I can still hear Dad’s voice floating over the steady hum of the engine, handing out road trip tips like they were the law of the land: “Always check the weather.” “Don’t skip the scenic route.” And his personal favorite “Better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.”
The night before any trip was a full-scale operation. Dad would pack, repack, and then pack again, making absolutely sure we had everything from Band-Aids to backup batteries, while my mom muttered about needing a second car just for his “essentials.” Back then, I was just a kid in the backseat, wondering why we needed half the house for a weeklong trip.
Now, as a dad myself, I get it. His advice wasn’t just about road trips—it was about being ready for whatever the road (and life) might throw your way.
The FM stations may have changed, but Dad’s voice still rides shotgun on every journey. Here are some of the best tips he passed down—and why they matter just as much today.
Dad’s Road Trip Tips That Still Hold True
Over the years, these road trip tips have guided not just our family vacations, but how I approach every journey—with curiosity, preparation, and a little bit of humor.
1. Embrace Adventure
“You shouldn’t be afraid of long road trips,” Dad would say as he topped off the gas tank, a map folded neatly on the dashboard. He saw the open road not as an obstacle, but as an invitation.
Today’s Take: A road trip is about more than reaching your destination. It’s about the stories you collect along the way.
Tip: Build in scenic routes, silly games, and music playlists that turn the miles into memories.
2. Plan, but Stay Flexible
Dad loved a good plan—but he always left room for something unexpected. He used to joke that the best trips happened somewhere between Point A and “Wait, where are we?”
Today’s Take: Map out your must-sees, but leave enough open space for spontaneity.
Tip: Save a few detour ideas along your route in Google Maps so you’re ready when inspiration strikes. Plan smart by knowing what to book ahead and where to leave space for spontaneity.
3. Research Your Route (But Allow Extra Time)
“Don’t trust the first time estimate you see,” Dad warned, shaking his head at the optimistic arrival times printed on old tourist maps. He knew that bathroom breaks, scenic overlooks, and pie stands had a way of stretching any schedule.
Today’s Take: Expect delays and welcome them—some of the best finds happen when you’re “running late.”
Tip: Add an extra 20–30% cushion to your expected drive times. Discover some of the most beautiful scenic routes to weave into your trip.
4. Stay Organized (Or Risk the Chaos)
Dad’s trunk was a masterpiece of efficiency—every flashlight, snack, and spare tire exactly where it should be. He believed that a messy car led to a messy trip.
Today’s Take: A little organization up front saves a lot of headaches later.
Tip: Use small bins, seat organizers, and a “front seat essentials” bag for easy access on the road.
5. Experience Nature
“You’ve got to get out into the wild,” Dad said, whether we were hiking a trail or just pulling over to watch a sunset. He believed fresh air could fix almost anything.
Today’s Take: Nature resets the soul—and gives kids (and grownups) a much-needed break from screens.
Tip: Explore breathtaking national parks perfect for family adventures. Download national and state park maps ahead of time. Bonus: Many parks have scavenger hunts for families!
6. Prepare for the Unexpected
Dad never left the driveway without double-checking the first aid kit, even if it drove the rest of us crazy. “Better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it,” he’d remind us, every single time.
Today’s Take: Preparation gives you freedom to relax, knowing you’re ready for whatever the road brings.
Tip: Keep a “crisis kit” in the car: chargers, wipes, first aid, emergency contact list, and a few nonperishable snacks. Check out my road trip essentials post and use this free road trip packing list to make sure you’re ready for anything.
7. Chase the Seasons
Dad’s road trip dreams changed with the seasons—fall colors in October, wildflowers in April, snowy mountains in January. “If you follow the seasons,” he said, “you’ll always find something beautiful.”
Today’s Take: Let the seasons guide your trip planning. You’ll catch landscapes at their very best.
Tip: Search seasonal guides for scenic byways or special events along your route.
8. Avoid Crowds (Find the Hidden Gems)
Dad had a radar for quiet spots—back entrances to parks, side roads to viewpoints no one else knew about. He swore the best moments always happened one road over from the busy places.
Today’s Take: Skip the crowds and you’ll find the magic.
Tip: Use Google Earth, TripAdvisor forums, or AllTrails to scout quieter alternatives to the biggest tourist spots.
9. Stay Healthy (and Keep Energy Up)
“Drink water, not soda—and pack some fruit,” Dad would lecture, as he secretly stashed Twizzlers under the front seat. It was all about balance—and a few well-earned treats along the way.
Today’s Take: Smart snacks and plenty of water keep everyone happier (and prevent road trip crankiness).
Tip: Pack a cooler with protein snacks, refillable water bottles, and a few “treats” for morale. Stay energized with these road trip snack and meal ideas.
10. Capture and Preserve the Memories
“Better to take the photo than wish you had,” Dad said, pulling us all out of the car for “one quick picture” that somehow turned into a half-hour detour. Looking back, those are the moments I’m most grateful for.
Today’s Take: Time moves fast—capture the little moments that tell the bigger story.
Tip: Let each family member snap one photo a day for a trip album. Bonus points if you back them up immediately!
Closing Thought
Turns out Dad wasn’t just teaching me how to plan a road trip—he was teaching me how to slow down, look closer, and enjoy the ride. Whether I’m packing the car, chasing a sunset, or making a last-minute detour, the road trip tips my dad shared still steer me right. His voice is always there, reminding me that the best trips aren’t measured in miles—they’re measured in memories.
