The word “ultimate” can mean different things. In terms of a road trip, it could simply mean covering a lot of ground. Maybe it will take you from the flower fields of Carlsbad, California, which produce almost 75% of the flowers that grow in the United States, all the way to a bird-watching excursion in Rhode Island. Or maybe “ultimate” just means the very best experience possible, no matter what distance you travel. In the end, it’s up to you to decide where you want to go, how you want to travel, and what you want to accomplish along the way. Now that the US is opening up again post-pandemic, the possibilities are endless for a road trip for 2021. No matter what type of trip you choose, it takes a lot of imagination to plan and implement the ultimate road trip for 2021.  

Know what you have to spend during the road trip for 2021  

First, make a budget: How much money do you have to spend, and how can you make it go the farthest while doing the things you want to do? 

Then look for lodging deals, cheap gas prices, and affordable food (think supermarkets, not fast food joints or convenience stores). Don’t forget to leave some money for souvenirs and side trips to paying attractions like parks and museums!

Figure out where you want to go during the road trip for 2021   

First, figure out everywhere you want to go and choose the best route from one place to another. Unless you’ve got unlimited time, energy, and gas money to spend, you don’t want to be zigzagging across the country. If you’re like most of us, you’ll want to get from Point A to Point Z in the most efficient way possible.

Download a good maps app, like MapQuest or Google Maps. Or grab a Thomas Guide paper map if you’re more old-school. For insight on tourist attractions, you may want to check out tour guides from the library or purchase some from your local bookstore. You can also download sightseeing recommendations online.

Decide how you want to get there  

Do you want to stick to interstates, which will get you to your next stop fastest, or do you want to enjoy the ride itself and choose a more leisurely route via back roads and byways? Maybe you even want to venture off the beaten path. If you do, you’ll want to make sure you have an all-wheel-drive vehicle. 

Even if you stick to paved roads, it’s a good idea to make sure your vehicle is in good shape, especially your tires. Check to be sure your tread is in good shape and your tires aren’t bulging or cracking. This will help you avoid a dangerous tire blowout, whether you’re on the expressway or a dirt-and-gravel road.

Choose your time to travel   

Your travel period is an important decision because when you go is almost as important as where you go in determining what you see.

For instance, if you want to see the fall colors in Vermont, you’ll have to travel in, well, the fall! But if you want to go skiing in Vermont, you should get there a little later. You might want to avoid Duluth, Minnesota, or Quebec City, Canada, during the winter, though — unless you love the snow and know how to travel in it. (Take extra antifreeze, tire chains, and a scraper.)

If you’re planning a photography trip, think about traveling in summer to give yourself the most daylight possible. But avoid the Mojave Desert in July and August, because the temperature there has gotten as high as 134. No kidding!

Have all your essentials handy  

It’s important to be well-equipped so you don’t have to venture into too many stores along the way — or be caught without the necessities. At the very least, you should take along:

• Toiletries like toothpaste, deodorant, soap, contact solution if you need it, and shampoo.
• Face masks, disinfectant wipes, and hand sanitizer (at least until we’re all the way out of the pandemic)
• Water
• A first-aid kit with bandages, gauze, antiseptic spray, tweezers, scissors, etc.
• A tool kit with wrenches and screwdrivers, as well as things like a jack and jumper cables
• Your medications, both prescriptions, and any over-the-counter types you rely on
• All your important legal documents, including your ID, proof of insurance, registration, health insurance card, passport if you plan to cross the border, tags to identify any medical conditions, etc. Keep paper copies all in one place so they’re accessible, and store digital copies on your phone or in the cloud.

Map out where you want to stay  

If you plan to stay in hotels or motels, download an app to help you find the best deals. You might even get a free night after you’ve booked a certain number of stays or perks like free parking, early check-in, or late checkout. Bed and breakfasts and cabin rentals can also be appealing options.

If you’re going by RV, investigate campgrounds and RV parks on your route. If you’re a member of a travel club like Good Sam Club or Jellystone Park, learn where locations are before you get started so you can take advantage of the deals along the way.

Those are the basics of what you’ll need for the ultimate road trip for 2021, whatever “ultimate” means to you. Depending on what your ideal adventure looks like, you may want to add or subtract a few things here and there. Either way, the goal is to hit the open road and have your idea of fun.