eHow
has a guide to keeping your car smelling nice during a road trip. It has little tips for managing the cleanliness of your vehicle, and advice on what substances you should bring to clean spills and accidents.
For stuff to do on the road …
PC Magazine
has an article devoted to editors’ recommendations for road trip technology. Whether you’re looking for a navigation system, a camera or a way to watch movies en route, you’ll find top choices here.
Roadside America
is your guide to the nation's oddball, quirky and often peculiar roadside tourist attractions. If you're in Connecticut, check out Norwich's "Sanctuary of Love," or Willimantic's "Giant Frogs on Thread Spools." Consider a diversion to one such location to keep your trip fresh.
Cranium
, a rather elaborate board game combining Pictionary, Trivial Pursuit and charades, offers some ideas for makeshift games you can play on the road by bringing just a few supplies in a backpack.
For car repairs and maintenance …
Road & Travel Magazine’s
Web site has an Automotive Channel with several categories that can answer all your questions (and provoke some you didn’t think of) about your car. Find information on car care, crash ratings and general advice.
Valvoline
has a “Car Care Basics” guide full of road trip tips. Find suggestions for things you should check on your car before you start your road trip, and things to be aware of while you’re driving.
Who knew?
Berklee College of Music
posts the top 50 driving songs as named by a songwriting faculty member. The list is a bit dated—it goes from 1963 to 1984—but most of the songs are classics you’ll recognize and enjoy.
Maps for Road Tripping
Although stopping to ask for directions every mile might help you meet more people on your trip, ... read more »
Road Trip Blogs
AAA may be able to help you out in a real emergency, but if you’re more interested in ... read more »
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