Experts Reveal 27 Mistakes That Will Ruin Your Road Trip — And How to Avoid Them

Planning a road trip is always exciting, but it’s easy to overlook details that can quickly turn your adventure into a hassle. Even the most experienced road trippers can make mistakes that lead to unexpected stress, whether it’s forgetting something important or underestimating potential challenges on the road. To help you avoid these common pitfalls, we’ve gathered insights from road trip enthusiasts who know the ropes.

This article covers some of the most frequent mistakes travelers make and offers practical advice on how to steer clear of them. By paying attention to these tips, you’ll be better equipped to handle whatever comes your way. With a bit of preparation and mindfulness, you can ensure that your trip is enjoyable, smooth, and full of great memories from start to finish.

Severely Underestimating Distances

One of the biggest mistakes travelers make on road trips is underestimating the distances between destinations. Unlike what a map might suggest, cities and attractions are often much farther apart than expected, especially when you’re driving across vast landscapes. For example, driving across some large states or countries can take a full day, and what looks like a short hop on the map can turn into a journey of many hours. Roads may not always follow a straight path, particularly when navigating around mountains, coastlines, or winding roads, making the trip even longer.

What to do instead: Always consult a detailed map and plan your route carefully, allowing extra time for unexpected delays. Break up long drives with planned stops or overnight stays to ensure you’re not spending entire days on the road. It’s also wise to consider alternative routes in case of road closures or other unforeseen obstacles.

Underestimating Road Construction and Delays

Road construction and unexpected delays can significantly extend your travel time, a common issue in many parts of the world. Highways, especially older ones, are often under maintenance, leading to slow-downs and bottlenecks, particularly during peak travel seasons. Additionally, traffic congestion, rush-hour delays, and necessary stops for food and fuel can stretch a 5-hour drive into a 7- or 8-hour ordeal. These unexpected factors can disrupt even the most well-planned road trips.

What to do instead: Be generous with your time estimates, and expect to encounter construction or traffic delays along the way. Consider checking traffic apps or GPS for real-time updates on road conditions. Plan your driving times to avoid peak traffic hours and have a few scenic detours in mind to make the best of any delays you might encounter.

Planning Too Much Driving

Overloading your road trip itinerary with excessive driving each day can be draining and detract from the overall experience. Spending long hours behind the wheel can lead to fatigue, especially when driving at night or in sparsely populated areas where wildlife might be active. This increases the risk of accidents and limits your ability to fully enjoy the journey and the sights along the way. It’s essential to strike a balance in your driving schedule.

What to do instead: Aim for a balanced itinerary, with 3-4 hours of driving per day, and plan for days where you can take a break from driving altogether. Incorporate rest stops, scenic viewpoints, and activities into your schedule to break up the driving. If possible, split the driving with another person to reduce fatigue and make the trip more enjoyable.

Trying to Cover Too Much in Not Enough Time

It’s tempting to try to see and do everything on a road trip, but this can lead to a rushed and stressful experience. Attempting to cover too much ground in a short period often results in missing out on the true essence of the places you visit, leaving you exhausted rather than exhilarated. This approach tires you out and makes it challenging to appreciate the destinations you pass through.

What to do instead: Focus on a specific region or theme for your trip to make it more manageable and enjoyable. Prioritize the key attractions or experiences you want to have and be realistic about what you can achieve within your time frame. By narrowing your focus, you’ll have more time to explore each destination in depth and create more memorable experiences.