Planning a long road trip requires lots of time and research, and a 7-week journey requires thoughtful preparation and flexibility. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or hitting the road for the first time, here are some tips to make your trip smooth, enjoyable, and memorable.

1. Plan Ahead, Especially for Popular Destinations

Although there are places you can plan where to stay the day of, for places like California I highly recommend planning ahead of time. Many campsites, especially in high-demand locations like Yosemite, Big Sur, or Joshua Tree, can book months in advance. I planned my road trip months out, and had no trouble finding campsites in any state except California. This state also doesn’t have a lot of options for dispersed camping, so have a plan before going in. Research campground reservation systems and snag your spot as soon as reservations open. For a park like Yosemite, check the exact date and time campgrounds get released and try and log on right when the sites become available.

2. Accept That Showers Will Be a Luxury

If you’re planning on mostly camping during this trip, be prepared to go without showers more often than you’d like. While some campgrounds have basic shower facilities, this is not super common, and you’ll quickly learn the value of baby wipes and dry shampoo. When you get the chance to shower, savor it! It’s all part of the adventure.

3. Have a Daily Plan but Stay Flexible

When I did this trip I had a plan for every single day. A lot of people said it would be impossible to stick to that plan for 7 weeks, and although a few days changed here and there, I followed my day by day plan almost exactly. Creating a general itinerary for each day will help you maximize your time and ensure you don’t miss must-see destinations. However, be open to change. Weather, road closure, or unexpected opportunities might shift your plans. Flexibility is key to enjoying the spontaneity of a long road trip.

4. Always Stay Ahead on Food and Supplies

Knowing how many days of food you have and when your next town stop is crucial. Some remote parks and areas may not have grocery stores nearby, so plan your meals and stock whenever you’re in town. A mix of non-perishables (like canned goods, pasta, or instant oatmeal) and fresh items is ideal. Don’t forget to keep track of other essentials like fuel for your camp stove, water, and snacks.

5. Embrace Minimalism

Space in your car or camper is limited, so pack smart. Bring versatile clothing that you can layer, a small set of kitchen essentials, and lightweight camping gear. The less you bring, the easier it will be to stay organized and focus on the journey. I rotated the same few outfits on my trip because they worked well for me and saved space.

6. Prepare for the Unexpected

From flat tires to sudden storms, anything can happen on the road. Bring a basic first-aid kit, tools for car maintenance, and extra batteries for flashlights. Downloading offline maps is beneficial for when you lose service in the parks. During this trip we got a flat tire, and were lucky enough to be driving through a decent sized town. My boyfriend always takes his car to Costco for tires, so they were able to help us immensely.

7. You’ll Probably Argue with Your Travel Partner- and That’s Okay

You’re pretty much spending 7 weeks straight with your travel partner, and spending so much time together in close quarters is bound to lead to disagreements. It’s normal! Acknowledge that tensions may arise, communicate openly, and give each other space when needed.

8. Make Sure You Have Entertainment for Long Drives

You’ll likely have some marathon driving days, so bring plenty of entertainment for the car. A mix of music playlists, audiobooks, and podcasts will keep things entertaining and help the time fly by. I would also recommend downloading at least some of your content in advance since cell service can be spotty at times.

9. Make Time for Breaks

On long drives, it’s easy to get caught up in just getting to the next destination. However, taking time to stretch, explore roadside attractions, or enjoy a scenic overlook can make the journey feel less like a chore and more like an adventure.

10. Use a Travel Planning App

I highly recommend downloading an app to help you stay organized during your travels. I used Wanderlog, which was extremely organized and free! It let me put in all my stops, break things down in a day by day itinerary, and keep track of costs along the way.

11. Enjoy the Ride

A 7-week road trip is a rare and incredible opportunity. While it requires effort and planning, it’s also a chance to connect with nature, see new places, and make unforgettable memories. Savor the quiet mornings at the campsite, the awe-inspiring views, and the moments of spontaneity that make the journey special.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be ready to tackle your epic adventure. Happy trails!