Have you been dreaming about America's Route 66? Australia's Great Ocean Road? Iceland's Route One? There's one thing that's even better - making up your own road trip. I'm not saying it will never have been done before; but the best thing about travelling is doing something new and breaking out of that comfort zone.
AND - with our sneaky cheat, we've made it as easy as possible for you to make it just as MARVELLOUS anyway!
Just remember your
**Drumroll**
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BAFTERSSS
B-A-F-T-E-R-S-S-S
TADAAAA - I know, catchy.
STEP 1: Decide on your B.
Where's your destination? Have you been romanticising Rome? Dreaming of Dallas? Chatting about Chile? (Sorry I couldn't resist that cheese.) Decide where you want to end up.
STEP 2: Work out your A.
Think about how long you can go away for, and what your budget is. Then you can work out where you start from. Be realistic, how many days can you drive for without going mental, even if it means buying some flights to help you out.
STEP 3: Find your Friends
Who are you dragging along for the ride? Find them and recruit them STAT. You're going to be spending a lot of time with these people in a small space, so make sure you ask the right people. You're going to need them on board sooner rather than later, as the next steps are group decisions.
STEP 4: Route Research
Now you've worked out the basics of your trip, think about your road! (See what I did there.) This is where my inner geek comes out. I probably would have bought a Lonely Planet guide before you'd have finishing suggesting roadtr-
Get on Google maps and put in your A and B points. See what places that magical blue line cuts through and look at the surrounding areas. Look on blogs, tourist boards, Twitter. Although this trip is new for you, chances are someone has written about it already so lap up their knowledge!
BUT REMEMBER. The key is don't over-do it. If you plan too many places in one trip, A) you won't have enough time to enjoy any of them and B) if there's traffic or delays the whole trip will be messed up.
STEP 5: Transport
Are you taking your own car or hiring something when you get to point A?
Before you decide you're getting a swish Shelby Mustang or a whopping winnebago (sorry, even more cheese.) Do your research, look into fuel costs and road tolls, freedom camping and site fees, Air B&B and hostel prices. From there you can work out what's most cost effective for your group.
STEP 6: Excursions
Why did you choose the places on your route? If there's things you definitely want to see or do, look into them nowww. Check out if it's high season, days they may shut or not be visible and opening hours. It may be worth booking your tickets in advance for better prices too.
STEP 7: Sleeps
Whether you're camping, hostel'ing or whatever, it's always worth having your first few nights booked somewhere. You need somewhere to aim to get to on day one or you MIGHT just end up in an illegal park with no power... it happens.
STEP 8: THAT'S IT. STOP PLANNING.
I SAID STOP. When you're excited about a trip, it's easy to get carried away with the planning... ahem to myself. BUT it's reeeeeeally important to remember to be flexible. The best bit about roadtrips is the freedom. However much planning you do, no doubt your plans will change, and that's what a roadtrip is about. You'll always underestimate how long a drive will take you (Sydney to Coffs Harbour is 6 hours, not 2, oops.) You'll see an appealing road sign which takes you off course (VIEWPOINT 50 MILES THAT WAY. GREAT.) And you'll come across the most beautiful place you never even knew existed.
STEP 9: Soundtrack
If you can't stop doing SOMETHING for your trip, make sure you get your playlist ready. Chances are you're going to spend a lot of time in that car. Be prepared. Grab an aux lead and load your phone/iPod with music, podcasts and audio books. One little step often taken for granted!
So... all sorted? Now for the best bit... doing it! If you're feeling a little nervous about driving abroad, have a little look at our howto get to grips on driving away from home, STAT!
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